When I purchased my Nexus 6P several years ago, I just swapped my Verizon SIM out of my Note 4 and went on my merry way. My Dad asked for a phone recommendation and I recommended the Pixel 2, thinking it would work the same way. Now I discover there's a carrier-unlocked version and a Verizon version. I don't want the Verizon bloatware on his phone and would rather not have to begin by deleting a bunch of apps (if Verizon will actually allow me to uninstall any apps [they love to install bloatware as system apps])as I'm the first step in his tech support hierarchy. I doubt I'll root his phone but I definitely don't want to have a locked bootloader which seems to be the Verizon standard.
If I get him the carrier-unlocked version and put his Verizon SIM card in, will it work on Evil Red's, I mean Big Red's network? I couldn't find any radio differentiation on Google's tech specs page.
Thank you for any information you can provide me.
Narsil007 said:
When I purchased my Nexus 6P several years ago, I just swapped my Verizon SIM out of my Note 4 and went on my merry way. My Dad asked for a phone recommendation and I recommended the Pixel 2, thinking it would work the same way. Now I discover there's a carrier-unlocked version and a Verizon version. I don't want the Verizon bloatware on his phone and would rather not have to begin by deleting a bunch of apps (if Verizon will actually allow me to uninstall any apps [they love to install bloatware as system apps])as I'm the first step in his tech support hierarchy. I doubt I'll root his phone but I definitely don't want to have a locked bootloader which seems to be the Verizon standard.
If I get him the carrier-unlocked version and put his Verizon SIM card in, will it work on Evil Red's, I mean Big Red's network? I couldn't find any radio differentiation on Google's tech specs page.
Thank you for any information you can provide me.
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Click to collapse
It'll work they are all the same. Just don't put the sim in until after the setup process. From my understanding if you get the one from Verizon it will not install Verizon apps if you setup the phone without a sim in it. However you couldn't unlock the bootloader(there's a hack for it I believe).
Verizon installs the MyVerizon and go90 apps from the play store after setup if you have a vzw sim in it which can both be uninstalled. (Google store version does this too)
Only difference in versions is the verizon branded model comes with a sim in it and oem unlock is greyed out
Thank you! I've ordered the Carrier-Unlocked model from the Play Store for him and will set it up for him when it arrives.
I like the blue version, but it seems that Verizon model has it and not the carrier unlocked version. So the question is, if I will pick Verizon from google store, will the unit come carrier unlocked or it will be locked to Verizon?
Charkatak said:
I like the blue version, but it seems that Verizon model has it and not the carrier unlocked version. So the question is, if I will pick Verizon from google store, will the unit come carrier unlocked or it will be locked to Verizon?
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Click to collapse
It's carrier unlocked they all are. The only thing you can't unlock is the bootloader.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Tidbits said:
It's carrier unlocked they all are. The only thing you can't unlock is the bootloader.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Oh, that isn't an issue for me. All I need the phone to be sim unlocked. I have heard that original pixel phone which was purchased form Verizon had also bootloader locked. What some users did, was that when they bought the phone new, removed Verizon sim, then turned of phone without the sim card and went through the set up. After that they were able to toggle OEM unlock. I don't know if it is the same for Pixel 2 phones.
Charkatak said:
Oh, that isn't an issue for me. All I need the phone to be sim unlocked. I have heard that original pixel phone which was purchased form Verizon had also bootloader locked. What some users did, was that when they bought the phone new, removed Verizon sim, then turned of phone without the sim card and went through the set up. After that they were able to toggle OEM unlock. I don't know if it is the same for Pixel 2 phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From this point around it Sims that was fixed. You won't get the apps but the bootloader stays unlockable.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Related
Hi!
Thanks to VZW deals on Google Pixel, eBay is currently full of listing for brand new Pixels for less that $600. Most sellers claim phones to be factory sealed.
Question is: Can I buy this never opened Pixel and successfully activate and use overseas?
Thanks for your wisdom!
bige93 said:
Hi!
Thanks to VZW deals on Google Pixel, eBay is currently full of listing for brand new Pixels for less that $600. Most sellers claim phones to be factory sealed.
Question is: Can I buy this never opened Pixel and successfully activate and use overseas?
Thanks for your wisdom!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't receive my Pixel yet, but I bought an unlocked device from google's website. I did talk to a seller on eBay who has many Verizon Pixel phones and he claim that they are unlocked. Another thing he mentioned that these phones may have Verizon's bloatware apps. So if phone you are trying to purchase is unlocked, then it should work, but check the GSM bands if they are compatible with your carrier.
All Pixel phones are unlocked (we're not talking bootloader unlocked) no matter where you get it from. But good point in checking GSM bands to see if it's compatible in your country and carrier. As for bloatware there are only 2 apps from VZW and you can delete them easily.
So, no need for first activation with vzw SIM or something like that?
bige93 said:
So, no need for first activation with vzw SIM or something like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need. Just take it out if the box and put your sim in. I bought mine from best buy and it's technically for Verizon but I just took out the Verizon sim that was in it, put my T-Mobile sim in and booted it up.
If you plan on using it overseas I suggest you unlock the bootloader and flash the international system images.
First of all, I don't live in the US. I have a friend there who can order one and ship it to me.
The Kinda Blue Pixel 2 looks nice and I wonder if I can just order it despite being limited to Verizon option? I don't root my phone so the bootloader locking isn't really an issue for me. I have read some threads saying that it's not carrier-locked. Can someone please clarify if I can just order it and ignore all the Verizon things? Will I need to register the SIM card that is included (can I just throw it away)? With whom do I need to contact if I were to send it back for replacement later? (Google or Verizon)
Any additional info is appreciated, thanks.
You can buy the kinda blue and put your own sim in. It is not carrier locked. You will have all the Verizon bloatware on it which you can disable. But it'll work. I almost did it too, but decided to go with Google black one in case I wanted to flash it although likely hood is very low.
docmalc said:
You can buy the kinda blue and put your own sim in. It is not carrier locked. You will have all the Verizon bloatware on it which you can disable. But it'll work. I almost did it too, but decided to go with Google black one in case I wanted to flash it although likely hood is very low.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can't unlock the bootloader for the Verizon version. The Pixel was that way. You had to use a hack to do it. There may be some delay as the original tool may not work this time around.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Tidbits said:
I believe you can't unlock the bootloader for the Verizon version. The Pixel was that way. You had to use a hack to do it. There may be some delay as the original tool may not work this time around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I've seen in confirmed somewhere that you cannot unlock the bootloader on the Verizon Pixel 2 (just like with the Pixel 1). Also, I think you will be dependent on Verizon for software updates (although with the Pixel 1, I think they have just stuck to Google's schedule). I don't think it's worth it for just a color.
My understanding for the bloatware, however, is that it's on all of the Pixels (that's, I believe, how it worked with the Pixel 1). It just doesn't show up unless you put a Verizon SIM in the phone.
So from what I have read online, Verizon phones will have the bootloader locked. The bloatware will come pre-installed on "Verizon" branded phones. The unlocked phones will get Verizon crap if a Verizon sim is installed. I believe about 4 programs will be pushed down. However, it could be uninstalled vs just being disabled. As for the software updates, Google will release updates to both versions of the phone. Verizon will not be able to touch the software and will have to release it immediately to "Verizon" branded Pixels.
Is there actually a difference in the VZW version if you buy it in the store and put a Tmobile sim in it?
km8j said:
Is there actually a difference in the VZW version if you buy it in the store and put a Tmobile sim in it?
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Click to collapse
Nothing other than you can't unlock the bootloader.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
And Can You Buy A Phone From VZW without service?
km8j said:
And Can You Buy A Phone From VZW without service?
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Click to collapse
Some stores yes and online no.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
So, this might be a silly question, but how do we know whether our phone is Verizon or Unlocked? I bought from Target for my Verizon account. The box doesn't have any Verizon label,, neither does the phone. Also, there is a refreshing lack of bloatware versus other Verizon phones. I know it's probably something obvious, but I just can't figure out which one Target sells.
btonetbone said:
So, this might be a silly question, but how do we know whether our phone is Verizon or Unlocked? I bought from Target for my Verizon account. The box doesn't have any Verizon label,, neither does the phone. Also, there is a refreshing lack of bloatware versus other Verizon phones. I know it's probably something obvious, but I just can't figure out which one Target sells.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is blue 100% Verizon version as that's exclusive. If your phone had a Verizon sim already inside then it's a Verizon version and bootloader can't be unlocked. Rumor has it but not confirmed from what I have seen even if you had an unlocked version and put a Verizon sim it wouldn't let you unlock the bootloader.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Tidbits said:
If it is blue 100% Verizon version as that's exclusive. If your phone had a Verizon sim already inside then it's a Verizon version and bootloader can't be unlocked. Rumor has it but not confirmed from what I have seen even if you had an unlocked version and put a Verizon sim it wouldn't let you unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phone is black, but I think it had a SIM preinstalled. Sounds like it is likely a Verizon device. I'll still give the unlock process a chance tomorrow when I get to my computer. Fingers crossed.
btonetbone said:
Phone is black, but I think it had a SIM preinstalled. Sounds like it is likely a Verizon device. I'll still give the unlock process a chance tomorrow when I get to my computer. Fingers crossed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just unlock developer mode and go in there and see if you can toggle the OEM unlock(you need to have this toggled or you can't fastboot unlock).
If it had a sim installed then it is a Verizon versions and that toggle will be greyed out.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Tidbits said:
Just unlock developer mode and go in there and see if you can toggle the OEM unlock(you need to have this toggled or you can't fastboot unlock).
If it had a sim installed then it is a Verizon versions and that toggle will be greyed out.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, it's greyed out. But didn't I read somewhere in this forum that some unlocked phones had it greyed out as well until some firmware update came through and they did a factory reset? I could have dreamed that, though.
btonetbone said:
Yeah, it's greyed out. But didn't I read somewhere in this forum that some unlocked phones had it greyed out as well until some firmware update came through and they did a factory reset? I could have dreamed that, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was an error but if you had a sim that = Verizon which means no unlock.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Tidbits said:
... Rumor has it but not confirmed from what I have seen even if you had an unlocked version and put a Verizon sim it wouldn't let you unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google search on this, and this thread came up.
Adding my (recent) experience:
Bought unlocked from Google.
During setup, phone asks you to put in sim.
Put in Vzw SIM and continued setup.
Saw it try to install 3 VZW apps. Cancelled (repeatedly!) their installation. My Verizon, VZW's Messages (messenger?), and a go90 app that streams junk.
Phone worked (works) on VZW.
Then got Google Project Fi working, sans SIM (eSIM in these phones). On side note, used 2nd Google account (Fi rep claimed phone would have to be setup originally with account for Fi - not from my experience).
Just checked, and...
Bootloader is unlockable.
Purchased from Google unlocked.
Running .30 version.
When I initially received the device I pulled the SIM from my OG pixel 1 and inserted and booted the 3. Set it up (running on AT&T) and used it. This morning I decided to root for theming only to notice it was grayed out. First thought was to factory reset and reboot with no SIM inserted. Did that. Still gray.
Am I missing something new?
mostyle said:
Purchased from Google unlocked.
Running .30 version.
When I initially received the device I pulled the SIM from my OG pixel 1 and inserted and booted the 3. Set it up (running on AT&T) and used it. This morning I decided to root for theming only to notice it was grayed out. First thought was to factory reset and reboot with no SIM inserted. Did that. Still gray.
Am I missing something new?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you received the google version phone and not the Verizon one? Did you notice if it was grayed out before you inserted your sim?
Badger50 said:
Are you sure you received the google version phone and not the Verizon one? Did you notice if it was grayed out before you inserted your sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't the fact that it takes my AT&T SIM mean it is the unlocked variant?
To answer though... I did not notice.
UPDATE: Called Google. The tier 1 guy said, "Per our engineering documentation this option is designated as disabled on the pixel 3 line."
I have requested an RMA even though I hope he was wrong and that someone can enlighten me before I send it back.
mostyle said:
Wouldn't the fact that it takes my AT&T SIM mean it is the unlocked variant?
To answer though... I did not notice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sim unlocked yes. But not bootloader unlockable. I'm guessing you have the Verizon variant.
Badger50 said:
Sim unlocked yes. But not bootloader unlockable. I'm guessing you have the Verizon variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When my RMA is completed how will I specify that I don't want the Verizon variant?
As I'm sure you already know the store offers only three options and I verified that I chose the 'unlocked' option. Anything I can do to get what I need should I decide to reorder?
Also the store says the verizon variant comes with a SIM card which was not included in my packaging.
I'm really steamed at the moment... I do thank you for replying.
mostyle said:
When my RMA is completed how will I specify that I don't want the Verizon variant?
As I'm sure you already know the store offers only three options and I verified that I chose the 'unlocked' option. Anything I can do to get what I need should I decide to reorder?
Also the store says the verizon variant comes with a SIM card which was not included in my packaging.
I'm really steamed at the moment... I do thank you for replying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again my friend, I'm just guessing. It could also be possible that from what I've read, the P3's were initially sim locked to Verizon only, even if you ordered the google version. It could be possible that when you installed your at&t sim, it locked the bootloader. Again, I'm just guessing.
Badger50 said:
Again my friend, I'm just guessing. It could also be possible that from what I've read, the P3's were initially sim locked to Verizon only, even if you ordered the google version. It could be possible that when you installed your at&t sim, it locked the bootloader. Again, I'm just guessing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure... I get that. I have been approved for an advanced RMA. Wasn't trying to seem harsh. The rep that gave me the advanced RMA did say that it SHOULD allow toggle. I'll be sure to attempt bootloader adjustments before inserting a SIM this round.
I don't think the Google version was sim locked to Verizon. That doesn't make sense at all. The device needs to connect to the internet in order for the switch to become active from what I understand. So if you don't put a sim in then you will need to connect to wifi. Something is amiss or we're not getting the full picture. Why would a Google bought Pixel anything not allow bootloader unlock? Even if you put in a Verizon sim it should still be active.
bobby janow said:
I don't think the Google version was sim locked to Verizon. That doesn't make sense at all. The device needs to connect to the internet in order for the switch to become active from what I understand. So if you don't put a sim in then you will need to connect to wifi. Something is amiss or we're not getting the full picture. Why would a Google bought Pixel anything not allow bootloader unlock? Even if you put in a Verizon sim it should still be active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts exactly. The grayed out switch does say 'connect to the internet or contact your carrier' below the toggle. All while there's an LTE signal indicator on the status bar. I'm perplexed, truly. This isn't my first Android rodeo and I've never encountered this before.
I bought mine through Project Fi. I tried to unlock the boot loader first thing but the OEM unlock was greyed out. I had to activate the phone on the Project Fi Network before OEM unlock became available (I used the eSim). I wonder if they've linked the OEM unlocking switch to the network activation somehow. Has anyone bought a Network unlocked Pixel 3 from the Google Store, stuck a Verizon simcard in it, and then tried to unlock the bootloader?
karthakon said:
I bought mine through Project Fi. I tried to unlock the boot loader first thing but the OEM unlock was greyed out. I had to activate the phone on the Project Fi Network before OEM unlock became available (I used the eSim). I wonder if they've linked the OEM unlocking switch to the network activation somehow. Has anyone bought a Network unlocked Pixel 3 from the Google Store, stuck a Verizon simcard in it, and then tried to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thought of this, but don' have access to a Verizon sim card.
karthakon said:
I bought mine through Project Fi. I tried to unlock the boot loader first thing but the OEM unlock was greyed out. I had to activate the phone on the Project Fi Network before OEM unlock became available (I used the eSim). I wonder if they've linked the OEM unlocking switch to the network activation somehow. Has anyone bought a Network unlocked Pixel 3 from the Google Store, stuck a Verizon simcard in it, and then tried to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked mine with a Verizon Sim in it. No problems at all. I also did the same with 3 different pixel 2's when the pixel 2 was first released. Again, not one problem with any of them. I see a lot of talk about the unlock possibly being tied to the SIM. It isn't. I know first hand.
I bought my 3xl carrier unlocked from Google. I inserted a vzw sim and activated my phone. After all that I tried to oem unlock and it is greyed out. My phone is running build PD1A.180720.31 and as far as I know it is the vzw build. Tried factory reset several times and still greyed out. Also tried sideloading .30 but it didn't work. Any help would be appreciated.
i bought the unlocked pixel 3 from google on launch, i was able to unlock the bootloader and flash images with no issue. I didnt have my verizon sim in it tho
.31 is the verizon variant.
.30 should be the unlocked variant.
I'm on the phone now... For a third time trying to get an RMA issued. Google support is horrific.
Issued me 2 RMA requests that had a link that was already used.
I was on the phone with them this afternoon and they are sending me a new phone. Hopefully it will be the .30
TommyB322 said:
I was on the phone with them this afternoon and they are sending me a new phone. Hopefully, it will be the .30
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the scary thing for me. Mine is .30 and I was able to factory reset today and try a TMO SIM with the same result.
I processed my advance RMA today as well so we'll see.
mostyle said:
That's the scary thing for me. Mine is .30 and I was able to factory reset today and try a TMO SIM with the same result.
I processed my advance RMA today as well so we'll see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. On a side note 2 vzw apps showed up randomly in my app drawer. I was able to uninstall them but they weren't there before. One was messenger and the other I think was My Verizon.
TommyB322 said:
Interesting. On a side note 2 vzw apps showed up randomly in my app drawer. I was able to uninstall them but they weren't there before. One was messenger and the other I think was My Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those got installed when you inserted the VZ SIM.
For those of you getting RMAs best of luck. Their RMA department is a mess, they are not shipping anything. Some of us have RMAs open since day one. There is thread here on it, and a pretty big one on Reddit.
mostyle said:
.31 is the verizon variant.
.30 should be the unlocked variant.
I'm on the phone now... For a third time trying to get an RMA issued. Google support is horrific.
Issued me 2 RMA requests that had a link that was already used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this is right. I bought the unlocked variant from Verizon & unlocked the bootloader no problem.
Build number .031
Hello, does anyone know how to SIM unlock Sprint Google Pixel 3a (G020G) ?
I bought it from ebay and they told me it will work in Europe but it says SIM Card Is not supported. It runs the oldest Android 9 version and I can turn ADB on, OEM Unlocking can't be enabled.
You would need to take it to a Sprint store to unlock it. It is likely blacklisted though.
I have a funny story. I had a pixel3A bought from the google store but got the screen repaired under Sprint warranty. They sent me another device. However the device was locked. I went through weeks of calls with Sprint "unlocking" the device. But with it "unlocked" I was only able to use Sprint MVNOs. I get the same SIM error if I try to use a GSM SIM. Then to some degree I believe there is a big challenge regarding this device, at least using it with a non Sprint MVNO.
arusiasotto said:
You would need to take it to a Sprint store to unlock it. It is likely blacklisted though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse