Convert Verizon Pixel 2 to Google Pixel 2 with bootloader unlock? - Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers

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.

Related

Update

I have a google pixel xl. I am currently on 7.0 but just received notification that i have a 7.1.1 update waiting for me. I have rooted my phone's in the past but have not rooted or unlocked bootloader this time. Is it my understanding that once this update is received that it is not possible to unlock the bootloader and/or root? I would like to keep the rooting option open but at this time would like to stay on stock as i like having timely updates ota. The last phone/ROM i used, the developer kinda laxed on updates, plus additional issues that were not present on factory installed rom.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
As long as you have a Pixel bought from Google and not Verizon you are fine to take the update. The Verizon variant ships with a locked bootloader that can't be unlocked without the intervention of dePixel8 on 7.1 firmware. The Google variety will always have the option to unlock bootloader / root.
You are on 7.1, not 7.0... the phone shipped at 7.1.
jreink01 said:
I have a google pixel xl. I am currently on 7.0 but just received notification that i have a 7.1.1 update waiting for me. I have rooted my phone's in the past but have not rooted or unlocked bootloader this time. Is it my understanding that once this update is received that it is not possible to unlock the bootloader and/or root? I would like to keep the rooting option open but at this time would like to stay on stock as i like having timely updates ota. The last phone/ROM i used, the developer kinda laxed on updates, plus additional issues that were not present on factory installed rom.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
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As I understand, the google phone should have no issues getting the bootloader unlocked. The verizon one cannot be unlocked from 7.1.1 (at least so far).
Beyond that, rooting can be done in 7.1 or 7.1.1.
I would suggest unlocking the bootloader and keeping it that way if you want to change anything.
(My suggestions are based on Google Pixel, and NOT the XL). I just noticed, but you're posting on the pixel forums btw.

Can all versions of Pixel be rooted?

Can all versions of Pixel have their bootloader unlocked and be rooted? Or are there some versions that cannot be rooted? In the past I had misfortune with carrier branded phones from Canada that it was impossible to unlock bootloader. It want to confirm this is not the case before gettinga Pixel. Thanks in advance.
Just to be clear I'm talking about the Pixel with 5.0" screen, so not the XL.
Google version can be unlocked. There is a tool available to unlock the Verizon version but it was patched with December's update. If you plan to get it through Verizon I would hurry up and get it because it's likely not updated yet. Then you can take out the sim and skip connecting to wifi during setup and then unlock the bootloader before updating.
It is VERY unlikely that a new exploit will be found ever for the Verizon pixel. From my understanding it was a very simple exploit that was pretty much found by mistake.
lightningglasses said:
Can all versions of Pixel have their bootloader unlocked and be rooted? Or are there some versions that cannot be rooted? In the past I had misfortune with carrier branded phones from Canada that it was impossible to unlock bootloader. It want to confirm this is not the case before gettinga Pixel. Thanks in advance.
Just to be clear I'm talking about the Pixel with 5.0" screen, so not the XL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Canadian versions of the pixel/XL are carrier unlocked and can have their bootloader's unlocked as well. And can be rooted.
aholeinthewor1d said:
Google version can be unlocked. There is a tool available to unlock the Verizon version but it was patched with December's update. If you plan to get it through Verizon I would hurry up and get it because it's likely not updated yet. Then you can take out the sim and skip connecting to wifi during setup and then unlock the bootloader before updating.
It is VERY unlikely that a new exploit will be found ever for the Verizon pixel. From my understanding it was a very simple exploit that was pretty much found by mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is it "Very Likely"?
There have been plenty of phones to lose bootloader unlock exploits only to never get them back. Guaranteed unlock exploits is a thing of the past... Get in while you can or deal with it when it never becomes an option again.
scryan said:
Why is it "Very Likely"?
There have been plenty of phones to lose bootloader unlock exploits only to never get them back. Guaranteed unlock exploits is a thing of the past... Get in while you can or deal with it when it never becomes an option again.
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Click to collapse
Read my post again lol. I said "very unlikely".

Android 9: Pixel 2 Downgrading questions

These may be stupid questions but I have tried everything I can think of.
I am on a Verizon pixel 2, locked bootloader, running the current release of android 9.
I am unable to toggle the "OEM Unlocking" option in developer settings
I followed this guide to enable the toggle but ADB/Fastboot still gives me the "Flashing Unlock is not allowed" message when i try to run "fastboot oem unlock" or "fastboot flashing unlock".
Ultimately I would like to be able to root my Pixel 2, but right now I would settle for being able to downgrade Google Play Services to version 12.6.85 because reasons. There does not appear to be a compatible APK for this version of play services and Android 9 on the Pixel 2 (that I have been able to find yet)
Is anyone aware of how I could do the following:
1. unlock my bootloader?
or
2. downgrade to any android 8 version?
or
3. downgrade google play services to 12.6.85 on Pixel 2 Android 9?
The guide you posted is for the original Pixel.
Verizon Pixel 2 has a locked bootloader, and Verizon has disallowed the option of unlocking.
Early in the year, a user here stumbled upon a few commands that would bootloader-unlock the vzw p2. However, any firmware past January (I think) has been updated to protect against this exploit. So you missed the window on that.
I don't think android allows downgrading while the bootloader is locked.
I'm not sure about downgrading play services, but you could easily get the desired .apk from apk-mirror, and attempt to install it. I'm guessing you're going to get an error. In that case, considering you don't have system r/w permission, I don't see any way you'd be able to downgrade play services.
So, short of someone coming along and finding another way to bypass vzw's restrictions, you're stuck on 9.
use skipsoft android toolkit.
bmw9651 said:
use skipsoft android toolkit.
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Click to collapse
That won't work. You can't downgrade to an earlier version, and if you've taken any updates past the January VZW variant, nothing can be done. Sorry....
I was able to wipe system and install 8.1.0 after bricking on 9 pie.
bmw9651 said:
I was able to wipe system and install 8.1.0 after bricking on 9 pie.
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Click to collapse
With a locked bootloader on a Verizon Pixel 2?
yes I wiped it and went back to 810. bootloader has been unlocked as well. use fastboot and adb....... code: fastboot flash lock_critical. to unlock BL.
use skipsoft tool kit to wipe and reinstall OS to 8.1.,0.
bmw9651 said:
yes I wiped it and went back to 810. bootloader has been unlocked as well. use fastboot and adb....... code: fastboot flash lock_critical. to unlock BL.
use skipsoft tool kit to wipe and reinstall OS to 8.1.,0.
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Click to collapse
What I'm getting at is that your bootloader was unlocked _before_ you did everything. OP doesn't have that luxury.
DuckRuckus said:
What I'm getting at is that your bootloader was unlocked _before_ you did everything. OP doesn't have that luxury.
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Yeah he's full of it if he's saying otherwise. There is no way it would let you downgrade bootloaders in stock recovery.
Yes BL was unlocked before doing the change. I just rooted it with the skipsoft toolkit Magsik way. after trying others on it. with the skipsoft toolkit you can wipe it and go back to jan 2018 builds of you wish. there are many options on it to choose from.
---------- Post added at 05:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:13 PM ----------
when i got my pixel 2 first thing I did was unlock boot-loader. fastboot flash lock_critical. is the command to do this . To the OP don't worry too much the pixel 3 is coming out soon. BUY it From the Google Store. you will be able to unlock BL and do as you please. DO NOT Buy from Verizon.
bmw9651 said:
Yes BL was unlocked before doing the change. I just rooted it with the skipsoft toolkit Magsik way. after trying others on it. with the skipsoft toolkit you can wipe it and go back to jan 2018 builds of you wish. there are many options on it to choose from.
---------- Post added at 05:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:13 PM ----------
when i got my pixel 2 first thing I did was unlock boot-loader. fastboot flash lock_critical. is the command to do this . To the OP don't worry too much the pixel 3 is coming out soon. BUY it From the Google Store. you will be able to unlock BL and do as you please. DO NOT Buy from Verizon.
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unless you need to get an RMA, in which case you get a device that cannot be unlocked, like mine for example.
crixley said:
unless you need to get an RMA, in which case you get a device that cannot be unlocked, like mine for example.
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By that do you mean that you submitted a warranty claim to google? You must not have. I am a Project Fi customer so I never have to think about such things. But yeah, if you bought your pixel from the google website, hooked it up to Verizon service and THEN called Verizon customer service and requested a warranty replacement or an Insurance claim then yeah. In that case you probably would receive a device with a locked bootloader because that's all Verizon deals with as far as I know. I submitted a warranty claim to Project Fi and The device they sent me came with an unlocked bootloader. I think I would have thrown a fit if they had sent a locked one. I would have been on the phone with a Supervisor stating that "the unlocked bootloader feature was 100% the reason I chose to buy the phone directly from google!" I would not have left them alone until I got my way. lol
KirkH420 said:
By that do you mean that you submitted a warranty claim to google? You must not have. I am a Project Fi customer so I never have to think about such things. But yeah, if you bought your pixel from the google website, hooked it up to Verizon service and THEN called Verizon customer service and requested a warranty replacement or an Insurance claim then yeah. In that case you probably would receive a device with a locked bootloader because that's all Verizon deals with as far as I know. I submitted a warranty claim to Project Fi and The device they sent me came with an unlocked bootloader. I think I would have thrown a fit if they had sent a locked one. I would have been on the phone with a Supervisor stating that "the unlocked bootloader feature was 100% the reason I chose to buy the phone directly from google!" I would not have left them alone until I got my way. lol
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Yes, as have many others. I'm from Canada, device was bought through google and RMA'd through google. Has nothing to do with Verizon, there are tons of threads about it.
Another alternative, albeit a bit more convoluted, would be to update your current device to the latest update. Back up your user data as best you can, then factory reset, put it on Swappa, and then use the proceeds to purchase a secondhand Google variant with identical specs as the original. At least that way you won't have to deal with any more bootloader shenanigans. If your device is still in good shape and you're savvy enough about it, you may be able to come close to break-even.

I want to unlock bootloader on Verizon Pixel with Android Pie 9.0

I have a Pixel from Verizon and want to downgrade back to Oreo from Android Pie. Is there a way to unlock the bootloader? Attempted to follow the instructions on another page and it did not work. Thanks.
I have a locked Verizon used, when I got it I unlocked using the exploit described in these guides. Now with Locked; Pie I don't see anyway to revert down to 8.1 unless you unlock first. If you have tried the various posts about unlocking and can't with Pie I don't see anyway. Which means Verizon and Google corrected that exploit with revisions to images.
If you took the September security update, then you're SOL for now. Pretty sure Google/Verizon patched the exploit. There was a separate image for just Verizon phones. The last time they did that was when they patched the dePixel8 exploit.
UPDATE: Somebody in the Pixel XL forums said they got the exploit working by rebooting twice after Step 8. Don't have the steps in front of me, but take a look and try them out. You never know.
These instructions worked to unlock my Verizon Pixel bootloader on the newest September 2018 firmware. Then I am able to flash any full OTA image. Then after flashing you can relock your bootloader. Instructions in the link below.
I cannot post links yet so google search "unlock-verizon-pixel-bootloader-870589"
Never relock your bootloader. [emoji849]
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app
D.A.N. said:
I have a Pixel from Verizon and want to downgrade back to Oreo from Android Pie. Is there a way to unlock the bootloader? Attempted to follow the instructions on another page and it did not work. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030
Use the above guide. I would reset your phone 2x then follow the directions. I waited 5 mins for oem unlock to become selectable

Can every Pixel 3 be bootloader unlocked and rooted?

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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.

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