So, I just got my shiny, new Pixel, and immediately went to unlock the bootloader prior to booting it up for the first time. I was not pleased to be greeted with the following message:
FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed)
What I've found online is that with newer Android phones, you *have* to boot the phone first and enable USB debugging/OEM unlocking from the developer settings. Is there no way around this? I don't want to waste all that time doing that, only to wipe data a minute later.
If I am forced to do it this way, is there a way to get into the developer settings without first adding my google account, etc.? This is really, frustratingly difficult, especially for such an obscenely expensive phone!
Edit: Okay, you can get into settings without adding a Google account, but the "OEM unlocking" option is greyed out, with the message "Connect to the internet or contact your carrier." WTF? I don't even have a SIM in this phone yet. What gives, Google?
hackel said:
So, I just got my shiny, new Pixel, and immediately went to unlock the bootloader prior to booting it up for the first time. I was not pleased to be greeted with the following message:
FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed)
What I've found online is that with newer Android phones, you *have* to boot the phone first and enable USB debugging/OEM unlocking from the developer settings. Is there no way around this? I don't want to waste all that time doing that, only to wipe data a minute later.
If I am forced to do it this way, is there a way to get into the developer settings without first adding my google account, etc.? This is really, frustratingly difficult, especially for such an obscenely expensive phone!
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Click to collapse
I can't answer the main part of the question, but you can skip adding a google account and still enable OEM unlock ability in dev options.
EDIT: regarding your edit, hackel, that is frustrating they make you "activate" it on a carrier or via google before allowing OEM unlock. Very Apple-ish.
hackel said:
Edit: Okay, you can get into settings without adding a Google account, but the "OEM unlocking" option is greyed out, with the message "Connect to the internet or contact your carrier." WTF? I don't even have a SIM in this phone yet. What gives, Google?
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Did you buy the phone from Verizon or Best Buy? The only ones that support bootloader unlocking are sold direct from Google. The ones from Vz and BB will have "OEM Unlocking" greyed out.
FWIW, I just set mine up this morning. I skipped through most of the settings, didn't add a google app, enabled OEM unlocking, and then unlocked with fastboot with no issues.
EDIT: hmm, I may have put my SIM in it first. Can't remember.
dmbfan36_23 said:
[snip]
Did you buy the phone from Verizon or Best Buy? The only ones that support bootloader unlocking are sold direct from Google. The ones from Vz and BB will have "OEM Unlocking" greyed out.
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Do you have confirmation of this? We know about Verizon, but where did you see that devices sold through BestBuy or other carriers would not allow unlocking?
dmbfan36_23 said:
Did you buy the phone from Verizon or Best Buy? The only ones that support bootloader unlocking are sold direct from Google. The ones from Vz and BB will have "OEM Unlocking" greyed out.
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Click to collapse
Are you sure? Ars Technica, for instance, among many, are reporting that the Verizon variant can indeed have the BL unlocked. The default for all versions is greyed out until you change it.
dmbfan36_23 said:
FWIW, I just set mine up this morning. I skipped through most of the settings, didn't add a google app, enabled OEM unlocking, and then unlocked with fastboot with no issues.
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Click to collapse
Did you have your phone connected to the internet and/or have a SIM in it when you enabled OEM unlocking?
dmbfan36_23 said:
Did you buy the phone from Verizon or Best Buy? The only ones that support bootloader unlocking are sold direct from Google. The ones from Vz and BB will have "OEM Unlocking" greyed out.
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Click to collapse
No, purchased directly from Google Store. I didn't add a working wifi network the first time (intentionally). I finally just caved in and added one, and after a few seconds the OEM unlocking option became available. I really wish I didn't have to allow the device to check-in with Google simply in order to unlock it.
Oh well, thanks!
efrant said:
Do you have confirmation of this. We know about Verizon, but where did you see that devices sold through BestBuy or other carriers would not allow unlocking?
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Best Buy is selling the Verizon version. Google has stated that only the ones sold directly from them have unlockable bootloaders.
---------- Post added at 02:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:03 PM ----------
dispatch said:
Are you sure? Ars Technica, for instance, among many, are reporting that the Verizon variant can indeed have the BL unlocked. The default for all versions is greyed out until you change it.
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Click to collapse
Where did they say that? Everything I've seen says it's not unlockable:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/10/04/confirmed-verizon-pixels-bootloader-will-not-unlockable/
All of the phones ship locked, but on non-Google versions the option to enable OEM unlocking remains greyed out.
All phones, including those sold by Vz, are carrier unlocked though.
dmbfan36_23 said:
Best Buy is selling the Verizon version. Google has stated that only the ones sold directly from them have unlockable bootloaders.
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Click to collapse
You're absolutely right. I must've read that the Verizon variant will be carrier unlocked and interpreted that as BL.
Still garbage that you have to phone home before the google variant will allow an OEM unlock.
dmbfan36_23 said:
Best Buy is selling the Verizon version. Google has stated that only the ones sold directly from them have unlockable bootloaders.
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Click to collapse
Ok, I think you are talking specifically about the U.S. then. I'm pretty sure Pixel devices sold through carriers here in Canada have unlockable bootloaders. My device hasn't arrived yet, so I haven't personally verified.
Out of curiosity... Has anyone tried removing the Verizon sim card and replacing it with a T-Mobile or AT&T sim before or after first boot to see if it changes the unlock option?
efrant said:
Ok, I think you are talking specifically about the U.S. then. I'm pretty sure Pixel devices sold through carriers here in Canada have unlockable bootloaders. My device hasn't arrived yet, so I haven't personally verified.
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Please let us know when you do especially if you're on Bell. Thanks!
dmbfan36_23 said:
Did you buy the phone from Verizon or Best Buy? The only ones that support bootloader unlocking are sold direct from Google. The ones from Vz and BB will have "OEM Unlocking" greyed out.
FWIW, I just set mine up this morning. I skipped through most of the settings, didn't add a google app, enabled OEM unlocking, and then unlocked with fastboot with no issues.
EDIT: hmm, I may have put my SIM in it first. Can't remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone know for sure that the phones from best buy are locked and have a locked bootloader? I contacted best buy and they said the phones are locked but when I contacted Google support, they said those phones along with the Google store phones are unlocked with a unlocked bootloader. Don't know who to believe? I would like to buy the phone from best buy only if it's unlocked with a unlocked bootloader because the Google stores shipping and logistics are all screwed up. Ordered placed later are getting shipped before earlier orders. Not happy with Google.
Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk
hackel said:
No, purchased directly from Google Store. I didn't add a working wifi network the first time (intentionally). I finally just caved in and added one, and after a few seconds the OEM unlocking option became available. I really wish I didn't have to allow the device to check-in with Google simply in order to unlock it.
Oh well, thanks!
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Click to collapse
Hackel, you don't need to enter your google account info or insert your sim. Just connect to wifi and then go to developer settings to disable OEM unlock.
Source: Me cause I did it, duh
tjarvis said:
Out of curiosity... Has anyone tried removing the Verizon sim card and replacing it with a T-Mobile or AT&T sim before or after first boot to see if it changes the unlock option?
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That's a no go, the VZW model has a different CID.
I can't speak for why we have to connect to the internet before you can OEM unlock, but toggling this setting before you can unlock the bootloader is a security measure and its a really good thing.
Think about it, if your Pixel was a corporate phone or you actually cared about security, you would want the bootloader to be locked.
Without the need to boot the phone and enter a password:
1. I could steal / borrow your phone when you aren't looking
2. unlock the bootloader with ANY PC
3. then sideload a kernel that did something bad, or fastboot boot to twrp and install some malware
4. then give it back to you
OR
I could just steal your phone and wipe / flash it and keep it or sell it.
Nothing could stop me from doing either if you got your wish. In its current setup, your pin / password / fingerprint can still protect the phone from getting unlocked. You are in control.
I know anyone who wants to unlock the bootloader here does not care about security. I've been there. But you also have to think about who these phones are really made for. They were built to be mainstream phones for everyone. These aren't strictly developer phones. Even Nexus phones had this feature. My 5x and 6p required me to OEM unlock before I could unlock the bootloader. I don't remember if the Nexus 4, 5, 6 made me do this. It may have started with device encryption. I don't remember.
dbrohrer said:
I can't speak for why we have to connect to the internet before you can OEM unlock, but toggling this setting before you can unlock the bootloader is a security measure and its a really good thing.
Think about it, if your Pixel was a corporate phone or you actually cared about security, you would want the bootloader to be locked.
Without the need to boot the phone and enter a password:
1. I could steal / borrow your phone when you aren't looking
2. unlock the bootloader with ANY PC
3. then sideload a kernel that did something bad, or fastboot boot to twrp and install some malware
4. then give it back to you
OR
I could just steal your phone and wipe / flash it and keep it or sell it.
Nothing could stop me from doing either if you got your wish. In its current setup, your pin / password / fingerprint can still protect the phone from getting unlocked. You are in control.
I know anyone who wants to unlock the bootloader here does not care about security. I've been there. But you also have to think about who these phones are really made for. They were built to be mainstream phones for everyone. These aren't strictly developer phones. Even Nexus phones had this feature. My 5x and 6p required me to OEM unlock before I could unlock the bootloader. I don't remember if the Nexus 4, 5, 6 made me do this. It may have started with device encryption. I don't remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the past, when you purchased a Nexus device, you could pull it out of the box, boot directly into the bootloader, and unlock the bootloader without booting into Android. Starting with the Nexus 6, if (and only if) you booted into Android before unlocking the bootloader, then you needed to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting to unlock the bootloader. (This was done as part of Google's factory reset protection, so that if you lost your device, someone wouldn't be able to just wipe it and use it.) So, having to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting is nothing new. However, now, apparently, what is new, is that you cannot unlock the bootloader when you take it out of the box for the first time, without booting into Android first. I fail to see how this is a security measure, as a brand new phone has nothing on it, and anyone can boot into Android anyway when taking it out of the box.
efrant said:
In the past, when you purchased a Nexus device, you could pull it out of the box, boot directly into the bootloader, and unlock the bootloader without booting into Android. Starting with the Nexus 6, if you booted into Android before unlocking the bootloader, then you needed to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting. (This was done as part of Google's factory reset protection, so that if you lost your device, someone wouldn't be able to just wipe it and use it.) So, having to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting is nothing new. However, now, apparently, what is new, is that you cannot unlock the bootloader when you take it out of the box for the first time, without booting into Android first. I fail to see how this is a security measure, as a brand new phone has nothing on it, and anyone can boot into Android anyway when taking it out of the box.
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Ok. That sounds correct. I nevered tried to unlock out of the box. I assumed it was the same as after the first boot.
Thanks for the clarification.
efrant said:
In the past, when you purchased a Nexus device, you could pull it out of the box, boot directly into the bootloader, and unlock the bootloader without booting into Android. Starting with the Nexus 6, if (and only if) you booted into Android before unlocking the bootloader, then you needed to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting to unlock the bootloader. (This was done as part of Google's factory reset protection, so that if you lost your device, someone wouldn't be able to just wipe it and use it.) So, having to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting is nothing new. However, now, apparently, what is new, is that you cannot unlock the bootloader when you take it out of the box for the first time, without booting into Android first. I fail to see how this is a security measure, as a brand new phone has nothing on it, and anyone can boot into Android anyway when taking it out of the box.
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It hinders someone from loading malware before the phone is booted. It also makes you clearly aware of the "risks".
Sent from my Pixel using XDA Labs
This is the dumbest complain thread that I've read in awhile honestly. You're complaining about a 1 minute inconvenience? Just login and OEM unlock and you're done...it took you longer to type up this thread and find a way around it.
Cares said:
This is the dumbest complain thread that I've read in awhile honestly. You're complaining about a 1 minute inconvenience? Just login and OEM unlock and you're done...it took you longer to type up this thread and find a way around it.
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Well, there are other reasons for wanting to be able to unlock the bootloader without ever having booted into Android, so I wouldn't call this a complaint thread. For example, getting a complete backup of all the partitions in a (mostly) untouched condition (e.g., partitions like frp, persist, etc.).
Calling someone's question/observation a "dumbest complain thread" isn't really contributing to the discussion.
efrant
Senior Moderator
Just received my Unlocked Flip Z3 directly from Samsung. Anyone else not seeing OEM unlocking in DEV options? Would like to verify the Camara bug.
It doesn't say anything about camera not working.
Looking at this post, it looks like the camera isn't locked.
Unlocking bootloader will disable the camera?
I just got a new Fold 3. Toggled OEM unlock in Developer settings, rebooted in Download mode – then long press up. Now it asks to confirm bootloader unlock and says: “Doing so will cause the camera to be disabled”. I've never seen this before...
forum.xda-developers.com
That's strange is your OEM unlocking option at the top? I still don't see it on mine.
Wow never underestimate Sammy's ability to Eff stuff up!
Fix Missing OEM Unlock Toggle on Samsung Galaxy Devices (Guide)
Are you facing the missing OEM unlock issue on your Samsung Galaxy device? That's because your phone has entered the Prenormal RMM/KG state. However, if you'd like to bypass it, then you can follow…
www.thecustomdroid.com
dave5777 said:
Just received my Unlocked Flip Z3 directly from Samsung. Anyone else not seeing OEM unlocking in DEV options? Would like to verify the Camara bug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the U or U1 if so then you probably won't see it.
SM-F711UZKEXAA Snapdragon USA No OEM Unlock option.
USA models haven't been bootloader unlockable since what, the S7? Unless you pay someone $150ish to do the job remotely, anyways.