Develop Bugs

Verizon carrier lock

So if I paid cash for the Verizon version I should be able to call them and have them lift the carrier lock. If I do that will the radio work on T-Mobile? I have an opportunity for such a good deal on the Verizon version its going to cost almost nothing. Also if this all works would WiFi calling work on T-Mobile?

What kind of deal do you have? Sounds like you might be getting on a contract thinking it gives you a cheap cast phone

KnownDominance said:
What kind of deal do you have? Sounds like you might be getting on a contract thinking it gives you a cheap cast phone
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My employer has offered to pay the purchase price but they insist I be on Verizon. I'm on a great plan with T-Mobile and I don't want to change. I might since this is the XL phone so I can't lose one way or the other.

Reddog58 said:
My employer has offered to pay the purchase price but they insist I be on Verizon. I'm on a great plan with T-Mobile and I don't want to change. I might since this is the XL phone so I can't lose one way or the other.
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Explain to them that you can buy it through the Google Store and still use it on Verizon. Otherwise I would contact VZW and see if they will be carrier locked or not if you purchase through VZW.

I read somewhere that the VZW version won't be carrier locked. I think popping in your T-Mobile SIM card before you ever start it up will allow you to use it on VZW

hollowlog said:
I read somewhere that the VZW version won't be carrier locked. I think popping in your T-Mobile SIM card before you ever start it up will allow you to use it on VZW
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So the thinking is the one SKU will have the radio support for any US carrier? And a locked bootloader doesn't matter since I am not planning on rooting it, at least not in the short term. As a cash sale I should be able to walk out with the phone and pop in my T-Mobil SIM and be online. I understand none of this is certain until I have the phone in hand.

Reddog58 said:
So the thinking is the one SKU will have the radio support for any US carrier? And a locked bootloader doesn't matter since I am not planning on rooting it, at least not in the short term. As a cash sale I should be able to walk out with the phone and pop in my T-Mobil SIM and be online. I understand none of this is certain until I have the phone in hand.
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All VZW phones are carrier unlocked. They include all gsm radios and have no issue with popping T-Mobile sims in and running. VZW has never had carrier locked devices.

If you purchase the Pixel thru VZW, it will be carrier unlocked. The bootloader is locked, and cannot be unlocked. This has been confirmed by Google and VZW.
Better to purchase thru the Google Play Store, as it will (hopefully) at least have an unlockable bootloader (if you require that).

uicnren said:
If you purchase the Pixel thru VZW, it will be carrier locked. Already been confirmed by Google and VZW.
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Where did you see this? I have read confirmation that the bootloader will be locked. I haven't read anything saying it will be carrier locked.

uicnren said:
If you purchase the Pixel thru VZW, it will be carrier locked. Already been confirmed by Google and VZW.
Buy the same phone from Google Play store, it is not carrier locked, and it has been confirmed that Wi-Fi calling and HD Voice will work with the GPS version on VZW, both by Google and VZW.
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Not true. In fact, the opposite has been confirmed. It's 100% SIM unlocked like every other Verizon LTE device has been. No Verizon phone with LTE has been SIM locked per their agreement with the FCC when purchasing a large block of LTE spectrum. The issue with getting some other Verizon LTE devices fully working on a different carrier has been band support. That doesn't appear to be an issue here.

@hollowlog @bsweetness my apologies, you are both correct (I will edit my post). I swear I read somewhere (of course I cant find it now) that they were carrier locked as well as bootloader locked (and unlockable).
Apparently reading some more, they ARE carrier unlocked, with a locked (and unlockable) bootloader.

bsweetness said:
Not true. In fact, the opposite has been confirmed. It's 100% SIM unlocked like every other Verizon LTE device has been. No Verizon phone with LTE has been SIM locked per their agreement with the FCC when purchasing a large block of LTE spectrum. The issue with getting some other Verizon LTE devices fully working on a different carrier has been band support. That doesn't appear to be an issue here.
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This seems to be one of the most confusing aspects of the relationship between Google and Verizon. What exactly is the point of buying from Verizon? As you read the posts you see more and more reasons which are mostly due to an employer subsidized price which is also my reason. I wouldn't even think of buying from Verizon if not for the discount I will get. But in my case the discount is almost 100% of the purchase price. But what they don't subsidize is the monthly plan. So I can't pass on the phone but I want it to work on my T-Mobile sim. Verizon is not even close to the pricing on the data plan I get from T-Mobile. But maybe that day isn't as far off as it has been in the past.

So apparently Verizon Pixel/XL will receive updates at the same time as the unlocked versions do.
Shame the Verizon versions have a locked bootloader.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

DirgeExtinction said:
So apparently Verizon Pixel/XL will receive updates at the same time as the unlocked versions do.
Shame the Verizon versions have a locked bootloader.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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I don't expect that to remain. The bootloaders on the Nexus 6 which I owned and the 6p/5x all came locked and were right away unlocked. Odds are it will get unlocked. Better odds than any other phone actually.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

Greetings all.
Not to completely hijack this thread. But I was absolutely beside myself when I saw the mention of all verizon LTE devices being carrier unlocked. I guess I had never tried it and just assumed that phones on VZW's edge payment plan, Or under contract were carrier locked like many other carriers do.
So, I set out to test it. Me and a buddy both have Note7's on VZW. Both are not even a single payment in. And we have already pre-ordered pixel XL's due to the now 2nd recall of the note 7.
Anyways, I have a T-Mobile sim from a work issued phone. Popped it in my buddies Note7 and no kidding. It worked without issue. Had to program the Tmobile APN. But it sure is unlocked.
Screenshot of LTE discovery.
http://i.imgur.com/Ua0lapj.jpg
It would however appear that the VZW Note 7 variant does not support Band 12 (Or it's disabled) as popping the same SIM in my older Nexus 6p lands the phone directly on band 12. Band 4 if I take it outside where the RSQ improves. Covering the Note 7 with my hands to attenuate the signal causes the phone to fall off LTE (Not until a damn low -128. Which is crazy) and it'll land on GSM/HSPA+.
So, Seeing my note7 work with a T-Mobile simcard squarely lands me on believing the Pixel XL will be carrier unlocked. If Verizon isn't allowed to sell a carrier locked phone due to it's FCC dealings, The Pixel is no different. I figure the way it works out is fantastic for the end user. Verizon CANT lock the phone to them. And Google I assume doesn't want that done anyways. So there's no push from either side to lock the device.
Now that bootloader. Time will tell. And I'm anxious to see the outcome.

Verizon Employee here, NO 4G LTE devices are Carrier Locked. We do not yet know on dev or employee side if bootloader lock. Verizon will not be involved in updates of software so when Google releases they get it similar to Apple at least that's what the news released today on Android Central says.

My Nexus 6 from Verizon was completely unlocked. However my S6 Edge+ was locked including the other bands necessary for T-Mobile was locked. However after the S6 Edge+ update to 6.0 it was carrier unlocked for the radio bands.
Considering my Nexus 6 was unlocked I expect the Pixel to be unlocked. However they have stated the bootloader would be locked. I would not buy one from Verizon.

Reddog58 said:
So if I paid cash for the Verizon version I should be able to call them and have them lift the carrier lock. If I do that will the radio work on T-Mobile? I have an opportunity for such a good deal on the Verizon version its going to cost almost nothing. Also if this all works would WiFi calling work on T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon phones are unlocked. It'll be fine without needing to call them.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

johnciaccio said:
My Nexus 6 from Verizon was completely unlocked. However my S6 Edge+ was locked including the other bands necessary for T-Mobile was locked. However after the S6 Edge+ update to 6.0 it was carrier unlocked for the radio bands.
Considering my Nexus 6 was unlocked I expect the Pixel to be unlocked. However they have stated the bootloader would be locked. I would not buy one from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The VZW Nexus 6 came locked. Once you had it you could go in and unlock it. It's been this way with every Nexus on VZW. So far that's the trend.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

Seems to be a bit of confusion about locked and unlocked. All Verizon LTE phones are 100% sim (carrier) unlocked per their deal with the FCC as stated above. They may not have all bands enabled in the radios to work perfectly with all carriers. All Nexus and Pixel phones are bootloader locked form Google or anywhere else you get them. All of them but the Pixel phones sold by Verizon can be bootloader unlocked after you buy them via ADB commands. The bootloader on the Verizon sold Pixel phones will be encrypted so initially they will not be unlockable. Only time will tell if a developer can find a way to unlock the Verizon bootloader.

Got a Pixel 2 XL have questions

I recently upgraded from a Note 8 to a Pixel 2 XL unlocked verizon model.
Unfortunately I cannot root the phone so I can't use xposed for the ad blocking capabilities.
I was told that there was a virtural exposed that does similar things yet I used it and I cannot use it on youtube to block ads.
Without rooting is there any way I can block youtube ads and app ads similar to exposed?
I am using firefox with ublock so that helps but I would very much enjoy blocking youtube and other ads?
Also is there something similar to Air android for Pixel 2? I cannot use Air android for pixel 2 it keeps force closing. Not sure if its because of the phone or Android P?
Phone other wise is extremely great and I am using it on Android P
Would love suggestions for good cases and tempered glass
Thanks!

Dns66 would be your best bet for ad blocking without root.

TonikJDK said:
Dns66 would be your best bet for ad blocking without root.
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Click to collapse
where would I find the DNS66?

A small search using uncle google reveal the answer

js2shanks said:
I recently upgraded from a Note 8 to a Pixel 2 XL unlocked verizon model....
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I'm curious, is your phone an unlocked model or a verizon model?
Where did you purchase your phone; Google Store? Did you purchase specifically the Verizon model from the Google Store?
Just checking, because if you did purchase an unlocked model and simply have a Verizon SIM in it, you are and would be able to root your phone...
Then, if you would be able to unlock the bootloader, many of your concerns could be addressed better having root access...

simplepinoi177 said:
I'm curious, is your phone an unlocked model or a verizon model?
Where did you purchase your phone; Google Store? Did you purchase specifically the Verizon model from the Google Store?
Just checking, because if you did purchase an unlocked model and simply have a Verizon SIM in it, you are and would be able to root your phone...
Then, if you would be able to unlock the bootloader, many of your concerns could be addressed better having root access...
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Click to collapse
I'm assuming he means carrier unlocked not bootloader unlocked.

fiffan86 said:
I'm assuming he means carrier unlocked not bootloader unlocked.
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Click to collapse
aaahhh...thank you for the clarification...
wait.....unless it's a verizon model, wouldn't they all be "carrier unlocked"? And, if so, it's only bootloader unlocked if it's a Verizon model, right?

Supposedly even the Verizon model is carrier unlocked. It however also has a locked bootloader. A device purchased direct from Google won't have a locked bootloader.
Funny story. I went into a Verizon store to get a case for my P2XL because Amazon couldn't tell the difference between a P2 and P2XL: they sent the wrong product. The Verizon rep asked me why I didn't buy my P2XL from them. Reply? "You lock your bootloaders." Without missing a beat the rep tried to say that they supposedly stopped doing that, to which I countered that I know more than a few people who would disagree with you. The "deer in the headlights" look and the mumbling about having to look into that [locked bootloader] was priceless.

Good story! Most Verizon emp's don't know what a bootloader is! ???

Youtube Vanced. Get the unrooted version.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Supposedly even the Verizon model is carrier unlocked. It however also has a locked bootloader. A device purchased direct from Google won't have a locked bootloader.
Funny story. I went into a Verizon store to get a case for my P2XL because Amazon couldn't tell the difference between a P2 and P2XL: they sent the wrong product. The Verizon rep asked me why I didn't buy my P2XL from them. Reply? "You lock your bootloaders." Without missing a beat the rep tried to say that they supposedly stopped doing that, to which I countered that I know more than a few people who would disagree with you. The "deer in the headlights" look and the mumbling about having to look into that [locked bootloader] was priceless.
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Click to collapse
So, trying to understand this all correctly, you could purchase a "Verizon model", and bring over to another US carrier (let's say AT&T) and it would work? Or even an EU carrier (although I've heard that there is a carrier lock for the first number of months [I think 9 months] before you can activate your US Pixel 2 in another country)?
And so, the only thing different between Verizon model and any other is only the bootloader? As you can supposedly activate the VZ model in other networks (not exclusively the use of Google's model) and/or it's not like you can't use/activate Google's model on Verizon's network?
...Outside of Verizon's exclusive deal with Google, I wonder why Google didn't just advertise is as Locked-Bootloader version and Unlocked-Bootloader version -- other than Verizon pulling the bait-and-switch locking the bootloader of a phone that's initially and naturally unlocked and/or didn't want it advertised that way due to negative connotation...

Verizon may also have it carrier locked. I don't have one and I'm not about to find out either since I steer far clear of Verizon. However, the only difference I can recall between the Google and Verizon P2XL is the bootloader. So if Verizon doesn't also SIM lock the P2XL, then you could buy a Verizon P2XL and use it on AT&T, T-Mobile, or any of their MVNOs like Straight Talk or Cricket just by swapping SIM cards.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the fact Verizon locks the bootloader at all means you're better off with buying direct from Google, even though the deals are not nearly as significant as with Verizon/Best Buy.
You can get Verizon Motorola devices direct from Motorola. Unlike Motorola, Google doesn't offer the Verizon models in their store. Therefore Google doesn't have to advertise something that only appeals to a select group of owners. As for Verizon, there is no bait and switch here. Bait and switch involves substituting a product for a product the merchant has no intention of selling. Verizon isn't doing that, as all their devices are bootloader locked.

Pixel from USA in Poland

Hello guys. I want to buy new Pixel 2 XL, and best offer I have found is brand new from USA. Price is much lower then in regular polish shops, so I want to ask, is there any possibility that the phone will not work right in Poland? Maybe some options will be locked? Or there will be problem with updates?
I have Samsung Galaxy Note 4 from USA now and I can't update it cause it's from AT&T (worst mistake i could do), and I don't want to be dissapointed again.
Also, second thing, is the screen really that bad as they write in reviews? How is it compared to Galaxy Note 4, worse? There are so many mixed reviews, some praise the screen, some say that it is crap. Are there different versions of this phone or what?
Thank you very much for help.

pixel updates are not regulated by carrier, however make sure the bands supported on the american pixel are same as the bands used in poland. as far as i know america uses different bands compared to europe and rest of the world.
some screens are worse than others, but there is now way of confirming as some people with newer batches have also had complaints with the screen. and if pixel is not officially available in your country, you wont be able to rma also and i'm not sure how the warranty would work there in poland.

I would think as long as it's an unlocked USA phone and not from Verizon it should be fine if your country's bands are listed.
As for the screen, the blue shift and black crushing is there but it's not that bad. My wife had the Note 4 and it was a good screen for the time of release but I would say it's worse than that.
waxjan said:
Hello guys. I want to buy new Pixel 2 XL, and best offer I have found is brand new from USA. Price is much lower then in regular polish shops, so I want to ask, is there any possibility that the phone will not work right in Poland? Maybe some options will be locked? Or there will be problem with updates?
I have Samsung Galaxy Note 4 from USA now and I can't update it cause it's from AT&T (worst mistake i could do), and I don't want to be dissapointed again.
Also, second thing, is the screen really that bad as they write in reviews? How is it compared to Galaxy Note 4, worse? There are so many mixed reviews, some praise the screen, some say that it is crap. Are there different versions of this phone or what?
Thank you very much for help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Ok, seller says that it works in Poland. I just make sure that it is not from Verizon.
About screen, if it is better than Note 4, than it is just fine for me. I've made my decision, I will be Pixel 2 XL owner thank you very much for help.

Hey there! Neighbor here, I'm Lithuanian. 3 days ago I bought mine from USA as well. Works fine, just buy a USA to EU charger adapter beforehand
By the way, switched from Note 4. Screen is a bit more dull compared to Note 4 but I kinda dig it and you can always use Saturated mode, so that's not a problem.
Also, camera, I'm shooting everything everywhere, can't get enough of it.

waxjan said:
Ok, seller says that it works in Poland. I just make sure that it is not from Verizon.
About screen, if it is better than Note 4, than it is just fine for me. I've made my decision, I will be Pixel 2 XL owner thank you very much for help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why Verizon one is not recommended?
Pixel 2 XL| Tapatalk

If you want to unlock the bootloader one day, you can't with Verizon. If that doesn't matter, then go ahead. The Verizon phone will work with the same SIM cards the carrier free US one does.
mniedziel said:
Why Verizon one is not recommended?
Pixel 2 XL| Tapatalk
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Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

mniedziel said:
Why Verizon one is not recommended?
Pixel 2 XL| Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
It's because phones sold by carriers are locked to only that carrier. If you were to get the one from Verizon and put in your SIM card you'd get something like "Invalid SIM". Phones can be unlocked but Verizon would have to give you the needed info.
---------- Post added at 02:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------
nikhil.agrawal said:
pixel updates are not regulated by carrier, however make sure the bands supported on the american pixel are same as the bands used in poland. as far as i know america uses different bands compared to europe and rest of the world.
some screens are worse than others, but there is now way of confirming as some people with newer batches have also had complaints with the screen. and if pixel is not officially available in your country, you wont be able to rma also and i'm not sure how the warranty would work there in poland.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "American" Pixel 2. It's the same phone sold everywhere. Either the phone supports the bands used in Poland or it doesn't. The original post did say the phone is sold in stores in Poland so I'm guessing the Pixel 2 supports bands used in Poland or stores wouldn't sell it.

jimv1983 said:
It's because phones sold by carriers are locked to only that carrier. If you were to get the one from Verizon and put in your SIM card you'd get something like "Invalid SIM". Phones can be unlocked but Verizon would have to give you the needed info.
---------- Post added at 02:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------
There is no "American" Pixel 2. It's the same phone sold everywhere. Either the phone supports the bands used in Poland or it doesn't. The original post did say the phone is sold in stores in Poland so I'm guessing the Pixel 2 supports bands used in Poland or stores wouldn't sell it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, my bad. I totally missed how the new phones support all bands. The band thing I said earlier used to be a thing of past. A few years back American phones didn't used to work in India or other countries due to the bands supported in states were different.

jimv1983 said:
It's because phones sold by carriers are locked to only that carrier. If you were to get the one from Verizon and put in your SIM card you'd get something like "Invalid SIM". Phones can be unlocked but Verizon would have to give you the needed info.
---------- Post added at 02:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------
There is no "American" Pixel 2. It's the same phone sold everywhere. Either the phone supports the bands used in Poland or it doesn't. The original post did say the phone is sold in stores in Poland so I'm guessing the Pixel 2 supports bands used in Poland or stores wouldn't sell it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon LTE phones are carrier unlocked from the get go.

fiffan86 said:
Verizon LTE phones are carrier unlocked from the get go.
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Click to collapse
If that's true it's a very recent change. A co-worker of mine is on T-Mobile. He bought a used Pixel XL last November. He tried to put in his T-Mobile SIM card and it didn't work. He discovered that it was originally bought from Verizon. He put in a family member's Verizon SIM card and it worked fine.
I've also never heard of ANY carrier selling a phone that is carrier unlocked.

jimv1983 said:
If that's true it's a very recent change. A co-worker of mine is on T-Mobile. He bought a used Pixel XL last November. He tried to put in his T-Mobile SIM card and it didn't work. He discovered that it was originally bought from Verizon. He put in a family member's Verizon SIM card and it worked fine.
I've also never heard of ANY carrier selling a phone that is carrier unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon has had to sell LTE phones unlocked since their won the 700 mhz block c in 2008. They are actually about to lock the new ones down this year. I bought a pixel XL in Nov 2016 and switched to TMobile in June 2017 and didn't have a single issue. I know have a pixel 2 xl on TMobile with no issues. Interesting that he had issues with it.

https://www.droid-life.com/2017/10/09/which-google-pixel-2-verizon-or-unlocked/
Start reading at "Both versions work everywhere"
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

EeZeEpEe said:
https://www.droid-life.com/2017/10/09/which-google-pixel-2-verizon-or-unlocked/
Start reading at "Both versions work everywhere"
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange. I only have the experience of one single phone so I can't really make a general statement. All I can say is that for that one phone what is said in that Droid Life article isn't true. The phone worked with a Verizon SIM but not a T-Mobile SIM. If the phone was unlocked then maybe something else could cause that?

The reason not to get a Verizon P2XL is they lock the bootloader so it can't be rooted. As noted above they don't SIM lock devices, and haven't done so for years. Prepaid may be the exception to that, but I stay away from Verizon.

fiffan86 said:
Verizon has had to sell LTE phones unlocked since their won the 700 mhz block c in 2008. They are actually about to lock the new ones down this year. I bought a pixel XL in Nov 2016 and switched to TMobile in June 2017 and didn't have a single issue. I know have a pixel 2 xl on TMobile with no issues. Interesting that he had issues with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say "They are actually about to lock the new ones down this year."
What do you mean? There is a policy change on SIM locking?
Edit: Found my own answer.
https://www.cnet.com/news/verizon-will-lock-its-smartphones-to-combat-theft/

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
The reason not to get a Verizon P2XL is they lock the bootloader so it can't be rooted. As noted above they don't SIM lock devices, and haven't done so for years. Prepaid may be the exception to that, but I stay away from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that is universally true. As I said in a previous comment the original Pixel XL, or at least one of them, was locked to Verizon. Did Verizon sell the Pixel XL as a prepaid phone? Maybe the Verizon Pixel XL my co-worker bought was originally sold as a prepaid device and that's why it was locked?

Maybe. I don't know and don't care to know as I don't do silly crap like buy Verizon or AT&T devices.

jimv1983 said:
I don't think that is universally true. As I said in a previous comment the original Pixel XL, or at least one of them, was locked to Verizon. Did Verizon sell the Pixel XL as a prepaid phone? Maybe the Verizon Pixel XL my co-worker bought was originally sold as a prepaid device and that's why it was locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google locks them all, theirs and VZs when they are first sold.. When they first start up they phone home and check a database on a server at Google to see if it has permission to unlock.
On the OG Pixel and OG XL there were quite a few errors in that system and VZ phones got permission to unlock. Still happens on the 2's but not as often.
That's it, a simple error in a database at Google.

TonikJDK said:
Google locks them all, theirs and VZs when they are first sold.. When they first start up they phone home and check a database on a server at Google to see if it has permission to unlock.
On the OG Pixel and OG XL there were quite a few errors in that system and VZ phones got permission to unlock. Still happens on the 2's but not as often.
That's it, a simple error in a database at Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that would cause a used Pixel XL that was already used on Verizon to work for ONLY Verizon but not for any other carrier? So when it was first activated on Verizon it was only unlocked for Verizon?

Will Verizon unlock the Pixel?

If you own the phone and there's no balance why can't Verizon unlock it so that I can unlock the bootloader? I have a Tmobile Oneplus 6t as well and I purchased it outright and the TMobile Rep unlocked it for me. Has anyone ever called Verizon to unlock the Pixel?

I've used my pixel on T-Mobile without any issues.
mackentosh said:
If you own the phone and there's no balance why can't Verizon unlock it? I have a Tmobile Oneplus 6t as well and I purchased it outright and the TMobile Rep unlocked it for me. Has anyone ever called Verizon to unlock the Pixel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

slimc84 said:
I've used my pixel on T-Mobile without any issues.
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Click to collapse
That is true I am also using the Verizon variante on TMobile but what I'm saying is my TMobile OnePlus 6t came with a greyed out OEM Unlock option. So I called TMobile and told them I want the phone unlocked and they did it. I just had to factory reset the phone and the option was no longer greyed out. So I'm wondering why can't Verizon do the same for the Pixel? I mean I do own the phone out right no finance.

Verizon will not allow the bootloader unlock and I highly doubt any devs are looking into it either.

slimc84 said:
Verizon will not allow the bootloader unlock and I highly doubt any devs are looking into it either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's stupid specially if I own the phone, it's like they still have control over it even though I own it. I guess that's what I get for being impatient and rushing to get the Pixel instead ordering it from Google and waiting on the shipping

I'm in the same boat but to be honest the whole point of a pixel in my opinion is to get a pure Google experience.. I don't have a valid reason to root to be honest. Also my work apps won't work on a rooted phone so might as well be bootloader locked
As I'm in Ireland and bought the 3xl while on a work trip on launch day I'm tempted to see if Verizon might unlock it for me.. really it's not making much difference to me

mackentosh said:
That's stupid specially if I own the phone, it's like they still have control over it even though I own it. I guess that's what I get for being impatient and rushing to get the Pixel instead ordering it from Google and waiting on the shipping
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So please elaborate. You bought the phone from Verizon to use on another network? How and why would you do that? If I wasn't on VZW I'd never get the phone from them... oh wait, did you buy it from BB, i.e. the VZW version on discount? If so you probably need to return it if it's still possible. If not then you are locked forever. Only way is to sell it and buy another. Yes, you own the phone but they own the discount you got from BB and basically you're screwed. Damn that sucks man.

bobby janow said:
So please elaborate. You bought the phone from Verizon to use on another network? How and why would you do that? If I wasn't on VZW I'd never get the phone from them... oh wait, did you buy it from BB, i.e. the VZW version on discount? If so you probably need to return it if it's still possible. If not then you are locked forever. Only way is to sell it and buy another. Yes, you own the phone but they own the discount you got from BB and basically you're screwed. Damn that sucks man.
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When I say I bought it outright I mean no discount, I paid just over $1000 for the pixel 3xl from best buy but it's all good I'll sell it and buy another one from google

Mine unlocked within 10 hours after purchase. I've read that all their phones were locked to Verizon before they're sold to prevent theft.

shawn605 said:
Mine unlocked within 10 hours after purchase. I've read that all their phones were locked to Verizon before they're sold to prevent theft.
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Your bootloader or your sims card,?

Homeboy76 said:
Your bootloader or your sims card,?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's talking about the SIM card.

VZW will not and has never unlocked a BL on any phone that had a locked BL. They say it protects their nerwork... More like they hate people hacking their apps and loosing money.
Last unlocked BL they sold was Nexus 6... Correct me, cuz I did zero research on this... Just my cloudy damaged memory
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

airmaxx23 said:
He's talking about the SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thread: Pixel 3 XL Questions and Answers...
Question: Will Verizon unlock the Pixel?
I thought that's what he meant, I asked for clarification.

As for the bootloader, no they will not. I just moved to Pixel 3 XL after getting an OG Verizon PIxel XL right after launch (actually immediately after the dePixel exploit was published or I would have purchased direct from Google or chose another phone). This same discussion along with the same "it's not fair since I own the device" arguments has been going on for years. Look at Huawei for evidence that bootloader locking is becoming more restrictive and not less. You can only purchase the device outright, and even they have discontinued the bootloader code request system. Eventually an exploit might come around, but maybe it won't. jcase pretty much said the original dePixel find was an accident, and it took another year and a half or so to find another for a phone that was already being replaced. Either take a risk that one will be found knowing that it might never come, or bite the bullet and buy a Google version or a 6T (where even if you get it at full price from T-Mobile you might have to wait to get BL and carrier unlock).

MArtyChubbs said:
VZW will not and has never unlocked a BL on any phone that had a locked BL. They say it protects their nerwork...
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Does it protect their network if I never accept any OTA updates because such updates could fix any exploits that eventually will be used to allow me to root the phone that I bought and own?
I mean, I'm just wondering what they would say/do if a lot of people start telling them point blank that they are going to boycott all security and other updates until they allow BL unlocking.

andy214 said:
Does it protect their network if I never accept any OTA updates because such updates could fix any exploits that eventually will be used to allow me to root the phone that I bought and own?
I mean, I'm just wondering what they would say/do if a lot of people start telling them point blank that they are going to boycott all security and other updates until they allow BL unlocking.
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Easy answer. They don't care about consumer opinion until results are felt. They are concerned with brand, lawsuits , and corporate spending. Look at it this way, this thread was last posted on (by me) over a year ago, and there hasn't even been a sniff of an exploit or getting Big Red to change even once.

Once, a long time ago, Verizon carried bootloader unlockable phones. My Nexus 6 was from Verizon and it was fantastic. Google made a marketing decision for Verizon to push the Pixel OG exclusively, Verizon forced them to make a varient that could be locked down and full of Verizon crapware, just like every phone on their network. OG, 2, 3 and now 4, sold by Verizon will never get natively unlocked. The only hope would be a temp root solution and being able to toggle the unlock in developers options.
6 years ago unlocked "dev" phones weren't readily available, but Google sells an unlockable version now, with financing if you want, most people that want root just buy that.

mackentosh said:
When I say I bought it outright I mean no discount, I paid just over $1000 for the pixel 3xl from best buy but it's all good I'll sell it and buy another one from google
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Yea sell that for sure. I bought a new unlocked P3XL for 400.00 on Amazon last month.

Question Does variant matter?

I have been searching for the past hour or so about this because I'd considering purchasing a OP9Pro, however I want to make sure I get the best experience.
I will be using Mint mobile (T-Mobile MVNO), but in the future there is a good chance I will change carriers to something else like AT&T, and I want to ensure compatibility. I am looking on eBay, and seeing tons of devices, many T-Mobile unlocked, or China unlocked, or North America unlocked, and I am just not sure which LE212X I should go for.
Does it even matter? I'd like to be running a custom ROM to avoid google and other spyware that might come from oneplus, I just don't know if certain variants are better/worse than others.
I come from Xiaomi where sometimes a phone for a different market has an entire different SoC.
Thanks!

The only one whitelisted for AT&T is the factory unlocked LE2125. T-Mobile isn't picky. I have an LE2115 (factory unlocked OnePlus 9) and it works perfectly on Tello (T-Mobile), AT&T, and Lexvor (Verizon).

cproo12 said:
I have been searching for the past hour or so about this because I'd considering purchasing a OP9Pro, however I want to make sure I get the best experience.
I will be using Mint mobile (T-Mobile MVNO), but in the future there is a good chance I will change carriers to something else like AT&T, and I want to ensure compatibility. I am looking on eBay, and seeing tons of devices, many T-Mobile unlocked, or China unlocked, or North America unlocked, and I am just not sure which LE212X I should go for.
Does it even matter? I'd like to be running a custom ROM to avoid google and other spyware that might come from oneplus, I just don't know if certain variants are better/worse than others.
I come from Xiaomi where sometimes a phone for a different market has an entire different SoC.
Thanks!
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I would recommend the LE2125, it's the North American unlocked variant which gets regular updates and you don't need to bug T-Mobile to get it to work on other carriers.

@razercortex @EtherealRemnant i see.
screw at&t for whitelisting only one variant. what a shame! I will look for 2125.

cproo12 said:
@razercortex @EtherealRemnant i see.
screw at&t for whitelisting only one variant. what a shame! I will look for 2125.
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You're better off getting the 2125 anyway because the T-Mobile software is different and it's hugely behind the global variant plus getting the bootloader unlocked is a bit more of a hassle and converting the T-Mobile edition to global has presented issues for people.

Yep, LE2125 Global for the win which I'm using on T-Mobile usa...

Yeah they are just so ridiculously expensive. Like $700-$1200 versus $550
Might just end up getting the 8T

cproo12 said:
Yeah they are just so ridiculously expensive. Like $700-$1200 versus $550
Might just end up getting the 8T
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A lot of the reason the T-Mobile variant is cheaper is precisely because of these kinds of issues.

Yeah. Unfortunate I just wish any of my Xiaomi phones would work.
OnePlus is my next best but so expensive. I would feel awful if I dropped it!

i got mine about 3 week ago (unlocked american version) and have tmobile prepaid (which by the way is higher priority than mint on the same towers) and immedietly rooted and put on crdroid. Im so happy after switching from a note 20 ultra that could not be rooted. COuldnt be happier actually. I just got mines from best buy and traded in my device. Whats funny is on the one plus site its people crying about software issues and unhappiness but I cant relate since i put it on a custom rom right out the box. its very smooth. I went with the 9pro over the 10 because its the low ram low space version. I like it better anyways i dont need clunky cameras

Yeah i looked into t-mobile but their plans cost significantly more than mint for the same data amount.
and i dont really care about speed, i dont do much stuff on data that saving an extra few seconds matters to me.
i just want to be able to update/sync my 500gb+ music library over mobile network whenever i want without worrying about going over. always happens in background so saving $20 a month for slow unlimited vs fast unlimited is perfect.

cproo12 said:
Yeah i looked into t-mobile but their plans cost significantly more than mint for the same data amount.
and i dont really care about speed, i dont do much stuff on data that saving an extra few seconds matters to me.
i just want to be able to update/sync my 500gb+ music library over mobile network whenever i want without worrying about going over. always happens in background so saving $20 a month for slow unlimited vs fast unlimited is perfect.
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You should get AT&T Prepaid. Get an AT&T SIM card and find a group to join on r/gophonegroups and you can get Unlimited Max, which is true unlimited with a 22GB deprioritization threshold, for just $34 a month. 15GB is $24 and 5GB is $14. The only reason I still have Tello is because I only need a gig of data a month and it costs me $7 plus T-Mobile has the better network here now that they have midband 5G otherwise I would have AT&T Prepaid myself.

The thing is I want to get away from a network that whitelists IMEIs... I have AT&T right now and always have my whole life.
I just hate that I cannot use my Xiaomi devices with AT&T, so am looking into T-Mobile, but considering getting a OnePlus phone so i could have freedom to bounce around and try many different carriers.

cproo12 said:
The thing is I want to get away from a network that whitelists IMEIs... I have AT&T right now and always have my whole life.
I just hate that I cannot use my Xiaomi devices with AT&T, so am looking into T-Mobile, but considering getting a OnePlus phone so i could have freedom to bounce around and try many different carriers.
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Xiaomi is to blame for this. They intentionally don't put all the bands necessary for their phones to work right on US networks. T-Mobile has been starting to reject some Xiaomi devices as well for not having full band support. I would expect all three carriers to enforce whitelists by the end of this year once their respective 3G and 2G shutdowns have completed. The lack of band 71 absolutely cripples rural coverage and a lot of indoor and suburban coverage on T-Mobile and I just checked and even their new 12 series doesn't have it.

Yeah, unfortunately there aren't any xiaomi devices at all that support 71...
I guess its both companies making bad decisions. I should still be allowed to get ****ty service with my xiaomi on at&t if i want

cproo12 said:
I have been searching for the past hour or so about this because I'd considering purchasing a OP9Pro, however I want to make sure I get the best experience.
I will be using Mint mobile (T-Mobile MVNO), but in the future there is a good chance I will change carriers to something else like AT&T, and I want to ensure compatibility. I am looking on eBay, and seeing tons of devices, many T-Mobile unlocked, or China unlocked, or North America unlocked, and I am just not sure which LE212X I should go for.
Does it even matter? I'd like to be running a custom ROM to avoid google and other spyware that might come from oneplus, I just don't know if certain variants are better/worse than others.
I come from Xiaomi where sometimes a phone for a different market has an entire different SoC.
Thanks!
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Chinese ver works on both as I've used it on both. No 5g on att though

toolhas4degrees said:
Chinese ver works on both as I've used it on both. No 5g on att though
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Chinese version is not whitelisted for AT&T. If you SIM-swapped and it worked, that was temporary. Seriously, AT&T are being real jerks about it and have been disabling phones that are fully working with VoLTE based on an internal IMEI whitelist.

EtherealRemnant said:
Chinese version is not whitelisted for AT&T. If you SIM-swapped and it worked, that was temporary. Seriously, AT&T are being real jerks about it and have been disabling phones that are fully working with VoLTE based on an internal IMEI whitelist.
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I'm been using a att sim from straight talk since launch day of op9 pro on Chinese model lol just no 5g

toolhas4degrees said:
I'm been using a att sim from straight talk since launch day of op9 pro on Chinese model lol just no 5g
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That's because you're on Straight Talk. That's not the same as being on AT&T. Full MVNOs like Straight Talk make their own rules (which is why a lot of H2o customers have been pissed off lately because their own whitelist is more restrictive than AT&T's and it's not published anywhere) and haven't all been on top of the shutdown. I would expect your phone to get the auto boot later this year though.

EtherealRemnant said:
That's because you're on Straight Talk. That's not the same as being on AT&T. Full MVNOs like Straight Talk make their own rules (which is why a lot of H2o customers have been pissed off lately because their own whitelist is more restrictive than AT&T's and it's not published anywhere) and haven't all been on top of the shutdown. I would expect your phone to get the auto boot later this year though.
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It won't has the bands and is part of a bring your own device program. They pay to use their networks won't happen