Verizon Pixel 3a OEM unlock - Google Pixel 3a Questions & Answers

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.

Related

[Discussion] Let's Brainstorm a SIM Unlock. (Unlocked Sprint Owners Please Help).

I have a few ideas about a possible unlock for the Sprint variant of the Essential Phone.
Summary:
Basically, it revolves around modifying the value of an item in the nv-data partition that contains the sim lock status.
This method is based on:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mo...int-xt1056-t2825155/post54338871#post54338871
Possible Solution:
1. Getting a backup of the nv-data from a locked Sprint phone and an unlocked Sprint phone,
2. Comparing the items from my locked phone and another locked phone and finding the items that have same value
3. Comparing the items found in step two to the items from the unlocked sprint phone and possibly finding an item that is different.
4. Writing the value of the found item to a locked phone and seeing if it becomes unlocked.
How you can help make this solution a reality:
We need backed up nv-data from at least one locked and one unlocked sprint phone, here is how you can back it up.
1. Open the dialer and input the secret code *#*#3424#*#*
2. On this screen enter 000000 and tap confirm (very great for us that essential left the default msl value).
3. On this screen check the diagnostic mode and close the app.
4. Download and extract the nv-data reader on a PC [url]http://phonegeek.us/NV-items_reader_writer.rar[/URL]
5. Connect your phone, in device manager, a new Qualcomm device should appear.
6. Run the program, in the top bar: select the com port (it should be shown in device manager), check both of the boxes in the top bar, and click connect.
7. Now in the top bar click read, if the log says "Log message: > SPC is correct. Phone unlocked" you have done everything correctly so far. (The unlocked part has nothing to do with the SIM lock status)
8. Under "Range (Dec):" enter 0 to 07300 and click read (07233 seems to be the last useful value but a little buffer is good)
9. Save the file with any name you like and send me a private message with it.
nice topic
i would like to use a essential phone locked to sprint with gsm card in europe, but right now there are no solutions for that right?
dentedilupo said:
nice topic
I would like to use an Essential Phone locked to sprint with gsm card in europe, but right now there are no solutions for that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People have gotten their phone unlocked by paying it off and waiting a few days for it to unlock. Sprint seems to have disabled this method. Another way is staying with sprint for 50 days and then requesting unlock code. One more way is to "social engineer" a sprint rep into unlocking your phone YMMV. EDIT: This method could possibly if it works guarantee an instant and permanent unlock for all carriers worldwide.
dentedilupo said:
nice topic
i would like to use a essential phone locked to sprint with gsm card in europe, but right now there are no solutions for that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a hack, no. You could get Sprint service and keep it for 50 days and then request that they unlock the phone. Other than that, you're screwed.
whymoo said:
People have gotten their phone unlocked by paying it off and waiting a few days for it to unlock. Sprint seems to have disabled this method. Another way is staying with sprint for 50 days and then requesting unlock code. One more way is to "social engineer" a sprint rep into unlocking your phone YMMV. EDIT: This method could possibly if it works guarantee an instant and permanent unlock for all carriers worldwide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Paying it off and waiting a few days for it to unlock often only results in a domestic unlock, not an international unlock. If you social engineer a Sprint rep, all you're likely to get is a temporary international unlock. Then it'll relock itself in 30 days. Currently, the only way to guarantee a full unlock is to wait 50 days with active Sprint service.
Hmmm, so does this have any relevance to this thread? This is what i get from my PH-1..
LordLugard said:
Hmmm, so does this have any relevance to this thread? This is what i get from my PH-1..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how you get that
Settings, About Phone, OMADM Updates, UICC Unlock.
My PH-1 was bought outright from Sprint, no financing/contract, nothing of that sort. (Not sure if that matters or makes a difference). I never called in or requested an unlock.
LordLugard said:
Settings, About Phone, OMADM Updates, UICC Unlock.
My PH-1 was bought outright from Sprint, no financing/contract, nothing of that sort. (Not sure if that matters or makes a difference). I never called in or requested an unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long ago did you buy it? Bet you are going to get it locked again
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
LordLugard said:
Settings, About Phone, OMADM Updates, UICC Unlock.
My PH-1 was bought outright from Sprint, no financing/contract, nothing of that sort. (Not sure if that matters or makes a difference). I never called in or requested an unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you bought your phone outright so I believe Sprint is required to unlock it, this is for people who bought it on a lease and then paid it of, some people on leased phones got them unlocked, some people were able to pay it off and then unlock it through that menu, however it looks like Sprint disabled that method. Since your phone is a Sprint unlocked phone your nv-data would be useful if you are willing to share it. One other thing you should check is whether your phone works with non-American SIM cards.
whymoo said:
Yes you bought your phone outright so I believe Sprint is required to unlock it, this is for people who bought it on a lease and then paid it of, some people on leased phones got them unlocked, some people were able to pay it off and then unlock it through that menu, however it looks like Sprint disabled that method. Since your phone is a Sprint unlocked phone your nv-data would be useful if you are willing to share it. One other thing you should check is whether your phone works with non-American SIM cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint will still unlock the phone automatically after payoff. It's just that Sprint will relock it to prevent reselling.
It's actually kind of lame, considering they are required by the FTC/FCC to unlock their devices when they are paid off.
cfclay said:
How long ago did you buy it? Bet you are going to get it locked again
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it November 8th, so more than a month now. I've never had or seen a Sprint unlocked phone get relocked.
LordLugard said:
I got it November 8th, so more than a month now. I've never had or seen a Sprint unlocked phone get relocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ascertion said:
Sprint will still unlock the phone automatically after payoff. It's just that Sprint will relock it to prevent reselling.
It's actually kind of lame, considering they are required by the FTC/FCC to unlock their devices when they are paid off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to Slickdeals Sprint has disabled the auto unlock after payoff the only way to unlock now is to stay with them for 50 days. There have also been many reports on Slickdeals of people's unlocked phones relocking. That is why developing this method is super important and why we need people to send their nv-data because right now it's our best shot at a permanent solution.
How do they relock?
Say when I'm using tmobile, is there a program that runs in the back ground that checks with Sprint via web and relock?
LordLugard said:
I got it November 8th, so more than a month now. I've never had or seen a Sprint unlocked phone get relocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine did. It was unlocked for around a month and then Sprint locked it when I was using a different sim card in a foreign country.
The device has not been reported as lost or stolen, associated with fraudulent activity, or otherwise flagged as ineligible to be unlocked
Maybe the devices are being relocked because sprint thinks the activity people are doing ie "paying off the lease on 5 phones the first day then cancelling after 3 days" is fraudulent ???
Sounds like there is a program that has to be run for the phone to sim unlock.
Maybe the program is what's needed for it to stick?
Otherwise once a sprint sim is reinserted it may relock according to the huge slickdeals thread.
My device was unlocked about 36 hours after paying it off. Then a few days later I was locked to Sprint again.
From what I'm reading Sprint can relocked it as long as a Sprint sim in inserted.
Ascertion said:
My device was unlocked about 36 hours after paying it off. Then a few days later I was locked to Sprint again.
From what I'm reading Sprint can relocked it as long as a Sprint sim in inserted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have a Sprint sim inserted?
The relock probably happens through the com.redbend.app also known as the Sprint OMA-DM app uninstalling it might fix the issue. However, I don't know for certain and we need an unlocking method anyway can any of you share your nv-data?
Received my phone in 12/15 and paid off the lease the next day, but never got an unlock I think they nerfed the automatic unlock. Has anyone have luck with this method?
whymoo the numbers in your steps in your instructions are off.
Plus, I'm open to help but I'm a total noob at doing something like this. You're going to have to explain things more after the 4th step so it could be as painless and easy and then I definitely do it!

T-Mobile Unlocked Bootloader

Looking to clear up some questions I have in regards to Unlocking the Bootloader on a T-Mobile version of the OnePlus 7 Pro. I'm sure others will have similar questions being that T-Mobile will be the only Carrier / Store in the US that will have the phone available for purchase in-store this Friday.
After doing some research it appears the T-Mobile OnePlus 6T Bootloader can be unlocked if you request and are granted a SIM Unlock from T-Mobile. As shown here on the OnePlus website
https://support.oneplus.com/app/ans...-bootloader-for-oneplus-6t-(t-mobile-edition)
Sure, its required to wait 7 days for the bootloader unlock request to process but other then that it seems straight forward. I am aware of T-Mobile being hit or miss when requesting a Sim unlock if the Device is not fully paid off but if the device is paid in full the unlock process should be as straight forward as described on the website correct?
And after unlocking the bootloader will there be any differences between an International OnePlus 7 unlocked bootloader vs a T-Mobile unlocked bootloader? ( besides the only hardware difference being the Dual sim )
Will Custom roms be Universal between both version?... So many questions!
Hopefully someone who has gone through the T-Mobile boot loader unlock process on the 6T can clear some questions up.
You can bootloader unlock the T-Mobile variant 6t without having to simunlock, just requires some extra steps to achieve without having to payoff phone or contact T-Mobile. You can order the dual SIM tray to get dual SIM working as well once unlocked, I'm sure the opo 7pro will be the same way, no hardware differences.
Everything should pretty much work with it as well. Just did the same process for a friend's pixel through tmo..I have fully converted 2 fajitas since Novembers launch. One will sim unlock and the other via sorcery.
My experience was different - T-mobile refused to unlock my phone unless I used it for over 40 days on their network. This was despite me being a 2+ year customer on a 12 person family plan and planning on staying on after as well, paying outright for the device, and requesting an unlock via support. Wasn't able to get the 64 digit unlock code through fastboot because my 7 Pro wasn't SIM unlocked.
Whole process pissed me off enough that I'm gonna return the phone and buy it off the OnePlus website instead.
harsh2193 said:
My experience was different - T-mobile refused to unlock my phone unless I used it for over 40 days on their network. This was despite me being a 2+ year customer on a 12 person family plan and planning on staying on after as well, paying outright for the device, and requesting an unlock via support. Wasn't able to get the 64 digit unlock code through fastboot because my 7 Pro wasn't SIM unlocked.
Whole process pissed me off enough that I'm gonna return the phone and buy it off the OnePlus website instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you should attempt to call them again, say that you travel a lot and that's the reason why you paid the phone off, I hear stories that some reps will consider unlocking it for you, just gotta give them a story. I would attempt again before returning it and having to pay that restocking fee.
Purest said:
Well you should attempt to call them again, say that you travel a lot and that's the reason why you paid the phone off, I hear stories that some reps will consider unlocking it for you, just gotta give them a story. I would attempt again before returning it and having to pay that restocking fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called them 4 times, and after being put on hold everytime they wouldn't even let me get my receipt. Apparently what they mean by "email receipt" is that they'll send you the document on a My T-Mobile account that can only be accessed by the owner of the account (in my case, I'm on a family plan with the owner in a different city). Long story short - They wouldn't let me do anything, even though my name was associated with the account. I complained enough that they said they'll waive the restocking fee, but it was a customer service nightmare. Already got the phone on OnePlus's website, and thank god for that. T-Mobile charged me 790 bucks in CA for just the phone. OnePlus gave me the phone, 6 months of accidental screen damage protection, a 60 dollar case and earphones bundle and 3 day shipping for 770.
harsh2193 said:
I called them 4 times, and after being put on hold everytime they wouldn't even let me get my receipt. Apparently what they mean by "email receipt" is that they'll send you the document on a My T-Mobile account that can only be accessed by the owner of the account (in my case, I'm on a family plan with the owner in a different city). Long story short - They wouldn't let me do anything, even though my name was associated with the account. I complained enough that they said they'll waive the restocking fee, but it was a customer service nightmare. Already got the phone on OnePlus's website, and thank god for that. T-Mobile charged me 790 bucks in CA for just the phone. OnePlus gave me the phone, 6 months of accidental screen damage protection, a 60 dollar case and earphones bundle and 3 day shipping for 770.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this same issue when I had to get my OP6T sim unlocked from T-Mo. I called a bunch of times and they kept telling me no. As soon as I sent a tweet to the T-Mo support handle, they had it sim unlocked within a day. I didn't even have one payment made at that point. I've seen a lot of people have way more success with T-Mo twitter support since it's more of a marketing ploy it seems.
Xshooter726 said:
Looking to clear up some questions I have in regards to Unlocking the Bootloader on a T-Mobile version of the OnePlus 7 Pro. I'm sure others will have similar questions being that T-Mobile will be the only Carrier / Store in the US that will have the phone available for purchase in-store this Friday.
After doing some research it appears the T-Mobile OnePlus 6T Bootloader can be unlocked if you request and are granted a SIM Unlock from T-Mobile. As shown here on the OnePlus website
https://support.oneplus.com/app/ans...-bootloader-for-oneplus-6t-(t-mobile-edition)
Sure, its required to wait 7 days for the bootloader unlock request to process but other then that it seems straight forward. I am aware of T-Mobile being hit or miss when requesting a Sim unlock if the Device is not fully paid off but if the device is paid in full the unlock process should be as straight forward as described on the website correct?
And after unlocking the bootloader will there be any differences between an International OnePlus 7 unlocked bootloader vs a T-Mobile unlocked bootloader? ( besides the only hardware difference being the Dual sim )
Will Custom roms be Universal between both version?... So many questions!
Hopefully someone who has gone through the T-Mobile boot loader unlock process on the 6T can clear some questions up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to try to flash my op6t unlock.bin on op7 pro just to see what happens. I'll report back.
On the way to T-Mobile now
lupascu.marius said:
I had this same issue when I had to get my OP6T sim unlocked from T-Mo. I called a bunch of times and they kept telling me no. As soon as I sent a tweet to the T-Mo support handle, they had it sim unlocked within a day. I didn't even have one payment made at that point. I've seen a lot of people have way more success with T-Mo twitter support since it's more of a marketing ploy it seems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I see it, if that's how the customer experience is gonna be for something so minor, I don't wanna go back to them with bigger issues with the 7 Pro if or when I face them.
harsh2193 said:
The way I see it, if that's how the customer experience is gonna be for something so minor, I don't wanna go back to them with bigger issues with the 7 Pro if or when I face them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's definitely how I felt after the whole ordeal. It left a sour taste in my mouth, but that $300 trade-in deal they had for the 6T was too good to pass up.
Haven't bought a carrier phone since the first Google Nexus days, so I thought maybe the carriers have changed since then. Bad mistake, back to buying unlocked only going forward again lol, I just ordered the OP7 Pro straight from OnePlus this morning.
twinnfamous said:
i'm going to try to flash my op6t unlock.bin on op7 pro just to see what happens. I'll report back.
On the way to t-mobile now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lemme know!
So the T-Mobile oneplus 7 pro should be able to be rooted and sim and bootlooder unlocked like the T-Mobile oneplus 6? Thanks In advance!!!
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
GDane1 said:
So the T-Mobile oneplus 7 pro should be able to be rooted and sim and bootlooder unlocked like the T-Mobile oneplus 6? Thanks In advance!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and guys that unlock bin is unique to a specific device, imei, and serial number ... Lol ... Talk to TMO on Twitter, they will unlock early if u have a tenure. Soon as we have a MSM tool we can prob decrypt and make a backdoor..
I was able to call into TMobile this morning and get my device unlocked even with financing. I just told them that I would be traveling for 3 months and the temporary unlock is for only 2 months and I didn't want to have to call in on that 3rd month to fight and get a 3rd month temp unlock. They agreed with me and said that I was approved to get it permanently unlocked. As soon as I got off the call I used the app to unlock my phone.
:: delete::
---------- Post added at 02:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:04 PM ----------
Purest said:
You can bootloader unlock the T-Mobile variant 6t without having to simunlock, just requires some extra steps to achieve without having to payoff phone or contact T-Mobile. You can order the dual SIM tray to get dual SIM working as well once unlocked, I'm sure the opo 7pro will be the same way, no hardware differences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How?
Just fastboot oem unlock?
Just got off the phone with TMobile. One of the requirements of having the phone unlocked is to use the phone on T-Mobile network for 40 days. Which I have no problem with. Really enjoying this phone.
TMobile offered two prepay on EIP to unlock. JOD won't unlock the phone.
Just called three times. I was told they won't do it. I even offered to pay for the whole phone.
Do you have to have the SIM unlock to unlock the bootloader.
nmil1484 said:
Just called three times. I was told they won't do it. I even offered to pay for the whole phone.
Do you have to have the SIM unlock to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have been inconsistent because they suck. I'd go on Twitter you'll have better luck with them.
Xshooter726 said:
Just got off the phone with TMobile. One of the requirements of having the phone unlocked is to use the phone on T-Mobile network for 40 days. Which I have no problem with. Really enjoying this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got off the phone with T-Mobile and they unlocked as I have paid it off. So what are the next steps to unlock the bootloader?

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...
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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.
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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.
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I'm pretty stuff that is carrier unlock, not bootloader unlock.
CyberpodS2 said:
I'm pretty stuff that is carrier unlock, not bootloader unlock.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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

At&t pixel 5 is carrier-locked

Does anyone know an unofficial way to unlock this? Otherwise it's going back.
Thanks
joemommasfat said:
Does anyone know an unofficial way to unlock this? Otherwise it's going back.
Thanks
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Is it financed, or did you buy it outright? Mine is financed, but I assumed (like an idiot, after all this is at&t) that I would be able to unlock it after paying it off. Please don't tell me I'm stuck.
Mine is financed, but I have 14 days to return it. I thought it was a deal at $450, but if I can't root it, I'll have to get an unlocked one.
I'm not from the US but I think people on the OP7Pro would call up and saying there are going on a business trip abroad so could they please have the device unlocked.
It was a bit of a lottery if they got someone chill who would do it. The other option is to pay it off.
That might have been another US network though.
Sent from my Pixel 5 using XDA Labs
rav101 said:
I'm not from the US but I think people on the OP7Pro would call up and saying there are going on a business trip abroad so could they please have the device unlocked.
It was a bit of a lottery if they got someone chill who would do it. The other option is to pay it off.
That might have been another US network though.
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This was the locked t-mo model, and that's how I got mine unlocked. I don't work at at&t anymore but when I did there would be no way to unlock it without it being paid off. However I was contracted to work with at&t and not directly employed by them, maybe someone would have permission to do so I'm just doubtful.
joemommasfat said:
Mine is financed, but I have 14 days to return it. I thought it was a deal at $450, but if I can't root it, I'll have to get an unlocked one.
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Click to collapse
Carrier locked is not the same as bootloader locked. As long as you can toggle the unlock bootloader setting in the developer options menu, you can root. You just can't insert the SIM of another carrier until your device is paid off.
You cannot toggle the OEM unlocking switch on carrier locked devices
joemommasfat said:
Mine is financed, but I have 14 days to return it. I thought it was a deal at $450, but if I can't root it, I'll have to get an unlocked one.
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LOL, you just now discovered that carrier locked phones can't be rooted?
Tel864 said:
LOL, you just now discovered that carrier locked phones can't be rooted?
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No, I discovered when I received the phone that at&t was carrier locking this phone. I was asking if anyone had found a way to side step this.
Tel864 said:
LOL, you just now discovered that carrier locked phones can't be rooted?
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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.
l7777 said:
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.
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What's truley amazing is that I thought I could ask a question on this forum without a bunch of 1337 know-it-alls being condescending.
joemommasfat said:
What's truley amazing is that I thought I could ask a question on this forum without a bunch of 1337 know-it-alls being condescending.
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Apologies, no condescension intended. It looks like you've been rooting devices all the way back to the HTC M8. That may well have been one of the last devices that could be bootloader unlocked via exploit. I find it hard to believe that you have been active on XDA all this time and never read any posts regarding bootloader unlocking of Verizon branded/locked devices. The answer regarding bootloader unlock and root has been the same for many years now. Thus my statement that I'm amazed people are still not aware of this.
I didn't know that either. Guess all the phones I've purchased have been unlock devices.. My last phone was a samsung note 10 whick couldn't be unlocked.
if pixel 5 is anything like pixel 4 then the oem bootloader unlock option is tied to the sim lock status. for example my p4 was carrier lock to EE but i paid it off right away so i can sim unlock. becuz i read that once sim unlocked, the oem unlock toggle ungreys itself. this is exactly what happened and i was then able to unlock bootloader.
i read posts about at&t models when early researching the p4 and the way i remember it being explained was it is like apple unlocking system. the serial gets whitelisted for unlocking on google servers which then sim unlocks phone. but this also controls the oem unlock toggle! so basically sim lock status = oem unlock toggle ability status. but again this was for p4.
if youre willing to pay it off early you should be able to unlock. im debating going to p5 because of batteyr life on p4. otherwise love the phone. choices choices! anyway hope this info helps mate, good luck
vdevl said:
if pixel 5 is anything like pixel 4 then the oem bootloader unlock option is tied to the sim lock status. for example my p4 was carrier lock to EE but i paid it off right away so i can sim unlock. becuz i read that once sim unlocked, the oem unlock toggle ungreys itself. this is exactly what happened and i was then able to unlock bootloader.
i read posts about at&t models when early researching the p4 and the way i remember it being explained was it is like apple unlocking system. the serial gets whitelisted for unlocking on google servers which then sim unlocks phone. but this also controls the oem unlock toggle! so basically sim lock status = oem unlock toggle ability status. but again this was for p4.
if youre willing to pay it off early you should be able to unlock. im debating going to p5 because of batteyr life on p4. otherwise love the phone. choices choices! anyway hope this info helps mate, good luck
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Thanks for that. Unfortunately if you pay it off early, you have to pay full price (which is somehow more than buying it straight from google). The discounted price only applies if you submit to the 30 month lock in. I returned the phone. Guess I'm sticking with the trusty 2xl for a little longer.
The carrier unlock and SIM unlock are tied together for T-Mobile and AT&T, only Verizon has the "OEM unlock" permanently stuck to OFF and they will not unlock it. I think they need to be pressured but it will take work. They have no excuse.
But AT&T and T-Mobile will unlock the OEM toggle when they SIM unlock, it was confirmed with Pixel 4 when they started selling those carrier-locked. Just usually have to pay off unless you can convince them early.
FYI....T-Mobile only sells the 4a 5G, not the 5. Could change as 5 stock comes back. Short supply right now.

Sprint SIM unlock...haven't bought phone yet

Looking at picking up a 8T, and I have Sprint. I don't want to roll over to Tmo because I'm on grandfathered BYOD plans that I don't want to give up.
I also want dual SIM, so I'll need to SIM unlock and BL unlock. I've read over a few threads where people are finding that Sprint won't SIM unlock these phones, but it also sounds like they're all on installment billing deals, and trying to get them unlocked early?
Is Sprint just flat not unlocking these phones period, or just not doing it on financed phones? Would I be OK if I just paid for it full retail and get it unlocked immediately, or would I still be subject to the 40-something day waiting period?
i sure like the idea of getting the phone free with trade in, but not if it means I can't get it unlocked and modified for dual SIM...the _only_ reason I bought my current Pixel was for the dual SIM feature...
I could not get it done because of the installment plan. But I think they would be more flexible over the waiting period. But then again, it's Sprint.
"it's Sprint"...yeah, that's one of my concerns, lol. It's been pretty difficult to find anyone that's hasn't done one of these phones on installment..., but then given that few people likely have $800 to drop on a phone, and the "free with trade in" deals that Tmo/Sprint are doing on the phones, I'm not really surprised either.
I'm not really even all that opposed to just waiting a couple months to get the unlock if that's what it comes down to, but at the same time, I don't want to drop $800 only to find I'm still boned 2 months later too...
From what I understand, you can take your device into tmobile and have them put a Tmo SIM in it for free, which effective unlocks your Sprint SIM, but I don't know enough about how any of that works to know whether it means it's fully unlocked from that point, or simply locked to Tmobile.
Edit: I plan on doing this Monday, so I'll try the bootloader unlock and let you know if it's successful.
DaddyIronwood said:
From what I understand, you can take your device into tmobile and have them put a Tmo SIM in it for free, which effective unlocks your Sprint SIM, but I don't know enough about how any of that works to know whether it means it's fully unlocked from that point, or simply locked to Tmobile.
Edit: I plan on doing this Monday, so I'll try the bootloader unlock and let you know if it's successful.
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Click to collapse
Since tmobile and sprint are one company now thats why it works. It doesn't sim unlock the phone or make oem unlocking available so no bootloader unlock and no root

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