Unlocking an EE Pixel 4XL Early? - Google Pixel 4 XL Questions & Answers

I've just got my new 4XL. Unfortunately, I moved from O2 (who are relatively friendly to hackers) who allow you to unlock your bootloader from day 1.
Having opened my box and turned on my new phone with EE... I see that they don't allow unlocking for 6 months (tied to SIM/carrier lock). Big disappointment.
These days my reasons for unlocking and rooting aren't as dire as they used to be because Android 10 on a pixel actually has a lot of inbuilt mods now. However, I'm really missing my Viper4Android.
Has anyone ever used one of these online unlocking services which claim to be able to unlock your phone early? Do they work? They seem potentially dodgy to me...
Anyone with any experience?

any luck with this?

Related

Affordable unlocking service for Tmobile Note 7?

I usually have every phone unlocked through Tmobile with no problem. Even new ones with Jump On Demand. They have been giving me nothing but a hard time for the Note 7. Is there a quick affordable company that will unlock my phone?
I was asking the same question, it seem as the group gave up on root the note 7 with the new update
If you're rooted there is an unlock method. Just do a Google search.
Boomiez said:
If you're rooted there is an unlock method. Just do a Google search.
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Click to collapse
Yeah unfortunately im not rooted because my phone took the new update
I got them to Unlock 3 N7s , granted it took 5 calls. Its a lot easier now for both parties using the pre-installed unlock app. Just said the usual, traveling .

Discussion: The Sprint OnePlus 7 Pro 5G Bootloader is Locked

UPDATE: The Bootloader can now be unlocked! For more information please refer to the link below.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7-pro/how-to/bootloader-unlock-sprint-oneplus-7-pro-t4042145?nocache=1 .
I just purchased the Sprint OnePlus 7 Pro 5g (Model#: GM1925 Firmware Version: 9.5.12.GM25CC). I absolutely love the phone to but there is one huge issue with it. Sprint has disabled the OEM Unlock setting in developer options making it impossible to unlock the Bootloader and root the device!
The reason I am starting this thread is
1) Warn perspective buyers that the Bootloader cannot currently be unlocked
2) See if the XDA community has any ideas on how to Unlock the Bootloader without enabling OEM unlock.
Update: 12/22/2019
I have recently seen some comments like this:
"If you have the device SIM unlocked, you are then eligible to request the token to bootloader unlock your device from OnePlus. This process takes about a week. You then flash the token and it will then allow you to enable OEM unlocking in Developer Options and then unlock the bootloader."
THIS IS 100% FALSE. Both myself and "Whoareyou" have tried this and it does not work. According to OnePlus, "the Sprint version of the OnePlus 7 Pro 5g doesn't support oem unlock". T-Mobile's bootloader unlock procedure will work on our device.
EDL mode -> download global partitions is my guess.
Edit: This is the T-Mobile Method: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7-pro/how-to/how-to-convert-tmobile-op7-to-t3935947
rb1725 said:
I just purchased the Sprint OnePlus 7 Pro 5g (Model#: GM1925 Firmware Version: 9.5.12.GM25CC). I absolutely love the phone to but there is one huge issue with it. Sprint has disabled the OEM Unlock setting in developer options making it impossible to unlock the Bootloader and root the device!
The reason I am starting this thread is
1) Warn perspective buyers that the Bootloader cannot currently be unlocked
2) See if the XDA community has any ideas on how to Unlock the Bootloader without enabling OEM unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping to not have these issues with this phone on Sprint.
Sent from my GM1925 using Tapatalk
Philosophy757 said:
I was hoping to not have these issues with this phone on Sprint.
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Click to collapse
Yea, me too. They didn't do anything like this with the Essential PH-1 or Pixel 3 so I was pretty surprised when I saw that they disabled "OEM Unlocking".
I understand that Sprint has to protect themselves by sim locking leased devices to their network but this is ridiculous.
Good luck getting support from OnePlus on any issues regarding the 5G device. I have the UK 5G variant and support from OnePlus is non-existent! We have ONLY JUST got the camera improvements etc that the LTE version got............2 months ago. And we've spent the best part of 3 months on June's security patch until 2 days ago when OnePlus updated to August's patch. Support for the 5G variants fcuking sucks guys!
rb1725 said:
I just purchased the Sprint OnePlus 7 Pro 5g (Model#: GM1925 Firmware Version: 9.5.12.GM25CC). I absolutely love the phone to but there is one huge issue with it. Sprint has disabled the OEM Unlock setting in developer options making it impossible to unlock the Bootloader and root the device!
The reason I am starting this thread is
1) Warn perspective buyers that the Bootloader cannot currently be unlocked
2) See if the XDA community has any ideas on how to Unlock the Bootloader without enabling OEM unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I’d like to know if the Sprint edition has the Local Update option in Settings -> System -> System updates. Maybe that can be of use to free your phone. Can you post a screenshot of the system updates screen?
It does not have that option and OEM Unlock is greyed out on Developer options.
Sent from my GM1925 using Tapatalk
I was also unable to OEM unlock this phone. I tried via Fastboot as well.
Would the T-Mobile method prevent me from activating the SIM or using the phone on Sprint's network? Seems like it would be risky considering I don't have any backups of the firmware, since there are modem changes and whatnot Unless the factory reset retains root/TWRP? I just wanted to touch base with people on this before I attempt it.
Has anyone had any luck rooting this phone?
Perhaps a Dev would be willing to use an exploit to gain root to unblock the OEM unlock feature. Here is a link to a zero-day found not too long ago.
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-19-780/
I don't know how it's implemented...
jthein1989 said:
Perhaps a Dev would be willing to use an exploit to gain root to unblock the OEM unlock feature. Here is a link to a zero-day found not too long ago.
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-19-780/
I don't know how it's implemented...
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the information and I appreciate the response.
Just for anyone who (is probably not) interested... I am returning the phone and ordering it directly from OnePlus. I'm going to switch my service to T-Mobile and take my phone there. OnePlus supports the modding community, but Sprint disabling any ability to mod is a bit frustrating to me. I'm tired of being tethered with CDMA too. So I'm going to go an easier route. Besides, I'm sure the extra RAM will be nicer than the 5G anyhow.
drunkpitbull said:
Thanks for the information and I appreciate the response.
Just for anyone who (is probably not) interested... I am returning the phone and ordering it directly from OnePlus. I'm going to switch my service to T-Mobile and take my phone there. OnePlus supports the modding community, but Sprint disabling any ability to mod is a bit frustrating to me. I'm tired of being tethered with CDMA too. So I'm going to go an easier route. Besides, I'm sure the extra RAM will be nicer than the 5G anyhow.
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately, some people don't have that option. I'm sure a Dev here has the ability. This phone has an amazing Dev community.
jthein1989 said:
Unfortunately, some people don't have that option. I'm sure a Dev here has the ability. This phone has an amazing Dev community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm keeping mine. I've been in this boat before with other phones that I have had from Sprint and XDA has always come through. Once the phone has a wider release I'm HOPING it will get a bit more support here. Hell, I'll be a guinea pig since I now have insurance on the phone.
Philosophy757 said:
Yeah, I'm keeping mine. I've been in this boat before with other phones that I have had from Sprint and XDA has always come through. Once the phone has a wider release I'm HOPING it will get a bit more support here. Hell, I'll be a guinea pig since I now have insurance on the phone.
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Click to collapse
I've never been a fan of insurance for phones, but now that they offer screen replacement for $29, and this phone being damn near ALL screen, I went for it. And I may get around to testing the method I suggested earlier. I may have to do some stuff in Linux.
jthein1989 said:
I've never been a fan of insurance for phones, but now that they offer screen replacement for $29, and this phone being damn near ALL screen, I went for it. And I may get around to testing the method I suggested earlier. I may have to do some stuff in Linux.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep us posted!!
Anyone tried a Sim unlock yet? That was the way around the 7 Pro and 6T on T-Mobile network. Once sim unlocked you could enable OEM unlock.
jthein1989 said:
EDL mode -> download global partitions is my guess.
Edit: This is the T-Mobile Method: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7-pro/how-to/how-to-convert-tmobile-op7-to-t3935947
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Click to collapse
IT is for pro, not for 5g, am I right?
I would love to know if anyone has had success unlocking the bootloader on Sprint? Or if one of our amazing devs is working on something for us. I have no issue donating for their time and work.
I'm on the same phone, it also includes a single sim tray so I just ordered a dual one to see if it works.
Did some testing of the 5G yesterday and the Sprint network is a joke.
Flipstr7 said:
I'm on the same phone, it also includes a single sim tray so I just ordered a dual one to see if it works.
Did some testing of the 5G yesterday and the Sprint network is a joke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What type of speeds were you getting? I know it's not as fast as Verizon 5G but should have better penetration.
I am a little hesitant to try flashing the other 5G OPS to my Phone. I don't have a backup device atm... Although, if I could get my hands on the Firehose for our device, I would have to option to backup and restore partitions. Or, if we could get our hands on the OPS for the Sprint OP7.

Unlocked or carrier model?

I have to root my phones (not wanting to pay $30 for Verizon tether), is anyone aware if the Pixel 4 XL from Verizon will have the bootloader locked, and unable to be rooted? In addition to that, would we see a root for the unlocked version? Thanks
Pretty sure most carrier devices are going to remain locked until you pay it off. At least, that's the logical rationale. I can't imagine they want people unlocking devices they haven't paid for. As far as root, that should be a simple process of just patching the boot.img
ZeroKool76 said:
Pretty sure most carrier devices are going to remain locked until you pay it off. At least, that's the logical rationale. I can't imagine they want people unlocking devices they haven't paid for. As far as root, that should be a simple process of just patching the boot.img
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Click to collapse
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the lock not something they ever lift? My current 2 XL was paid retail but they never allowed me to unlock the bootloader. They do allow for any carrier SIM to be used in it.
psone said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the lock not something they ever lift? My current 2 XL was paid retail but they never allowed me to unlock the bootloader. They do allow for any carrier SIM to be used in it.
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Click to collapse
If you bought the Verizon Pixel 2 XL it had a locked bootloader. Since it was exclusive to Verizon. The unlocked version directly from Google did not have a locked bootloader. That was the same for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. I am not sure about the Pixel 3a and 3a XL since it was not exclusive to Verizon.
Does anyone know if the Pixel 3a or 3a XL came with a locked bootloader?
EDIT: There's a thread over on the Pixel 3a XL where a bunch of carrier and non-carrier devices had locked bootloaders. I would be careful which device you buy going forward until you hear others chime in on the greyed out unlocked button.
When in doubt, buy directly from Google.
psone said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the lock not something they ever lift? My current 2 XL was paid retail but they never allowed me to unlock the bootloader. They do allow for any carrier SIM to be used in it.
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Click to collapse
This is correct. Verizon is a mofo. Doesn't make much sense. I mean, you paid for the device, you should be able to do what you want with it
ZeroKool76 said:
This is correct. Verizon is a mofo. Doesn't make much sense. I mean, you paid for the device, you should be able to do what you want with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This right here has been the case with Verizon going ALL the way back to the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. **** Verizon!
Yep, never buy the carrier modesl unless you have absolutely no other option. In the case of Tmo with OnePlus and similar phones you could get an unlock (both carrier and bootloader) after the device was paid off. You still have to deal with a little bloat and later updates along with lesser issues. AT&T will have this one and their policies are similar to Verizon so I wouldn't go that way unless you hate yourself. No idea on Sprint, that have nothing in my area so I haven't paid attention. The previous posters were 100 prevent though, buying unlocked is the way. Tmo if you must to get a deal but only after verifying the bootloader can be unlocked.
krabman said:
Yep, never buy the carrier modesl unless you have absolutely no other option. In the case of Tmo with OnePlus and similar phones you could get an unlock (both carrier and bootloader) after the device was paid off. You still have to deal with a little bloat and later updates along with lesser issues. AT&T will have this one and their policies are similar to Verizon so I wouldn't go that way unless you hate yourself. No idea on Sprint, that have nothing in my area so I haven't paid attention. The previous posters were 100 prevent though, buying unlocked is the way. Tmo if you must to get a deal but only after verifying the bootloader can be unlocked.
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Click to collapse
I currently have a one plus 7pro from T-Mobile that is still financed. The bootloader was locked until you paid off your device and waited the mandatory 45 days. Some were able to talk to T-force and got their devices unlocked early whether they financed or not. I was one of the unlucky ones that could not negotiate with T-force to unlock my device. Luckily there was a nice person that worked for TMobile that was in the forums and was able to unlock my phone. We will see what happens when we get the devices and start working on them. I will be financing my phone with them again next Thursday.
I purchased the Unlocked model. I currently have Pixel 2XL Verizon (Bootloader Locked), not a huge issue. But there are times where I wish I had a rooted phone. Not making that mistake again.
cronojay said:
I currently have a one plus 7pro from T-Mobile that is still financed. The bootloader was locked until you paid off your device and waited the mandatory 45 days. Some were able to talk to T-force and got their devices unlocked early whether they financed or not. I was one of the unlucky ones that could not negotiate with T-force to unlock my device. Luckily there was a nice person that worked for TMobile that was in the forums and was able to unlock my phone. We will see what happens when we get the devices and start working on them. I will be financing my phone with them again next Thursday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try calling in multiple times? That often works although some people can't seem to catch a break on it. I've been on a number of OP devices and I'm familiar with what you're talking about; Saw it most recently on the 6T but it goes back further. I had them unlock a SGS6 the day I bought it, I paid cash but still the word was it couldn't be done without a dwell period, I remember it being 30 days at that time but maybe it was 45, been a while. In any event the very next year was the one were it turned out Tmo couldn't unlock your bootloader, came from Samsung they said. I remember there being an exploit coming out for that but I had already given away my S7 and moved on to the next thing before they figured that out. Not much over a year later Samsung started the BS with bootloaders on their international unlocked phones and I didn't keep the Note 8 long either. IMO if root is a must it's a good idea to let someone else be the guinea pig and profit from that information unless you've got enough ching to walk away without worrying about it.
I'm pretty sure this phone will also be exactly as you describe on Tmo and I agree with you BTW, just saying the smart money if a man needs to be careful is to wait for the first phones to meet their owners a few of who will unlock and root or attempt to do it. Or as I said in my first post, buy unlocked direct from Goog or Fi if possible.
There is not likely to be any bootloader unlock for the P4 and P4XL for carrier versions unless an exploit is found (which doesn't seem likely anymore). Google does not provide carriers an interface to change the device type, nor do they provide that interface to their own customer service and support teams. It's not a matter of hounding customer service or posting on the right forum because they can't help you. It's an obligation that Google has to meet if they want to keep their big carrier contracts in the United States.
The only unlocking requirement for carrier specific versions is having the ability to SIM unlock the device for portability between networks. Most carriers will do this upon request if you have international travel plans or have completed a certain percentage of your device financing.
navalynt said:
There is not likely to be any bootloader unlock for the P4 and P4XL for carrier versions unless an exploit is found (which doesn't seem likely anymore). Google does not provide carriers an interface to change the device type, nor do they provide that interface to their own customer service and support teams. It's not a matter of hounding customer service or posting on the right forum because they can't help you. It's an obligation that Google has to meet if they want to keep their big carrier contracts in the United States.
The only unlocking requirement for carrier specific versions is having the ability to SIM unlock the device for portability between networks. Most carriers will do this upon request if you have international travel plans or have completed a certain percentage of your device financing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, the devices are shipped to the carriers already locked? Interesting. for some reason I always thought it was the individual carriers that lock them down and then would unlock it when you fully paid off the device. So you're saying, even if you fully pay off the device, you will never be able to unlock a carrier pixel 4/XL? Wow, that's a bummer.
ZeroKool76 said:
So, the devices are shipped to the carriers already locked? Interesting. for some reason I always thought it was the individual carriers that lock them down and then would unlock it when you fully paid off the device. So you're saying, even if you fully pay off the device, you will never be able to unlock a carrier pixel 4/XL? Wow, that's a bummer.
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Click to collapse
Correct. Enthusiasts have a channel to bootloader unlock, which is buying directly from Google where Google provides it's own support.
Carriers are only looking to sell you a device that's stable to work on their own networks. What do the carriers have to gain at all from controlling the bootloader unlock? They have nothing to gain from it except a support migraine.
navalynt said:
Correct. Enthusiasts have a channel to bootloader unlock, which is buying directly from Google where Google provides it's own support.
Carriers are only looking to sell you a device that's stable to work on their own networks. What do the carriers have to gain at all from controlling the bootloader unlock? They have nothing to gain from it except a support migraine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that makes sense when you put it that way. Just took me by surprise when OP and it's carrier phones pretty much allow you to do whatever you want to the device, once it's paid off. Still can't stand OP, but I have to admit, that's a check mark in their corner
Keep in mind Google does not require it like Samsung does so it's left up to the carrier. Tmo has been unlocking similar devices and there is little reason to think it wont happen here. In the opposing camp you have Verizon which demands a locked bootloader and few exploits have been found to circumvent it on recent devices. Meanwhile something to consider is that even the unlocked straight from google device is not really unlocked in the way some people think: Before you can unlock the bootloader it absolutely must phone home. Don't give the phone that connection and you cannot unlock it. Samsung does the same thing. We are not in control of our devices anymore, they can pull the plug on unlocking any time they want simply by denying it via that same connection even if you have already unlocked it. Samsung did this a few years ago in just that way and to this date no one has found a way around it that doesn't cause real pain with the wait a week and all that BS.
I called several times and got on with T-force sever times and no luck. I got lucky when the post I described about unlocking and got mine done. I always device finance because of the 0% apr and jump on demand so all I need to is bring my phone, get my new phone and profit.
ZeroKool76 said:
Pretty sure most carrier devices are going to remain locked until you pay it off. At least, that's the logical rationale. I can't imagine they want people unlocking devices they haven't paid for. As far as root, that should be a simple process of just patching the boot.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"simple process" "just patch the boot img" come on man.. Ask the people that own a pixel 3 from Verizon. Please don't spread wrong info
bigmatt503 said:
"simple process" "just patch the boot img" come on man.. Ask the people that own a pixel 3 from Verizon. Please don't spread wrong info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean, ask the people who were dumb enough to buy a locked down device? I'll pass. People that have purchased Verizon's in the past, as you have stated, would obviously know this doesn't apply to them. I was more referring to, since we don't have recovery yet, you would have to patch the boot img manually.
Honestly, I ALMOST got me and my wife's from Verizon (she definitely jumped on the pixel bandwagon). They have a buy one, get one free. Sooo, I kept thinking about root, but ultimately decided I'd rather save $900. Evidently, there's some caveats. One, the get one is for a new line. No biggie, I'll just cancel the one number and add a new one (her phone is paid off, I don't think there's a termination fee after two years). Two, you have to sign up for an unlimited plan. That piece completely wiped the price difference and then some for me. Sooo, I smiled a bit and bought them unlocked from Google. The only reason I would buy directly is for a huge price savings.
Another thing I thought of too, there is an early upgrade fee with V if I were to decide to upgrade to the 5xl next year. So, that's another caveat. I'm glad I just went with unlocked. Hoping it doesn't take long to root.
This time around I placed a pre-order with Google Fi.
All their Pixels are both SIM & Bootloader Unlocked even on
financing, same as Google Store.

Thinking of getting pixel 4 xl. Need advice.

Hi, long term xda lurker, first time poster. I've used the search function to try and find my answer, but I keep getting a lot of conflicting answers so I wanted to see what you guys can tell me.
I was considering getting a pixel 4 xl but I want to know if its bootloader is locked. From what I can gather, the us carrier version are in fact locked however a few people have said that if you buy it outright from Google it is unlockable. Can anyone please confirm this? I've always used custom recoveries and rooms like cyanogen and now lineage from my HTC incredible, gs2, gs3, gs4. When I bought my gs7 edge I was highly disappointed to find no way to unlock it and don't want to go through that again. Any help here is mich appreciated.
From the forums, USA carriers will lock the bootloader initially and after you pay off the device (or a certain amount of time has lapsed) you can request they unlock the bootloader. For example, AT&T has a different policy from Verizon, etc.
I am in Canada and my carrier, Telus, did not lock the bootloader. Definitely no hassles if you buy the phone from Google, the bootloader is unlockable.
You may want to look into Google-Fi as well, sometimes they offer phones at a discount. Not sure what has happened post pandemic crisis though.
Fi and Goog phones are unlocked in all respects. All the carrier phones are sim locked and bootloader locked. Tmo for sure can be bootloader unlocked after it's paid for upon request, some have mentioned a 30 day wait also but I did not have to wait. I haven't read up on the other carriers.
Thanks guys from the quick replies! Looks like I'll order a pix4 from google then. I appreciate your input. After dealing with this gs7 (I was such a Samsung nerd for a long time) I'm tired of all the lockouts.
Def Fi or Goog then. Exact same phone but sometimes the deal is better with one or the other so it can pay to have a quick look at both to see if one cuts you a break. The phones have frequently been on sale so some patience might be rewarded if you're of a mind to try and hold out for a better deal.
Verizon will NOT unlock the bootloader. Even if you pay it off.
I purchased mine directly from the Google store and unlocked it on day one

Question Buying a 7 off T-Mobile (in full), unlocking/postinstall procedure for Graphene?

Howdy, I'm back on the XDA forums for a rundown since it seems most people talking about TMO unlocks are still paying off their phone. I had locking hell on my 1+6T even though I paid for it in full 5 years ago (I buy thru tmo because of the family repair coverage) and want to make sure that I won't have to reflash with shady factory tools that bricked half the other users. (also vs the 7a, TMO is selling the 7 at the same price as the 7a, so might as well get the better screen)
I'm compiling my own build of Graphene this time around since I feel a bit quirky, so I'm building up whatever tools I'll need to unlock the bootloader. The TMO oneplus 6t really hated being unlocked even though the sim *should* have been freed since I'm not tying it to a pay-off plan, and I'm assuming this will be like 2015 when you could just unlock and run, no dumb software daemon to keep anything from being rooted.
What tools outside the build guide should I pick up to unlock and flash over graphene? I know there'll be a ton of post-install crap that I'd need to do to move around the play services sandbox and move my 2fa stuff over, so if there are specific tools or apks I'll need to grab that'd be nice for reference too, for a lot of people. I really want to get something like revanced set up (without microG) ASAP since that's 90% of the use of my 6t with legacy vanced as a system app.
I have a Pixel 7 from T-Mobile, you first have to carrier unlock the phone for BL to be unlockable
Ok, the device is arriving tomorrow and I just go in to unlock after setup (which transforms my physical sim line into an eSIM), after that I might have to go back to get the esim set up, but it doesn't seem hard. The only thing I am remotely concerned about is the protection plan.
hell, maybe I just scan the QR code after getting google play since it's already tied to the imei number.

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