Hi guys
I recently bought a used 4xl off ebay that I want to install grapheneos on. I bought the tmobile variant to save some money, as I assumed as long as it wasnt the verizon variant the bootloader would be unlockable.
I've called 3 different tmobile support techs, and reached out to the @tmobilehelp twitter account, all of whom are saying the past owner has to call to have the phone sim unlocked. Is there a way to get the device unlocked without ever being a tmobile customer? I didn't originally have intentions to put a sim in the phone at all, but if i have to, i will.
What are my options to getting the bootloader/sim unlocked? Can I become a tmobile connect customer to get the phone on the network, and then request an unlock as i'd be the current owner of the phone?
Thanks
AlmightyGrapefruit said:
... What are my options to getting the bootloader/sim unlocked? Can I become a tmobile connect customer to get the phone on the network, and then request an unlock as i'd be the current owner of the phone?
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The past owner lost his phone or it was stolen while still under contract (hasn't been paid off), and it was sold on ebay. Pretty much the only option you have is to try and get your money back from the ebay vendor selling stolen phones. Have you contacted them already and what was their response? As for your last question about becoming a TMo customer with a stolen TMo phone, I guess you forgot to ask that when you talked with the 3 support techs? If you are lucky your IMEI is not blacklisted already and it is capable of being activated.
Hey!
I have a similar problem. Mine is from AT&T. The only thing you should know is if it is blacklisted or not.
If it is you may run into other problems!
I am still researching how to unlock the bootloader. I have already learned a lot of things but still trying... To get the phone unlocked I think the best way is to flash original firmware that comes with unlocked models(you can download it directly from google here )
Now, as the bootloader is locked, you can't just flash it directly as the bootloader won't allow you to flash things to certain partitions(like boot partition⛔️). I will let a pic of what you get, even if you use the force attribute.
The case is that Qualcomm chipsets have and especial mode called EDL.
With this mode you can flash any firmware, even if the bootloader is locked.
This is because the EDL is like the main bootloader, and then there is the 2 bootloader, which is the one is locked(See pic).
Concluding, what I am trying to do is flash the not locked firmware through the PBL(which you access through EDL mode, to get there just run "fastboot reboot edl" without quotes).
The problem is that you need some strange files, which appear to be very rare. They have an .mbn or .hex extension and I didn't find them yet. They are supposed to be inside the firmware, but I didn't find them yet.
When I finally find it, I am going to publish a full guide on how to unlock any firmware, even if it is from Verizon.
I already have understood how to unlock the phone to work with any SIM, mine despite being locked to AT&T it's working fine with my Vodafone SIM. Here is the link to my post
This information probably won't help because it's for a completely different device... But I had a OnePlus 6t prior to my Pixel 4XL and we had a T-Mobile to global conversion thread that used a tool that made our T-Mobile OnePlus 6t/6 a global model. I'll go grab the link to the thread and paste it here. I know OnePlus and Pixel are two completely different devices but what the hell. Hopefully it may help...
T-Mobile 6T to International Conversion (WITHOUT unlocked bootloader/SIM unlock!)
In the previous thread, we discussed a method to convert T-Mobile 6T's to the international variant, sort of, but it required an unlocked bootloader, which itself requires a SIM unlock which T-Mobile gives people a hard time about. However, it...
forum.xda-developers.com
That is more less what your aim is here in quite sure... Make your Pixel 4XL T-Mobile an unlocked model. It would seem like there would be some way to do it, unless whatever the OnePlus developers did to have the conversion work is a no go because of how the two devices are made. I'm not sure as I have not dug deep in to this just figured I'd share. When I read your post this is the first thing that came to my mind. I hope you get it resolved. All else fails sell the T-Mobile model and try and get a Google model Factory unlocked. They have come down even more now I'm pricing.. Anyway good luck man.
Related
I'm looking to buy this phone on Swappa but I'm having trouble identifying which phones are able to have their bootloaders unlocked, become rooted, have custom recoveries installed, have custom ROMs installed, etc...I guess I'm spoiled. Haha. My first Android phone was the Mototola Atrix 4G in 2010 and then the Nexus 4 in 2012. I'm looking to move forward but from reading this forum I am confused as to exactly what I am looking for to make sure my needs are met. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
Motorola has announced that they will now allow to bootloader unlock all XT1096 through their website. This will allow custom recoveries and ROMs to be loaded.
If you can get the IMEI from the phone you plan to purchase you might be able to verify with Motorola if it will be allowed to unlock the bootloader.
donslade said:
Motorola has announced that they will now allow to bootloader unlock all XT1096 through their website. This will allow custom recoveries and ROMs to be loaded.
If you can get the IMEI from the phone you plan to purchase you might be able to verify with Motorola if it will be allowed to unlock the bootloader.
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You don't request the unlock via IMEI, it's via the results of $fastboot oem get_unlock_data.
Otherwise, you are correct, Motorola is allowing users to unlock their bootloaders with the XT1096. (Source: I did this two or three days ago.)
That is true, but checking with VZW to ensure that it is a valid IMEI may also tell him if the phone is blacklisted on their network, on/off contract, or maybe ineligible for some other reason.
I doubt the seller would provide the data to get the unlock before the phone is sold.
Swappa is good site to get a phone from. If you need to contact the seller but I wouldn't be too worried about the phones bootloader being locked still. My Moto XT-1096 on Verizon is still under contract but via the Motorola boot loader site I got mine unlocked a few weeks ago. Been Playing around with a few of the CM roms and stock. Love how easy it is to work with this phone.
Thank you all very much for your prompt replies. Let me link you the Swappa listing that I am interested in to CONFIRM I am good to go.
https://swappa.com/listing/PKN745/
I specifically asked to see the "About" screen which you can see as the last image he posted. Also, the one before that is all the model / serial numbers on the box. Let me know what you think! If it all checks out with you guys then I think I'm going to go ahead with the sale! Thanks again!
sero94 said:
Swappa is good site to get a phone from. If you need to contact the seller but I wouldn't be too worried about the phones bootloader being locked still. My Moto XT-1096 on Verizon is still under contract but via the Motorola boot loader site I got mine unlocked a few weeks ago. Been Playing around with a few of the CM roms and stock. Love how easy it is to work with this phone.
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I agree. I purchased my phone through Swappa. Great transaction.
You should be fine, looks to be a good one. I had to enter my bootloader unlock code a few times on the moto page but I got it handled. This site has everything ya need and more to get the phone setup how ya want.
Hey y'all, Verizon Moto E4 Plus (XT1774) owner here. I've seen a couple posts on XDA and other Android forums about bootloader unlocking for Verizon-specific Moto devices relating to subsidy (SIM) unlocking.
As we all know, the XT1774's bootloader is locked, there is no way around that yet. I have seen people mention that subsidy unlocking allowed their bootloader to be unlocked, but from my testing that is not true.
I tried an H20-Wireless sim, and an US Cellular sim; obviously I also got an unlock code. Neither of the sims changed my get_unlock_data, so neither would unlock the bootloader.
Just wanted to disprove any of these claims so no one wastes their time. Thanks.
A.Fitz said:
Hey y'all, Verizon Moto E4 Plus (XT1774) owner here. I've seen a couple posts on XDA and other Android forums about bootloader unlocking for Verizon-specific Moto devices relating to subsidy (SIM) unlocking.
As we all know, the XT1774's bootloader is locked, there is no way around that yet. I have seen people mention that subsidy unlocking allowed their bootloader to be unlocked, but from my testing that is not true.
I tried an H20-Wireless sim, and an US Cellular sim; obviously I also got an unlock code. Neither of the sims changed my get_unlock_data, so neither would unlock the bootloader.
Just wanted to disprove any of these claims so no one wastes their time. Thanks.
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You are correct. If unlocking your bootloader to customize the device is the goal, you need to steer clear of any Verizon branded devices. ATT, Sprint and a few others will also not allow bootloaders to be unlocked.
I have found that to be safe, purchase the device straight from Motorola as an unlocked device (Any US carrier/international) is the way to go. You will not get a discount like you do when purchasing through a carrier or big store name like Walmart but you will get a device that allows for bootloader unlocking.
glockman4519 said:
You are correct. If unlocking your bootloader to customize the device is the goal, you need to steer clear of any Verizon branded devices. ATT, Sprint and a few others will also not allow bootloaders to be unlocked.
I have found that to be safe, purchase the device straight from Motorola as an unlocked device (Any US carrier/international) is the way to go. You will not get a discount like you do when purchasing through a carrier or big store name like Walmart but you will get a device that allows for bootloader unlocking.
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I don't know about ATT, but all the Sprint/boost/virgin mobile devices ARE unlockable. It's only the Verizon variant that isn't. This is how it's been for some time.
aj2333 said:
I don't know about ATT, but all the Sprint/boost/virgin mobile devices ARE unlockable. It's only the Verizon variant that isn't. This is how it's been for some time.
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I agree, but lately, Sprint has stopped support for bootloader unlocking. I read this directly from there site. It may be a little while tool it trickles down to current production devices but beware. And I am taking about Sprint Branded devices, and not devices you bring in on your own.
glockman4519 said:
I agree, but lately, Sprint has stopped support for bootloader unlocking. I read this directly from there site. It may be a little while tool it trickles down to current production devices but beware. And I am taking about Sprint Branded devices, and not devices you bring in on your own.
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Thanks for the heads-up. I guess I'll have to start buying retail models. A little more $, but I'm very tired of the cdma data problems on custom ROMs every time there's a new Android version or new device anyway.
aj2333 said:
Thanks for the heads-up. I guess I'll have to start buying retail models. A little more $, but I'm very tired of the cdma data problems on custom ROMs every time there's a new Android version or new device anyway.
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I hear ya. Where I live Verizon is there only network that is any good/dependable. As much as I despise BigRed, I have to use it. If I had my way I would go Boost Mobile or any other GSM network carrier. That would open up the doors for my YouTube channel and allow me to test more devices the right way and not just in WiFi. I love my OnePlus5 but can only use it with WiFi. So I can't fully enjoy it. But it would in GSM.
They do make a device that is unlocked for the US Big 4 carriers and that's what I bought. Subsidy unlock to my knowledge does not bootloader unlock your device. If I see a really good Rom come out, I'll look at it, but Motorola did a really terrific job keeping what they did to it "light". At the price I paid for it ($159.99); I might buy another one and store it, though I have read a few threads that indicate that Motorola won't update the device to Oreo.
berrywr said:
They do make a device that is unlocked for the US Big 4 carriers and that's what I bought. Subsidy unlock to my knowledge does not bootloader unlock your device. If I see a really good Rom come out, I'll look at it, but Motorola did a really terrific job keeping what they did to it "light". At the price I paid for it ($159.99); I might buy another one and store it, though I have read a few threads that indicate that Motorola won't update the device to Oreo.
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I see if you got your device from Walmart. It will would be able to remove the bootloader? Do I have have to get Verizon to take the lock off? Or has anyone been able to take the bootloader off of Walmart prepaid Verizon xt1774? This will be my first build. I could use all the advice and help! Thanks
Waltdizzle said:
I see if you got your device from Walmart. It will would be able to remove the bootloader? Do I have have to get Verizon to take the lock off? Or has anyone been able to take the bootloader off of Walmart prepaid Verizon xt1774? This will be my first build. I could use all the advice and help! Thanks
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You cannot unlock the bootloader of the XT1774. No ifs, and, nor buts.
just got new one today and was gonna to use xposed-after do some reading...smh, should have read before buying to make sure all is set to unlock and flash
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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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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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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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
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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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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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
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"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
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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.
My dad's phone had the OEM unlocking button grayed out like some others, but the message said that it wasn't allowed on carrier-locked devices. I'm wondering if it wasn't carrier-locked if you'd be able to unlock the bootloader. Verizon's policy is that they're locked to Verizon for 60 days, so I'm curious to see if they might be willing to waive that if the device is paid in full or for a long time customer. My dad doesn't want to unlock his and I don't have a device yet, so I can't test it out. Has anyone tried, or would they be willing to try to call Verizon to request that their device be unlocked to see if this is possible?
Carrier locked, and bootloader locked are not the same thing. The Pixels purchased from Verizon can be run on different carriers after 60 days, but Their bootloaders will always be locked unless someone finds a hack. I wouldn't count on anyone doing that because they didn't find one for the 2, or the 3. The OG Pixel had one for a short time, but only under a certain firmware version. If you want one with an unlocked bootloader, buy one from Google. Verizon will not unlock the bootloader.
jmartin72 said:
Carrier locked, and bootloader locked are not the same thing. The Pixels purchased from Verizon can be run on different carriers after 60 days, but Their bootloaders will always be locked unless someone finds a hack. I wouldn't count on anyone doing that because they didn't find one for the 2, or the 3. The OG Pixel had one for a short time, but only under a certain firmware version. If you want one with an unlocked bootloader, buy one from Google. Verizon will not unlock the bootloader.
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Yes, they are two different things, but on my dad's 4XL the OEM unlock is blocked because the device is carrier locked. With reports that some Verizon devices have had their bootloader unlocked, I'm wondering if the Verizon variant may be bootloader unlockable once it is no longer carrier locked.
bosox284 said:
Yes, they are two different things, but on my dad's 4XL the OEM unlock is blocked because the device is carrier locked. With reports that some Verizon devices have had their bootloader unlocked, I'm wondering if the Verizon variant may be bootloader unlockable once it is no longer carrier locked.
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If it's a Verizon variant, it will never have an unlocked bootloader period unless someone finds a hack.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3-xl/how-to/bounty-unlock-bootloader-vzw-pixel-3-xl-t3856605
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/help/verizon-pixel-2-xl-root-t3903397
You only have to read these threads for a little bit to realize the Verizon variants will never have an unlocked bootloader
jmartin72 said:
If it's a Verizon variant, it will never have an unlocked bootloader period unless someone finds a hack.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3-xl/how-to/bounty-unlock-bootloader-vzw-pixel-3-xl-t3856605
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/help/verizon-pixel-2-xl-root-t3903397
You only have to read these threads for a little bit to realize the Verizon variants will never have an unlocked bootloader
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I appreciate you taking to respond but this isn't helpful. Past devices don't necessarily indicate future trends. There are reports that individuals have been able to unlock their bootloader with Verizon locked devices. See here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/how-to/root-instructions-verizon-pixel-4-xl-t3990767
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80665445&postcount=12
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80820511&postcount=21
Whether this is an oversight by VZW or a sign of things to come will remain to be seen, so I stand by the question I'm asking and am looking for someone to give it a try. I think there is a chance, albeit very slim, that once the devices are no longer carrier locked, you may be able to unlock the bootloader.
Just for the record, the Pixel 2XL is littered with claims similar to this. Maybe you are correct and it'll be different this time... Maybe people are either trolls or liars or just don't know what they are talking about.
Only time will tell but some very smart folks gave up on the Taimen after two years of trying.
Well I called Verizon today and told them I was traveling out of country. The agreed to unlock device. My OEM Unlock used to be greyed out with the Device is Carrier Locked. After they unlocked it for me just 15 min ago the OEM Unlocking option is still greyed out but the message now reads Connect to the internet or contact your carrier. So it's still greyed out but I wonder if I try fastboot unlock if it would unlock it and make it not greyed out.
I accidentally bought the Verizon locked variant of the pixel 5. Now I can't unlock bootloader to flash the custom rims. Is gaining root access possible without unlocking the bootloader? If not, how would I go about unlocking the bootloader on this unnecessarily locked down pixel 5?
Deitybrother13 said:
I accidentally bought the Verizon locked variant of the pixel 5. Now I can't unlock bootloader to flash the custom rims. Is gaining root access possible without unlocking the bootloader? If not, how would I go about unlocking the bootloader on this unnecessarily locked down pixel 5?
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No root without unlocking the bootloader and the Verizon models cannot be unlocked.
Deitybrother13 said:
I accidentally bought the Verizon locked variant of the pixel 5. Now I can't unlock bootloader to flash the custom rims. Is gaining root access possible without unlocking the bootloader? If not, how would I go about unlocking the bootloader on this unnecessarily locked down pixel 5?
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How do you just "accidently" buy a Verizon locked phone?? Just like everybody else that bought a Verizon locked phone you'll never unlock the bootloader. Take it back if it's not doin it for you
thatsupnow said:
How do you just "accidently" buy a Verizon locked phone?? Just like everybody else that bought a Verizon locked phone you'll never unlock the bootloader. Take it back if it's not doin it for you
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I got it from best buy, and they activated it on verizon for me. It was supposed to be the unlocked model.
Deitybrother13 said:
I got it from best buy, and they activated it on verizon for me. It was supposed to be the unlocked model.
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"Unlocked" in most people's minds is carrier unlock. The subset that cares and knows about BL unlock is very small. Another good measuring stick is discounts. If there is a discount beyond what you can get at the Google store, it is likely a carrier specific device and will have the BL locked permanently.
l7777 said:
"Unlocked" in most people's minds is carrier unlock. The subset that cares and knows about BL unlock is very small. Another good measuring stick is discounts. If there is a discount beyond what you can get at the Google store, it is likely a carrier specific device and will have the BL locked permanently.
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This is really not directed towards you, I know for a fact you know all this. I don't even think the sales people at BB know what bl unlock means. And unlocked has nothing to do with the ability to bootloader unlock, I just can't believe that this is still an issue for some folks. As for carrier devices you are entirely correct, however, I do believe that the only carrier that will permanently lock the OEM switch is Verizon but I could be wrong on that one. Even TM will allow you to bl unlock once you pay off the device. Verizon will never ever allow it. So the previous poster, even though the rep activated it on Verizon, it's device specific. I bought my P5 directly from Google and immediately activated it on Verizon with a physical sim and an eSim also on VZW. My OEM switch is still active to bl unlock it.
One final point, which I've made before, even Google sells a Verizon P5 through the Google store. If you buy that one it will not allow you to bl unlock no matter what you do. So I'm assuming BB has the same kind of setup, if you buy the VZW device you are **** out of luck. I once got stuck with a VZW Pixel and couldn't activate the eSim due to some silly VZW policy. It took me a month of phone calls to get refunded so never again. And I don't even bl unlock my devices any longer, but I want the option. Hey, you never know. lol
bobby janow said:
This is really not directed towards you, I know for a fact you know all this. I don't even think the sales people at BB know what bl unlock means. And unlocked has nothing to do with the ability to bootloader unlock, I just can't believe that this is still an issue for some folks. As for carrier devices you are entirely correct, however, I do believe that the only carrier that will permanently lock the OEM switch is Verizon but I could be wrong on that one. Even TM will allow you to bl unlock once you pay off the device. Verizon will never ever allow it. So the previous poster, even though the rep activated it on Verizon, it's device specific. I bought my P5 directly from Google and immediately activated it on Verizon with a physical sim and an eSim also on VZW. My OEM switch is still active to bl unlock it.
One final point, which I've made before, even Google sells a Verizon P5 through the Google store. If you buy that one it will not allow you to bl unlock no matter what you do. So I'm assuming BB has the same kind of setup, if you buy the VZW device you are **** out of luck. I once got stuck with a VZW Pixel and couldn't activate the eSim due to some silly VZW policy. It took me a month of phone calls to get refunded so never again. And I don't even bl unlock my devices any longer, but I want the option. Hey, you never know. lol
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The Verizon version and the unlocked version were the same price. But both of them had discounts if you activated service at checkout.
Deitybrother13 said:
The Verizon version and the unlocked version were the same price. But both of them had discounts if you activated service at checkout.
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Yeah, I know that. I never did understand the particulars of that but I'm sure it has something to do with money of some sort to someone. There was always too much fine print and conditions. I'm pretty much stuck on Pixel now so I'll only buy from Google and hope for some kind of discount. On the P5 I got $50 off for something or other. If I were to buy an iPhone I would go to an Apple store. But the other members of my family have all carrier branded devices because they don't give a darn about unlocked carrier or bl able.
Deitybrother13 said:
The Verizon version and the unlocked version were the same price. But both of them had discounts if you activated service at checkout.
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As far as I know, every Pixel device sold by Best Buy is Verizon branded. I don't remember where I learned that from, but get your phones from elsewhere.