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Does anyone know if the Verizon version of the Moto G can be easily unlocked and rooted like the GSM version? Knowing Verizon's track record with locked down devices I wouldn't be surprised if it can't be unlocked. I'm thinking about buying one as a wifi/media device for my car, but I'd also like to play around with dev on it so a non-unlockable bootloader would be a deal breaker.
detonation said:
Does anyone know if the Verizon version of the Moto G can be easily unlocked and rooted like the GSM version? Knowing Verizon's track record with locking down devices I wouldn't be surprised if it is locked. I'm thinking about buying one as a wifi/media device for my car, but I'd also like to play around with dev on it so a locked bootloader would be a deal breaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to be clear, *all* Moto Gs (GSM) ship with locked bootloaders, even if you buy one that is factory SIM-unlocked, but Motorola offers a way to unlock the bootloader on the phone (for free) via their web site after you register it and request an unlock code. In the U.S., doing so voids your hardware warranty.
So the question isn't whether or not the Verizon model will have a locked bootloader or not. It surely will, as they all do. The question is whether Motorola's on-line bootloader unlocker will work with Verizon-branded CDMA model or not. And at this point, given that it hasn't been released yet and nobody has one, how is anybody supposed to answer that question?
-- Nathan
nlra said:
Just to be clear, *all* Moto Gs (GSM) ship with locked bootloaders, even if you buy one that is factory SIM-unlocked, but Motorola offers a way to unlock the bootloader on the phone (for free) via their web site after you register it and request an unlock code. In the U.S., doing so voids your hardware warranty.
So the question isn't whether or not the Verizon model will have a locked bootloader or not. It surely will, as they all do. The question is whether Motorola's on-line bootloader unlocker will work with Verizon-branded CDMA model or not. And at this point, given that it hasn't been released yet and nobody has one, how is anybody supposed to answer that question?
-- Nathan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually available in some Best Buys right now and I think I've seen a few people say they've picked one up. I also updated the OP to use the right terminology though I'm sure everyone knew what I meant anyway.
detonation said:
It's actually available in some Best Buys right now and I think I've seen a few people say they've picked one up. I also updated the OP to use the right terminology though I'm sure everyone knew what I meant anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to purchase one last night at my local Best Buy after proving to them that they were in fact somewhere in the store, and waiting for them to call their Verizon rep, I just attempted the bootloader unlock on the Motorola Developer (official bootloader unlock) and I can confirm that it is not eligible for unlock at this time. Huge letdown for me as I was gonna get one for myself soon, but the wife won't really care about it being unlocked so for her it's still a good deal.
I purchased the moto G today and it says it is not eligible for bootloader unlock.
I was able to get past the activation screen and not activate it.
Every time I turn the phone on it does ask for activation. Wish I could get rid of this...
Anybody have a way to unlock the bootloader on the Verizon version?
I am waiting for unlock and root for VZW version too before I get it
Moto-G bootloader...
I was fat and happy to buy a pair of these when they became available in my area, but not being able to unlock the bootloader, and also not able to obtain the code from Circle-M, has forced us to begin looking at other devices, and forget the 'G'.
Too bad, I was really looking forward to expanding its horizons, but not if the game is to maintain a lock on my own device, no thank you!
Moto G 》VZW 》Get past the activation screen
MustangChris04 said:
I purchased the moto G today and it says it is not eligible for bootloader unlock.
I was able to get past the activation screen and not activate it.
Every time I turn the phone on it does ask for activation. Wish I could get rid of this...
Anybody have a way to unlock the bootloader on the Verizon version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did get past the activation screen? Trying to use the moto g as a wifi/media only device. TIA
I got the US CDMA version for BoostMobile & had it unlocked 'n rooted w/in minutes of unboxing yesterday.
You sure you're entering the serial # correctly?
(I didn't take out all of the spaces the first time and got denied, then fixed it & unlocked)
Good luck!
kr338r said:
I got the US CDMA version for BoostMobile & had it unlocked 'n rooted w/in minutes of unboxing yesterday.
You sure you're entering the serial # correctly?
(I didn't take out all of the spaces the first time and got denied, then fixed it & unlocked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought BoostMobile runs on Sprint's network?
there is no boost version that I'm aware of..
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
motrinHD said:
there is no boost version that I'm aware of..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, but there is more...
http://www.hsn.com/products/motorola-moto-g-45-quad-core-no-contract-smartphone/7347964
So I'm very seriously thinking of getting one
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
So this may be a dumb question, but would it be possible to unlock the bootloader of a Boost Moto G and flash it to Verizon?
S_transform said:
So this may be a dumb question, but would it be possible to unlock the bootloader of a Boost Moto G and flash it to Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can't flash a Boost CDMA phone and use it on Verizon (and vice versa): CDMA phones don't have SIM card to identify carriers; instead the carriers keep a database of admissable IMEI. Boost IMEI obviously not on Verizon's database, in which case you are stuck.
(Feel free to correct me, but please hold your flame )
kr338r said:
I got the US CDMA version for BoostMobile & had it unlocked 'n rooted w/in minutes of unboxing yesterday.
You sure you're entering the serial # correctly?
(I didn't take out all of the spaces the first time and got denied, then fixed it & unlocked)
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone with the Verizon version confirm that this works?
Just attempted to on a VZW MotoG with no success.
Well thats a bummer. I tried to unlock it but seem to have problems with the fastboot drivers on my pc. Ill mess with it a little bit later and post the results.
koebrah said:
How did get past the activation screen? Trying to use the moto g as a wifi/media only device. TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to activate it and get a phone number to get past that screen. You dont have to pay anything, just select "pay later" both time it asks you. It'll give you a number and then you can connect to wifi to do the rest of the steps.
Altering the setup app in any way thereafter reboots the phone, so you'll always have the activate app in your drawer. Thanks, Verizon.
Verizon is ONE BIG PILE Horse-Chit.. I hate that company with a passion...
So I moved my Family to T-Mo and bought 2 Nexus 5's and 2 Moto G's!
I will NEVER-EVER go back to Verizon... EVER!
They are the most archaic, backward and Xpensive carrier in North America
Pleas do yourself a favor and leave that - HORRIBLE effin COMPANY
P.S. I REPEAT - I will NEVER-EVER go back to Verizon... EVER
Visit this site and read the horror stories: http://verizarape.com/
In the U.S. the Motorola warranty coverage ends when you request an unlock code.
I have rooted a couple of previous phones, but in those cases there were exploits available to unlock the bootloaders on those phones so it did not affect the warranty status.
I guess this is a smart way for Motorola to do it - allowing people to easily unlock their bootloaders takes away most of the incentive for finding an exploit.
Still, if the phone develops a hardware problem that exists even after returning the phone to stock - shouldn't that still be covered by the warranty? I guess from Motorola's point of view, the user who unlocked the phone may have messed it up and Motorola shouldn't be responsible.
I bought my phone using a credit card that doubles my warranty up to an extra year so, in theory, I have two years of warranty. I suspect that the majority of phone failures are due to dropping the phone which would never be covered under warranty anyway. Square Trade insurance backs this up, at least for insured phones: "We next drilled down into the two main reported causes of accidents, drops and spills. Unsurprisingly, drops are responsible for most accidents – 77% to be precise"
I have seen threads where people sent money to a "Chinese middleman" in order to get an unlock code but I wonder - how do they know that the guy isn't just requesting the unlock codes from Motorola and violating their warranties at the same time? They wouldn't know unless they made a warranty claim, would they? Is there a way people can check on the Motorola site?
The stock experience on the Moto G is very good as are the updates - I currently have 4.4.3 and am hoping for 4.4.4 soon. And it seems to have been reported that we will even get android L when it comes out. From my forum reading, I get the impression that most people unlock and root their Moto G to be able to run xposed and make small tweaks to their phone. Which did you choose - warranty or root?
yaconsult said:
In the U.S. the Motorola warranty coverage ends when you request an unlock code.
I have rooted a couple of previous phones, but in those cases there were exploits available to unlock the bootloaders on those phones so it did not affect the warranty status.
I guess this is a smart way for Motorola to do it - allowing people to easily unlock their bootloaders takes away most of the incentive for finding an exploit.
Still, if the phone develops a hardware problem that exists even after returning the phone to stock - shouldn't that still be covered by the warranty? I guess from Motorola's point of view, the user who unlocked the phone may have messed it up and Motorola shouldn't be responsible.
I bought my phone using a credit card that doubles my warranty up to an extra year so, in theory, I have two years of warranty. I suspect that the majority of phone failures are due to dropping the phone which would never be covered under warranty anyway. Square Trade insurance backs this up, at least for insured phones: "We next drilled down into the two main reported causes of accidents, drops and spills. Unsurprisingly, drops are responsible for most accidents – 77% to be precise"
I have seen threads where people sent money to a "Chinese middleman" in order to get an unlock code but I wonder - how do they know that the guy isn't just requesting the unlock codes from Motorola and violating their warranties at the same time? They wouldn't know unless they made a warranty claim, would they? Is there a way people can check on the Motorola site?
The stock experience on the Moto G is very good as are the updates - I currently have 4.4.3 and am hoping for 4.4.4 soon. And it seems to have been reported that we will even get android L when it comes out. From my forum reading, I get the impression that most people unlock and root their Moto G to be able to run xposed and make small tweaks to their phone. Which did you choose - warranty or root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sir..you may also mention, that once the bootloader is unlocked, there is a permanent code written to the bootloader..and warranty is voided with this method..if one is to "relock" the device..this permanent code remains..
And it probably is possible for Motorola to trace an unlocked device with the IMEI..
Simply put..if one is concerned about warranty..don't unlock until warranty has expired..otherwise..unlock and void the warranty..
To unlock the bootloader of a Developer Edition does NOT void the warranty..
Sent from my:
4.4.4_21.11.21 (Unlocked)
XT1080M Droid Maxx #2
http://waynekent.com/page6.html
"Praise Jah" YOU people.!
NWKENT said:
Sir..you may also mention, that once the bootloader is unlocked, there is a permanent code written to the bootloader..and warranty is voided with this method..if one is to "relock" the device..this permanent code remains..
And it probably is possible for Motorola to trace an unlocked device with the IMEI..
Simply put..if one is concerned about warranty..don't unlock until warranty has expired..otherwise..unlock and void the warranty..
To unlock the bootloader of a Developer Edition does NOT void the warranty..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the clarification. I guess the people who are paying the "Chinese middleman" may still be screwed even if they return the phone to stock and try to get warranty service. And, as I said, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the guy was just doing a free unlock via motorola and charging people for it. Yet, this guy claims that he got a working unlock code for a verizon moto g from him for $45: http://swappa.com/listing/TND932/moto-g-verizon But I agree with you that this method would not preserve the warranty. And, clearly, unlocking your bootloader via motorola will mark the phone's unique identifier as being out of warranty. But not if you're lucky enough to live in Europe as I guess they get better legal rights on warranty than we do!
Unfortunately, there does not yet seem to be a Developer Edition of the Moto G LTE model.
Hence, my survey - how many people chose to give up their warranty in return for root on their Moto G?
yaconsult said:
Hence, my survey - how many people chose to give up their warranty in return for root on their Moto G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the moment I've chosen to keep my warranty even if I really want the root for my Moto G LTE.
I just hope that in a few weeks / months there will be a way to root the phone without unlock the bootloader.
Well, I reached the point where I decided to unlock my bootloader and root my phone. The deciding factor for doing so was the too aggressive minfree memory setting after the 4.4.4 update. You notice that when you try switching between a couple of applications, like browser and navigation, that it has killed the other app and restarts it when you switch back to it. Once you have root, you can fix this by adjusting minfree: http://m.androidcentral.com/fine-tuning-minfree-settings-improving-androids-multi-tasking
I also wanted to try out xposed and gravitybox which adds many very nice customization options. It works very nicely and I'm trying out some other xposed modules.
So I ended up not unlocking my bootloader right away, but waited a few months to make sure that the phone had no hardware issues. For me, it was worth the tradeoff to unlock it after that as I felt that the odds of having phone problems that would be covered under the warranty were quite slim. Minfree manager and xposed/gravitybox make the Moto G a much nicer phone for me.
I never had Motorola's warranty as the brand new g I got already had its boot loader unlocked as well as twrp custom recovery which didn't work. Had to root it then use flashify to get a working recovery. When asked what I was supposed to do about my non working recovery they didn't have anything to say.
Sent from my GT-I9070
I prefer unlocked boot loader and voided warranty. Warranty rules are always so specific and many great areas don't cover repairs anyway. Apart from x posed and all, I am such an addict I flashing ROMs and all, I wouldn't want it any other way. I would be more reluctant on a $900 Samsung or Sony, but if the moto G fails, its much cheaper. I can still get a moto g from cricket for $99 or $129 and a $50 rebate deal is still active
Hello everyone,
I am sure that this has been asked and answered before, but I have not found much solutions beyond the common "wait and see what happens".
My problem is that I own a 16GB 2013 Motorola Moto G which I purchased unlocked and with a Global GSM from Amazon in March and am having trouble unlocking the boot loader. I am currently connected to the Vodafone EG network (although not on a plan- it is prepaid).
I have gone through all the steps from [I am not allowed to post the link, but it's legit and consistent with all other tutorials.] but am told by the Motorola website that my phone cannot be unlocked. On the Motorola forums, it only states that Moto Gs sold by AT&T cannot be unlocked, so I am confused as the why the phone which I bought unlocked does not work.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should go around rooting my phone? Is there any way to root it without directly unlocking the boot loader from Motorola? Would it work if I reset the phone/removed the SIM card?
Thanks.
Get sunshine: http://theroot.ninja
$25 but its worth it. Think about all the freedom you get by unlocking the bootloader.
Sounds great, except the website states it only works on Moto Gs running 4.4.3 or lower. I am running 4.4.4 (sorry I forgot to mention that). Any suggestions?
Try to copy the code by hand
Download it and run it. Sunshine will first do a bunch of comparability tests. Only when the app knows its compatible it will pause and ask for payment. Once you pay, and if it doesn't work, they guarantee a refund on their site. Download it and try it, can't hurt. The site also states that it might work on some devices running 4.4.4
Also you stated that the Motorola website states only att phones cannot be unlocked. Maybe your phone cannot be unlocked because it was probably on the att network before it was gsm unlocked.
donkeycarts said:
Hello everyone,
I am sure that this has been asked and answered before, but I have not found much solutions beyond the common "wait and see what happens".
My problem is that I own a 16GB 2013 Motorola Moto G which I purchased unlocked and with a Global GSM from Amazon in March and am having trouble unlocking the boot loader. I am currently connected to the Vodafone EG network (although not on a plan- it is prepaid).
I have gone through all the steps from [I am not allowed to post the link, but it's legit and consistent with all other tutorials.] but am told by the Motorola website that my phone cannot be unlocked. On the Motorola forums, it only states that Moto Gs sold by AT&T cannot be unlocked, so I am confused as the why the phone which I bought unlocked does not work.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should go around rooting my phone? Is there any way to root it without directly unlocking the boot loader from Motorola? Would it work if I reset the phone/removed the SIM card?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not an answer to your current issue but may help with next one...
It's best to check these issues before you decide to buy a device. As a rule, avoid carrier-branded and/or network-locked devices unless the benefit to you outweighs the reality that your device belongs to that carrier/network forever and is likely permanently bootloader locked.
Carrier devices aren't discounted or subsidized usually, they are amortized. Overall, you may end up paying more than buying an unlocked device outright separately from a mobile plan.
Did sunshine work?
So, I have an Xperia Z3, D6616, stock, locked bootloader still, and I'm considering sim unlocking the device for use on AT&T. Bought it on craigslist. It's currently locked to T-Mobile. Most unlock websites say not to purchase the unlock code for the device if it is locked to T-Mobile due to an unlocking app that T-Mobile installs on handsets that prevents third party unlocking. See attached pictures. I'm an AT&T customer, so this is a bit of a pain for me.
Called T-Mobile, they will not unlock the device as it does not meet the requirements. I'm not a T-Mobile customer either, so there is no account history associated with this IMEI. I have a feeling that someone bought this device at a subsidized price, sold it new in box, and pocketed the cash. Now I have a fancy T-Mobile MP3 player and digital camera that won't play nice with my AT&T sim....
Has anyone successfully unlocked this device for use on another GSM carrier while originally being locked to T-Mobile without going through the carrier's unlocking process? If so, what website/service did you use? I'm considering selling this thing as it's a bit useless on my network thus far, being locked to another carrier and all.
Thanks in advance.
is this me being a bit daft, but could you not simply put an unbranded firmware on the device via ftf and simply unlock the device via a website?
henson0115 said:
is this me being a bit daft, but could you not simply put an unbranded firmware on the device via ftf and simply unlock the device via a website?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if that's a possibility. There is no root for this device without unlocking the bootloader, which wipes the TA partition and causes you to lose the DRM keys and cripples camera functionality. I'm trying to avoid unlocking the bootloader for as long as possible, but if unlocking, rooting, and installing a custom ROM will assist in sim unlocking, it may be in my best interest to do so.
I'm trying to do a network unlock with a code and keeping the phone stock if at all possible, at least until a root method without unlocking the bootloader is found, if it ever is... I just need a way to get a code for unlocking WITHOUT going through T-Mobile.
you don't need root to flash an unbranded ftf., once done then simply use a website and buy the unlock code, with the tmobile firmware out of the way there shouldn't be any interference in terms of network unlock.
what i am saying is:
1: flash global unbranded firmware via flashtools with ftf
2: buy your network unlock code
3: enter code as no t-mobile firmware is available on the device anymore to interfere
i am not saying this is possible as i do not have a t-mobile - us device to test, but my vodafone branded z3 has had an unbranded firmware flashed by myself with no root.
i hope this helps clear up any confusion.
henson0115 said:
you don't need root to flash an unbranded ftf., once done then simply use a website and buy the unlock code, with the tmobile firmware out of the way there shouldn't be any interference in terms of network unlock.
what i am saying is:
1: flash global unbranded firmware via flashtools with ftf
2: buy your network unlock code
3: enter code as no t-mobile firmware is available on the device anymore to interfere
i am not saying this is possible as i do not have a t-mobile - us device to test, but my vodafone branded z3 has had an unbranded firmware flashed by myself with no root.
i hope this helps clear up any confusion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may try this tonight.
If I flash another firmware with flashtool, can I return to stock after unlocking without root access?
Rooting and/or unlocking the bootloader or flashing a custom rom or a different firmware has absolutely nothing to do with SIM lock.
If you try and sim unlock by doing any of that you are wasting your time.
Best bet is to go to your carrier and ask them to sim unlock it
gregbradley said:
Rooting and/or unlocking the bootloader or flashing a custom rom or a different firmware has absolutely nothing to do with SIM lock.
If you try and sim unlock by doing any of that you are wasting your time.
Best bet is to go to your carrier and ask them to sim unlock it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that has been my experiences in the past. The carrier always did it for me. But T-Mobile will not unlock this device as it does not meet eligibility requirements, and the unlock websites say not to buy a code for a T-Mobile US locked Z3. I need it unlocked for use on AT&T. I remember unlocking HTC devices with SuperCID and unlocking Samsung devices with dialer codes. Anything like that for the Sony side of the house? this will be my first Sony phone.
HORiZUN said:
Yeah, that has been my experiences in the past. The carrier always did it for me. But T-Mobile will not unlock this device as it does not meet eligibility requirements, and the unlock websites say not to buy a code for a T-Mobile US locked Z3. I need it unlocked for use on AT&T. I remember unlocking HTC devices with SuperCID and unlocking Samsung devices with dialer codes. Anything like that for the Sony side of the house? this will be my first Sony phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I know of. In the UK you can get any phone sim unlocked on any market stall in a few minutes for a fiver. Its not really to do with the phone but the carrier and the laws you have over the pond.
Simply try a websites unlock, I do not believe T-Mobile can block carrier unlocks. Who has told you otherwise?
See the attachments in the OP. The unlocking websites are saying not to purchase the codes if you have a T-Mobile US locked Z3. I don't want to waste $40, especially when there are no refunds, and want to know if anyone has successfully unlocked with a website and NOT the carrier.
D6616 has an NOT unlockable bootloader, so that method is a no-go.
If it was on EIP and they sold it, the phone may be blacklisted by T-Mobile already
I don't believe you can flash a different version firmware, for multiple reasons, one of which is because it's a D6616 and not a D6603
The T-Mobile SIM unlock tool does work if all conditions are met.
Good luck OP, I think you might have a difficult time with this one
se1000 said:
D6616 has an unlockable bootloader, so that method is a no-go.
If it was on EIP and they sold it, the phone may be blacklisted by T-Mobile already
I don't believe you can flash a different version firmware, for multiple reasons, one of which is because it's a D6616 and not a D6603
The T-Mobile SIM unlock tool does work if all conditions are met.
Good luck OP, I think you might have a difficult time with this one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, the bootloader status has nothing to do with SIM lock.
Flashing another firmware will also not effect sim lock.
I'm seriously considering selling this device and going for another bootloader unlockable handset due to this unlock headache. T-Mobile is no help for unlocking this IMEI.
gregbradley said:
Again, the bootloader status has nothing to do with SIM lock.
Flashing another firmware will also not effect sim lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the first line, didn't mean to get that wrong. Definitely agree that bootloader unlock and SIM unlock have nothing to do with each other.
Called T-Mobile again, tried to unlock. No account number to tie unlock request to since I use At&t as a carrier. They recommend I call Sony directly and ask for an unlock. I did, Sony told me to contact the carrier again. I do, and have the T-Mobile rep call Sony guys on a three way call. I explain that I purchased the device on craigslist, not a T-Mobile account holder, I'm an active duty military member, phone was several hundred dollars, I didn't know... boohoo, I'm dumb, I should have purchased from Sony, No moneys to get a new phone since this was so expensive, etc. Sad poor me story, you know.
Sat on hold for a bit, but Sony caved and said they would attempt a remote unlock via code, but it would be between 1-3 days and the reply will be via email. Time will tell, now. Just waiting to see what happens. I hope it works. I had to have the situation escalated to the third level of supervisors to get this far...
sounds like good news, if that fails, you could ask someone you no on T-MOBILE or a family member to give them a ring and pretend its there phone, should also do the trick
That's a good idea!! Thanks for that. I'll find someone at work who has T-Mobile and go that route if I need to.
any updates.. i badly need my T mobile Xperia Z3 to be get it unlocked...
Sadly, there is no update. T-Mobile will not unlock the device unless I use it on their network for 45 days, ahve an account in good standing, etc. This isn't going to happen, as I am an AT&T subscriber. I have the Z3 listed for sale on craigslist. Awaiting a sale or trade. If anyone wants to swap phones for a still in the box T-Mobile Z3, let me know. Looking for an S5, G3, or Nexus 6. Gsm variants only. Too bad, cause I really like the Z3. I would keep it if I could sim unlock.
Is the unlocking app based off the Sim card? Cause I bought my tmo Z3 3 days ago. Used my Sim from my moto x. After I got everything set up I tried the permanent unlock which was successful.
Hi everyone,
I recently just get my new google pixel 3a from amazon,
but it seems like they send me the Verizon version of it.
The version of the phone is android 10 and I am trying to unlocked OEM under developer options in order to root my device,
but it's likely seems like there is no way that I can unlock the OEM...?
So I was wondering if anyone know the way of unlocking it or maybe there is a way that I can root without Unlocking the OEM.
Thank you!!
Skylar514 said:
Hi everyone,
I recently just get my new google pixel 3a from amazon,
but it seems like they send me the Verizon version of it.
The version of the phone is android 10 and I am trying to unlocked OEM under developer options in order to root my device,
but it's likely seems like there is no way that I can unlock the OEM...?
So I was wondering if anyone know the way of unlocking it or maybe there is a way that I can root without Unlocking the OEM.
Thank you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is notorious for locking down their equipment!!! I would recommend seeing if you can return it and get the unlocked variant!
Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
Just a heads up if anyone happens to find this after grabbing the $200 3a from Verizon: they claim they will unlock your phone after 60 days, something on their site I confirmed with a rep. I'll update January 24 if it does or doesn't happen as I plan to root then (for me, a $200 discount was worth a two month delay).
iamxaq said:
Just a heads up if anyone happens to find this after grabbing the $200 3a from Verizon: they claim they will unlock your phone after 60 days, something on their site I confirmed with a rep. I'll update January 24 if it does or doesn't happen as I plan to root then (for me, a $200 discount was worth a two month delay).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so you are aware, the rep is talking about the SIM card lock. This is different than the bootloader unlock which is required to root your phone.
A SIM card unlock allows you to use the phone with other service providers. Most providers will lock the phone as long as you owe money on the phone. If you bought it outright or have paid the phone off, then the provider will generally SIM unlock the phone. Verizon won't even SIM card unlock the phone until it has been active for 60 days. They say this is to prevent pre-sale theft of their phones, but the policy is certainly more strict than any other provider. However do not misinterpret this to mean that Verizon will SIM unlock all phones after 60 days. If you owe money on the phone, they are not obligated to SIM card unlock it. It is possible sometimes to get the provider to SIM unlock the phone while you still owe money on the phone, but that can be hit and miss.
A bootloader unlock is needed to root the phone. Verizon is the one USA service provider that locks the bootloader of all their devices by policy. Even if a Verizon phone is SIM card unlocked, there is no guarantee that you will be able to bootloader unlock the phone or root it. Generally speaking, you should consider every Verizon phone to be bootloader locked and considering it "winning the lottery" if you are actually able to bootloader unlock it. There are times when Verizon messes up the IMEI numbers and allow phones to be unlocked, but that this just luck if it happens.
I've owned Verizon phones before that were bootloader locked and I will never buy another one. But that is my personal preference. If you have no interest in rooting your phone, then the bootloader isn't that important of an issue. But if you do want to root the phone (and it sound like you do), I would recommend that you see about returning the phone during the return period and purchasing the "Unlocked" version (the "NON-Verizon version).
Sic is correct. Verizon will only SIM unlock the phones. That was the main reason I left them back when I had to use rumrunner on my M7. Once it died and I had to get another phone, I left Verizon and never looked back. When they asked why I was leaving, I told them I might return if they ever let us unlock our bootloaders. The employee knew there was no saving me at that point.
If you want to have an unlocked bootloader, the best bet would be to have a non-carrier branded phone.