Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone has done this, or knows if it's possible to (after unlocking bootloader) flash the Google stock Pixel system image instead of the Verizon one? I'm assuming the hardware and firmware are identical, but am not sure and am not skilled enough (or at all) in code to know if its possible. I bought my phone through Verizon, only because nowhere else had stock. I use it on T-Mobile, but fear there may be some behind the scenes Verizon stuff going on that may hinder my phone on T-Mobile. I haven't experienced any issues yet, but with the Nov security update mentioning a specific fix for wifi calling in New Mexico only on the Verizon pixels, it makes me weary that there is more happening beneath the surface than I am aware of. Thanks for any and all help! Appreciate it.
newbienic said:
Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone has done this, or knows if it's possible to (after unlocking bootloader) flash the Google stock Pixel system image instead of the Verizon one? I'm assuming the hardware and firmware are identical, but am not sure and am not skilled enough (or at all) in code to know if its possible. I bought my phone through Verizon, only because nowhere else had stock. I use it on T-Mobile, but fear there may be some behind the scenes Verizon stuff going on that may hinder my phone on T-Mobile. I haven't experienced any issues yet, but with the Nov security update mentioning a specific fix for wifi calling in New Mexico only on the Verizon pixels, it makes me weary that there is more happening beneath the surface than I am aware of. Thanks for any and all help! Appreciate it.
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I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
jay661972 said:
I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
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Awesome! Thanks for the info... Really glad to know I can convert if need be. Thanks again!
jay661972 said:
I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
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Interesting side note on this...
I went ahead and unlocked my bootloader and flashed Google's stock Pixel image. All went well, no problems... Until I tried to use Android Pay. It's telling me my software can't be verified. And I out of curiosity checked, and the "allow OEM unlocking" in developer options is still greyed out, and not selectable, even though my BL is unlocked. Hoping this doesn't mean that we can't take an OTA. Weird, I guess we'll have to wait and see when next month's security update comes out...
newbienic said:
Interesting side note on this...
I went ahead and unlocked my bootloader and flashed Google's stock Pixel image. All went well, no problems... Until I tried to use Android Pay. It's telling me my software can't be verified. And I out of curiosity checked, and the "allow OEM unlocking" in developer options is still greyed out, and not selectable, even though my BL is unlocked. Hoping this doesn't mean that we can't take an OTA. Weird, I guess we'll have to wait and see when next month's security update comes out...
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Just having an unlocked bootloader trips SafetyNet now and you can't use Android Pay without a custom kernel.
ITGuy11 said:
Just having an unlocked bootloader trips SafetyNet now and you can't use Android Pay without a custom kernel.
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And the OEM unlock option appears to be dependent on device ID (imeid? Ccid?), And not the software. So don't relock it, and you're fine
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
danaff37 said:
And the OEM unlock option appears to be dependent on device ID (imeid? Ccid?), And not the software. So don't relock it, and you're fine
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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One thing I just realized, is in Developer Options, its greyed out like I mentioned, but also says "Bootloader is already unlocked". Which I actually remember seeing on my Nexus 5x when the bootloader was unlocked. It's got me really curious about re locking the bootloader. Mainly cause I actually use Android Pay. Had no idea bootloader unlocks are actually tripping safety net now. Major bummer. If anyone has gone through this process with a Verizon pixel and has actually relocked their bootloader with no issues I'd certainly appreciate any info you have. Otherwise, I may have to dive in blind and hope for the best.
If you want to use Android pay, flash a custom kernel but don't root. Works for me.
Don't relock if you ever want to have it rooted, custom, etc. The unlock method isn't going to survive another security update.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
danaff37 said:
If you want to use Android pay, flash a custom kernel but don't root. Works for me.
Don't relock if you ever want to have it rooted, custom, etc. The unlock method isn't going to survive another security update.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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Hypathetically, if I didn't want root or anything custom at all, do you think that relocking the bootloader could cause an issue while using the Stock Google image on a Verizon Pixel? I wish I had more knowledge on this, but I'm pretty in the dark on this stuff as of late... Thanks for your help!
Should be fine if all stock I think, just know that you may not be able to unlock later.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
newbienic said:
One thing I just realized, is in Developer Options, its greyed out like I mentioned, but also says "Bootloader is already unlocked". Which I actually remember seeing on my Nexus 5x when the bootloader was unlocked. It's got me really curious about re locking the bootloader. Mainly cause I actually use Android Pay. Had no idea bootloader unlocks are actually tripping safety net now. Major bummer. If anyone has gone through this process with a Verizon pixel and has actually relocked their bootloader with no issues I'd certainly appreciate any info you have. Otherwise, I may have to dive in blind and hope for the best.
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Contrary to what people are saying. You CAN relock your bootloader and then unlock it again later. However, keep in mind that at some point there will likely be an update that blocks the use of dePixel8 and you will no longer be able to unlock the bootloader unless someone writes another exploit.
I would like to find a way to permanently unlock VZW Pixels but until I get one from the Google Store to compare with my Verizon one I don't think I will make much progress.
Relocking your bootloader is as simple as running the "fastboot oem lock" command from the terminal window.
Lastly. If you want to relock the bootloader, make sure your phone is 100% stock image or you risk bricking the phone
If I were to buy the Verizon pixel and flash the unlocked (non European) image. How do you think updates would work? Would I get seamless updates from Google or would I need to flash every Ota manually. Might be too early to tell
b316kane said:
If I were to buy the Verizon pixel and flash the unlocked (non European) image. How do you think updates would work? Would I get seamless updates from Google or would I need to flash every Ota manually. Might be too early to tell
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This is exactly what I did, and I am curious as well... We'll see next month I guess, but I'm guessing it will take the OTA just fine. My wife has a Pixel from the Google store, and mine is from Verizon. I've compared everything (including booloaders) since flashing the Google store Pixel image, and every informational detail is identical. Not sure if there is some other place hidden to me that might indicate a difference, but I'm thinking that Verizon's Pixel is only different in its official software image... And, that may be it. Please don't take my word for it, I'm no developer, and know very little about any of this, but in my comparisons, they are identical now since flashing Googles official (Non Verizon, Non European) image.
Sidenote, I have yet to try this, but I'm thinking that since I am on Googles image, that if I re-lock my bootloader, that I WILL be able to unlock again after locking. I think Verizon used Googles "Allow OEM Unlocking" software toggle in developer options as the only method to actually keep people from unlocking the bootloader (again speculative), and now that I'm on Googles image, that software "block" should no longer be present, so I should in theory, be free to lock/unlock the same as Pixels purchased from the Google store... Again, I've got no proof, or actual skill to back this up, but it's a theory I have, and if I end up locking my BL again, I'll post what I find...
newbienic said:
I have yet to try this, but I'm thinking that since I am on Googles image, that if I re-lock my bootloader, that I WILL be able to unlock again after locking.
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In the Verizon unlocking threads the people that tried relocking reported that they were unable to unlock again without depixel8, which is the same as how the Verizon phone typically works. Some people seem to have gotten into situations that could have been corrected with an unlocked bootloader, but because they had a locked bootloader that couldn't be unlocked using depixel8 they had no easy solution to get their phone working again at this time.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/psa-read-relocking-bootloader-t3494615
alluringreality said:
In the Verizon unlocking threads the people that tried relocking reported that they were unable to unlock again without depixel8, which is the same as how the Verizon phone typically works. Some people seem to have gotten into situations that could have been corrected with an unlocked bootloader, but because they had a locked bootloader that couldn't be unlocked using depixel8 they had no easy solution to get their phone working again at this time.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/psa-read-relocking-bootloader-t3494615
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Thanks for the heads up!!! Like I said, I really know nothing, just speculating. Appreciate you looking out.
newbienic said:
Thanks for the heads up!!! Like I said, I really know nothing, just speculating. Appreciate you looking out.
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I forget where, but I saw written or implied that the "checking for updates" screen about third of way through initial setup of first boot uses WiFi AND sim carrier data to install Verizon custom restrictions and settings that among other effects make depixel8 required.
Even on "non Verizon phones" (which you are saying use the same build images byte to byte?)... You have to either use a SIM card or wifi and google account to allow the developer options to enable OEM unlock.
My theory: In other words, if you don't allow via SIM and a network wifi or data connect, for Verizon to mark your phone, or another carrier, then the phone can not be unlocked. So carrier models may indeed be differentiated from current factory images AFTER boot and setup.
There is a post in Q&A of someone trying to unlock bootloader without loading into the device, not having luck. This is why oem unlock toggle is so important and why people are bricking from locked bootloaders that won't unlock (so no wipe and factory images cannot be flashed.)
Another thing to consider: SIM network lock will not be flashed over.
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs
Hey All,
So picked myself up a Pixel QB 128 on the UK's EE network. It came with software ver 7.1. So I didn't update as I read that if you update to 7.1.1 - this patches the exploit needed for the dePixel8 tool.
So used the dePixel8 tool and unlocked the boot loader (Confirmed in developer settings which now states "Bootloader already unlocked). Although, I haven't actually rooted it or installed a custom recovery yet.
My question is:
Can I take the OTA update to 7.1.1 - and still have an unlocked boot loader with the possibility to root and install recovery? Or is there a special way to update it that I should be aware of?
Thanks in advance!
Once youre unlocked, your unlocked unless you lock it again. (never do that by the way). You can take the OTA without fear.
Thanks, I braved it and took the update. All working well. Still haven't rooted just yet - trying to figure out the benefits of root atm. Looking forward to some great ROMs.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
slave2soul said:
Thanks, I braved it and took the update. All working well. Still haven't rooted just yet - trying to figure out the benefits of root atm. Looking forward to some great ROMs.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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benefits of rooting - adaway system wide... and Substratum support (legacy on stock roms)
I unlocked the bootloader on my Verizon Pixel 2 - just because I could - but I don't really have any need for root and don't want to deal with the tripped safetynet and manual updates. What I'd like to do is flash a ROM that would convert this to a Google Pixel 2 (that gets OTAs directly from Google) and then relock the bootloader. Is this possible?
8.1 was unified so both Verizon and Google has the same firmware. Maybe that's why it "broke" the bootloader for us to be able to Unlock it.
I hope it'll continue to be unified so we get updates as fast as the Google Pixel 2.
guapinoy said:
8.1 was unified so both Verizon and Google has the same firmware. Maybe that's why it "broke" the bootloader for us to be able to Unlock it.
I hope it'll continue to be unified so we get updates as fast as the Google Pixel 2.
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Thanks, I didn't realize they had merged. Your theory about why the bootloader broke is definitely possible, but if so I'm not sure why the XL wouldn't have received the same treatment.
Doubled checked and noticed that three variants of Factory Images exist. Factory, Telus, and Verizon. Since I have a Verizon locked BL and have unlocked. Is this a backdoor to "correct" the problem. Just like what happened with Pixel 2 Verizon before 8.1 when that exploit existed. Reason why I ask, I had a Pixel 2 factory unlocked and after a (4) refurbish channel replacement with NO UNLOCK ability don't want to see if this is a end around to Lock up Pixels.
If you have a Verizon phone, you should only flash the Verizon ROM (or OTA update). If your phone is already bootloader unlocked, updates should not relock the bootloader, unless you specifically go through the process to relock it. If the bootloader is locked and you flash an update, the update may potentially nullify the method used to unlock the bootloader. In that case, it is best to wait and see what others report.
I have flashed the September Verizon variant (factory image and not OTA) on a Pixel and Pixel XL (both unlocked with dePixel at the very beginning). Nothing happened to the already locked devices. I have little doubt that it would have patched the exploit on a still locked device.
Thank You sliding_billy that was the answer I needed. Not that I will relock, but the fact that others might thought would be good to get verification. Waiting for more drop in price on Verizon locked ones with Pixel 3 release. I want to pick up more used ones. This device has become my #1 after all my Nexus 5X's suffered blod.
Some time ago I bought a Pixel 2. It was the Verizon variant which has a permanently locked boot loader with no way around it.
The question is, is there any Pixel 3 with permanently locked bootloader or other restriction or can every one be unlocked and rooted?
EDIT, After posting, it showed me related posts (I did search by the way) stating that the Verizon Pixel 3 is permanently locked. Is this the only one of concern. So as long I get anything but Verizon I can root it? Thanks again.
elkinm said:
Some time ago I bought a Pixel 2. It was the Verizon variant which has a permanently locked boot loader with no way around it.
The question is, is there any Pixel 3 with permanently locked bootloader or other restriction or can every one be unlocked and rooted?
EDIT, After posting, it showed me related posts (I did search by the way) stating that the Verizon Pixel 3 is permanently locked. Is this the only one of concern. So as long I get anything but Verizon I can root it? Thanks again.
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AT&T phones are usually bootloader locked also. T-Mobile phones can usually be unlocked. Also the Google branded phones can be unlocked. However, I have seen reports of refurbished phones that had the bootloader locked during the refurbishing process. Better get a guarantee the bootloader can be unlocked.
dcarvil said:
AT&T phones are usually bootloader locked also. T-Mobile phones can usually be unlocked. Also the Google branded phones can be unlocked. However, I have seen reports of refurbished phones that had the bootloader locked during the refurbishing process. Better get a guarantee the bootloader can be unlocked.
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I have a verizon pixel 2 that i unlocked. you can google how to. I bought a google pixel 3 from google and can be unlocked. the pixel 2 can be unlocked use toolkit. toolkit will do the work for you.
Unified Android Toolkit v1.7.2 | SkipSoft.net
skipsoft.net
elkinm said:
Some time ago I bought a Pixel 2. It was the Verizon variant which has a permanently locked boot loader with no way around it.
The question is, is there any Pixel 3 with permanently locked bootloader or other restriction or can every one be unlocked and rooted?
EDIT, After posting, it showed me related posts (I did search by the way) stating that the Verizon Pixel 3 is permanently locked. Is this the only one of concern. So as long I get anything but Verizon I can root it? Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the Pixel 3 use Tool all in one. it will root phone for you.
TOOL_ALL_IN_ONE_1.1.1.6-NO-INSTALLER.zip | by Mauronofrio for Generic Device/Other
Download GApps, Roms, Kernels, Themes, Firmware, and more. Free file hosting for all Android developers.
androidfilehost.com
Thank you for your help. I was able to find a Google Edition Pixel 3 and immediately and successfully unlocked the boot-loader with the TOOL_ALL_IN_ONE.
I was not able to unlock my Verizon pixel 2 with that or the Unified Toolkit as it is permanently locked.
Instead of rooting, I checked system updates. It had android 11 and did give me an update to Android 12 so OTA updates work with an unlocked boot-loader.
But OMG 12 looks horrible. The huge settings buttons with no way to shrink them and huge lock screen clock as well as all the text in the settings and no customization like in 11.
It think the biggest step backwards ever on Android. I am so happy my pixel 2 stopped at 11.
Now that I am unlocked I can do anything, maybe go to LineageOS, but am I the only one who hates stock Android 12? I suppose there are better places for that.
Thanks again.
elkinm said:
Thank you for your help. I was able to find a Google Edition Pixel 3 and immediately and successfully unlocked the boot-loader with the TOOL_ALL_IN_ONE.
I was not able to unlock my Verizon pixel 2 with that or the Unified Toolkit as it is permanently locked.
Instead of rooting, I checked system updates. It had android 11 and did give me an update to Android 12 so OTA updates work with an unlocked boot-loader.
But OMG 12 looks horrible. The huge settings buttons with no way to shrink them and huge lock screen clock as well as all the text in the settings and no customization like in 11.
It think the biggest step backwards ever on Android. I am so happy my pixel 2 stopped at 11.
Now that I am unlocked I can do anything, maybe go to LineageOS, but am I the only one who hates stock Android 12? I suppose there are better places for that.
Thanks again.
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So you unlocked the bootloader on your Verizon Pixel 3 with that tool kit.
bmw9651 said:
TOOL_ALL_IN_ONE_1.1.1.6-NO-INSTALLER.zip | by Mauronofrio for Generic Device/Other
Download GApps, Roms, Kernels, Themes, Firmware, and more. Free file hosting for all Android developers.
androidfilehost.com
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So this tool kit will unlock bootloader on a Verizon Pixel 3.
AtrixHDMan said:
So you unlocked the bootloader on your Verizon Pixel 3 with that tool kit.
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with the pixel 2 , you have to use fastboot and adb to gain access to unlock. my pixel 2 is a verizon and i have changed OS to early time. many times. i messed with it.
this is for the Pixel 2 unlocking. https://developers.google.com/android/images
bmw9651 said:
TOOL_ALL_IN_ONE_1.1.1.6-NO-INSTALLER.zip | by Mauronofrio for Generic Device/Other
Download GApps, Roms, Kernels, Themes, Firmware, and more. Free file hosting for all Android developers.
androidfilehost.com
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Click to collapse
Wait so I can use this toolkit to root Verizon pixel 3 so I can be able to unlock hotspot to tether my unlimited data plan with AT&T?
No, the Pixel 3 that I unlocked is the Google Edition. The Pixel 2 is Verizon and even the toolkits said bootloader is permanently locked. There was one older build of the VZ pixel 2 that could be unlocked, but I am past and I don't think it will allow a downgrade.