Develop Bugs

[Q] Issues unlocking bootloader Sony Xperia Arc S LT18i

Hello all,
I've got an Arc S that I've been trying to unlock the bootloader on using Sony's method, without success.
1. I have fastboot and adb installed on my machine (Linux Mint 14 32bit)
2. I've pulled the unlock code from Sony's website
3. I set my udev rules as laid out in this tutorial.
4. I have checked my bootloader to confirm that it can be unlocked (and currently is locked)
5. Fastboot is working (When I type in sudo fastboot devices, I get a hexadecimal string in response)
6. However, when I try to unlock, it always fails.
Initially, it gave me a "oem unlock failure code". After I rebooted thought, the code changed. Instead of something like this
Code:
oem unlock failed!
it gave me this
Code:
...
and did nothing. I let it sit for a few minutes and then forcibly shut down terminal, no damage done to the phone.
I'm quite confused at this point. From all my google searching I can't figure out why the booloader won't unlock. I'm pretty sure that I have the right unlock code.
A second and curious thing that may or may not be related is that the phone is rooted, but when I tried to transfer CWM via fastboot it threw an error, saying that the phone needed to be rooted first. However, it is rooted and apps such as Titanium Backup work just fine, verifying the root. Can anyone give me some direction on this?

I know there is a video on the how to unlock lt18i bootloader. It also has step by step process on fixing issues for unlocking bootloader. Lemme get.it for ya.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium

May be a relatively simple thing. Is your phone simlocked? This may have some bearing on it.

sinkster said:
May be a relatively simple thing. Is your phone simlocked? This may have some bearing on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe that it is simlocked. I don't believe the phone was purchased through a carrier. For clarification, this is a friend's phone so I would need to ask them as to where they purchased it.

sinkster said:
May be a relatively simple thing. Is your phone simlocked? This may have some bearing on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it is not simlocked, else it would not show Bootloader Unlock Allowed: Yes
To OP: Write out the command you used to unlock the bootloader.

Someguyfromhell said:
No, it is not simlocked, else it would not show Bootloader Unlock Allowed: Yes
To OP: Write out the command you used to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As taken from the Cyanogenmod Wiki page for Anzu devices:
Code:
fastboot -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY
where KEY was the bootloader unlock I received from Sony.

The dots indicate the software's not detecting your device. I had the same problem. Try reinstalling the drivers. If it still fails, maybe you can give the method outlined in the link below a go. It's for the relatively newer Sony devices, but maybe it'd work with the Arc. I haven't personally tried unlocking via Flashtool, but for me, the Fastboot command-based experience hasn't been all too good. I now use the Fastboot option in Flashtool, as opposed to standalone Fastboot, to flash every kernel that I use. Works like a charm each time, and what's more, it does away with the need to key in commands in the exact syntax.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1971363

MarcSinger said:
The dots indicate the software's not detecting your device. I had the same problem. Try reinstalling the drivers. If it still fails, maybe you can give the method outlined in the link below a go. It's for the relatively newer Sony devices, but maybe it'd work with the Arc. I haven't personally tried unlocking via Flashtool, but for me, the Fastboot command-based experience hasn't been all too good. I now use the Fastboot option in Flashtool, as opposed to standalone Fastboot, to flash every kernel that I use. Works like a charm each time, and what's more, it does away with the need to key in commands in the exact syntax.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1971363
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried unlocking the bootloader via Flashtool and I got the same result of
Code:
oem unlock failed!
. So that means that something is wrong with my fastboot installation (not likely)my udev rules(possible) or for some crazy reason the phone is not reporting back correctly. A curious thing I noted is that when the phone is detected via adb it doesn't return the phone's IMEI. It does return a number, but it does not match the IMEI. Has anyone ever heard of that situation?

Guanfy said:
I tried unlocking the bootloader via Flashtool and I got the same result of
Code:
oem unlock failed!
. So that means that something is wrong with my fastboot installation (not likely)my udev rules(possible) or for some crazy reason the phone is not reporting back correctly. A curious thing I noted is that when the phone is detected via adb it doesn't return the phone's IMEI. It does return a number, but it does not match the IMEI. Has anyone ever heard of that situation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe Fastboot returns the phone's IMEI. It's always looked to me like a random number that's generated to show successful connectivity between the device and the Fastboot program. But then again, I could be wrong.
Anways, despite the message you got, it's looking increasingly likely that your bootloader cannot be unlocked.
PS: You retired your SGS III, but kept your Arc? The decision really befuddles me.

MarcSinger said:
I don't believe Fastboot returns the phone's IMEI. It's always looked to me like a random number that's generated to show successful connectivity between the device and the Fastboot program. But then again, I could be wrong.
Anways, despite the message you got, it's looking increasingly likely that your bootloader cannot be unlocked.
PS: You retired your SGS III, but kept your Arc? The decision really befuddles me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After much research I've found that when you get the "remote: oem unlock failed!" message it means you've enter an incorrect unlock code. Thing is, I know that I have entered the IMEI correctly on Sony's website, so I'm stumped there. I tried this setup in windows and got the same result, so I don't think it's fastboot or drivers anymore. It makes me wonder why I would be getting an incorrect unlock code...
To answer your PS, this phone belongs to a friend of my whom I'm doing a favor for. Note I don't have the Arc S in my sig. My retired SIII went to my wife, who was quite happy to have it.

Guanfy said:
After much research I've found that when you get the "remote: oem unlock failed!" message it means you've enter an incorrect unlock code. Thing is, I know that I have entered the IMEI correctly on Sony's website, so I'm stumped there. I tried this setup in windows and got the same result, so I don't think it's fastboot or drivers anymore. It makes me wonder why I would be getting an incorrect unlock code...
To answer your PS, this phone belongs to a friend of my whom I'm doing a favor for. Note I don't have the Arc S in my sig. My retired SIII went to my wife, who was quite happy to have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure that you left out the LAST number of the IMEI, when entering it on the website? You need to do that, else you get invalid code.

Someguyfromhell said:
Are you sure that you left out the LAST number of the IMEI, when entering it on the website? You need to do that, else you get invalid code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, that I have. I originally entered the 15 digit code and the website threw an error, so I deleted the last digit to get the unlock code that I tried.

same issue as LT26ii
Well I have exactly the same issue at my Xperia SL LT26ii, it just shows "oem unlock failed", do anyone know how to fix this ?

nkiy said:
Well I have exactly the same issue at my Xperia SL LT26ii, it just shows "oem unlock failed", do anyone know how to fix this ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oem unlock failed

Problem solved!
Hey guys, I just unlocked my LT26ii after many times of "oem unlock failed". Here's my solution:
0. well first just remember your IMEI code, cause later it will changed.
1. Download a new firmware in ftf format.
2. Update firmware with Flashtool.
3. Turn on your phone and get you imei code. Now you should got a new one different from the previous one.
4. Use the NEW imei to unlock your phone.
Good Luck !
PS: dont guarantee that worked but if it does please let'me know.

Google Pixel 2XL Non-Verizon Bootloader Unlock Issue (OEM UNLOCKING GREYED)

HELP POST
I've purchased a 2nd hand Pixel 2 XL 128GB, Checked with IMEI and found it is a GOOGLE varient and useing it.
But my "OEM UNLOCKING" option is greyed out i'm currently on jun 5 patch. Tried several methods to unlock but OEM unlock toggle is not enabling.
1. Tried basic method, 2. Tried with factory reset, 3. Tried factory reset without sim and proceeded with no setup,
All these method gave no results. Consulted google but they require Order ID which is not possible to get at this point.
Anyone has any ideas which I missed. I really got this phone for all the customization possibilities and camera.

rana103 said:
HELP POST
I've purchased a 2nd hand Pixel 2 XL 128GB, Checked with IMEI and found it is a GOOGLE varient and useing it.
But my "OEM UNLOCKING" option is greyed out i'm currently on jun 5 patch. Tried several methods to unlock but OEM unlock toggle is not enabling.
1. Tried basic method, 2. Tried with factory reset, 3. Tried factory reset without sim and proceeded with no setup,
All these method gave no results. Consulted google but they require Order ID which is not possible to get at this point.
Anyone has any ideas which I missed. I really got this phone for all the customization possibilities and camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the consensus was there was no way of knowing by just checking the IMEI. I could be wrong though.

Did you try another sim card?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Try booting into bootloader mode. It should specify what variant it is, and at least show some serial numbers. Contact Google and ask them if they can check for you as well.
If it's a non-Verizon, definitively, you can try flashing the latest factory image from Google using fastboot without your SIM inserted.

Mine was greyed out too until I connected to WiFi, then rebooted. Then I could toggle. Freaked me out too because I bought it off of Swappa. That I was duped for s second.

jaxenroth said:
Did you try another sim card?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, didn't try another sim. Tried sim and no sim. Now on DP4 from yday. Will give this a shot also then.

Latiken said:
Try booting into bootloader mode. It should specify what variant it is, and at least show some serial numbers. Contact Google and ask them if they can check for you as well.
If it's a non-Verizon, definitively, you can try flashing the latest factory image from Google using fastboot without your SIM inserted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bootloader screen picture is also shared in this post. As contacted google through chat, they also said it is non-verizon mode.
My CID : 00000000
Even without my sim inserted I've tried and result coming same. dunno why. Did you had this issue ? Can you share the solve you tried ?

djcrystals said:
Mine was greyed out too until I connected to WiFi, then rebooted. Then I could toggle. Freaked me out too because I bought it off of Swappa. That I was duped for s second.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can u share what you did step by step? I've lost here. Tried many things but in the end nothing. :crying:

rana103 said:
Can u share what you did step by step? I've lost here. Tried many things but in the end nothing. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I booted the phone, set it up (added my account) using WiFi. After I set it up I noticed I couldn't toggle the OEM unlock. I rebooted, checked again, at that point I was able to toggle. That was just my situation though.

djcrystals said:
I booted the phone, set it up (added my account) using WiFi. After I set it up I noticed I couldn't toggle the OEM unlock. I rebooted, checked again, at that point I was able to toggle. That was just my situation though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dunno why mine is making my day painful!!

rana103 said:
Dunno why mine is making my day painful!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rana, i'm in the same boat. Did you put in your google account? This is the only difference from mine to djcrystals, I did not add my google account. Gonna try and enter it, but i'm also having this trouble with a certified refurbished.
Edit: did not work. Where did you check the imei number that tells you it's google and not verizon

Nergal di Cuthah said:
Rana, i'm in the same boat. Did you put in your google account? This is the only difference from mine to djcrystals, I did not add my google account. Gonna try and enter it, but i'm also having this trouble with a certified refurbished.
Edit: did not work. Where did you check the imei number that tells you it's google and not verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this one. http://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html
Also when I had chat with google support they clearly mentioned it is a google varient.
But they are unable to support me without me telling them the order ID of this phn. I bought it 2nd hand from Babgladesh.
So, basically I'm screwed.

Pixel 2 xl OEM allow bootloader unlockewd
Hey really anyone..I have been able to duplicate twice each time a little different... I will continue to test and see if I can find a straight forward example that will yield a quick consistent result...The problem is now when I do a adb reboot booloader to actually unlock it still says not allowed when I was looking at the beauty of the toggle flipped on in dev optoins prior to having to reboot to bootloader ...its not wanting to stick ...soooo....wondering if there is a way to stay in the adb session without the adb reboot bootloader command to get to fastboot...or have some sorta multi user attack at this..can one be connected to the phone through the network adb option and fastboot at same time...or is there a adb command to unlock bootloader rather than fastboot...or can one make a script that could..I assume not I'd or at leat not without writing something above my abilities...but anyways I'm on current as of today for the pixel 2 xl verizon...by total mistake...I forgot the kill the dev slider on auto update system and it was to late...so this is achievable on current firmware. but I can read above where ppl have actually got the toggle off and freaked out too...but Ive done it 3 or 4 times now inside of 30 minutes but cant figure out how to issue the unlock command while its off or iff its impossible...so may not have anything here yet but man it sure looks pretty...I have a video of it and more Im making now to try and help someone crack this already...lol

still at it..
so far it appears to follow toggle wifi..flip over to dev...back to wifi...to dev...so forth and you catch it on...if you toggle the wifi on.. then off....then out and into dev oem option ..the wifi on and off few times then in and out of dev oem option then all the sudden I just am about to hit out of dev again when I notice its flippable......flip it on then confirm...but thats where Im stumped...it on is all I know pretty as can be after confirmation...hmmmm
rana103 said:
Try this one. http://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html
Also when I had chat with google support they clearly mentioned it is a google varient.
But they are unable to support me without me telling them the order ID of this phn. I bought it 2nd hand from Babgladesh.
So, basically I'm screwed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Bootloader bounty? Too soon?

Is it too soon to start a bounty for a bootloader unlock? Do we even have any devs using this device(Lm-G710TM)? Im good for $100+.

It's not soon for USA unlocked (G710ULM) because 11th July was the release, till now why there's no bootloader for this unlocked variant! Already European variant enjoying root.

I usually give it like two months before I expect activity to pick up for new phones; even when owning Nexus phones. But, it's very discouraging to see how dead this place is, especially for any US variants. If there's no encouraging development for this phone by the time the Pixel 3 drops, I might just ditch this phone for that instead. This is a solid phone, but it could be absolutely great with a custom ROM/kernel.

totally agree, this is a great and solid phone. Could use a few tweaks and it'll be even better!
Alcolawl said:
I usually give it like two months before I expect activity to pick up for new phones; even when owning Nexus phones. But, it's very discouraging to see how dead this place is, especially for any US variants. If there's no encouraging development for this phone by the time the Pixel 3 drops, I might just ditch this phone for that instead. This is a solid phone, but it could be absolutely great with a custom ROM/kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Now that I took care of the H932 V30 getting root, it is time to move on to you guys....
So, since I don't own this phone, I need some details if you guys would like me to help you get it rooted.
1 - Did T-Mobile pull fastboot oem unlock, or can you still at least unlock your bootloader?
2 - If they did pull the ability, how do other G7s unlock their bootloader?
3 - Can someone provide me with a dump of laf? Maybe there is a KDZ around here that I missed, but it is early, and I am not going searching just yet.
-- Brian

runningnak3d said:
Now that I took care of the H932 V30 getting root, it is time to move on to you guys....
So, since I don't own this phone, I need some details if you guys would like me to help you get it rooted.
1 - Did T-Mobile pull fastboot oem unlock, or can you still at least unlock your bootloader?
2 - If they did pull the ability, how do other G7s unlock their bootloader?
3 - Can someone provide me with a dump of laf? Maybe there is a KDZ around here that I missed, but it is early, and I am not going searching just yet.
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know VZW it's all locked The OEM switch is missing also. I'm assuming for at least Verizon there needs to be an exploit if ever found.

For now, I am just talking about the TMO version.
-- Brian

runningnak3d said:
Now that I took care of the H932 V30 getting root, it is time to move on to you guys....
So, since I don't own this phone, I need some details if you guys would like me to help you get it rooted.
1 - Did T-Mobile pull fastboot oem unlock, or can you still at least unlock your bootloader?
2 - If they did pull the ability, how do other G7s unlock their bootloader?
3 - Can someone provide me with a dump of laf? Maybe there is a KDZ around here that I missed, but it is early, and I am not going searching just yet.
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g7-thinq/help/t-mobile-oem-unlock-t3833156

runningnak3d said:
For now, I am just talking about the TMO version.
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome aboard mate, been looking for your presence here but was doubting it as you don't have this device as of yet. I'm happy to see you and say that I was wrong, can't thank you enough for the work you have done on other devices.
Will be more than willing to help anyway I can, although I am currently on the sprint variant for the moment.

Hey @ps3hacker3 Long time no speak
Yea, I have learned enough that it is getting a lot easier even if I don't have the phone. However, I am going to need some info from people that DO have the G710TM.
-- Brian

runningnak3d said:
Hey @ps3hacker3 Long time no speak
Yea, I have learned enough that it is getting a lot easier even if I don't have the phone. However, I am going to need some info from people that DO have the G710TM.
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG G710ULM owner here. I know it's not specifically a T-Mobile version but it does allow OEM unlocking by default. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing the differences between the G710TM and G710ULM aren't that big (if any at all). If you need any info from my end, let me know. I'd love to get the ball rolling on bootloader unlocks for this phone. Lots of untapped potential here.

So you have the slider in developer options for "Allow OEM Unlocking" .. do you have fastboot oem unlock?
-- Brian

runningnak3d said:
So you have the slider in developer options for "Allow OEM Unlocking" .. do you have fastboot oem unlock?
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Upon rebooting into Bootloader I'm presented with a quick guide for unlocking the phone:
1) Read Device ID
:fastboot oem device-id
2) Write Unlock Key
:fastboot flash unlock unlock.bin
3)Check bootloader is unlocked
:fastboot getvar unlocked
fastboot oem unlock results in a FAILED (remote: 'unknown command') message. Screenshot attached. My first attempt didn't work because I guess I didn't have the right bootloader drivers installed.
So it looks like even the unlocked models are in the same boat as everyone else, except Europe.

runningnak3d said:
So you have the slider in developer options for "Allow OEM Unlocking" .. do you have fastboot oem unlock?
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile version has the oem unlock slider.
Edit: if I run the fastboot oem unlock command, nothing happens. The phone when using reboot bootloader, gives me 3 options. Get ID, check unlock, I forget the wording on the other, but it's basically to input your unlock file I think.

20degrees said:
The T-Mobile version has the oem unlock slider.
Edit: if I run the fastboot oem unlock command, nothing happens. The phone when using reboot bootloader, gives me 3 options. Get ID, check unlock, I forget the wording on the other, but it's basically to input your unlock file I think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my Windows 10 machine, when this phone is in Bootloader and plugged in via USB, Device Manager showed it as just "Android" with a warning symbol next to it. Had to grab the latest Google ADB and Fastboot drivers and force install the drivers (Choose from list, Have Disk..., Android Bootloader Interface, etc.) in order for the computer to actually recognize the phone properly when in the Bootloader. Otherwise issuing Fastboot commands just resulted in <waiting for any device> or whatever. Strange, because I haven't touched this OS install in probably a year and I had no problems issuing commands to my Pixel XL in Bootloader this spring.
Anyways, looks like until LG decides they want to support unlocking other variants, we're dead in the water.

Alcolawl said:
On my Windows 10 machine, when this phone is in Bootloader and plugged in via USB, Device Manager showed it as just "Android" with a warning symbol next to it. Had to grab the latest Google ADB and Fastboot drivers and force install the drivers (Choose from list, Have Disk..., Android Bootloader Interface, etc.) in order for the computer to actually recognize the phone properly when in the Bootloader. Otherwise issuing Fastboot commands just resulted in <waiting for any device> or whatever. Strange, because I haven't touched this OS install in probably a year and I had no problems issuing commands to my Pixel XL in Bootloader this spring.
Anyways, looks like until LG decides they want to support unlocking other variants, we're dead in the water.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be forewarned, I've noticed that fastboot doesn't always work, despite latest drivers. As of late, the Pixel has been known to hang on these same commands at times as well. My Moto Z2 Force suffers from this error as well.
---------- Post added at 04:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:04 AM ----------
runningnak3d said:
Now that I took care of the H932 V30 getting root, it is time to move on to you guys....
So, since I don't own this phone, I need some details if you guys would like me to help you get it rooted.
1 - Did T-Mobile pull fastboot oem unlock, or can you still at least unlock your bootloader?
2 - If they did pull the ability, how do other G7s unlock their bootloader?
3 - Can someone provide me with a dump of laf? Maybe there is a KDZ around here that I missed, but it is early, and I am not going searching just yet.
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you know many are INCREDIBLY excited to have you on board! I'm not advanced, but once I receive my computer back, I'll definitely be available to help with providing info and helping test, as I have a TMO variant (I may or may not work for TMO as well, so yeah... )

runningnak3d said:
So you have the slider in developer options for "Allow OEM Unlocking" .. do you have fastboot oem unlock?
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Own a TMobile variant, oem unlocking option is there, fastboot commands do not work (or are extremely limited)
getprop | grep unlock (if it means anything)
[Ro.oem_unlock_supported]: [1]
[Sys.oem_unlock_allowed]: [1]
I know I probably didn't help out much, if you have any other questions feel free to ask I'll help out as much as I can. thank you for contributions and congrats on the V30 root.

runningnak3d said:
Now that I took care of the H932 V30 getting root, it is time to move on to you guys....
So, since I don't own this phone, I need some details if you guys would like me to help you get it rooted.
1 - Did T-Mobile pull fastboot oem unlock, or can you still at least unlock your bootloader?
2 - If they did pull the ability, how do other G7s unlock their bootloader?
3 - Can someone provide me with a dump of laf? Maybe there is a KDZ around here that I missed, but it is early, and I am not going searching just yet.
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the tmobile variant. Let me know what you might need.
Unlock Slider is present in developer settings and is not greyed out. Unlock command just hangs.

runningnak3d said:
So you have the slider in developer options for "Allow OEM Unlocking" .. do you have fastboot oem unlock?
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint variant also has "Allow OEM unlocking" available and it is changeable

So you can issue fastboot flashing unlock_critical but not fastboot flashing unlock -- that is just weird.
If you issue the unlock_critical, do you get the warning that your phone is possibly corrupt, but will continue to boot?
-- Brian

Is anyone having trouble unlocking the bootloader on the european version? (LMG710EM)

hi, so I was trying to unlock the bootloader before attempting to use an AOSP pie rom using this guide on the official LG site http://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev
Anyway when I come to step 9, I type "adb reboot bootloader" and the phone reboots in fastboot mode. Then when I type "fastboot oem device-id" the phone freezes and I have to press the power button to restart it, meanwhile in the powershell command page it says
Code:
C:\Users\chahi\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\platform-tools>fastboot oem device-id
FAILED (Write to device failed (No such file or directory))
fastboot: error: Command failed
I checked my drivers and everything seems to work perfectly fine. I am at my fifth attempt and I'm beginning to feel pretty desperate. If anyone encountered the same problem or could help me solve this I will be very thankful !
Thanks in advance.
NB : I'm on windows 10 and my phone is running the korean pie rom.

Piatch said:
hi, so I was trying to unlock the bootloader before attempting to use an AOSP pie rom using this guide on the official LG site http://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev
Anyway when I come to step 9, I type "adb reboot bootloader" and the phone reboots in fastboot mode. Then when I type "fastboot oem device-id" the phone freezes and I have to press the power button to restart it, meanwhile in the powershell command page it says
Code:
C:\Users\chahi\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\platform-tools>fastboot oem device-id
FAILED (Write to device failed (No such file or directory))
fastboot: error: Command failed
I checked my drivers and everything seems to work perfectly fine. I am at my fifth attempt and I'm beginning to feel pretty desperate. If anyone encountered the same problem or could help me solve this I will be very thankful !
Thanks in advance.
NB : I'm on windows 10 and my phone is running the korean pie rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot 100% say what the cause is with certainty (I have the Sprint version and I absolutely hate this piece of trash) but others have reported similar issues from actually having a different variant that was cross-flashed to the EM model and sold as EM when it's really a Sprint version (for example). What happens when you enter your IMEI number in LG site, does it return the EM variant or something else? That's where I would start (unless you have already done this and confirmed it's EM). Non EM versions lack the full ADB support so we can't unlock the bootloader. This is the same point I lockup as well but mine was not intended to be unlocked.

GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
I cannot 100% say what the cause is with certainty (I have the Sprint version and I absolutely hate this piece of trash) but others have reported similar issues from actually having a different variant that was cross-flashed to the EM model and sold as EM when it's really a Sprint version (for example). What happens when you enter your IMEI number in LG site, does it return the EM variant or something else? That's where I would start (unless you have already done this and confirmed it's EM). Non EM versions lack the full ADB support so we can't unlock the bootloader. This is the same point I lockup as well but mine was not intended to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick response !
Yes I actually typed my IMEI in the LG site and it gave me a gray OK so I guess I truly have the EM version ? (knowing that only the EM is supported idk) Are there other methods to make sure I have the EM version for sure ? Also worth noting that I bought the phone new from North Africa so it must be the european version and not a carrier one.
Thank you !

Piatch said:
Thank you for the quick response !
Yes I actually typed my IMEI in the LG site and it gave me a gray OK so I guess I truly have the EM version ? (knowing that only the EM is supported idk) Are there other methods to make sure I have the EM version for sure ? Also worth noting that I bought the phone new from North Africa so it must be the european version and not a carrier one.
Thank you !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I'm aware of but if the LGdev site let you get the unlock code then I will assume it's real as they do validate it. Normally I would suggest to reach out to LG but that's a waste, they won't help. In fact they shutdown the dev recently because of unlock requests so they don't care about us so that won't help you. I'll do some research and see if there's any official way to help but hopefully others will chime in with the answers.

GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
Not that I'm aware of but if the LGdev site let you get the unlock code then I will assume it's real as they do validate it. Normally I would suggest to reach out to LG but that's a waste, they won't help. In fact they shutdown the dev recently because of unlock requests so they don't care about us so that won't help you. I'll do some research and see if there's any official way to help but hopefully others will chime in with the answers.
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Click to collapse
That's what I actually did, I sent them an email but I'm still without any response. Thank you for your help tho ! Is there any unofficial way to unlock the bootloader on the LG G7 that I'm unaware of ?

Piatch said:
That's what I actually did, I sent them an email but I'm still without any response. Thank you for your help tho ! Is there any unofficial way to unlock the bootloader on the LG G7 that I'm unaware of ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck with LG, they most likely will do nothing to assist you. That's my biggest gripe with LG, they suck with customer care nor give 2 craps about us, the customers. My LGG7 sucks so bad, it's barely usable but they will not do anything to help me nor Sprint so I'm leaving both once my horrible lease is up. All I can say is to sign the bootloader petition and leave LG, it's the only way they will ever change and even then, they probably won't. They will soon be out of business just like Blackberry's downfall and for the same reasons. They don't listen to the customers and change, nor did RIM with activesync, now RIM is a mere fraction of what they used to be, LG mobile is next. I hear so many complaints about LG devices, not just LG mobile but the entire company. All the same type of complaints across all LG products, no customer support when the device stops working and they pass the buck every time, and locked bootloaders (for LG mobile).
There is no unofficial unlock yet, that's why I'm so unhappy with the piece of junk! If I could unlock and install my own flavor of AOSP then it would be an entirely different story and I would fix my own issues and have an awesome device. Instead the jackalope in charge of LG decided to keep the bootloaders locked with no support to unlock (except for EM) but even that barely works (your issue).
I don't know what else to say except LG SUCKS, LG is terrible. I so wish I hadn't let the Sprint rep bully me into this horrific device. I should have stood my ground and not accepted the deal which came with this expensive paperweight (LGG7).

GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
Good luck with LG, they most likely will do nothing to assist you. That's my biggest gripe with LG, they suck with customer care nor give 2 craps about us, the customers. My LGG7 sucks so bad, it's barely usable but they will not do anything to help me nor Sprint so I'm leaving both once my horrible lease is up. All I can say is to sign the bootloader petition and leave LG, it's the only way they will ever change and even then, they probably won't. They will soon be out of business just like Blackberry's downfall and for the same reasons. They don't listen to the customers and change, nor did RIM with activesync, now RIM is a mere fraction of what they used to be, LG mobile is next. I hear so many complaints about LG devices, not just LG mobile but the entire company. All the same type of complaints across all LG products, no customer support when the device stops working and they pass the buck every time, and locked bootloaders (for LG mobile).
There is no unofficial unlock yet, that's why I'm so unhappy with the piece of junk! If I could unlock and install my own flavor of AOSP then it would be an entirely different story and I would fix my own issues and have an awesome device. Instead the jackalope in charge of LG decided to keep the bootloaders locked with no support to unlock (except for EM) but even that barely works (your issue).
I don't know what else to say except LG SUCKS, LG is terrible. I so wish I hadn't let the Sprint rep bully me into this horrific device. I should have stood my ground and not accepted the deal which came with this expensive paperweight (LGG7).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always pay to get your phone unlocked

LameMonster82 said:
You can always pay to get your phone unlocked
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Click to collapse
SIM unlocked, yes, bootloader unlocked, no (on Sprint and everything other than the European model, no, EM model, yes), the rest of us, no, huge difference. I would pay a small fortune if bootloader unlocks were possible and why I bought the LG octoplus, still no option yet unfortunately.

GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
SIM unlocked, yes, bootloader unlocked, no (on Sprint and everything other than the European model, no, EM model, yes), the rest of us, no, huge difference. I would pay a small fortune if bootloader unlocks were possible and why I bought the LG octoplus, still no option yet unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible to pay for a hacker in china to unlock the phone (bootloader unlock)

LameMonster82 said:
It's possible to pay for a hacker in china to unlock the phone (bootloader unlock)
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Click to collapse
Send me the info please

GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
Send me the info please
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Click to collapse
I don't know from where exactly. You have to find it yourself but eBay is a place to start.

LameMonster82 said:
I don't know from where exactly. You have to find it yourself but eBay is a place to start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you 100% sure this is not SIM unlocked using a modified octoplus (I have already gone down this path) so I bought my own octoplus. I am pretty sure all these "unlock" are merely SIM unlocks and not bootloader unlocks. I've investigated this pretty deep and it was only SIM unlocks not bootloader. As far as I'm aware, there is no hacks or mods to unlock the bootloaders for any LG G7 as of yet. eBay results are all SIM (which is simply using oct to apply the US-unkocked m ok model unlocking the SIM).
If you can find a REAL bootloader unlock method that works and unlocks my bootloader, I will PayPal you 20-30 bucks (I'm not joking). There is no method yet that anyone I know, knows of.

GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
Are you 100% sure this is not SIM unlocked using a modified octoplus (I have already gone down this path) so I bought my own octoplus. I am pretty sure all these "unlock" are merely SIM unlocks and not bootloader unlocks. I've investigated this pretty deep and it was only SIM unlocks not bootloader. As far as I'm aware, there is no hacks or mods to unlock the bootloaders for any LG G7 as of yet. eBay results are all SIM (which is simply using oct to apply the US-unkocked m ok model unlocking the SIM).
If you can find a REAL bootloader unlock method that works and unlocks my bootloader, I will PayPal you 20-30 bucks (I'm not joking). There is no method yet that anyone I know, knows of.
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Click to collapse
It's not sim unlock
It works by installing g710em bootloader and then flashing an unlock.bin .It's actual bootloader unlock. You can probably even do it yourself on a octopus box but I'm not sure what does it allow and not allow you to do.

LameMonster82 said:
It's not sim unlock
It works by installing g710em bootloader and then flashing an unlock.bin .It's actual bootloader unlock. You can probably even do it yourself on a octopus box but I'm not sure what does it allow and not allow you to do.
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Click to collapse
Fantastic then I will investigate this new theory and if it works, reply to everyone. I've been waiting for this since day 1 with this terrible G7, I HATE this device and OS.
---------- Post added at 12:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:04 PM ----------
GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
Fantastic then I will investigate this new theory and if it works, reply to everyone. I've been waiting for this since day 1 with this terrible G7, I HATE this device and OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If does exist, I can't find it on eBay or the internet, only SIM unlocks. I will keep checking but I don't see anything to unlock the G7 bootloaders.

GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
Fantastic then I will investigate this new theory and if it works, reply to everyone. I've been waiting for this since day 1 with this terrible G7, I HATE this device and OS.
---------- Post added at 12:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:04 PM ----------
If does exist, I can't find it on eBay or the internet, only SIM unlocks. I will keep checking but I don't see anything to unlock the G7 bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can try guiding you if you want to

LameMonster82 said:
I can try guiding you if you want to
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Click to collapse
Heck yes, if it's possible, I'm definitely in!

GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
Heck yes, if it's possible, I'm definitely in!
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Click to collapse
I can send you abl_a and you just need to use my unlock.bin to unlock
Edit: can I send it to you privately so nothing personal leaks?

LameMonster82 said:
I can send you abl_a and you just need to use my unlock.bin to unlock
Edit: can I send it to you privately so nothing personal leaks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please, PM me and I will respond, just let me know when you do so I know when to look (I dont normally watch PM's).

Piatch said:
hi, so I was trying to unlock the bootloader before attempting to use an AOSP pie rom using this guide on the official LG site http://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev
Anyway when I come to step 9, I type "adb reboot bootloader" and the phone reboots in fastboot mode. Then when I type "fastboot oem device-id" the phone freezes and I have to press the power button to restart it, meanwhile in the powershell command page it says
Code:
C:\Users\chahi\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\platform-tools>fastboot oem device-id
FAILED (Write to device failed (No such file or directory))
fastboot: error: Command failed
I checked my drivers and everything seems to work perfectly fine. I am at my fifth attempt and I'm beginning to feel pretty desperate. If anyone encountered the same problem or could help me solve this I will be very thankful !
Thanks in advance.
NB : I'm on windows 10 and my phone is running the korean pie rom.
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Click to collapse
Hey Piatch, i'm stuck on your same situation!
I have a new LMG710EM taken a month ago in a store, today with the Pie release (I'm in Italy) I found some time to unlock the bootloader, root, debrand (my G7 is TIM branded) and update to Pie.
I'm not new with LG, I come from G2, G5, G6 and now G7, never a problem (apart from the slowness in the updates I like them).
Well, just your situation, only the wording is a bit different, to me it says FAILED (Write to device failed (Too many links)) then the phone reboots and freezes in G7 logo and I have to press the power button to restart it, like yours.
I've tried everything, even reading online, different USB cables, different fastboot versions, but nothing worked.
Then I unbranded via lgup refurbish option to have a clean install and reinstalled all, thinking that maybe the new OS would solve but nothing, same message.
Can anyone help us?
It is the first time in several years that I have not found a solution.
Thank you in advance

f0ster52 said:
Hey Piatch, i'm stuck on your same situation!
I have a new LMG710EM taken a month ago in a store, today with the Pie release (I'm in Italy) I found some time to unlock the bootloader, root, debrand (my G7 is TIM branded) and update to Pie.
I'm not new with LG, I come from G2, G5, G6 and now G7, never a problem (apart from the slowness in the updates I like them).
Well, just your situation, only the wording is a bit different, to me it says FAILED (Write to device failed (Too many links)) then the phone reboots and freezes in G7 logo and I have to press the power button to restart it, like yours.
I've tried everything, even reading online, different USB cables, different fastboot versions, but nothing worked.
Then I unbranded via lgup refurbish option to have a clean install and reinstalled all, thinking that maybe the new OS would solve but nothing, same message.
Can anyone help us?
It is the first time in several years that I have not found a solution.
Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi f0ster, I did not find any solution because I was lacking the time and tbh the skill to do it. I think we can't unlock the bootloader while under Pie ? Maybe if we roll back to Oreo, then we can unlock it and then update to Pie again ? I don't have the skills nor the confidence to safely flash Oreo on the G7 (I had bad experiences with bootlooping on the G3 and G4). Maybe you could try this way and see if it works out for you ?

8 Pro Amazon & Alexa built in

Purchased the Oneplus 8 Pro at a discount of £154.00 from Amazon UK. Arrived next day brand new from or fulfilled by Amazon. The 'phone is exactly as OnePlus store EXCEPT the bootloader is LOCKED. OEM unlock in developers options is greyed out. Android debugging - OK, Dev Ops - OK. Unable to unlock bootloader = no root. .
Tried the unbrick approach - still no unlocking.
There is no branding of any kind that I have noticed.
So it's back in the box, back to Amazon & wait for Black Friday.
Unless there is another way to unlock bootloader.
Hope this helps others making that money parting decision.
So, many thanks for the input from everyone.
I obviously had a senior moment. I skipped accessing 'tinternet trying to be a smug mister.
I have now got the oem unlock the right colour, the device is unlocked & as I write rooting the unit.
Thanks again for sharing the info. (Return cancelled)

Wow that's crazy, have you tried oxygen updater?
OnePlus phones really shouldn't be locked down like that, shocking from Amazon.
What model / variant is it?
You should be able to adb uninstall apps btw, just Google it.

Ordered something similar
itsmix said:
Purchased the Oneplus 8 Pro at a discount of £154.00 from Amazon UK. Arrived next day brand new from or fulfilled by Amazon. The 'phone is exactly as OnePlus store EXCEPT the bootloader is LOCKED. OEM unlock in developers options is greyed out. Android debugging - OK, Dev Ops - OK. Unable to unlock bootloader = no root. .
Tried the unbrick approach - still no unlocking.
There is no branding of any kind that I have noticed.
So it's back in the box, back to Amazon & wait for Black Friday.
Unless there is another way to unlock bootloader.
Hope this helps others making that money parting decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered the same Amazon US : OnePlus-Ultramarine-Unlocked-Smartphone-Wireless/dp/B08723FJMF/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=OnePlus%2BPro%2B8&qid=1605400234&sr=8-1&th=1
I'll post if I encounter something similar.
Cheers,
DV

Alexa built in
dladz said:
Wow that's crazy, have you tried oxygen updater?
OnePlus phones really shouldn't be locked down like that, shocking from Amazon.
What model / variant is it?
You should be able to adb uninstall apps btw, just Google it.
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Click to collapse
UK/ europe model, IN11BA OOS 10.5.8 out of box, OOS 10.5.11 back in box.(MSN Tool)
The OEM unlock was greyed out from first start up. My usual routine with onePlus phones: Power on run through initial setup (no sim), enable adb debug (I missed the OEM button 1st time - I'm getting old), enable advanced reboot. Update drivers on PC, then unlock bootloader, root etc;
I agree that it is very unusual for a Oneplus phone to be unbranded and locked down. It may be the Alexa built in partnership the thing is I did not notice the Amazon app on the phone.
It would be great if there is a work round for this before it goes to the courier tomorrow.

itsmix said:
UK/ europe model, IN11BA OOS 10.5.8 out of box, OOS 10.5.11 back in box.(MSN Tool)
The OEM unlock was greyed out from first start up. My usual routine with onePlus phones: Power on run through initial setup (no sim), enable adb debug (I missed the OEM button 1st time - I'm getting old), enable advanced reboot. Update drivers on PC, then unlock bootloader, root etc;
I agree that it is very unusual for a Oneplus phone to be unbranded and locked down. It may be the Alexa built in partnership the thing is I did not notice the Amazon app on the phone.
It would be great if there is a work round for this before it goes to the courier tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May sound silly but is the accessibility option turned on for OEM unlocking? Or admin?
May be possible to install another OS via Fastboot.
Did MSM make a single change?

Alexa built in
dladz said:
May sound silly but is the accessibility option turned on for OEM unlocking? Or admin?
May be possible to install another OS via Fastboot.
Did MSM make a single change?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MSN didn't make any changes.
Would using fastboot to flash another ROM still require an unlocked bootloader, also is the 'lock' for the OEM unlock before any other partitions.

itsmix said:
MSN didn't make any changes.
Would using fastboot to flash another ROM still require an unlocked bootloader, also is the 'lock' for the OEM unlock before any other partitions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure dude.
AFAIK no.
But in all fairness for the saving of 150 quid? I don't think I'd bother

dladz said:
I'm not sure dude.
AFAIK no.
But in all fairness for the saving of 150 quid? I don't think I'd bother
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That why it's boxed back up to go back. :laugh: not worth my time to sort this, like i said it's Black friday soon.
Thanks for your input fella.

itsmix said:
That why it's boxed back up to go back. :laugh: not worth my time to sort this, like i said it's Black friday soon.
Thanks for your input fella.
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Click to collapse
Nah no worries mate.
I remember my wife bought me a kindle fire one time, it offered with or without adverts?
Had no idea what it meant at the time.. But if theres a selectable option when you buy it, see what they do.
Having a OnePlus with a locked down bootloader is like buying a non alcoholic beer.
Non alcoholic Beer? it's just wrong

Have you tried downloading and installing the stock UK firmware from root
https://www.oneplus.com/uk/support/softwareupgrade/details?code=PM1587123976090

FYI
My OEM option was also locked till I connected to the internet.

dvartak said:
My OEM option was also locked till I connected to the internet.
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Click to collapse
That never passed my mind, is that true?
I'm always online from the off so wouldn't have noticed.

dladz said:
That never passed my mind, is that true?
I'm always online from the off so wouldn't have noticed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep it's true. I had a panic moment this summer when trying to unlock my bootloader. I skipped through all the initial setup steps and never connected to the web. I could not figure out why the bootloader unlock option was greyed out. Once I connected to the web the bootloader unlock option was available.

Yep.
dladz said:
That never passed my mind, is that true?
I'm always online from the off so wouldn't have noticed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, If you skip all the steps during setup. Developer mode can be enabled, but OEM is grey-ed out. The tooltip below suggests connecting to the internet or inserting a sim.

dvartak said:
Yep, If you skip all the steps during setup. Developer mode can be enabled, but OEM is grey-ed out. The tooltip below suggests connecting to the internet or inserting a sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just guess I've never done that before..
Surely the first thing with a new phone is popping your SIM in and getting online..
It's assume the OP actually did that.
But good to know cheers.
That also assumes that the device is checking in somewhere.
---------- Post added at 06:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:01 PM ----------
FreshlyBaked 420 said:
Yep it's true. I had a panic moment this summer when trying to unlock my bootloader. I skipped through all the initial setup steps and never connected to the web. I could not figure out why the bootloader unlock option was greyed out. Once I connected to the web the bootloader unlock option was available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha good to know buddy..
I never knew