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I just received my Sony D6603 Xperia Z3 from my carrier which is Rogers. Is there a way to fully unlock the device as if it was purchased as an unlocked version? I've tried searching for answers, but only came up with how to unlock the bootloader and rooting instructions. Unless, if by doing those methods, will fully unlock my device including SIM lock. Any help and insight would be greatly appreciated.
Depending on Roger's terms you should be able to have them unlock it. Appears you have to wait 90 days though.
http://www.rogers.com/web/support/wireless/unlock/733?setLanguage=en
Loving this one:
Why do I have to wait 90 days before I can unlock my device?
Your device has been optimized for use on the Rogers network. You may find that some settings or features do not function properly once the device is unlocked and in use with another carrier's SIM card. We want to ensure that you've had the chance to experience the full capabilities of your device on the Rogers network before making the decision to unlock.
Rooting and bootloader unlock will make no difference to SIM unlock.
The two issues are separate.
gregbradley said:
Rooting and bootloader unlock will make no difference to SIM unlock.
The two issues are separate.
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If I unlock the SIM on my device via a code, will it still be unlocked even after re-flashing my device's firmware?
Because I just checked to see if I can unlock my device's bootloader, but I'm not able to at all. Maybe I will be after getting it unlocked by Rogers themselves after the 90 days.
Flava0ne said:
If I unlock the SIM on my device via a code, will it still be unlocked even after re-flashing my device's firmware?
Because I just checked to see if I can unlock my device's bootloader, but I'm not able to at all. Maybe I will be after getting it unlocked by Rogers themselves after the 90 days.
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Once your device is sim free (using code) it will remain unlocked no matter what you do
Flava0ne said:
If I unlock the SIM on my device via a code, will it still be unlocked even after re-flashing my device's firmware?
Because I just checked to see if I can unlock my device's bootloader, but I'm not able to at all. Maybe I will be after getting it unlocked by Rogers themselves after the 90 days.
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Please re-read what I said. Bootloader unlock and SIM unlock are two separate things. One does not affect the other. It does not matter what you do to one it will not change the status of the other.
gregbradley said:
Please re-read what I said. Bootloader unlock and SIM unlock are two separate things. One does not affect the other. It does not matter what you do to one it will not change the status of the other.
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Yes, I understood what you said. What I meant was, when or if I get Rogers to unlock my device, unless they're only unlocking the SIM on it, hopefully I'll be able to unlock the bootloader as if I originally purchased it unlocked to begin with. Because when I checked my device's service menu, the status on the bootloader is that it cannot be unlocked using Sony's official method. If I had purchased an unlocked device instead of getting it through Rogers, the bootloader unlockable status would be different, correct?
When I get home, I'll try and see if I can still unlock the bootloader un-officially using Flashtool, unless for some reason that method won't work at all and my bootloader will not be able to be unlocked at all currently.
Edit: All I basically want to accomplish in my new device is to have root access to it. My previous device was an Xperia PLAY which was also purchased originally locked from Rogers. But after fully unlocking it using the Omnius client, I was able to unlock it's bootloader, flash DooMLorD's kernel and get root access to it. Because all the tutorials I've found on how to access root on the Xperia Z3 involves having the bootloader unlocked.
Flava0ne said:
Yes, I understood what you said. What I meant was, when or if I get Rogers to unlock my device, unless they're only unlocking the SIM on it, hopefully I'll be able to unlock the bootloader as if I originally purchased it unlocked to begin with. Because when I checked my device's service menu, the status on the bootloader is that it cannot be unlocked using Sony's official method. If I had purchased an unlocked device instead of getting it through Rogers, the bootloader unlockable status would be different, correct?
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Probably, but some carrier free devices come with a boot that cannot be unlocked and some devices that are from a carrier can be unlocked. SIM free or SIM locked does not imply the bootloader can or cannot be unlocked.
When I get home, I'll try and see if I can still unlock the bootloader un-officially using Flashtool, unless for some reason that method won't work at all and my bootloader will not be able to be unlocked at all currently.
Edit: All I basically want to accomplish in my new device is to have root access to it. My previous device was an Xperia PLAY which was also purchased originally locked from Rogers. But after fully unlocking it using the Omnius client, I was able to unlock it's bootloader, flash DooMLorD's kernel and get root access to it. Because all the tutorials I've found on how to access root on the Xperia Z3 involves having the bootloader unlocked.
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There is no unofficial bootloader unlock for this device. Its done through sony's official method or not at all.
If Rodgers unlocks the sim for you it will not affect the status of the bootloader at all, unless you ask them to do it and they agree.
To get root access you do not need to be SIM unlocked. The only way to gain root acces on the Z3 currently is to unlock the bootloader, which you cannot do even if Rodgers SIM unlock it
The xperia play is a legacy device and there were unofficial ways to unlock the bootloader. That has not been the case with all new phones for a couple of years now. I believe (Correct me if I am wrong) that the xperia NEO was one of the last to come with an unofficial unlock (The test point method). My old Xperia T was one of the first to come that had no unofficial unlock and the only way to do it was via Sonys unlock site.
gregbradley said:
Probably, but some carrier free devices come with a boot that cannot be unlocked and some devices that are from a carrier can be unlocked. SIM free or SIM locked does not imply the bootloader can or cannot be unlocked.
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That's something I didn't know, I've always thought that when you purchase an unlocked Android device that the bootloader would be unlockable, good to know!
gregbradley said:
If Rodgers unlocks the sim for you it will not affect the status of the bootloader at all, unless you ask them to do it and they agree.
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So they can apparently change the unlock-able status of the bootloader themselves?
gregbradley said:
The xperia play is a legacy device and there were unofficial ways to unlock the bootloader. That has not been the case with all new phones for a couple of years now. I believe (Correct me if I am wrong) that the xperia NEO was one of the last to come with an unofficial unlock (The test point method). My old Xperia T was one of the first to come that had no unofficial unlock and the only way to do it was via Sonys unlock site.
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So basically, unlocking Sony devices unofficially, stopped around the same time Sony Ericsson became only Sony?
Flava0ne said:
That's something I didn't know, I've always thought that when you purchase an unlocked Android device that the bootloader would be unlockable, good to know!
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So they can apparently change the unlock-able status of the bootloader themselves?
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Yes, there have been some posts that some people have managed to do this with some carriers, but I am very sceptical as to this actually happening.
So basically, unlocking Sony devices unofficially, stopped around the same time Sony Ericsson became only Sony?
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That may be coincidence, I believe that Sony made a tactical decision to stop unofficial methods by allowing some devices to be unlocked officially. This saw an almost immediate stop in devs working on unofficial unlocks as you could always get hold of a device that could be unlocked officially and for free. They basically took the need of an unofficial unlock out of the equation.
If Rogers could do that, it really makes me wonder what kind of tool/program that they use to accomplish this.
Probably something similar to Emma or just fastboot and adb. I really do not know that. The problem is they know the keys, without them it needs a good dev to find a vulnerability and write an exploit. That takes time and skill. And since there is an official method there seems no need to spend that time, as people with that skill just get themselves devices which can be unlocked
My 3rd day now with my new Z3 and I'm really missing having root access.
11901
Will SIM unlocking allow you to delete the Rogers apps?
Also, I noticed my phone doesn't let me hide apps, though most people seem to have that option... is that a Rogers thing or is there something wrong with my device?
Sim unlock has nothing to do with root, so sim unlocking will not give you the ability to remove system apps.
msxghost said:
Will SIM unlocking allow you to delete the Rogers apps?
Also, I noticed my phone doesn't let me hide apps, though most people seem to have that option... is that a Rogers thing or is there something wrong with my device?
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What i have done already to my device as soon as i got it, before even turning it on for the first time, was use Flashtool and flashed it with the Global Generic Firmware to get rid of the Rogers branding on it. I was able to disable most of the built in bloatware that originally comes with it.
57147468 said:
What i have done already to my device as soon as i got it, before even turning it on for the first time, was use Flashtool and flashed it with the Global Generic Firmware to get rid of the Rogers branding on it. I was able to disable most of the built in bloatware that originally comes with it.
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Will doing so essentially wipe my phone? Unfortunately I've already downloaded all my apps/customized it how I want otherwise, so I'd like to avoid that if possible. Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, I'm new to Android.
msxghost said:
Will doing so essentially wipe my phone? Unfortunately I've already downloaded all my apps/customized it how I want otherwise, so I'd like to avoid that if possible. Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, I'm new to Android.
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Not if you tick the box to exclude data on flashtool when you flash it
gregbradley said:
Not if you tick the box to exclude data on flashtool when you flash it
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Is there some sort of beginners guide/explanation/walkthrough you can point me towards? I've never had an Android before, so I have no idea what I'm doing and I don't want to screw anything up.
I was reading through and people say the OEM was locked. Has anyone found a work around to this I want to get this phone for the mod friendliness however if the OEM unlocking is locked it would be impossible. Any work around? I really want to have access to hotspot with no issues
Not currently. I don't have the phone yet, ordered Friday probably won't be getting it til Monday. If it seems impossible to root, I'll trade it in for the note 10+.
Unfortunately not. You either have to meet Sprints requirements for them to unlock it (phone paid in full and active for 60 days or more on their network) or we have to wait and see if an amazing devs can help us out.
Wait does that mean that sprint will actually unlock the phone for you? If they do, is root possible or would someone still have to develop something for it?
dakoellis said:
Wait does that mean that sprint will actually unlock the phone for you? If they do, is root possible or would someone still have to develop something for it?
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Pretty sure the post about Sprint unlocking the device is confusing SIM unlock with bootloader unlock. Which of course are 2 very different things. I've never heard of carriers having anything to do with unlocking the bootloader. But unlocking the SIM, yes (they have to by law now).
Otherwise, the requirements stated would not be that hard to meet, and plenty of folks would already be unlocking their Sprint 7 Pro bootloaders.
Unlocking the bootloader is the main barrier to root. I don't see why (with an unlocked bootloader) you couldn't just root with one of the existing methods (flash patched boot img with fastboot, or boot TWRP and flash Magisk) and no real development would be needed. But it's that locked bootloader that is the kicker!
So is there any no root workaround for use of the native hotspot on the sprint version of this device?
Or would we just have to use an app?
I was under the impression the device I ordered off ebay could be bootloader unlocked (apparently verizon pixel 3a), but can't seem to figure it out myself, and i'm starting to think its not possible. If anyone can unlock the bootloader, I am willing to pay.. If not.. :RIP: :crying: Hopefully this doesn't violate the rules, didn't see any.
Unlocking the bootloader on Pixel phones is pretty easy. You can use the guide here to unlock the bootloader.
You will need to use ADB. If you are not familiar with ADB, you can use the guide found here.
I'm assuming that you want to unlock the bootloader so that you can root your Pixel. I used this guide.
I reread your post and noticed that you bought a Pixel that is carrier locked to Verizon. Usually, unlocking the bootloader of a Verizon phone is either not possible or difficult. The information that I gave you is for carrier unlocked Pixels. I haven't had a carrier locked phone in many years so my memory of what is possible is probably a bit fuzzy.
desertcat said:
Unlocking the bootloader on Pixel phones is pretty easy. You can use the guide here to unlock the bootloader.
You will need to use ADB. If you are not familiar with ADB, you can use the guide found here.
I'm assuming that you want to unlock the bootloader so that you can root your Pixel. I used this guide.
I reread your post and noticed that you bought a Pixel that is carrier locked to Verizon. Usually, unlocking the bootloader of a Verizon phone is either not possible or difficult. The information that I gave you is for carrier unlocked Pixels. I haven't had a carrier locked phone in many years so my memory of what is possible is probably a bit fuzzy.
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The phone is not carrier locked, but it was a verizon phone previously. Thanks for the links, and basically my problem I run into is the Greyed out unlock option in developer settings.
Have you tried doing a factory reset and then allow the phone to update over wi-fi?
TurboGSXpixel said:
The phone is not carrier locked, but it was a verizon phone previously. Thanks for the links, and basically my problem I run into is the Greyed out unlock option in developer settings.
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Remove the sim card, do a factory reset, and then go through the setup without the SIM installed. This should allow the OEM unlock to be toggled. Its worked for multiple other people.
Did you switch from Verizon to Tmobile? It appears from what I'm reading that TMO sims are downloading carrier specific settings/options which block the unlock switch.
Regardless of whether you use tmobile or not, the above method *should* allow you to unlock.
Need to pick up a few phones to play with. Since they all seem to have their own bootloaders (or do they?), should I go with Verizon, ATT, Sprint phone, or?
XDASikpupy said:
Need to pick up a few phones to play with. Since they all seem to have their own bootloaders (or do they?), should I go with Verizon, ATT, Sprint phone, or?
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Virtually all models of devices from the major US carriers are going to have locked bootloader with no way to unlock them. I suggest getting the devices directly from the manufacturer or buying international non branded devices because the majority of them have unlocked bootloader or bootloader that can at least be unlocked.
If a US phone is "unlocked", does that mean the bootloader is unlocked or just unlocked for carrier use? I also hear phones directly from Samsung are locked also.
XDASikpupy said:
If a US phone is "unlocked", does that mean the bootloader is unlocked or just unlocked for carrier use? I also hear phones directly from Samsung are locked also.
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When you buy a phone that says it is unlocked, yes, it is referring to the fact that it is SIM/carrier unlocked to be used on other carrier networks.
Unlocking bootloader is a very specific procedure in order to modify the device or add/remove pieces of system level software If you're looking to use custom recovery and custom ROMs, you will definitely need to make certain that it is a model that has the bootloader already unlocked or has a stock firmware version that has a bootloader that can successfully unlocked. Typically, the older the firmware version for a specific device model number is the safest bet, the later, newer updated firmware for that specific device model number tend to have locked bootloaders. And it gets worse as the devices get newer and more improved with security features and roadblocks.
A safe bet is a Non US Google Pxel device, they are all very well supported here. Regardless of the device in question, you don't ever want anything that Verizon has to offer, period. AT&T and Sprint are just as bad.
Droidriven - Thanks for the info, thats what I have been reading, and, what makes me wonder. If I can get unlocked phones with locked bootloaders, and I am not going to mess with he bootloader, is there one "locked" bootloader better than the other?
I'm thinking about buying a Google Pixel 3 XL on Amazon, it's renewed. It is factory unlocked and I was wondering if it means it can be OEM unlocked. Does factory unlocked mean it doesn't come with a carrier?
Factory Unlocked means it's unlocked for all carriers.
xXx yYy said:
Factory Unlocked means it's unlocked for all carriers.
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Thank you, so that means no blocking of OEM unlock?
xXx yYy said:
Factory Unlocked means it's unlocked for all carriers.
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Because I heard Verizon blocks OEM unlocking.
Factory Unlocked ( read: device without network/SIM lock ) and OEM Unlock ( read: device's bootloader is unlocked ) are completely different things, they don't relate.
Whether the phone in question can get OEM unlocked or not I don't know: I don't own such a device.
xXx yYy said:
Factory Unlocked ( read: device without network/SIM lock ) and OEM Unlock ( read: device's bootloader is unlocked ) are completely different things, they don't relate.
Whether the phone in question can get OEM unlocked or not I don't know: I don't own such a device.
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So factory unlocked doesn't have a carrier and can choose any or not have any?
xXx yYy said:
Factory Unlocked ( read: device without network/SIM lock ) and OEM Unlock ( read: device's bootloader is unlocked ) are completely different things, they don't relate.
Whether the phone in question can get OEM unlocked or not I don't know: I don't own such a device.
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Google Pixels on Verizon can't be bootloader unlocked, I want to make sure I don't get Verizon. Factory Unlocked mean you don't have any, right?
ATBG said:
Google Pixels on Verizon can't be bootloader unlocked, I want to make sure I don't get Verizon. Factory Unlocked meand you don't have any, right?
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Factory unlocked means it is SIM/Carrier unlocked so that the device can be used on any carrier network. This has nothing to do with OEM unlocking.
OEM unlock only applies to unlocking the bootloader so that the software on the device can be modified or install custom software.
Verizon blocks OEM unlock on all of its devices, you can't unlock the bootloader on Verizon devices, this means you can't use Magisk, TWRP, custom ROMs and you can't modify the software on the device.
Do you understand the difference now? If you want to be able to root a device or install TWRP and custom ROMs, do not buy a Verizon device because you will not be able to do these things on a Verizon device. Don't waste your money on a Verizon device.
Droidriven said:
Factory unlocked means it is SIM/Carrier unlocked so that the device can be used on any carrier network. This has nothing to do with OEM unlocking.
OEM unlock only applies to unlocking the bootloader so that the software on the device can be modified or install custom software.
Verizon blocks OEM unlock on all of its devices, you can't unlock the bootloader on Verizon devices, this means you can't use Magisk, TWRP, custom ROMs and you cant modify the software on the device.
Do you understand the difference now? If you want to be able to root a device or install TWRP and custom ROMs, do not buy a Verizon device because you will not be able to these things on a Verizon device. Don't waste your money on a Verizon device.
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Okay, so factory unlocked means no Verizon?
Droidriven said:
Factory unlocked means it is SIM/Carrier unlocked so that the device can be used on any carrier network. This has nothing to do with OEM unlocking.
OEM unlock only applies to unlocking the bootloader so that the software on the device can be modified or install custom software.
Verizon blocks OEM unlock on all of its devices, you can't unlock the bootloader on Verizon devices, this means you can't use Magisk, TWRP, custom ROMs and you cant modify the software on the device.
Do you understand the difference now? If you want to be able to root a device or install TWRP and custom ROMs, do not buy a Verizon device because you will not be able to these things on a Verizon device. Don't waste your money on a Verizon device.
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I understand.
ATBG said:
Okay, so factory unlocked means no Verizon?
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No, Verizon may offer factory unlocked devices, but, that only means the device can be used on non-Verizon networks, it does not mean that it can be rooted, customized, modified or use custom software.
All devices have a bootloader, whether they are factory unlocked or not, the bootloader has nothing to do with "factory unlocked" and whether the bootloader is unlocked or not has nothing to do with "factory unlocked" and has nothing to do with whether or not a device has a bootloader. We are talking about two different kinds of "unlock" and they each have nothing to do with the other, they are each, their own specific purposes. "Factory unlocked" applies to the network(s) a device can be used on, "OEM unlock" applies to what software is allowed to be used on the device itself. You are confusing the two of them and associating them to each other in a way that is not correct, separate the two ideas in your head and understand each of them alone, without the other.
If you want a device that you can root and modify or use TWRP and custom ROMs on it, DO NOT BUY A VERIZON DEVICE. None of these can be done on Verizon devices unless you go all the way back to using devices such as a Verizon Galaxy S3 or S4 or older devices. Everything that Verizon has sold since the Galaxy S5 era has been bootloader locked to prevent root and custom software modifications.
Droidriven said:
No, Verizon may offer factory unlocked devices, but, that only means the device can be used on non-Verizon networks, it does not mean that it can be rooted, customized, modified or use custom software.
If you want a device that you can root and modify or use TWRP and custom ROMs on it, DO NOT BUY A VERIZON DEVICE. None of these can be done on Verizon devices unless you go all the way back devices such as a Verizon Galaxy S3 or S4 or older devices. Everything that Verizon has sold since the Galaxy S5 era has been bootloader locked to prevent root and custom software modifications.
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How do I make sure it's not Verizon?
ATBG said:
How do I make sure it's not Verizon?
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By not buying a device that is branded by Verizon, sold by Verizon or has a Verizon model number. Do a search using the model number, if it is a Verizon model number, your search results will show that it is Verizon. All or most of the US versions of Pixel devices for the different US carriers(i.e. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc...) are bootloader locked, buy directly from Google or by an international version of pixel with an international model number.
Droidriven said:
By not buying a device that is branded by Verizon, sold by Verizon or has a Verizon model number. Do a search using the model number, if it is a Verizon model number, your search results will show that it is Verizon. All or most of the US versions of Pixel devices for the different US carriers(i.e. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc...) are bootloader locked, buy directly from Google or by an international version of pixel with an international model number.
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What about OnePlus devices? I found a OnePlus 7 Pro, I kinda want to use OnePlus instead. Does Verizon lock OnePlus too?
ATBG said:
What about OnePlus devices? I found a OnePlus 7 Pro, I kinda want to use OnePlus instead. Does Verizon lock OnePlus too?
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What are you trying to do? What kind of "unlocked" are you looking for?
Do you want a device that is SIM/Carrier unlocked (also known as "factory unlocked") so that it can be used on a different network than it was "made" for?
Or do you want a device that has an unlocked bootloader or has a bootloader that can be unlocked by using the "OEM unlock" in order to root the device, install TWRP and custom ROMs or otherwise modify the stock software?
If you want a device that can be used on any network, you're looking for any kind of "factory unlocked" device. Many different carrier branded devices can be factory unlocked but I know that Verizon does not like allowing this on their devices.
If you're looking for something that can be customized and can use custom software, you are locking for a device that has an unlocked bootloader or at least a bootloader that can be unlocked via the "OEM unlock" setting or via fastboot commands, then, you do not want any kind of Verizon device, as in, NONE OF THEM. Stop asking about Verizon devices because I'm sure a Verizon device will not allow whatever it is you're wanting to do. Stop considering Verizon branded devices/model numbers. Stay away from Verizon devices, you'll only be wasting your money on a device that you will not be able to do anything with except use the device on their network using only the software that they install/allow.
Please stop beating your head against the wall, it isn't going to give or miraculously change into the answer that you "want" it to be.
Droidriven said:
What are you trying to do? What kind of "unlocked" are you looking for?
Do you want a device that is SIM/Carrier unlocked (also known as "factory unlocked") so that it can be used on a different network than it was "made" for?
Or do you want a device that has an unlocked bootloader or has a bootloader that can be unlocked by using the "OEM unlock" in order to root the device, install TWRP and custom ROMs or otherwise modify the stock software?
If you want a device that can be used on any network, you're looking for any kind of "factory unlocked" device. Many different carrier branded devices can be factory unlocked but I know that Verizon does not like allowing this on their devices.
If you're looking for something that can be customized and can use custom software, you are locking for a device that has an unlocked bootloader or at least a bootloader that can be unlocked via the "OEM unlock" setting or via fastboot commands, then, you do not want any kind of Verizon device, as in, NONE OF THEM. Stop asking about Verizon devices because I'm sure a Verizon device will not allow whatever it is you're wanting to do. Stop considering Verizon branded devices/model numbers. Stay away from Verizon devices, you'll only be wasting your money on a device that you will not be able to do anything with except use the device on their network using only the software that they install/allow.
Please stop beating your head against the wall, it isn't going to give or miraculously change into the answer that you "want" it to be.
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Okay, I understand now. I choose OnePlus now instead of Google since I want a fully de-Googled experience.
ATBG said:
Okay, I understand now. I choose OnePlus now instead of Google since I want a fully de-Googled experience.
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As long as it isn't a Verizon model of OnePlus.
Droidriven said:
As long as it isn't a Verizon model of OnePlus.
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I chose the Google Pixel 3a XL and it said it was international. That's good, right?
ATBG said:
I chose the Google Pixel 3a XL and it said it was international. That's good, right?
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Yes.
Droidriven said:
Yes.
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Thank you for helping me, man.