Which Pixel 2 to use for rooting & VZW? - Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers

I'm committed to using VZW. I want to root a Pixel 2 and access VZW. Clearly a VZW Pixel 2 has problems with the bootloader. What Pixel 2 meets my requirements. FWIW, I expect to have the 64 Gb version.

The unlocked Pixel 2 from the Google store.
https://store.google.com/product/pixel_2
Unlock the bootloader, root with Magisk, pop in your VZW SIM and you're set.

OK - is there any chance of saving some money by using eBay (Amazon is on my deep s*** list) or am I better off not even trying there?

As long as you're confident that what you're buying is a carrier unlocked phone and that it's never been flashed to VZW firmware 8.1.0 (OPM2.171019.016, Jan 2018, Verizon), which disables the ability to unlock the bootloader.

Gotit - great thanks!

Related

Pixel buying concerns from a irritated Verizon customer.

I would like to purchase a Pixel but i have some concerns. I'm on the Verizon network and some of the things I hate about Verizon are....
#1 They never update phones
#2 Locked Bootloader so I can't root my phone
#3 Loaded with Bloatware.
It seems like the Pixel solves most of these problems, right? I guess my questions are; if I buy a Pixel off ebay and bring it into Verizon for activation will they lock my phone and load it with bloatware? Will they make it impossible for me to root it? Will it be updated ever? I'd hate to purchase one of these only to have it turn out to be yet another typical Verizon bloatware/locked/never updated phone.
As long as it is the Google version none of that will happen. Lots of us with the Google version on VZ and it is fine.
But you need to ne certain it is the Google version and not the VZ version. I would be very careful on Ebay. I wouldn't buy it unless I could get my hands on it and unlock it first.
Oh wow. So the Verizon version cannot be unlocked at all? Even with depixel8? I was trying to find a way to distinguish between the Verizon and Google store versions and I stumbled onto this post where they break down the SKU meaning. One of the posts says...
What we're currently sure of is that the SKU is formatted as follows:
G-2PW[Model][Region]00-0[Country/Carrier][Storage]-[ColorCode]
Model:
4: Pixel
2: Pixel XL
Region:
1: North America
2: Rest of the World
Country/Carrier:
1: USA (non-carrier specific)
2: USA Verizon
3: Canada (?)
4: ? (Probably Europe)
5: India (probably rest of Asia as well)
Storage:
1: 32 GB
2: 128 GB
ColorCode:
A: Quite Black
B: Very Silver
C: Really Blue
So if I want a black 32 GB no-Verizon-bloatware-locked-version I would want SKU G-2PW4100-011-A, right?
A VZ version beyond 7.1 cannot be depixel8'd. I don't know the details of the sku system.
I have the Verizon version and think it's fine. I'm getting updates fine. In fact I'm on the beta version of Android O
That said when browsing the file system I did notice a bunch of Verizon folders. Not sure what's in then but I don't think it's completely bloat free but someone else can comment.
Oh and fun fact, I'm using my Verizon Pixel on T-MOBILE'S network. So maybe that's why I'm getting updates. No idea.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Updates are available on Googles site the same day for Verizon as well as the Google version of the phone. Updates are not an issue with the Verizon version of the phone. Literally the ONLY difference is one has an unlockable bootloader and one does not (unless it was 7.1). It's that simple.
So if the bootloader is locked I cannot root the phone, right?
The current root methods require an unlocked bootloader.

Carrier Unlocked vs. Verizon model?

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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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

Verizon Pixel 5

Wil there be a way to unlock the bootloader on Verizon Pixel 5 anytime soon? I screwed up & trusted Verizon & purchased the Pixel 5 from them. They have the only locked version of the Pixel 5.
Unlocking Pixel 5 for Verizon
Glad I found this so Verizon hasn't changed I was just thinking maybe get that model for mm wave support but I want to be able to unlock the bootloader.
forum.xda-developers.com
At&t pixel 5 is carrier-locked
LOL, you just now discovered that carrier locked phones can't be rooted? It's amazing the number of people who still don't know that carrier incentivized devices are locked and the exploit ship has long ago sailed away into the sunset.
forum.xda-developers.com
Ordered a Pixel 5 from the google store for Verizon unlockable bootloader?
If you bought the VZW version, it will be locked, and is not unlockable.
forum.xda-developers.com

Best Root + Magisk Compatible Phone for AT&T

I have been searching all weekend, is there any recent (last year or two) flagship tier phone that is rootable and Magisk compatible phone that works with AT&T? I have been on the OnePlus 8 Pro for a while on T-Mobile and its been fantastic bug I am stuck moving over to AT&T and it seems like every phone is either unable to unlock bootloader or not fully compatible with AT&T.
Hell Bomb said:
I have been searching all weekend, is there any recent (last year or two) flagship tier phone that is rootable and Magisk compatible phone that works with AT&T? I have been on the OnePlus 8 Pro for a while on T-Mobile and its been fantastic bug I am stuck moving over to AT&T and it seems like every phone is either unable to unlock bootloader or not fully compatible with AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a SIM/carrier unlocked international model(non US carrier) of Pixel. All of the US versions of Pixel have locked bootloader and can't be unlocked.

Question OEM unlocking on a Pixel 7 pro? Verizon

Any tips on how to enabling the OEM unlocking on a Pixel 7 pro? Verizon
Skeeter300blackout said:
Any tips on how to enabling the OEM unlocking on a Pixel 7 pro? Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't unlock the bootloader on Verizon models.
Wow, not all? No hacks or anything.
Nope
Well that sucks, I guess i have to take this dam thing back.
How about T-Mobile? Unlock bootloader option is greyed out
Beddadizi619 said:
How about T-Mobile? Unlock bootloader option is greyed out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's how the Verizon one is. I've seen some video on youtube on how to possibly enable it.... but nothing works. Lughnasadh is correct.
Beddadizi619 said:
How about T-Mobile? Unlock bootloader option is greyed out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For T-Mobile you have to be carrier unlocked first before you can unlock the bootloader. This usually involves paying off the phone and then contacting the carrier to have them Carrier unlock it.
Beddadizi619 said:
How about T-Mobile? Unlock bootloader option is greyed out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my pixel 7 pro sim unlocked through the chat function of the T-Mobile app. From there I was able to enable OEM unlock. No need to pay it off, just try and get a good rep in the chat/be abundantly friendly
Beddadizi619 said:
How about T-Mobile? Unlock bootloader option is greyed out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to get TMobile to do a permanent sim/network unlock. They do it over the phone. They make you follow specific rules though, device has to be payed off and you have to have been with T-mobile for a specific amount of time...... If you get a tech support guy who just doesn't care then you may get lucky. I just kept calling until someone did it for me.
Lughnasadh said:
You can't unlock the bootloader on Verizon models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could have if they rooted before letting the phone be booted with a sim card. Verizon carrier unlocks at 6 months paid off or not. You don't have to ask it just happens but if you need to be 100% sure then ask.
I remember getting the first XL and without thinking I booted it up with the sim, it updated and bye bye unlock bootloader option. Thankfully my son also wanted one so we just swapped. I rooted before anything else, then put my sim in and didn't use ota updates because I didn't want the bloat from Verizon.
d0x360 said:
Could have if they rooted before letting the phone be booted with a sim card. Verizon carrier unlocks at 6 months paid off or not. You don't have to ask it just happens but if you need to be 100% sure then ask.
I remember getting the first XL and without thinking I booted it up with the sim, it updated and bye bye unlock bootloader option. Thankfully my son also wanted one so we just swapped. I rooted before anything else, then put my sim in and didn't use ota updates because I didn't want the bloat from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was for the OG XL. We're talking about the Pixel 7/Pro here (also applies to the 3-6 series as well)(some say they found an exploit for the 2). Carrier unlocking is irrelevant in this case.
Lughnasadh said:
That was for the OG XL. We're talking about the Pixel 7/Pro here (also applies to the 3-6 series as well)(some say they found an exploit for the 2). Carrier unlocking is irrelevant in this case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changed it again huh? I know carrier unlocking is irrelevant but they were talking about it and I knew the vzw info because I had them unlock a phone then they pushed an app to it and that was that.
I have 2 7 pros I need to root that will be going on Verizon but I'm not putting the sim in until I'm done setting up either way. It's bloat free and staying that way. I'm probably switching to fi if the service is good here. I'll save a ton of money on just 2 lines.
d0x360 said:
Changed it again huh? I know carrier unlocking is irrelevant but they were talking about it and I knew the vzw info because I had them unlock a phone then they pushed an app to it and that was that.
I have 2 7 pros I need to root that will be going on Verizon but I'm not putting the sim in until I'm done setting up either way. It's bloat free and staying that way. I'm probably switching to fi if the service is good here. I'll save a ton of money on just 2 lines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter if you put the SIM in yet or not. What matters is where you got the phone from - each carrier has a different model number. Did you get the phones from Verizon? Then you're out of luck, no bootloader unlocking, no root. Did you get them from Google? Then it's easy, just follow guides on here.
And as others have mentioned, T-Mobile allows you to unlock your phone but it almost always requires that you have the device on active line for 60 days and that you have paid for it in full.
bobbarker2 said:
It doesn't matter if you put the SIM in yet or not. What matters is where you got the phone from - each carrier has a different model number. Did you get the phones from Verizon? Then you're out of luck, no bootloader unlocking, no root. Did you get them from Google? Then it's easy, just follow guides on here.
And as others have mentioned, T-Mobile allows you to unlock your phone but it almost always requires that you have the device on active line for 60 days and that you have paid for it in full.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course not, I don't trust Verizon for even a brief second. I bought a non carrier variant at best buy. I also bought a fi sim because I want to quit Verizon. We pay something like $158 a month for 2 lines and 4 gigs of shared data. Here they have the best service by far but I'm near wifi 99% of the day so it's not a worry.
Hell last month we used 0.68 gigs of data though I saved 30 using Adguard.
I've been rooting since the G1 so I don't forsee any problems but I'm looking for changes like you mentioned and others have...
Really miss those days especially once the Nexus one was out.
Everything was easier to do and there were tons of custom ROM options. With TWRP I'd make an image then flash a new ROM and possibly kernel and be tinkering in settings in under 3 min. It's a shame the scene has shrunk so much but there is still tons of quality stuff which is always nice.
d0x360 said:
We pay something like $158 a month for 2 lines and 4 gigs of shared data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that's crazy. I pay that same amount for 6 lines on TMobile with unlimited everything.
d0x360 said:
Everything was easier to do and there were tons of custom ROM options. With TWRP I'd make an image then flash a new ROM and possibly kernel and be tinkering in settings in under 3 min. It's a shame the scene has shrunk so much but there is still tons of quality stuff which is always nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The old days are gone unfortunately. People should consider themselves lucky if they can even get a custom recovery for their device.
I'm perfectly happy with stock Pixel rom. The only reason I root is for custom kernel and some extra control over the apps on my device.
The benefits of rooting and/or unlocking the bootloader have diminished greatly overtime.
d0x360 said:
We pay something like $158 a month for 2 lines and 4 gigs of shared data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what plan your on? We're on Verizon and pay that for 4 lines with unlimited everything.
Apparently even AFTER Carrier Unlocking Pixel 7 Pro, Bootloader is NOT Unlockable, under any circumstance. VZW is pointing at Google and Google is pointing at VZW. I am waiting for a reply or call back from a Google Supervisor, because it should be clearly noted on the VZW Box that even after Carrier Unlocking device, BL CANNOT be Unlocked under any circumstance. I smell a class action lawsuit against Google and/or VZW for Pixel Customers who are unable to OEM Unlock Devices after Carrier Unlocking. Anyone want in? I am hoping I get the right Google Supervisor who will warranty exchange device for another Unlocked or any other Branded Pixel 7 Pro....
AndroidAddict420 said:
Apparently even AFTER Carrier Unlocking Pixel 7 Pro, Bootloader is NOT Unlockable, under any circumstance. VZW is pointing at Google and Google is pointing at VZW. I am waiting for a reply or call back from a Google Supervisor, because it should be clearly noted on the VZW Box that even after Carrier Unlocking device, BL CANNOT be Unlocked under any circumstance. I smell a class action lawsuit against Google and/or VZW for Pixel Customers who are unable to OEM Unlock Devices after Carrier Unlocking. Anyone want in? I am hoping I get the right Google Supervisor who will warranty exchange device for another Unlocked or any other Branded Pixel 7 Pro....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck getting a class action because you can't bootloader unlock your phone. It's been this way with phones on Verizon for many years now. Never buy a Verizon branded phone if you want to unlock the bootloader.
AndroidAddict420 said:
Apparently even AFTER Carrier Unlocking Pixel 7 Pro, Bootloader is NOT Unlockable, under any circumstance. VZW is pointing at Google and Google is pointing at VZW. I am waiting for a reply or call back from a Google Supervisor, because it should be clearly noted on the VZW Box that even after Carrier Unlocking device, BL CANNOT be Unlocked under any circumstance. I smell a class action lawsuit against Google and/or VZW for Pixel Customers who are unable to OEM Unlock Devices after Carrier Unlocking. Anyone want in? I am hoping I get the right Google Supervisor who will warranty exchange device for another Unlocked or any other Branded Pixel 7 Pro....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buying devices from carriers (specifically from AT&T or Verizon) and expecting them to have an unlockable bootloader: https://media.tenor.com/AQz3_zaiD14AAAAM/hysterical-laughter.gif

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