Hello all,
I have been considering picking up a Pixel 3, the problem is I live in China. It means I cannot buy it from google directly. There are several places selling it online here in China, problem is I don't want to get stuck with the Verizon variant. Is there any way, other than actually looking at the phone information in settings, to tell which version it is? Does the Verizon variant have a Verizon logo on it or something similar?
Thanks
There is no Verizon logo or branding that is different. Unsure if there is any other easy way to check other than having the device and trying to unlock the bootloader. Verizon models have the option disabled.
wangdaning said:
Hello all,
I have been considering picking up a Pixel 3, the problem is I live in China. It means I cannot buy it from google directly. There are several places selling it online here in China, problem is I don't want to get stuck with the Verizon variant. Is there any way, other than actually looking at the phone information in settings, to tell which version it is? Does the Verizon variant have a Verizon logo on it or something similar?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you can look @ the built in settings.. use Google to search for verizon built number or Google built number.
https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/knowledge-base-219960/
If you have the phone in a box ususally a verizon built has 5 barcode stickers on the box, and Google only 4.
Another thing you can do is to look @ SKU on the box my phone is from google and it has GA00457-DE built.(DE means built for Germany).
The verizon google pixel has no branding at all and it's looking similar to the google pixel 3
Thanks for the responses, looks like I will just have to buy it and if it is a verizon version just send it back to the seller and complain. Will make sure if I buy it I get it from a place that accepts the return.
Related
Hey guys, just had a couple quick questions I was hoping I'd be able to get a little feedback on here from other Pixel purchasers.
Ok, so back story: I recently bought a quite black Pixel for my wife from an eBay listing, which noted the device as "factory unlocked" and listed a SKU of "G-2PW4100-011-A" . The listing stated that Verizon was an incompatible carrier, and only AT&T and T-Mobile were compatible carriers. However, based on that SKU and some Google searching I found that that seems to be the exact Google Play Store Pixel version - so I contacted the seller and they confirmed this is the same version as Google sells on the play store. Great, so I purchased it. I also found in my searching that the "G-2PW4100-021-A" SKU would seem to be the Verizon Google Pixel variant.
Fast forward and I've received the item - and to my surprise the SKU reads "G-2PW4100-031-A". While it does boot up and seemingly activate LTE service on Verizon, and the bootloader unlock toggle is NOT greyed out, I also can't find any reference of this SKU anywhere online which kind of worries me. So, I'm wondering if others can chime in with what the SKU on their box says, and whether they got it from the Google Store, or Verizon. I'm just wanting to try to figure out what I'm missing here Many thanks!
Anyone? Anyone at all lol?
SKU: G-2PW4100-021-A, received today from Verizon (not a reseller, authorized agent, etc. -- direct from Verizon itself).
Mine is 128gb blk direct from Google store
G-2PW4100-012-A
I got my nephew the 32gb blk from google but would have to see if he could send me the sku.
I honestly wouldn't worry about it. If you installed a Verizon sim, it would have automatically installed verizon bloatware being verizon varient. If google, it wouldn't install the bloatware
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.
Hello all,
I just bought a Really Blue Pixel on eBay and the seller mentioned the model is G-2PW4100. I see on some websites this model number corresponds to Verizon. Is this true? I see on others this model number is for "U.S. Version: Verizon Wireless / Project Fi / Google Store / BestBuy" so I'm not sure what to expect when I get it. I'm on T-Mo so will this work? He said "All Verizon phones come unlocked". I just don't want to see anything Verizon on the phone, at the start up screen or anything.
Thank you
It won't say anything different, any bloat will be from the SIM and can be easily removed. It will be sim unlocked and will work on t mobile.
Probably will not be bootloader unlocked unless he did it already.
Emo113 said:
Hello all,
I just bought a Really Blue Pixel on eBay and the seller mentioned the model is G-2PW4100. I see on some websites this model number corresponds to Verizon. Is this true? I see on others this model number is for "U.S. Version: Verizon Wireless / Project Fi / Google Store / BestBuy" so I'm not sure what to expect when I get it. I'm on T-Mo so will this work? He said "All Verizon phones come unlocked". I just don't want to see anything Verizon on the phone, at the start up screen or anything.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if it contains Verizon Boot Animation you cannot remove it easily! you should root it and flash another Boot Animation.
but you can disable or uninstall any Verizon related apps.
:good:
Thanks for the help guys! I can't wait to get it, my trusty old Nexus 5 is on its dying leg and this will be a nice upgrade.
Geeks Empire said:
if it contains Verizon Boot Animation you cannot remove it easily! you should root it and flash another Boot Animation.
but you can disable or uninstall any Verizon related apps.
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think any verizon pixel's come with verizon boot animation.....
On my Pixel 3 I cannot activate Project Fi. I assume it would automatically use eSim or give me the option to? However it does not. It has asks me to install a Sim.
I installed eSim switcher and have the option to add a carrier but I still cannot get it to work, just says cannot be activated try again later.
I would kind to know if there is a way to tell if my eSim has been disabled?
The Verizon models need to be activated on VZW for 24 hours before they become available to use on another carrier.
Nope, eSim is disabled.
When I was ready to order mine, I chatted at Google and I was told any pixel 3 bought from any of the sources (Google, Fi, best buy, Verizon) would be physically the same and would all allow for future Fi through esim. It took a bit of back and forth to explain that I didn't want to use it or activate it or start a fi account right away, but it should work the same.
gotcha640 said:
When I was ready to order mine, I chatted at Google and I was told any pixel 3 bought from any of the sources (Google, Fi, best buy, Verizon) would be physically the same and would all allow for future Fi through esim. It took a bit of back and forth to explain that I didn't want to use it or activate it or start a fi account right away, but it should work the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Thank you for posting this. I was hoping the capability is at least there.
Ughh.. I escalated this as far as I could within Verizon and from the person that handles the Verizon + Google relationship, eSim has been disabled on the Pixel 3 with no plans to enable it.
Would it be worth returning the Verizon one and buying an unlocked one?
gotcha640 said:
Would it be worth returning the Verizon one and buying an unlocked one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to unlock the bootloader and root it soon it would be :good:
pragakhan said:
Ughh.. I escalated this as far as I could within Verizon and from the person that handles the Verizon + Google relationship, eSim has been disabled on the Pixel 3 with no plans to enable it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, you are going to need to either return it or use a Verizon sim and Fi Esim, although I'm not sure that will work at this point. That really sucks though. The reason it's eSim locked is that with it enabled you could take the device to any carrier immediately. They don't like that since you probably bought it on a deal like bogo or a payment plan over 24 months. If you bought it on a Verizon plan then they also want the early termination fee. There is a new revision of eSim that can lock the phone but it's on hold while the DOJ investigates. Personally, do yourself a favor and return it ASAP and perhaps take the hit on the return fee. You might be able to negotiate it down due to the eSim lock.
FYI, the Pixel 2 are eSim unlocked as well as the Apple Watch Series 3 but that's it for now. Let's see what happens when the gorilla comes into the game. Should be an interesting fight and I'm not sure Verizon can stand up to Apple for long.
I returned the device and ordered one from Google. Lesson learned, gave up my free stand and paying restocking fee lol
Glad I seen this thread, just canceled my Pixel 3 from Verizon and offered mine through Google. (Back Ordered)
Thank You
Vinny [emoji631]
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Does anyone know if the Verizon Pixel 3 is actually missing the eSIM chip, or is it just disabled through software. Actually I haven't seen any way to figure out if a particular Pixel 3 was from Google or Verizon ...
lightsedge said:
Does anyone know if the Verizon Pixel 3 is actually missing the eSIM chip, or is it just disabled through software. Actually I haven't seen any way to figure out if a particular Pixel 3 was from Google or Verizon ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it has it and no it's not disabled thru software. It's just not enabled with Verizon network. Yet.
bobby janow said:
Yes it has it and no it's not disabled thru software. It's just not enabled with Verizon network. Yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend was not able to sign up for Google Fi using eSIM though.
Also, I switched to a T-Mobile SIM, and I don't see an easy way to open the eSIM Manager app. Not sure if this is normal or not - i.e. it seems to have GUI according to the store page but the "Open" link does not appear for me, nor is it in the apps list. Also no mention of eSIM in Mobile Settings. I guess maybe my OS build is a Verizon version?
lightsedge said:
My friend was not able to sign up for Google Fi using eSIM though.
Also, I switched to a T-Mobile SIM, and I don't see an easy way to open the eSIM Manager app. Not sure if this is normal or not - i.e. it seems to have GUI according to the store page but the "Open" link does not appear for me, nor is it in the apps list. Also no mention of eSIM in Mobile Settings. I guess maybe my OS build is a Verizon version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe it has anything to with a Verizon version of the software, especially considering there is no such thing. There is only on version that we all use.
TMobile app isn't ready yet. They are saying by the end of the year. There is a Reddit thread on how to do it now if you want.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/co...es_how_to_activate/?utm_source=reddit-android
TonikJDK said:
I don't believe it has anything to with a Verizon version of the software, especially considering there is no such thing. There is only on version that we all use.
TMobile app isn't ready yet. They are saying by the end of the year. There is a Reddit thread on how to do it now if you want.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/co...es_how_to_activate/?utm_source=reddit-android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a great thread, very informative. I heard that on Dec 7th the iPhone XR and XS were to be Verizon eSim active but I've not confirmed that yet. They are fighting tooth and nail to keep the tech out of people's hands, even dropping secondary sims down to 2G. But Apple will put the hammer down and then it will roll out to us lowly Pixel people eventually.
TonikJDK said:
I don't believe it has anything to with a Verizon version of the software, especially considering there is no such thing. There is only on version that we all use.
TMobile app isn't ready yet. They are saying by the end of the year. There is a Reddit thread on how to do it now if you want.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/co...es_how_to_activate/?utm_source=reddit-android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice thread, but there are accounts of Verizon disabling eSIM: https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/a4ispi/tmobile_us_esim_is_working_on_pixel_3xl/. The question is how?
I heard that Pixel 3 boxes from Google have ESIM ID printed. However, mine from Verizon has SIM ID, which matches the physical SIM card inside the phone. I actually don't know how to find the EID.
My Pixel 3 box that was purchased from direct from Google does have an ESIM ID number printed on the box.
lightsedge said:
Nice thread, but there are accounts of Verizon disabling eSIM: https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/a4ispi/tmobile_us_esim_is_working_on_pixel_3xl/. The question is how?
I heard that Pixel 3 boxes from Google have ESIM ID printed. However, mine from Verizon has SIM ID, which matches the physical SIM card inside the phone. I actually don't know how to find the EID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I saw that but I don't believe it. They just haven't activated it yet I doubt they have purposely disabled it. It's live now for the iPhone but not yet for the Pixel 3. I might give them a call to find out when it will be activated but I don't have much hope in getting a csr that even knows what I'm talking about.
edit: nothing doing. They don't know when we'll have support on the 3s. I do wonder if someone took a vzw P3 / XL and could get the eSim activated on ATT or Fi.
Has anyone tried scanning the QR code generated on verizon's site? I generated the QR code on my Verizon account, but decided against scanning it for now... I'm traveling this week and can't afford to be down a phone. I didn't want it to disable my physical SIM and not active the eSIM, and somehow get stuck in limbo.
Hello all,
I'm looking to buy a V50 on eBay since it looks like we're getting some good development here, but I am unsure if I should buy one that specifically states it's carrier unlocked or just the Sprint version. Is there a way to carrier unlock this phone?
Thanks in advance.
TPMJB said:
Hello all,
I'm looking to buy a V50 on eBay since it looks like we're getting some good development here, but I am unsure if I should buy one that specifically states it's carrier unlocked or just the Sprint version. Is there a way to carrier unlock this phone?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On ebay,there are a few sellers that selling Sprint unlocked V50.
Mine is from one of them,unlocked,seemed to be all new,as the seller advertised it as new,open box.
It came with original box and all the original stuff inside.
The box was not sealed of course,because as he stated,these boxes were opened in order to carrier unlock them.
After more than 6 months,mine is working without any issue,just without the ability to connect to 5g because i live in Europe,and Sprint's firmware support different 5g bands.
If you want pm me and i can give you the name of the seller i bought mine from.
Also i forgot to mention,that despite the fact that there is the Sprint firmware,you can get every single update from LG.
I bought it with android 9,and right away after i set it up,it started downloading all the follow updates and android 10 of course.
granazias said:
On ebay,there are a few sellers that selling Sprint unlocked V50.
Mine is from one of them,unlocked,seemed to be all new,as the seller advertised it as new,open box.
It came with original box and all the original stuff inside.
The box was not sealed of course,because as he stated,these boxes were opened in order to carrier unlock them.
After more than 6 months,mine is working without any issue,just without the ability to connect to 5g because i live in Europe,and Sprint's firmware support different 5g bands.
If you want pm me and i can give you the name of the seller i bought mine from.
Also i forgot to mention,that despite the fact that there is the Sprint firmware,you can get every single update from LG.
I bought it with android 9,and right away after i set it up,it started downloading all the follow updates and android 10 of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean, main reason I want V50 is to install custom firmware. I'm currently on V30. Also, phones I'm lookin at are $130-170
TPMJB said:
I mean, main reason I want V50 is to install custom firmware. I'm currently on V30. Also, phones I'm lookin at are $130-170
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh sorry i didn't exactly understand that.
I am not personally interested in rooting my V50,so i am not able to help with this part.
Maybe someone else who reads your post can help.
granazias said:
Oh sorry i didn't exactly understand that.
I am not personally interested in rooting my V50,so i am not able to help with this part.
Maybe someone else who reads your post can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. Wish we could root the V60 because that phone is like $20 more. I only use rooted phones.