Do Vodafone UK carrier-lock their Pixel 3 devices - Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers

Has anyone obtained a Pixel 3 sent to them by Vodafone UK (as opposed to taking out a Vodafone contract via Carphone Warehouse etc.)?
I'd love to know if Vodafone carrier-lock the device to their network. I asked, and they said they SIM-lock all their devices, but that they can be unlocked for free after 30 days, and that this is equally true of the Pixel 3. But I read somewhere else that only EE carrier-lock Pixel 3 in the UK, and all other networks ship them unlocked. So if anyone's actually received a device to confirm either way, I'd be grateful.
What I really want is to be able to turn on OEM Unlocking to unlock the bootloader. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that cannot be done on a device that is carrier-locked.

Related

Canadian idol 3 sim locked

Hi just purchased my idol 3 from koodo in Canada it was locked and was wondering if anyone has a good place for unlocking? Thanks
If it's showing sim locked you should return it. Alcatel would have no reason to lock it since they are not selling the phone via a carrier....if you ended up getting one someone fiddled with previously it's possible they managed to lock it....you won't find any place setup to unlock the idol 3 since it's intended to be sold unlocked.
In Canada they only sell with carriers. Telus koodo and bell. I put my wife's rogers sim in my koodo phone and asked for a unlock code. Even when you go to purchase a phone on alcatel website you can only purchase from the cell companies in Canada that offer the phone. We cannot purchase from Alcatel.
There might be an unlocking company online that will charge to unlock it. Or a company that will ship a US version to CA.
Romman0 said:
There might be an unlocking company online that will charge to unlock it. Or a company that will ship a US version to CA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other canadians here have identified their phones as the 6045i (when everyone was uploading their stock firmware) so it's the same model as USA.
If the Canadian is locked, then it would still be beneficial to get a US version or paying for an unlock code or service.
Thanks for the help guys. Sucks that the Canadian model is locked. But not surprised. Lol
Def locked when bought from a Canadian carrier. They lock everything except the nexus phones...even when bought at full price.
I'd try cell unlocker or some other 3rd party unlock service. Telus/Koodo charges $50 for an unlock code.
scatoclysm said:
Def locked when bought from a Canadian carrier. They lock everything except the nexus phones...even when bought at full price.
I'd try cell unlocker or some other 3rd party unlock service. Telus/Koodo charges $50 for an unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For that much would be cheaper to purchase in usa...have shipped to friend in usa then reshipped to canada....can then flash the stock canadian firmware we have online.
Yeah, Canada's wireless is borked... The CRTC did change all the rules and did force the carriers to provide a way to unlock in a contract and immediately unlock when you purchase the device in full, the only problem is, the morons forgot to add the part where the carriers should have to do it for free, when you own the device. So, now they can still charge... looks a lot like it did before, with just more pointless words in the act.
The free part was unlikely to be an oversight. It was probably the most requested part of the code of conduct. They stopped short of free and price controls when it came to unlocks.
Bit of a shame, I think if a contract has been fulfilled, they should do it for free.
At least there's a trend lately of affordable high performance phones... Hopefully that leads to fewer phones bought on contract up here. Many normal customers just aren't aware if the "device balance" mark up, and plan mark ups. Better off paying outright.

EE pixel network locked

Hi guys is there anyway or anywhere I can go online that will help me unlock my EE network locked pixel .Many Thanks
Pixels on EE in the UK automatically unlock on day 721 after it's 1st used on the network whether PAYG or contract. I brought one from Cex yesterday that was locked to EE and was hoping it'd be auto unlocked to use a Three sim and it was. They do the same for iphones as well but those unlock at 18 months and you can txt a number to tell you if it's unlocked or not as well (pixel you can't txt). You can however pay EE themselves £8.99 to unlock it whether in contract or PAYG if you haven't reached those milestones. You can find more info about this here - https://ee.co.uk/help/help-new/gett...nlock-a-ee-device-to-use-with-another-network
If you meant unlocking the bootloader, that's easy too using the method here - https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030

Verizon Pixel 3a OEM unlock

Hi everyone,
I recently just get my new google pixel 3a from amazon,
but it seems like they send me the Verizon version of it.
The version of the phone is android 10 and I am trying to unlocked OEM under developer options in order to root my device,
but it's likely seems like there is no way that I can unlock the OEM...?
So I was wondering if anyone know the way of unlocking it or maybe there is a way that I can root without Unlocking the OEM.
Thank you!!
Skylar514 said:
Hi everyone,
I recently just get my new google pixel 3a from amazon,
but it seems like they send me the Verizon version of it.
The version of the phone is android 10 and I am trying to unlocked OEM under developer options in order to root my device,
but it's likely seems like there is no way that I can unlock the OEM...?
So I was wondering if anyone know the way of unlocking it or maybe there is a way that I can root without Unlocking the OEM.
Thank you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is notorious for locking down their equipment!!! I would recommend seeing if you can return it and get the unlocked variant!
Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
Just a heads up if anyone happens to find this after grabbing the $200 3a from Verizon: they claim they will unlock your phone after 60 days, something on their site I confirmed with a rep. I'll update January 24 if it does or doesn't happen as I plan to root then (for me, a $200 discount was worth a two month delay).
iamxaq said:
Just a heads up if anyone happens to find this after grabbing the $200 3a from Verizon: they claim they will unlock your phone after 60 days, something on their site I confirmed with a rep. I'll update January 24 if it does or doesn't happen as I plan to root then (for me, a $200 discount was worth a two month delay).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so you are aware, the rep is talking about the SIM card lock. This is different than the bootloader unlock which is required to root your phone.
A SIM card unlock allows you to use the phone with other service providers. Most providers will lock the phone as long as you owe money on the phone. If you bought it outright or have paid the phone off, then the provider will generally SIM unlock the phone. Verizon won't even SIM card unlock the phone until it has been active for 60 days. They say this is to prevent pre-sale theft of their phones, but the policy is certainly more strict than any other provider. However do not misinterpret this to mean that Verizon will SIM unlock all phones after 60 days. If you owe money on the phone, they are not obligated to SIM card unlock it. It is possible sometimes to get the provider to SIM unlock the phone while you still owe money on the phone, but that can be hit and miss.
A bootloader unlock is needed to root the phone. Verizon is the one USA service provider that locks the bootloader of all their devices by policy. Even if a Verizon phone is SIM card unlocked, there is no guarantee that you will be able to bootloader unlock the phone or root it. Generally speaking, you should consider every Verizon phone to be bootloader locked and considering it "winning the lottery" if you are actually able to bootloader unlock it. There are times when Verizon messes up the IMEI numbers and allow phones to be unlocked, but that this just luck if it happens.
I've owned Verizon phones before that were bootloader locked and I will never buy another one. But that is my personal preference. If you have no interest in rooting your phone, then the bootloader isn't that important of an issue. But if you do want to root the phone (and it sound like you do), I would recommend that you see about returning the phone during the return period and purchasing the "Unlocked" version (the "NON-Verizon version).
Sic is correct. Verizon will only SIM unlock the phones. That was the main reason I left them back when I had to use rumrunner on my M7. Once it died and I had to get another phone, I left Verizon and never looked back. When they asked why I was leaving, I told them I might return if they ever let us unlock our bootloaders. The employee knew there was no saving me at that point.
If you want to have an unlocked bootloader, the best bet would be to have a non-carrier branded phone.

T-Mobile Variant : Google Pixel 4XL (VERIZON Bootloader Unlock Process WONT WORK)

I purchased a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL from T-Mobile due to the fact that they were price matching the device with a competitor's offer that contacted me, for the device to be $0 down and $28 monthly. Now because of the situation, i have been speaking to the "Retention" Department, which i found out today, that the department no longer exists.
I ordered the device already having experience with the OG Pixel XL Verizon Variant, which as most Pixel Users know, that if you boot the device for the 1st time with a different carriers SIM Card, the device Registers as a Google Edition Bootloader Unlockable device forever, AS LONG AS YOU BOOT FOR THE 1st TIME WITH A DIFFERENT SIM AND ENTER DEVELOPER OPTIONS TO ALLOW OEM UNLOCKING.
The Pixel 4 XL from T-Mobile and from Verizon ARE 2 TOTALLY DIFFERENT DEVICES... The above process does not and WILL NOT WORK on T-MOBILE Variants.. The WHACKED thing is, Verizon's Variant is Carrier Unlocked from the gate and is supposed to NOT be Bootloader Unlockable. T-Mobile on the other hand, owned by Deutch Telecom and a world carrier, sells the Pixel 4 XL Carrier LOCKEDand Bootloader LOCKED. WTF?
So, i have 18 days to send the device back if :
1) I cant crack it and Unlock Bootloader
2) I have John Legere's Assistant's email and i have emailed her to see if she can do anything. If i must send the device back to TMO to purchase the device directly from Google, and they want to keep me, They can credit my accout the different between the cost of the device from Google and what i would have paid forr the TMO variant.
3) I have been on the phone with Google the last 2 days awaiting a Level 2 Tech Support Supervisor to call me back. When i first got my OG Pixel XL, it was from a buddy, Verizon Sales Rep and i didnt know the Bootloader wasnt unlockable if not done immediatly. Contacted Google and they did a warrenty placement and even upgraded me to a BRAND NEW 128GB Pixel XL!
I have read that the Verizon Pixel 4 XL SIM MOD to unlock the bootloader IS STILL WORKING on the 4XL.
The reason I feel as though T-Mobile should help me is because there are NO Bootloader Unlock Policies in writing, which i asked for on several occassions and all i received back was their Carrier Unlock Policies. 99% of the employees at T-Mobile or any other carrier for that matter DO NOT know what a Bootloader is and i school them and tell them to pay me via credit to my bill. Because a Bootloader Policy does not Officially exist, there is my argument if i take legal action. Time will tell.....
I will Update the Post with any Updates I receive...
Update 11/25/19
I went to Twitter to rant and rave about my situation which is in the hands of (2) Major Companies, T-Mobile and Google Escalations Level 2 Tech Support. Saturday I was emailied by John Legeres's Assistant from T-Mobile asking me the best time to contact me by phone to rectify the situation. I sent a long email to her explaining everything from the sale the discounts I got on the device, which was over $300 for the down payment and $28 a month for the device. I gave T-Mobile the option 2 bill credit me the difference between getting the device through Google T-mobile. And I will gladly return the unit and get one direction Google that was one of the options I gave them. Because I was given two options 1 return the device within 20 days 2 pay the device off. In the T-Mobile help reps and no idea what they're talkin about saying that after the device is unlocked I will be contacted by the carrier with an unlock code for the bootloader Google phones do not require an unlock code for the bootloader so where they're making this information up or where she's getting this text book information during her "lunch break". Know me personally I just started using Twitter and I use it more for like news and stuff but I never tweet and at T-Mobile help is a Twitter account and I was on there for 5 hours Straight in front of my laptop going back and forth and sometimes waiting 20-30 minutes for a reply I understand their multitasking and dealing with multiple customers but 5 hours but I will say they usually get stuff done that care cannot.
So as of now I reefer reply or a phone call from T-Mobile's John Legeres assistant end I'm supposedly waiting for an email from a level two Tech support rep Google escalations. And I made both parties understand that this is a time-sensitive matter then I will not be stuck with the paperweight.
Also please keep in mind I always purchase unlocked devices since I've been with T-Mobile all I purchased was unlocked devicesn whether OnePlus directly from OnePlus we're international versions from Amazon unless I end up with the carrier version that I can crack I don't do it but something will be done here. I also suggested to the T-Mobile assistant I am emailing that a memo go out to everyone regarding bootloader unlocking what it is what is used for who requested it and so on and so forth. This was the deal I just couldn't pass up matching in Xfinity deal that was provided to me over the phone to consolidate my utility bills and I just heard pixel for nothing down in $28 a month then you got the bright idea to contact T-Mobile to see if they would match it and it took them a week to say yes and speak to different people but they said yes and here we are
Putting aside the merits of your argument in regards to what's right or wrong, which I agree with you btw.
I'm going to predict your stuck with a locked phone if you keep it. Neither the Pixel 2 or 3 ever got unlocked on the carrier versions. Google don't get involved as they offer it up unlocked at a premium. I can't imagine any scenario where a carrier gives a Rats ass about providing help on that front. It is a lose - lose situation for them. It opens up security concerns for their corporate partners and customers and creates a whole new warranty headache with people boning up their phones.
Could you link me to where you see the Verizon 4XL bootloader is still unlockable? Last I heard it was locked and the people who had unlocked it had potentially gotten lucky.
ThisPlaceIsaJoke said:
I purchased a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL from T-Mobile due to the fact that they were price matching the device with a competitor's offer that contacted me, for the device to be $0 down and $28 monthly. Now because of the situation, i have been speaking to the "Retention" Department, which i found out today, that the department no longer exists.
I ordered the device already having experience with the OG Pixel XL Verizon Variant, which as most Pixel Users know, that if you boot the device for the 1st time with a different carriers SIM Card, the device Registers as a Google Edition Bootloader Unlockable device forever, AS LONG AS YOU BOOT FOR THE 1st TIME WITH A DIFFERENT SIM AND ENTER DEVELOPER OPTIONS TO ALLOW OEM UNLOCKING.
The Pixel 4 XL from T-Mobile and from Verizon ARE 2 TOTALLY DIFFERENT DEVICES... The above process does not and WILL NOT WORK on T-MOBILE Variants.. The WHACKED thing is, Verizon's Variant is Carrier Unlocked from the gate and is supposed to NOT be Bootloader Unlockable. T-Mobile on the other hand, owned by Deutch Telecom and a world carrier, sells the Pixel 4 XL Carrier LOCKEDand Bootloader LOCKED. WTF?
So, i have 18 days to send the device back if :
1) I cant crack it and Unlock Bootloader
2) I have John Legere's Assistant's email and i have emailed her to see if she can do anything. If i must send the device back to TMO to purchase the device directly from Google, and they want to keep me, They can credit my accout the different between the cost of the device from Google and what i would have paid forr the TMO variant.
3) I have been on the phone with Google the last 2 days awaiting a Level 2 Tech Support Supervisor to call me back. When i first got my OG Pixel XL, it was from a buddy, Verizon Sales Rep and i didnt know the Bootloader wasnt unlockable if not done immediatly. Contacted Google and they did a warrenty placement and even upgraded me to a BRAND NEW 128GB Pixel XL!
I have read that the Verizon Pixel 4 XL SIM MOD to unlock the bootloader IS STILL WORKING on the 4XL.
The reason I feel as though T-Mobile should help me is because there are NO Bootloader Unlock Policies in writing, which i asked for on several occassions and all i received back was their Carrier Unlock Policies. 99% of the employees at T-Mobile or any other carrier for that matter DO NOT know what a Bootloader is and i school them and tell them to pay me via credit to my bill. Because a Bootloader Policy does not Officially exist, there is my argument if i take legal action. Time will tell.....
I will Update the Post with any Updates I receive...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have t mobile and I bought my pixel 4xl from t mobile you have to pay the full price from t mobile in order to unlock bootloader my t mobile device is unlock. But you have to wait 40 days in order to get your phone unlock when purchase in full prices. Once you get the pixel 4xl unlock the bootloader will also be unlock. For me it took me 30 days to make it happen.
Why are you talking to Google? Hit up T-Mobile on Twitter or Facebook and they'll sim unlock it if you ask nicely.
Worked for me.
LLStarks said:
Why are you talking to Google? Hit up T-Mobile on Twitter or Facebook and they'll sim unlock it if you ask nicely.
Worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey has to pay for his devices full price in order to unlock bootloader
No he doesn't. I didn't.
Customers in good standing can get an override.
If you're in good standing and tell them you're traveling internationally (especially to a country that isn't on their plus list), they'll usually do it from my experience.
brandon5491 said:
If you're in good standing and tell them you're traveling internationally (especially to a country that isn't on their plus list), they'll usually do it from my experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty stuff that is carrier unlock, not bootloader unlock.
CyberpodS2 said:
I'm pretty stuff that is carrier unlock, not bootloader unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. I've read that carrier unlock is necessary for bootloader unlock no?
brandon5491 said:
That's right. I've read that carrier unlock is necessary for bootloader unlock no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know they had any influence on each other, but maybe I'm mistaken?
They don't. The carriers had Google use SIM unlock status as a check for being able to toggle OEM unlocking in dev options.
If you don't like your chances with T-Mobile support, FCC complaints have also apparently been effective at getting an unlock.
LLStarks said:
They don't. The carriers had Google use SIM unlock status as a check for being able to toggle OEM unlocking in dev options.
If you don't like your chances with T-Mobile support, FCC complaints have also apparently been effective at getting an unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your posts contradicts itself.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
There's no contradiction.
My experience matches the experience of others, especially those with OnePlus phones and the Pixel 3A. Chatting with reps worked. May take more than one attempt. You can honest with them about what you want to do with your phone or claim a need to use overseas for a period longer than a temp unlock may allow for. Either way, make it clear that you're a loyal T-Mobile customer.
For other people, depending on your account type, credit class, and overall standing with T-Mobile, this may not work. Calling T-Mobile does not seem to work, ever. Calling Google does nothing.
An FCC complaint is a last resort nuclear option and worked for at least one poster here. Probably not worth it.
Paying off your phone and waiting 40 days is the proper way, but it's also for suckers. You probably also limit yourself to 2 unlocks per year this way. Kinda defeats the purpose of JOD and getting ready for rapid improvements to 5G phones.
aznsensazn29 said:
Could you link me to where you see the Verizon 4XL bootloader is still unlockable? Last I heard it was locked and the people who had unlocked it had po notentially gotten lucky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't remember where I seen it but there's a certain process that has to be done it has to be a brand-new out of the unit box never booted. You have to take the Verizon sim out replace it with another carrier Sim. Who did the voice the first time with the other carrier shim when it registers to the network it registers is a Google edition device instead of a Verizon Variant. This method has worked on all pixel models carried by Verizon. This method does not work on T-Mobile because another Sim cannot be registered on the network because it's carrier-locked. Do you have any other questions feel free to p.m. me. If you already booted your phone l o e m unlock in developer options is greyed out you can never bootloader unlock your device Google however will replace the device under warranty with another Verizon unit which most likely would be a new unit they tell you they prepare the units but they do not the unit is too new to have repaired units yet so anything within the first few months of release is going to be a brand new replacement.
williejack619 said:
I have t mobile and I bought my pixel 4xl from t mobile you have to pay the full price from t mobile in order to unlock bootloader my t mobile device is unlock. But you have to wait 40 days in order to get your phone unlock when purchase in full prices. Once you get the pixel 4xl unlock the bootloader will also be unlock. For me it took me 30 days to make it happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no patience for stupid T-Mobile reps I have no patience for stupid people I'm past that and I was sold a device that I was told was told was bootloader unlockable. Clearly explaining the difference between carrier unlock and bootloader unlock. I'm still a little lost on the fact of why VZW Variant is carrier-unlocked with all the other device is being carrier-locked and it's a domestic company yet T-Mobile is global the device is carrier-locked and it just cost them x amount of dollars for a different version of software for that reason. It's all this is another version of firmware for the pixel 4.
T-Mobile isn't even aware that 95% of the Motorola's are bootloader unlockable even the Moto Z3 what exactly are they trying to protect when other devices they carry are boot literal lockable but still carrier-locked.
CyberpodS2 said:
Putting aside the merits of your argument in regards to what's right or wrong, which I agree with you btw.
I'm going to predict your stuck with a locked phone if you keep it. Neither the Pixel 2 or 3 ever got unlocked on the carrier versions. Google don't get involved as they offer it up unlocked at a premium. I can't imagine any scenario where a carrier gives a Rats ass about providing help on that front. It is a lose - lose situation for them. It opens up security concerns for their corporate partners and customers and creates a whole new warranty headache with people boning up their phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well like I previously said this is a time-sensitive matter to both parties Google escalations and the T-Mobile assistant. And again I will not get stuck with a paperweight whether they like it or not they may be unlocking this phone early. Google support level 1 already said they would replace the device under warranty but it would have to be with another T-Mobile variant which would not do me any good especially with the VZW SIM card swap not working on this model.
CyberpodS2 said:
I didn't know they had any influence on each other, but maybe I'm mistaken?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely not it all depends on how its setup if it's set up via firmware or it is a separate component listening device but for example the Moto Z3 is carrier-locked but it is bootloader unlockable through Motorola I know for a fact a bootloader unlock free of them which all bricked when they upgraded from Oreo 2 Pie aka Treble.
ThisPlaceIsaJoke said:
Dude disappoint so be stupid like T-Mobile reps I have no patience for stupid people I'm past that and I was sold a device that I was told was told was bootloader unlockable. Clearly explaining the difference between carrier unlock and bootloader unlock. I'm still a little lost on the fact of why VZW Variant is carrier-unlocked with all the other device is being carrier-locked and it's a domestic company yet T-Mobile is global the device is carrier-locked and it just cost them x amount of dollars for a different version of software for that reason. It's all this is another version of firmware for the pixel 4.
T-Mobile isn't even aware that 95% of the Motorola's are bootloader unlockable even the Moto Z3 what exactly are they trying to protect when other devices they carry are boot literal lockable but still carrier-locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone translate this to English?
LLStarks said:
Why are you talking to Google? Hit up T-Mobile on Twitter or Facebook and they'll sim unlock it if you ask nicely.
Worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will what I did before work for me I hit up Google I had a Verizon variant with the OG Pixel XL they replaced it with a Google edition upgraded model to 128 gig brand new. I only have 20 days so I'm going to hit up anybody that I can that is willing to help. Google is the manufacturer T-Mobile is the carrier both parties are involved

Verizon Google Pixel 2: Is there still no way to bypass “OEM unlocking” lock?

Hi,
I recently acquired a used Pixel 2 from a local seller, which appears to be originally bought from Verizon (according to everything I can find online).
It seems to be SIM unlocked, as I can use my foreign SIM card on it no problem.
Google Support has told me to contact the carrier, which as a European user, I am not sure what would Verizon do. Especially since the person who I bought this phone seems to have got this as a “hand down” phone, or as a gift, so they don't have a clue where it could have been bought from originally. Either way, it can't be locked to a local carrier since no carrier in my country has ever sold Pixels and the device's Google “Hardware authorization” page says it's from US/CA.
I've tried many tricks to unlock, but none of them seem to work, as I'm on the latest Dec 2020 patch.
Am I basically out of luck on getting any custom ROMs on this phone?
Piipperi said:
Hi,
I recently acquired a used Pixel 2 from a local seller, which appears to be originally bought from Verizon (according to everything I can find online).
It seems to be SIM unlocked, as I can use my foreign SIM card on it no problem.
Google Support has told me to contact the carrier, which as a European user, I am not sure what would Verizon do. Especially since the person who I bought this phone seems to have got this as a “hand down” phone, or as a gift, so they don't have a clue where it could have been bought from originally. Either way, it can't be locked to a local carrier since no carrier in my country has ever sold Pixels and the device's Google “Hardware authorization” page says it's from US/CA.
I've tried many tricks to unlock, but none of them seem to work, as I'm on the latest Dec 2020 patch.
Am I basically out of luck on getting any custom ROMs on this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What results info comes out if you enter your phone's IMEI in any IMEI checker (website)? Be sure to try to use a US website...
Normally, it will state whether the device is a carrier variant or not; a good way to actually confirm your device is a Verizon variant or not -- if it is not a carrier variant, that's the best chance you have that you can unlock the bootloader.
I had a Pixel 2 XL (taimen), and if I recall correctly, the first 2 (or last, can't quite remember) digits in the IMEI actually identifies as a certain carrier -- 2 digits or up to 4 or 5; it's been a long time so I can't quite recall exactly...
If the website isn't able to confirm in a satisfactory degree, you can research this factor to see if your device is or isn't...
Good luck!
simplepinoi177 said:
What results info comes out if you enter your phone's IMEI in any IMEI checker (website)? Be sure to try to use a US website...
Normally, it will state whether the device is a carrier variant or not; a good way to actually confirm your device is a Verizon variant or not -- if it is not a carrier variant, that's the best chance you have that you can unlock the bootloader.
I had a Pixel 2 XL (taimen), and if I recall correctly, the first 2 (or last, can't quite remember) digits in the IMEI actually identifies as a certain carrier -- 2 digits or up to 4 or 5; it's been a long time so I can't quite recall exactly...
If the website isn't able to confirm in a satisfactory degree, you can research this factor to see if your device is or isn't...
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most IMEI checkers give info that's slightly off (they usually say it's SIM locked when it's obviously not since it works with my foreign SIM), but that would still indicate that it was at least bought from a carrier.
Piipperi said:
Most IMEI checkers give info that's slightly off (they usually say it's SIM locked when it's obviously not since it works with my foreign SIM), but that would still indicate that it was at least bought from a carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I had 2 Pixel 2 XLs -- one from Verizon, one from Google Store. Luckily, I still had the boxes (god, i really need to learn to throw things away and not keep everything, but at least it helps in this instance) so I was able to check and compare the 2 IMEIs...
If you go here, under "Buyer Name", it has VRZ in it (I assume for Verizon); while the other said "GOOGLE_OPEN_64G".
IMEIpro - free LG IMEI checker
Check information about your LG cell phone - model, serial number, manufacture date. Verify LG carrier, age of the phone, purchase country, CSN number and other details.
www.imeipro.info
This should help you narrow it down so you can know for sure if you have a Verizon variant (which then you probably have no hope in unlocking the bootloader) or the Global variant....
Even if it isn't Verizon, as long as it's not a US carrier variant, you should be able to have the capability to tick the OEM unlock. With the other US carrier variants, there are varying allowances in unlocking the bootloader, but Verizon is the one that is the most uncompromisingly restrictive.
Also, unlike current Pixels, having a SIM unlock is not necessarily a requirement to unlock the bootloader -- meaning even if the device is SIM unlocked, it still may not be able to be bootloader unlocked; which may be why you can use the device internationally but it still be a US carrier variant....
Hope this helps!

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