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Android/bootloader version shipped with new S3s?

I've searched around, but I can't seem to confirm the answer to this question. I've recently been hit by the locked bootloader issue after buying a used Verizon S3 that was already upgraded to 4.4.2. I would like to pay someone to do the JTAG bootloader downgrade, but I'm not having much luck finding help with that at this point.
My question is: did this phone ever ship from Verizon with 4.3 or 4.4.2 already installed? In other words, if I buy a new old stock Verizon S3, am I safe, or is there a chance it will have the locked bootloader too?

harrisonts said:
I've searched around, but I can't seem to confirm the answer to this question. I've recently been hit by the locked bootloader issue after buying a used Verizon S3 that was already upgraded to 4.4.2. I would like to pay someone to do the JTAG bootloader downgrade, but I'm not having much luck finding help with that at this point.
My question is: did this phone ever ship from Verizon with 4.3 or 4.4.2 already installed? In other words, if I buy a new old stock Verizon S3, am I safe, or is there a chance it will have the locked bootloader too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than likely if you find a VZW S3 in the wild it will more than likely have a locked bootloader. When the device first was available I got it with 4.1.2 on it but that was quite a long time ago. Your best bet may be someone selling it on swappa
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

ShapesBlue said:
More than likely if you find a VZW S3 in the wild it will more than likely have a locked bootloader. When the device first was available I got it with 4.1.2 on it but that was quite a long time ago. Your best bet may be someone selling it on swappa
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, ShapesBlue. That's kind of what I assumed, and of course, it happened with the one I picked up.
My hope, still, was that I could find one new in the box (there are a few on eBay right now) that shipped with and had never been updated from 4.1.2. I'll certainly shop around a bit more or maybe see if there's a custom rom one on Swappa.

harrisonts said:
Thanks, ShapesBlue. That's kind of what I assumed, and of course, it happened with the one I picked up.
My hope, still, was that I could find one new in the box (there are a few on eBay right now) that shipped with and had never been updated from 4.1.2. I'll certainly shop around a bit more or maybe see if there's a custom rom one on Swappa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely recommend. I bought my Nexus 5 from swappa and almost bought my N6 from there but found a better deal on amazon. I still have the S3 laying around, I'll probably never get rid of mine
Sent from my Nexus 6

Verizon Pixel

Hey folks,
Long story short, I got rid of my 6P for an iPhone. I switch back and forth every year between both platforms, but man i'm missing android really bad lately, after only 2 months.
Can you root, unlock the bootloader, or put a custom kernel on the verizon pixel?
I dont really care for ROMs because flashing was becoming too time consuming, I just want stock image with a kernel.
Thanks,
Kinesics

With the release of Android 7.1.1 two days ago you can no longer unlock the Verizon bootloader using the depixel8 exploit. Of course if you get a phone that hasn't updated yet and can prevent that update you can unlock it.

I suggest you buy the Google store version instead. Fully unlockable and 100℅ compatible on Verizon. Even Verizon video chat works on the non Verizon one.

larsdennert said:
I suggest you buy the Google store version instead. Fully unlockable and 100℅ compatible on Verizon. Even Verizon video chat works on the non Verizon one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would but my connect at Verizon is letting me do a return on my iPhone after 60 days, so really I'd pay nothing. Since the patch just came out 3 days ago I'm pretty sure i can find a phone thats been sitting on the self for 2 weeks.

kinesics said:
I would but my connect at Verizon is letting me do a return on my iPhone after 60 days, so really I'd pay nothing. Since the patch just came out 3 days ago I'm pretty sure i can find a phone thats been sitting on the self for 2 weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally get that, some of the vzw deals are amazing. Just be careful when you first turn it on, read the various threads here and in the Pixel XL forums. Some say you can bypass setup to depixel8 and others have not been able to. Simply, plan it out really thoroughly.
As for just unlocking in order to install a kernel, I'm not really sure you need it. I've been bootloader locked since DP2 on my N5x and battery life is amazing on that and this device. So if you do unlock then update to 7.1.1 after that and run stock kernel for a week. You might want to give up flashing all together.. well other than the OTA which you can sideload.

rpjwalter said:
With the release of Android 7.1.1 two days ago you can no longer unlock the Verizon bootloader using the depixel8 exploit. Of course if you get a phone that hasn't updated yet and can prevent that update you can unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kinesics said:
I would but my connect at Verizon is letting me do a return on my iPhone after 60 days, so really I'd pay nothing. Since the patch just came out 3 days ago I'm pretty sure i can find a phone thats been sitting on the self for 2 weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had mine for about 36 hours. It's unlocked and rooted already!

Got my Pixel last week followed the steps and I'm in business. Unlocked and feeling right at home, no more sea of icons!

bobby janow said:
Totally get that, some of the vzw deals are amazing. Just be careful when you first turn it on, read the various threads here and in the Pixel XL forums. Some say you can bypass setup to depixel8 and others have not been able to. Simply, plan it out really thoroughly.
As for just unlocking in order to install a kernel, I'm not really sure you need it. I've been bootloader locked since DP2 on my N5x and battery life is amazing on that and this device. So if you do unlock then update to 7.1.1 after that and run stock kernel for a week. You might want to give up flashing all together.. well other than the OTA which you can sideload.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for help, went with stock OS and Franco kernel. I just cant be 100% stock. I did stay all stock for a few days but ultimately enjoy Franco's work.

Setting up a replacement Pixel

So I have been loving my pixel and I baby it. However this morning out of nowhere when the phone vibrates it sounds like it is buzzing and probably something is loose inside causing this. Seems others have had this. Long story short looks like I need a replacement. I came from an iphone so it took me a while to set up this phone as ideally as I want. I have rooted it and have TWRP flashed.
Is the best way to set up my new phone when it comes in to back up this one with TWRP, root the new one, flash TWRP on and restore a back up? Will this remember all my settings? Will it back up my apps and info, photos?, notes?.
I'm looking for the fastest way to get set up again
Thanks in advance.

dejanspa said:
So I have been loving my pixel and I baby it. However this morning out of nowhere when the phone vibrates it sounds like it is buzzing and probably something is loose inside causing this. Seems others have had this. Long story short looks like I need a replacement. I came from an iphone so it took me a while to set up this phone as ideally as I want. I have rooted it and have TWRP flashed.
Is the best way to set up my new phone when it comes in to back up this one with TWRP, root the new one, flash TWRP on and restore a back up? Will this remember all my settings? Will it back up my apps and info, photos?, notes?.
I'm looking for the fastest way to get set up again
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should use Titanium Backup to back up all user apps+data. Copy that backup to your PC. When you get the new phone, root, install TB and restore. Done!
Do you have a Verizon Pixel? If you do, and the replacement device has the latest security patch, the previous advice is moot since you can't root it any more (locked bootloader).

quangtran1 said:
You should use Titanium Backup to back up all user apps+data. Copy that backup to your PC. When you get the new phone, root, install TB and restore. Done!
Do you have a Verizon Pixel? If you do, and the replacement device has the latest security patch, the previous advice is moot since you can't root it any more (locked bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay perfect thanks i'll do that instead. And no verizon pixel, whew!

dejanspa said:
Okay perfect thanks i'll do that instead. And no verizon pixel, whew!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the replacement on the way already? When you get a new Pixel there is a way to transfer all your programs and settings to your new device at the initial setup even without root yet. But you will want to unlock the bootloader first which will cause a factory reset and then do the transfer. I did it from my n5x and it worked great. I wasn't even unlocked or rooted and I'm still not. I haven't used Titanium backup obviously and don't feel the need to any longer. But if you want root then you might as well backup everything and restore what the transfer misses. Best part of the transfer is that all your settings get ported over to the new device, i.e. sounds, preferences, security settings etc. Titanium will not do that.
Alternately, you can set it all up again which is sometimes fun. It lets you change a bunch of stuff and make it like a new device all over again. But as you said, that does take time. Anyway, good luck with the new one.

bobby janow said:
Is the replacement on the way already? When you get a new Pixel there is a way to transfer all your programs and settings to your new device at the initial setup even without root yet. But you will want to unlock the bootloader first which will cause a factory reset and then do the transfer. I did it from my n5x and it worked great. I wasn't even unlocked or rooted and I'm still not. I haven't used Titanium backup obviously and don't feel the need to any longer. But if you want root then you might as well backup everything and restore what the transfer misses. Best part of the transfer is that all your settings get ported over to the new device, i.e. sounds, preferences, security settings etc. Titanium will not do that.
Alternately, you can set it all up again which is sometimes fun. It lets you change a bunch of stuff and make it like a new device all over again. But as you said, that does take time. Anyway, good luck with the new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well currently arguing with google. Since I didn't buy it from google store but a carrier they want me to send the phone in first before they ship the new one. If you buy it from google then they send you a new one first and put a charge on hold on your CC until old one is received. I asked them to do the same for me but they said it's policy. I'm having the issue escalated.
The steps you mentioned is exactly why I want google to send me one first, through my carrier I would probably have to swap it right away and never have both in my hand.
If I get google to send me one, i'll do both things. Root then transfer via google's method and then use titanium as well for the rest of the stuff.

dejanspa said:
Well currently arguing with google. Since I didn't buy it from google store but a carrier they want me to send the phone in first before they ship the new one. If you buy it from google then they send you a new one first and put a charge on hold on your CC until old one is received. I asked them to do the same for me but they said it's policy. I'm having the issue escalated.
The steps you mentioned is exactly why I want google to send me one first, through my carrier I would probably have to swap it right away and never have both in my hand.
If I get google to send me one, i'll do both things. Root then transfer via google's method and then use titanium as well for the rest of the stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been dealing with the same problem!! I started a thread right below yours called RMA for new Verizon pixel! They want me to be out a phone for some 14 days while I send them my defective device and then they send my new one!

zaksimmermon said:
I have been dealing with the same problem!! I started a thread right below yours called RMA for new Verizon pixel! They want me to be out a phone for some 14 days while I send them my defective device and then they send my new one!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't remember seeing your response on this on your thread. Why wouldn't you guys return at Verizon? You bought these at Verizon, right? Something doesn't add up. Just curious now. I've never had a Verizon exchange not show up at my door the next day, if ordered before 4pm.

quangtran1 said:
I don't remember seeing your response on this on your thread. Why wouldn't you guys return at Verizon? You bought these at Verizon, right? Something doesn't add up. Just curious now. I've never had a Verizon exchange not show up at my door the next day, if ordered before 4pm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't been back on XDA until now and I haven't checked my thread until just now actually lol. But I bought mine from a different retail store called Nebraska Furniture Mart they have a store in Kansas city Mo where I live and they sell the Verizon variant. I called Verizon first and they told me to contact google. Maybe there was just a misunderstanding with the rep I spoke to? I have tried lots of different options but all are pointing to sending the phone in first because I'm past the 14 day remorse period?

quangtran1 said:
I don't remember seeing your response on this on your thread. Why wouldn't you guys return at Verizon? You bought these at Verizon, right? Something doesn't add up. Just curious now. I've never had a Verizon exchange not show up at my door the next day, if ordered before 4pm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is not from verizon, i'm in Canada. With it being christmas my carrier currently has this phone online only. They have a $300 off activation credit going on right now so have had a huge amount of order and it's couple of weeks back log.

Just to back up the fact that Verizon requires you to go through the manufacturer if it's still on the OEM's warranty, the same happened with my LG G Pad 8.3 LTE (VK810). I was paying for the absolute best Verizon warranty on all three lines, and less than six months after I got this device I had a problem with the screen on the LTE (not dropped or cracked, just not working right), and Verizon wouldn't lift a finger to help me and said I had to go through LG.
Totally off topic but luckily LG gave me the absolute best warranty service I ever received. They had me take my device to a FedEx, LG paid for FedEx to box it up and have it shipped to them. I dropped it off on a Monday evening about 5 PM and the tablet was back in my hands fully repaired (not replaced with a refurb) on Friday of the same week around the same time. Sorry for the OT part. Too bad LG bootloader unlockable devices are rare except maybe through some other carriers (T-Mobile?).

Verizon Pixel RMA - Advice

So I had an interesting thing happen today. My phone's audio stopped working entirely. Any app that had or used sound causes my device to lock up entirely. Went through the standard steps, all the way to flashing back to stock, with the same issue. Called Google, and they informed me that it is 100% a hardware issue, and I need to RMA. Great. So I am in need of some advice. Since I have to send this to Google, I will want to be stock. I know that locking the bootloader is problematic, and will ultimately cause me to not be able to unlock. Should I lock the bootloader? It is going back to Google, but if they see it is a Verizon device with an unlocked bootloader, they may not like it. Also, while I know the people on XDA aren't mindreaders, maybe someone else will have dealt with this. What are the odds of getting a device with an exploitable build? Has anyone gotten a replacement from Google, and if so, what build was it running? I know I shouldn't expect to be able to unlock, but I can hope.

You have to wipe the device anyways and send it in. So why not just take the extra minute to lock the bootloader as a precautionary step?

dymmeh said:
You have to wipe the device anyways and send it in. So why not just take the extra minute to lock the bootloader as a precautionary step?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I am worried about is if something happens before locking. I know that locking the bootloader has been heavily advised against by beaups, and I just don't want anything to happen during the locking process.

stompysan said:
So I had an interesting thing happen today. My phone's audio stopped working entirely. Any app that had or used sound causes my device to lock up entirely. Went through the standard steps, all the way to flashing back to stock, with the same issue. Called Google, and they informed me that it is 100% a hardware issue, and I need to RMA. Great. So I am in need of some advice. Since I have to send this to Google, I will want to be stock. I know that locking the bootloader is problematic, and will ultimately cause me to not be able to unlock. Should I lock the bootloader? It is going back to Google, but if they see it is a Verizon device with an unlocked bootloader, they may not like it. Also, while I know the people on XDA aren't mindreaders, maybe someone else will have dealt with this. What are the odds of getting a device with an exploitable build? Has anyone gotten a replacement from Google, and if so, what build was it running? I know I shouldn't expect to be able to unlock, but I can hope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dealing with this exact problem right now on my wife's Verizon Pixel.
It was bootloader unlocked and rooted, but still auto updated for the Feb update. Soon after, audio broke just as you described. I was able to get it back working for a little bit after a couple factory image flashes, but it broke again for good.
I contacted Google and they set me up with an RMA. I flashed an exploitable factory image, relocked the bootloader, and sent it in last Wednesday. The replacement should be delivered tomorrow. I'm really hoping it was on the shelf at Google since launch and depixel. The phone was useless otherwise, so I had no choice but to send it back. I wish they'd just send me a non-Verizon.
"Your replacement Pixel Phone Silver 32 GB (Verizon) was shipped on February 20, 2017 via FXG"
I'll try to update after the replacement comes tomorrow.

jsbeagle said:
Dealing with this exact problem right now on my wife's Verizon Pixel.
It was bootloader unlocked and rooted, but still auto updated for the Feb update. Soon after, audio broke just as you described. I was able to get it back working for a little bit after a couple factory image flashes, but it broke again for good.
I contacted Google and they set me up with an RMA. I flashed an exploitable factory image, relocked the bootloader, and sent it in last Wednesday. The replacement should be delivered tomorrow. I'm really hoping it was on the shelf at Google since launch and depixel. The phone was useless otherwise, so I had no choice but to send it back. I wish they'd just send me a non-Verizon.
"Your replacement Pixel Phone Silver 32 GB (Verizon) was shipped on February 20, 2017 via FXG"
I'll try to update after the replacement comes tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went ahead and did the same thing. Let me know what build your replacement is. I still have my fingers crossed.

They all say they're Verizon models but almost everyone on this forum who has done this got a Google Play edition (it just has a Verizon SIM).
When I went through it, they said locking the bootloader was not necessary. Also, I got a brand new device with all accessories but they told me not to send the accessories in since I'd only be getting a phone back. Great experience for me. Props to Google for great service.

stompysan said:
I went ahead and did the same thing. Let me know what build your replacement is. I still have my fingers crossed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES!!!!!
Replacement Pixel just delivered. Appears to be brand new. All accessories included (they told me to only return the phone)
Verizon SIM was installed (I removed before booting it up).
Android Version 7.1
October 5 security patch
Build NDE63P
OEM unlocking toggle was greyed out until I connected to wifi, then I was able to toggle it to allow the bootloader to be unlocked. It does appear to be a google play edition in every way except the sim card that is included.
This is awesome. I'm now jealous of my wife and her non Verizon version. (We both still have the old grandfathered unlimited data and used the best buy trick to get Pixels on subsidized upgrades)

PsiPhiDan said:
They all say they're Verizon models but almost everyone on this forum who has done this got a Google Play edition (it just has a Verizon SIM).
When I went through it, they said locking the bootloader was not necessary. Also, I got a brand new device with all accessories but they told me not to send the accessories in since I'd only be getting a phone back. Great experience for me. Props to Google for great service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jsbeagle said:
YES!!!!!
Replacement Pixel just delivered. Appears to be brand new. All accessories included (they told me to only return the phone)
Verizon SIM was installed (I removed before booting it up).
Android Version 7.1
October 5 security patch
Build NDE63P
OEM unlocking toggle was greyed out until I connected to wifi, then I was able to toggle it to allow the bootloader to be unlocked. It does appear to be a google play edition in every way except the sim card that is included.
This is awesome. I'm now jealous of my wife and her non Verizon version. (We both still have the old grandfathered unlimited data and used the best buy trick to get Pixels on subsidized upgrades)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have no idea how excited this makes me. I have been extremely worried, but looks like I didn't need to be. Thanks!

stompysan said:
You have no idea how excited this makes me. I have been extremely worried, but looks like I didn't need to be. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the record, the only person who got a Verizon model still was able to unlock the bootloader (it was a new device with old 7.1 software) using dePixel8 so I think you're set regardless! Google is good!

For those who had the audio-craps-out problem, can I ask when you ordered you phones?
My wife & I have Google Store devices. I ordered mine in the first week after launch, and it's been great. I ordered my wife's in early January and she has audio-craps-out disease.
So I'm wondering if there's a bad batch of Pixels?

UnusualSuspect said:
For those who had the audio-craps-out problem, can I ask when you ordered you phones?
My wife & I have Google Store devices. I ordered mine in the first week after launch, and it's been great. I ordered my wife's in early January and she has audio-craps-out disease.
So I'm wondering if there's a bad batch of Pixels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a Verizon version in January and it had an issue I haven't seen too many have, but it was audio related and apparently a hardware defect: mine had awful sound through the headphone jack only. Sounded like hissing and scratching beneath all the music. As if you didn't have the connection tight (but I did). Got the replacement and all is well!

UnusualSuspect said:
For those who had the audio-craps-out problem, can I ask when you ordered you phones?
My wife & I have Google Store devices. I ordered mine in the first week after launch, and it's been great. I ordered my wife's in early January and she has audio-craps-out disease.
So I'm wondering if there's a bad batch of Pixels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was ordered through Verizon on November 12, and shipped the next day. I am going to assume that it was a launch device.

Mine was purchased from bestbuy.com in mid November. It actually shipped from a local Best Buy store.

I believe there is a bad batch of pixels. I'm currently on my second one.
A couple weeks ago my pixel crashed and shutdown and well never turned on again. Basically the phone was bricked. Idk how or why. I was running perfectly and I only had the bootloader unlocked.
Long story short. I contacted my provider (Project Fi) and they sent me a new one. Received it the next day. (Great customer service!!)
So yes I believe there is a bad batch of pixels out there.

How to tell the difference between Verizon Pixel 2 and the rootable one from google?

I am looking to purchase the google pixel 2 and want to make sure i get the one from google that has the unlocked bootloader. I know i can get on google play and buy it for 649 plus tax but would prefer to purchase the same tjing brand new on ebay for less than 600 no tax. Only issue is i dont know of a definitive way to tell the difference and most sellers just say they are both unlocked and dont seem to know that there is a difference. I cant really tell that there is a different model number or anything and am unsure if the verizon one comes with verizon apps right away or not, so if anyone knows a way to tell a difference it would be appreciated.:good:

Can simply ask where they got the phone from and tell them you want the google version. You can always return it if they claim its google version but you get verizon version. Thats part of ebay buyer protection

I've got the Verizon one on bestbuy by mistake and I thought I was locked out of root, but another user posted a way to unlock the bootloader and I've got mine now rooted and everything, so don't worry on that. (unless they fixed that, of course)

DarkShadowMX said:
I've got the Verizon one on bestbuy by mistake and I thought I was locked out of root, but another user posted a way to unlock the bootloader and I've got mine now rooted and everything, so don't worry on that. (unless they fixed that, of course)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They fixed it with last months update.

Oh, I didn't know. My bad.

con4n007 said:
Can simply ask where they got the phone from and tell them you want the google version. You can always return it if they claim its google version but you get verizon version. Thats part of ebay buyer protection
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the return advice. I, have been asking many sellers already. alot either dont get to the message or seem to avoid it cause they dont know. Ill keep lpoking though.

I'd use swappa instead of eBay.

Be careful on eBay - it may be cheaper, but it may come with a warranty that's not in effect where you are. Go for the extra few bucks and buy it on Google, then you know what you're getting, and it's under warranty by Google. (Mine comes on Monday - from Google. Unfortunately the 2 doesn't come in blue in 128GB, but I can live with black.)