I see a lot of attempts to unlock the Verizon Pixel XLs bootloader, some seem to work sometimes, some do not
I'm in the market for a new original Pixel XL. It's only going to be used over wifi, so I do not care what model or networks it's on, etc.
What should I look for in a device if I want it to be the easiest possible one to unlock the bootloader? Are there versions of the pixel xl that *come* with an unlocked bootloader?
phnord said:
I see a lot of attempts to unlock the Verizon Pixel XLs bootloader, some seem to work sometimes, some do not
I'm in the market for a new original Pixel XL. It's only going to be used over wifi, so I do not care what model or networks it's on, etc.
What should I look for in a device if I want it to be the easiest possible one to unlock the bootloader? Are there versions of the pixel xl that *come* with an unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pixel XL is 5-6 years old. Not much chance of finding a new one. None come bootloader unlocked unless used. Only ones bought from Google store instead of Verizon are for sure bootloader unlockable.
Tulsadiver said:
The Pixel XL is 5-6 years old. Not much chance of finding a new one. None come bootloader unlocked unless used. Only ones bought from Google store instead of Verizon are for sure bootloader unlockable.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, but only the last bit is relevant to my question
I am aware of how old the Pixel XL is. I am aware that I'm getting a refurbished or used one. Thanks.
So from what I am hearing, then, the ones Verizon sold still have issues with the bootloader unlock, whereas the ones Google sold are easy to bootloader unlock. And those were the only two sources?
Is there a way to distinguish between the two? Is there a different model number, serial number range, etc.?
THAT is the question I'm asking. Not whether I can get it new...?
phnord said:
Thanks, but only the last bit is relevant to my question
I am aware of how old the Pixel XL is. I am aware that I'm getting a refurbished or used one. Thanks.
So from what I am hearing, then, the ones Verizon sold still have issues with the bootloader unlock, whereas the ones Google sold are easy to bootloader unlock. And those were the only two sources?
Is there a way to distinguish between the two? Is there a different model number, serial number range, etc.?
THAT is the question I'm asking. Not whether I can get it new...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a new google one off ebay, they are still out there, you just might have to hunt a little and take a bit of a chance.
Probably don't go with the phones4all seller however, though new he seems to be selling what are original verizon models though carrier unlocked.
On the Pixel 2 forums people have been able to distinguish between verizon and google by contacting google w phone info, I don't know if there's any other good way.
Related
Hello all,
first off, i apologize as i made a mistake when i purchase a used unit of Pixel XL and only checked that it is unlocked and that no other usual problems (microphone working, camera working etc). so, i happily paid for it since it is unlocked (network) and working good. Went home, i tried the unlock and it did not allow me to proceed. Then i need to enable OEM unlock, only then i did my research and the used unit i purchased is a Best Buy unit, (basically Verizon unit?). so, i ended up unable to unlock my bootloader to perform root to do some volume tweak and kernel change
I am not from the US and Pixels here is usually imported in by resellers or people who have friends in US and they ship it here.
Is it possible i downgrade my factory image to a 7.1 version and perform the bootloader unlock? Was hoping this will work before i proceed as I have already setup my Pixel
The exploit used to toggle the OEM unlock in dev settings was patched.
And I'm pretty sure that the locked bootloader won't accept a downgrade, so if that is a Verizon pixel your basically stuck. But, I could be wrong, sadly, I don't think I am.
Hope you find a solution, but not likely to happen.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
wyrdtrtle said:
The exploit used to toggle the OEM unlock in dev settings was patched.
And I'm pretty sure that the locked bootloader won't accept a downgrade, so if that is a Verizon pixel your basically stuck. But, I could be wrong, sadly, I don't think I am.
Hope you find a solution, but not likely to happen.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, this is a bit tough, i am considering to sell off this unit (might have to wait a bit) and get another unit that is from google store I am so far happy with the phone, except for the phone volume and some tweaks
It's not exactly Verizon unit from my own assumption. I believe it is Best Buy unit (which is technically Verizon unit with locked bootloader but faster update?)
tornado6 said:
I see, this is a bit tough, i am considering to sell off this unit (might have to wait a bit) and get another unit that is from google store I am so far happy with the phone, except for the phone volume and some tweaks
It's not exactly Verizon unit from my own assumption. I believe it is Best Buy unit (which is technically Verizon unit with locked bootloader but faster update?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best Buy sells only Verizon units (Pixel and XL).
Does Google warranty the Verizon phones? You might be able to get them to swap the device? They also might only swap it with another Verizon model though. Just a thought
I remember someone saying they had rma'd a VZW pixel to Google, but I don't recall any ending. Think I read that in here, or XDA, or G+
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
southernstyle said:
Does Google warranty the Verizon phones? You might be able to get them to swap the device? They also might only swap it with another Verizon model though. Just a thought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I can do that, but I am not from the US and there won't be anyone to assist me with the device swapping
Just wish that there is an exploit out of the blue to enable me to unlock the bootloader
I just need to tweak the audio volume, use Franco's kernel and tweak the screen display a bit. the rest, I am good with the phone
hey
well im in the us if you wanna ship it to me i can get you rma up to you i am supposdly getting one from google since its a google phone
Hello folks,
I am sorry for adding one more question to this dilemma?
I just got a refurb Pixel XL from ebay. I specifically told the seller that I am looking for a google version and not verizon but it seems, they sent me Verizon version as OEM Unlocking is grayed out in Developer options. Is that the only test there is to figure out if its Verizon or Unlocked google phone?
One of the threads linked http://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html but it doesn't recognize IMEI of the phone I received.
Finally, I found this thread, https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 Can these instructions be used for a Verizon device running Android Pie/9.0? If yes, I will keep the device as its in pristine condition.
Thanks in advance, for all helpful comments.
You can unlock the bootloader on Verizon yes.
fuzzychicken said:
Hello folks,
I am sorry for adding one more question to this dilemma?
I just got a refurb Pixel XL from ebay. I specifically told the seller that I am looking for a google version and not verizon but it seems, they sent me Verizon version as OEM Unlocking is grayed out in Developer options. Is that the only test there is to figure out if its Verizon or Unlocked google phone?
One of the threads linked http://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html but it doesn't recognize IMEI of the phone I received.
Finally, I found this thread, https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 Can these instructions be used for a Verizon device running Android Pie/9.0? If yes, I will keep the device as its in pristine condition.
Thanks in advance, for all helpful comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually bought an XL off eBay and sent it back as it was a Verizon, confirmed with a Google rep, and didn't know I could unlock the bootloader.
I bought another one and it was also a Verizon, but I did follow the guide after updating to Pie and it still works great. Now I'm fully rooted nad bootloader is unlocked.
Would unlocking the bootloader on a Verizon version essentially make it a normal Google Pixel XL? Any other differences? I want to use a Verizon Pixel for AT&T.
bobjohnson1221 said:
Would unlocking the bootloader on a Verizon version essentially make it a normal Google Pixel XL? Any other differences? I want to use a Verizon Pixel for AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No device difference. You would just use a GSM SIM for AT&T of course.
I just bought a pixel xl of 128gb, what is the exact way to know if it is a verizon version?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
So if I'm shopping for a used Pixel XL, how can I tell with models have an unlockable bootloader?
I had previously read that only Play Store editions are unlockable, so I was surprised to see this thread say Verizon is unlockable.
Th3DaRk_Vampire said:
I just bought a pixel xl of 128gb, what is the exact way to know if it is a verizon version?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To see if your phone is Verizon, go here ( https://www.verizonwireless.com/od/prepaid/bring-your-own-device/?imei=352630085164358#/checkDevice) and enter your IMEI. You'll get one of two responses:
If it's a Verizon phone, it will say "Awesome, your Google Pixel XL, Phone by Google is a perfect match for our network.."
If it's not Verizon, it will say "Awesome, your Google PIXEL XL NON-VZW is a perfect match for our network."
It seems that Sprint and T-Mobile US both offer the Pixel 3/3 XL/3a/3a XL. Would Sprint/T-Mobile Pixels allow bootloader unlocking (unlike the Verizon versions)?
AFAIK, only verizon model has locked bootloader. There is no special model for Sprint/T-Mobile. This is only for the 3/3xl, 3a/3aXL is not out is not out yet. Nobody would really know.
wangdaning said:
AFAIK, only verizon model has locked bootloader. There is no special model for Sprint/T-Mobile. This is only for the 3/3xl, 3a/3aXL is not out is not out yet. Nobody would really know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was doing work at a T-Mobile store today, and they just got a shipment of the pixel 3a and pixel 3axl today. Don't say they aren't out. They had a demo out for the xl. Bootloader was locked also. Was unable to get developer options enabled on the regular 3a
---------- Post added at 11:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:03 PM ----------
abranson said:
I was doing work at a T-Mobile store today, and they just got a shipment of the pixel 3a and pixel 3axl today. Don't say they aren't out. They had a demo out for the xl. Bootloader was locked also. Was unable to get developer options enabled on the regular 3a
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Next time I'm at T-Mobile, I'll have to get pics, but I replace the hand scanners that go with T-Mobile iPads. Only way I knew they got them in today.
abranson said:
I was doing work at a T-Mobile store today, and they just got a shipment of the pixel 3a and pixel 3axl today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough, but not many people have bought them or had time to play around with such things. There is not even a forum for them. I hope they make one or the Pixel 3/XL forums will be flooded with two devices each.
wangdaning said:
Fair enough, but not many people have bought them or had time to play around with such things. There is not even a forum for them. I hope they make one or the Pixel 3/XL forums will be flooded with two devices each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is one, but it's empty, only due to it being announced today.
---------- Post added at 12:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:04 AM ----------
wangdaning said:
Fair enough, but not many people have bought them or had time to play around with such things. There is not even a forum for them. I hope they make one or the Pixel 3/XL forums will be flooded with two devices each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is one, but it's empty, only due to it being announced today.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3a
abranson said:
I was doing work at a T-Mobile store today, and they just got a shipment of the pixel 3a and pixel 3axl today. Don't say they aren't out. They had a demo out for the xl. Bootloader was locked also. Was unable to get developer options enabled on the regular 3a.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They could be "demo" units where developer options had to be locked (otherwise people could just steal phones by enabling OEM unlocking and running off). The Sprint/T-Mo Pixels may allow bootloader unlocking, they may not, who knows? I'd still prefer to buy carrier unlocked myself, but if the Sprint/T-Mo are bootloader unlocked then that makes my life easier if I buy used (or from a carrier).
I remember reading that the demo units of the European LG G5 were bootloader locked (maybe developer options grayed out) even when the retail versions weren't, so the Pixel 3/3a (XL) may be the same. But that was in 2016 (when I was hoping my Sprint LG G4 got bootloader unlocked somehow).
neelchauhan said:
They could be "demo" units where developer options had to be locked (otherwise people could just steal phones by enabling OEM unlocking and running off). The Sprint/T-Mo Pixels may allow bootloader unlocking, they may not, who knows? I'd still prefer to buy unlocked myself, but if the Sprint/T-Mo are bootloader unlocked then that makes my life easier if I buy used (or from a carrier).
I remember reading that the demo units of the European LG G5 were bootloader locked (maybe developer options grayed out) even when the retail versions weren't, so the Pixel 3/3a (XL) may be the same. But that was in 2016 (when I was hoping my Sprint LG G4 got bootloader unlocked somehow).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible. The manager was just tinkering with one he had bought this morning. The xl was a demo, but IDK. Anything is possible these days
neelchauhan said:
They could be "demo" units where developer options had to be locked (otherwise people could just steal phones by enabling OEM unlocking and running off). The Sprint/T-Mo Pixels may allow bootloader unlocking, they may not, who knows? I'd still prefer to buy carrier unlocked myself, but if the Sprint/T-Mo are bootloader unlocked then that makes my life easier if I buy used (or from a carrier).
I remember reading that the demo units of the European LG G5 were bootloader locked (maybe developer options grayed out) even when the retail versions weren't, so the Pixel 3/3a (XL) may be the same. But that was in 2016 (when I was hoping my Sprint LG G4 got bootloader unlocked somehow).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, please delete my comment. 8t appears I was speaking on incents last night.
smartymcfly said:
You can't enable unlocking oem unless you unlocked the bootloader first. You need to use a cpu to do that. Unlockable bootloaders would never be shipped to retail in an unlocked state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you smoking? You have to enable oem unlocking in developer options in order to unlock bootloader
And this is a Sprint pixel 3 xl, unfortunately it looks like we will not be able to get root
rayraycarter4 said:
And this is a Sprint pixel 3 xl, unfortunately it looks like we will not be able to get root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And here I was thinking of changing from the V40 to the Google Pixel 3XL
Sent from my LG V40 using XDA Labs
rayraycarter4 said:
And this is a Sprint pixel 3 xl, unfortunately it looks like we will not be able to get root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darn.
Would it be possible to enable OEM unlocking after SIM unlocking (like the T-Mobile OnePlus), or is this impossible.
One person on Reddit says T-Mobile Pixels allow bootloader unlocking: https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/comments/bmjw8x/pixel_3_bootloaders_can_be_unlocked/.
However, a T-Mobile employee said that you need to pay off the device before BL unlocking a T-Mo Pixel (like T-Mo OnePlus): https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/comments/bm9ayz/tmobile_says_pixel_3_devices_can_be_bootloader/.
As for sprint version, can we just flash the regular pixel firmware over sprints locked down version?
DR4LUC0N said:
As for sprint version, can we just flash the regular pixel firmware over sprints locked down version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
About Sprint, I am assuming it's the same game as T-Mobile: you need to SIM unlock before you can bootloader unlock. I could be wrong.
DR4LUC0N said:
As for sprint version, can we just flash the regular pixel firmware over sprints locked down version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no such thing as a Sprint software version, or a Verizon software version. There is only one software version, from Google.
TonikJDK said:
There is no such thing as a Sprint software version, or a Verizon software version. There is only one software version, from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you need to check google on that. I am not aware of sprint or tmobile, but the verizon model does live among us.
got my 3axl today from sprint. OEM locked.. ill be a guinea pig. dont really care if the phone bricks
wangdaning said:
Maybe you need to check google on that. I am not aware of sprint or tmobile, but the verizon model does live among us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The software is the same on both. Can't believe after all this time this topic still comes up.
Hello there, I've got Pixel 2 XL, Verizon variant. Updated to Android Q, November Security Patch.
I've researched a lot about unlocking it, but got no success, wanna know If someone knows anything to unlock it here.
coz xda is sum high level yknow I need it 2 much.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the VZW 2 XL will 99.999999998% not ever see unlockable bootloader.
There has been confusion in the past with some VZW device owners that stated they thought it was "unlockable" but I believe this just meant having the ability to transfer to another carrier, not unlocking the bootloader to root, and flash customer Roms, etc.
And now that it is into its third year of existence, and 2 newer models have hit the market, I seriously doubt anyone will continue (if anyone is still trying) to find an unlock method for carrier locked bootloaders.
Could try purchasing a fully unlockable Google (non-carrier variant) 2 XL on SWAPPA, then figure out what to do with the VZW device (if it's beyond return date)..
I'm looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL on Ebay, to replace my Moto Z3. I'd like to root it and use custom roms. I haven't been able to root a phone since 2016. What kind of support is there for the PIxel 2 XL and how much longer will it be supported by the mod community? Trying to get some help regarding this decision.
All help is appreciated.
Thank you..
awshirley said:
I'm looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL on Ebay, to replace my Moto Z3. I'd like to root it and use custom roms. I haven't been able to root a phone since 2016. What kind of support is there for the PIxel 2 XL and how much longer will it be supported by the mod community? Trying to get some help regarding this decision.
All help is appreciated.
Thank you..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still supported and still a great device. At the moment you have your pick of ABC, DU, Colt os, Pixeldust, Bliss rom. More on the way.
Just make sure you don't get a Verizon model.
Then you'll be sol
awshirley said:
I'm looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL on Ebay....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be absolutely certain the seller isn't selling a Verizon device before you buy. Verizon devices are carrier unlocked but the bootloader cannot be unlocked.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Be absolutely certain the seller isn't selling a Verizon device before you buy. Verizon devices are carrier unlocked but the bootloader cannot be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS.
Unlocked CAN mean the device is available to go on any carrier.
MAKE sure the BOOTLOADER is unlockable or you WILL be a frustrated locked, Verizon Pixel 2 XL owner.
A good way to make sure it is not a Verizon model and the bootloader can be unlocked is to have the seller post a screenshot of the info from this site (minus the redacted parts)...
https://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html
Under the "Buyer name" it should say Google. If it says Verizon, don't get it (see screenshot below).
Google Pixels are great phones and have the best OS support (kind of like Apple where they are (more) involved with both the hardware and the OS). If there ever are issues you dont have the very common problem where the hardware manufacturer blames the OS for any problems and vice versa. They also get updates faster and over a longer period even the original Pixels got Android 10 and they run it very well.
Sent from my SM-T290 using Tapatalk