Develop Bugs

Bootloader/Root access question by carrier

Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this

arcgear said:
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes always buy from Google if you want an unlocked bootloader. Don't buy from Verizon.
No problems rooting and such. You are free to do what you want for your phone.

lucky_strike33 said:
Yes always buy from Google if you want an unlocked bootloader. Don't buy from Verizon.
No problems rooting and such. You are free to do what you want for your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you buy directly from the Google store and get the Google International Unlocked Version (not the Verizon version), you will be able to use it on any carrier in the world and will be able to unlock the bootloader and root the phone till your heart is content. You will also be able to flash custom ROMs etc...However, If you buy the Verizon version of the Google Pixel 3 XL, it is locked and you will probably never be able to root it or unlock the bootloader.

arcgear said:
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding Verizon stopping locking due to complaints, that is simply regarding carrier locking. Verizon is definitely still bootloader locked, and there is little hope of that being exploited since anyone who wants it enough can just buy the BL unlockable version from Google and pay the price.

arcgear said:
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are two forms of unlocking talked about.
The articles you are reading are about SIM unlocking so you can buy it from VZ and use it on another carrier.
For rooting you need an unlockable bootloader. You can only get that from Google directly. It will work fine on VZ, it is what I have.
Pay attention when you buy it, Google offers the Google version and the VZ version in their store. You want the Google version.

thanks for the replies. I put in an order for the 3 XL with non-defined carrier direct from Google
Can't wait to be rid of these horse**** factory ROMs, bloatware, and incessant advertising crammed down our collective throats. Last time I needed to contact VZW concerning my account, the phone forced me into the bloat app, then into a telephone loop where it callously hung up on me because I needed something not on the defined menu
Almost ended up with a hole in my living room drywall in the shape of a $1,000 samsung handset. Why do people put up with this.

arcgear said:
thanks for the replies. I put in an order for the 3 XL with non-defined carrier direct from Google
Can't wait to be rid of these horse**** factory ROMs, bloatware, and incessant advertising crammed down our collective throats. Last time I needed to contact VZW concerning my account, the phone forced me into the bloat app, then into a telephone loop where it callously hung up on me because I needed something not on the defined menu
Almost ended up with a hole in my living room drywall in the shape of a $1,000 samsung handset. Why do people put up with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't regret your decision. I've had Pixel 3XL since it came out and can't imagine how I put up with Samsung's locked down ecosystem for over 8 years of my life.

Can I root the Pixel 3 XL and get the phone back to stock?

The Situation: I'm with Verizon with a Note 3. The problems are it won't work past the end of the year because it has no HD voice, and the Verizon Note 4 and 5 won't support Colombian bands. Moreover, I plan to live in Colombia a lot of the time. I also need call recording because that's how we bill for our time and take notes for projects. I've used a stylus and this capability to automate my business since the TouchPro2, but the Note 8 and 9 get Pie, which are both regressions and cannot record calls, and they are not rootable so they can be made to. I looked for phones that are root-friendly, and this the Pixel 3 XL tops that list.
What I want: Either be able to record calls and use Google Pay, or root it and record calls. For the Verizon network, it must be able to do Verizon's VoLTE and aggregation would be nice, as well as LTE-A standard's based VoLTE and aggregation like they use in Colombia and everywhere else.
Questions about the Pixel 3 XL (or 3a XL) It SOUNDS like this model allows you to root it and if you want to go back later you can reset it to factory and and again enable Google Pay, unlike Samsung and their locked loader and fuse fiasco. Would that be accurate?
Other: I love my stylus and have only had phones with one since the Touch Pro2. I've never been a fan of KNOX fuse, and after Kit-Kat there is no way around not tripping it, and now you can't even acquire root, so perhaps it's time to ditch Samsung. If I need to carry 2 phones, I guess that's how it is, and I'll get a Note 4 for the US and have calls forwarded to it via Google Voice while I'm in Colombia, and a second phone to use locally that can use Google Pay or whatever.
Thanks!

IT_Architect said:
The Situation: I'm with Verizon with a Note 3. The problems are it won't work past the end of the year because it has no HD voice, and the Verizon Note 4 and 5 won't support Colombian bands. Moreover, I plan to live in Colombia a lot of the time. I also need call recording because that's how we bill for our time and take notes for projects. I've used a stylus and this capability to automate my business since the TouchPro2, but the Note 8 and 9 get Pie, which are both regressions and cannot record calls, and they are not rootable so they can be made to. I looked for phones that are root-friendly, and this the Pixel 3 XL tops that list.
What I want: Either be able to record calls and use Google Pay, or root it and record calls. For the Verizon network, it must be able to do Verizon's VoLTE and aggregation would be nice, as well as LTE-A standard's based VoLTE and aggregation like they use in Colombia and everywhere else.
Questions about the Pixel 3 XL (or 3a XL) It SOUNDS like this model allows you to root it and if you want to go back later you can reset it to factory and and again enable Google Pay, unlike Samsung and their locked loader and fuse fiasco. Would that be accurate?
Other: I love my stylus and have only had phones with one since the Touch Pro2. I've never been a fan of KNOX fuse, and after Kit-Kat there is no way around not tripping it, and now you can't even acquire root, so perhaps it's time to ditch Samsung. If I need to carry 2 phones, I guess that's how it is, and I'll get a Note 4 for the US and have calls forwarded to it via Google Voice while I'm in Colombia, and a second phone to use locally that can use Google Pay or whatever.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you get the phone directly from Google, you will need able to freely unlock Bootloader, root, re-lock the bootloader and go back to stock, all this without voiding your warrantee or blowing fuses like in Samsung phones. I'm sure you can also get Google pay to work while rooted with the available Magisk modules and workaround (although I myself don't use it). I do use the Samsung pay with my Samsung watch synced with my rooted Pixel 3Xl and it works just fine by hiding root on Magisk.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL

Eudeferrer said:
As long as you get the phone directly from Google, you will need able to freely unlock Bootloader, root, re-lock the bootloader and go back to stock, all this without voiding your warrantee or blowing fuses like in Samsung phones. I'm sure you can also get Google pay to work while rooted with the available Magisk modules and workaround (although I myself don't use it). I do use the Samsung pay with my Samsung watch synced with my rooted Pixel 3Xl and it works just fine by hiding root on Magisk. Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love my stylus, but I thought a lot about the Pixel 3 XL for the very reasons you mention. You're making it hard for me to stick to Samsung.

Trust me, coming from someone who owned every generation of Note except the first, I can honestly tell you that it's hard giving the pen up but it is so totally worth it in other ways....I don't think I will ever look back specially when I know every first Monday of every month my phone will receive the latest update and will be updated before every other phone out there. I got sick and tired of Samsung releasing OS updates 8 to 9 months after Google made them available to everyone. I do miss certain features but once I adapted, they are insignificant now. The camera is also top notch and is and will always be the Standard for Android phones. Every Android phone that comes out is immediately compared to the last Pixel and for the most part, the Pixel pretty much always wins.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL

Eudeferrer said:
I got sick and tired of Samsung releasing OS updates 8 to 9 months after Google made them available to everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you go back to Oreo and hold it there? I cannot go past Oreo or else my business software will no longer work.

Pixel 3xl was released on Android pie. You cannot use Oreo. For that you need a pixel 2.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL

Eudeferrer said:
Pixel 3xl was released on Android pie. You cannot use Oreo. For that you need a pixel 2. Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That won't work for me then.
With Samsung lately the phone is never yours. Google crippled my business with their policy update so I had to find an old apk. Pie wants to do the same with their operating system...in the name of security. I got their name of security. While they are at work, I'll fix all of the cars in Samsung's parking lot so that their car will start, but I'll disable their transmissions to keep them safe.
Samsung is infuriating me. My Touch Pro2 was just a handheld PC and I could put Windows, Android, or iPhone emulation on it. With the Note 3, I could root it without tripping KNOX and get where I wanted to go with Android. I wouldn't be swapping it out except Verizon says it won't work past EOY because it is not LTE-A. So its a Note 9 with Oreo, or 2 Note 4s rooted with Kit-Kat; one AT&T for Colombia, and one Verizon for the states. They are LTE-A and have replaceable batteries besides.

Looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL

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

Going from S5 (G900V) to S20? Is it worth it? Unlock bootloader and root?

First to mention my long time S5 is in hardware failure , this confirmed after flashing a stock rom and camera stops working and signal keeps dropping.
Should I upgrade to the S20 or S20ultra? I've read that I can pay for a service to have bootloader unlocked, and it can be rooted?
How is Verizon 5G vs say T-mobile?
I have no interest in the S21 because it doesn't have expandable storage.

It is your preference whether you want the regular S20, or the giant Ultra. What I hate about USA is that, their carriers demand locked bootloader. Therefore, they forbid people from enjoying the super powers of Android.
The phone can be unlocked & rooted. There's some ROMs available, too.
As for the 5G, Verizon was the king when the S20 came out, thanks to its millimetre-wave 5G. Today may be a different story.

Mohamedkam000 said:
It is your preference whether you want the regular S20, or the giant Ultra. What I hate about USA is that, their carriers demand locked bootloader. Therefore, they forbid people from enjoying the super powers of Android.
The phone can be unlocked & rooted. There's some ROMs available, too.
As for the 5G, Verizon was the king when the S20 came out, thanks to its millimetre-wave 5G. Today may be a different story.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about the locked bootloaders theres a paid service I can use to unlock it. I think i'm going with the S20 plus. This morning my phone finally got stuck in permeant boot loop wont boot any roms after it was pretty much fine for about a week.

Question Unlocked vs Verizon

I think I am reading it correctly that the unlocked model will not support Verizon mmwave but it should work fine with their other 5g services. I'm not near any of the large cities that use that anyway, so it is no big deal. I am tired of having a locked phone. I haven't kept up with everything in a few years. Can the bootloaders be unlocked and the device be rooted on the unlocked versions? Sorry it is a dumb question but I have been on Verizon Samsung phones for a few years.

We really don't know officially yet, since it has a new CPU chip set until we get our hands on it....
But, usually Google wouldn't block Unlocking the BL.

I'll let you know, I'm kind of perpetually stuck ordering from Verizon because I get so many device dollars from my Fios account. Not really too concerned about unlocking but I'll check for you.

Oaklands said:
I think I am reading it correctly that the unlocked model will not support Verizon mmwave but it should work fine with their other 5g services. I'm not near any of the large cities that use that anyway, so it is no big deal. I am tired of having a locked phone. I haven't kept up with everything in a few years. Can the bootloaders be unlocked and the device be rooted on the unlocked versions? Sorry it is a dumb question but I have been on Verizon Samsung phones for a few years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's impossible. There won't be a Google device that doesn't support mmWave sold in the US. As for bootloader unlockable as long as you don't get the Verizon model from Google you can unlock it. Not sure what 3rd party retailers are doing. Stepping a little out on a limb here but I'll stick by it unless proven otherwise.

bobby janow said:
That's impossible. There won't be a Google device that doesn't support mmWave sold in the US. As for bootloader unlockable as long as you don't get the Verizon model from Google you can unlock it. Not sure what 3rd party retailers are doing. Stepping a little out on a limb here but I'll stick by it unless proven otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From Google store: Unlocked Pixel is not compatible with millimeter wave (mmWave) networks. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo.
I don't understand. In the chart it says it does work.

bobby janow said:
That's impossible. There won't be a Google device that doesn't support mmWave sold in the US. As for bootloader unlockable as long as you don't get the Verizon model from Google you can unlock it. Not sure what 3rd party retailers are doing. Stepping a little out on a limb here but I'll stick by it unless proven otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on the google site there is an option for the verizon specific one. maybe they did that because verizon will only let their mmwave work on the pixel if it has a locked bootloader? wouldnt be out of the realm for verizon. the unlocked option on google site says works with the 3 major carriers.

freebee269 said:
on the google site there is an option for the verizon specific one. maybe they did that because verizon will only let their mmwave work on the pixel if it has a locked bootloader? wouldnt be out of the realm for verizon. the unlocked option on google site says works with the 3 major carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that is not the case. Google sells the Verizon model for some reason unbeknownst to me but likely financial. Last year for the Pixel 5 they did the same thing. The Verizon model has different promos attached and you can buy it on your Verizon account without further credit checks and over a period of 24 months rolled into your monthly bill. But you cannot unlock the bootloader in that version, on the Fi and Unlocked version you can.
As for mmWave, every single Pixel device sold in the US is capable. Naturally it depends if your carrier supports it but if they do then you have it. The unlocked P6, or any P6 sold in the states will work on 8 carriers that support mmWave according to what I'm seeing. The locked bootloader on the Verizon device sold by Google is a horse of another color and has nothing to do with 5G capabilities. I am on Verizon but have bought the last 4 Pixels from Google and they all work as if I bought them directly from Verizon. Well... other than the fact I can bl unlock them and the 3a eSim fiasco on the VZW model.

I have read 5 websites including Google and mass confusion reigns. So I might be wrong and I might be right. Here's a link to the one that at least says no one knows wtf is going on. I still think all US versions will be mmWave capable but then there is the sub 5g and UWB thrown into the mix. What a mess. Suffice it to say I will never buy a Verizon branded device so they better sort this out before they ship.
Will Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro work with 5G? The answer is complicated

bobby janow said:
I have read 5 websites including Google and mass confusion reigns. So I might be wrong and I might be right. Here's a link to the one that at least says no one knows wtf is going on. I still think all US versions will be mmWave capable but then there is the sub 5g and UWB thrown into the mix. What a mess. Suffice it to say I will never buy a Verizon branded device so they better sort this out before they ship.
Will Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro work with 5G? The answer is complicated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn I pre-ordered from their website and bought the unlocked version. From my research, it looks like phones bought unlocked from Google will be blocked from using network specific mmWave. If this is the case, I am returning this ****. Really, Google just had to find a way to fudge up a good phone.

From what I understand:
All Pixel 6 Pro in the US support Sub6 + mmWave, (Whether a carrier allows access on unlocked models is unclear)
Regular Pixel 6 is Sub6 Only except for the Verizon variant which adds mmWave.
This has never been an issue on Unlocked Samsung models. Each variant has a different SKU and it'd be interesting to find out if it's a different modem entirely or just software optimizations.
My only concern with the Verizon version is that it may not be bootloader unlockable.

mkhcb said:
Damn I pre-ordered from their website and bought the unlocked version. From my research, it looks like phones bought unlocked from Google will be blocked from using network specific mmWave. If this is the case, I am returning this ****. Really, Google just had to find a way to fudge up a good phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think it depends on the carrier really. I know this is Samsung and not Google but my unlocked Note 20 Ultra 5G is able to use Verizon mmWave. I used it on Fremont Street in Vegas the speed was insane. I don't see why Verizon would block the Pixel 6 if other unlocked phones can use it but I guess these things can happen. In my case I don't really live anywhere near any mmWave areas so it doesn't matter to me as much if I can't use it.

This is what I am seeing on the google store.
3See g.co/pixel/specs for device configuration and capability. Contact carrier for details. 5G service is carrier dependent. Unlocked Pixel is not compatible with millimeter wave (mmWave) networks. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo.

What a pain. Couldn't get through yesterday to order and out of stock today. What a bummer.

Oaklands said:
What a pain. Couldn't get through yesterday to order and out of stock today. What a bummer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it was an absolute **** show. I was fortunate and got a 512gb after literally 3 hours of non-stop trying. Hope they re-stock soon for you! I've never had issues like this the last few years pre-ordering Samsung devices.

The Verizon Pixel 6 Pro and Unlocked 6 Pro both listed the same supported bands, despite having a different SKU. When Google notes that the Pixel does not support mmWave, I think they're referring to the regular unlocked Pixel 6, not the Pro.

So... do I buy unlocked, which is what I prefer to do, even though I have not unlocked a bootloader in years, or do I buy Verizon, which I must use because of coverage where I live, to ensure compatibility 100%?

draexo said:
So... do I buy unlocked, which is what I prefer to do, even though I have not unlocked a bootloader in years, or do I buy Verizon, which I must use because of coverage where I live, to ensure compatibility 100%?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was the pixel 5 verizon bootloader unlockable?? Maybe someone will have a way to unlock the verizon bootloader in the near future?

lucky_strike33 said:
Was the pixel 5 verizon bootloader unlockable?? Maybe someone will have a way to unlock the verizon bootloader in the near future?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am just getting the unlocked version. If it is an issue, I may either switch back to AT&T with my microcell (yes, I still have an AT&T microcell because wifi calling sucks) or sell the unlocked and get the Verizon. I used to be big into custom roms and unlocking bootloaders, but things are to the point where the need just is not there anymore on most phones. Except Samsung and all its bloatware. (sorry, I had to get that dig in!)

im unlocking BL .. as soon as the guide is available. then flash Verizon Factory Image. i should be good to go with (mmWave)
Pre ordered unlocked version.

I've been unlocking and modding my phones since the OG Droid. Originally I would flash ROMs all the time, but Android has evolved so much that now I just unlock for dark mode and ad blocking. Now that dark mode is baked in all I need is the ad blocking. I also want to use my banking apps and Google Pay. So, for the first time in many years, I ordered the Verizon model from Google. I'll see if it's unlockable. If it isn't, no big deal. If it is, I might, and I might not.
With the unlocked OnePlus 8 Pro, we never got native Wi-Fi calling working on Verizon, so I don't want to miss out on that again, or any data bands.
I'm amped for the 6 Pro. I'm pretty sure I'll be happy with it. My brother-in-law is one of the heads of Photoshop and AI at Adobe. I'm think he'll be interested in taking a peek at it.