I picked up a Pixel 3a off ebay. It was sold as "factory unlocked", and I confirmed not a VZW model. I double checked by entering the IMEI number, on the VZW site, and it is indeed incompatible. However, the OEM unlocking toggle is greyed out. Anyone have any suggestions before I dispute the "Factory Unlocked Status" With the ebay seller?
Update: So. Even though a device's IMEI says it's not compatible with VZW, apparently that doesn't mean it's not a VZW phone. I chatted with Google support, and they were able to confirm it's a VZW model. Beware folks.
Firedrake1 said:
I picked up a Pixel 3a off ebay. It was sold as "factory unlocked", and I confirmed not a VZW model. I double checked by entering the IMEI number, on the VZW site, and it is indeed incompatible. However, the OEM unlocking toggle is greyed out. Anyone have any suggestions before I dispute the "Factory Unlocked Status" With the ebay seller?
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Click to collapse
"Factory Unlocked" usually means available from the factory for use with any carrier, not necessarily that the bootloader can be unlocked.
Hopefully this isn't your situation or a quick return may be in order.
Good luck.
Firedrake1 said:
I picked up a Pixel 3a off ebay. It was sold as "factory unlocked", and I confirmed not a VZW model. I double checked by entering the IMEI number, on the VZW site, and it is indeed incompatible. However, the OEM unlocking toggle is greyed out. Anyone have any suggestions before I dispute the "Factory Unlocked Status" With the ebay seller?
Update: So. Even though a device's IMEI says it's not compatible with VZW, apparently that doesn't mean it's not a VZW phone. I chatted with Google support, and they were able to confirm it's a VZW model. Beware folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my 3a xl in Australia at a store and can confirm it's a Verizon model but it is factory unlocked with bootloader unlock available and I was able to unlock the bootloader as soon as I got home. Quite weird that yours was unable to be unlocked ?
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs
Firedrake1 said:
I picked up a Pixel 3a off ebay. It was sold as "factory unlocked", and I confirmed not a VZW model. I double checked by entering the IMEI number, on the VZW site, and it is indeed incompatible. However, the OEM unlocking toggle is greyed out. Anyone have any suggestions before I dispute the "Factory Unlocked Status" With the ebay seller?
Update: So. Even though a device's IMEI says it's not compatible with VZW, apparently that doesn't mean it's not a VZW phone. I chatted with Google support, and they were able to confirm it's a VZW model. Beware folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely return the phone if you can. I suspect you are being hit with a double whammy - not only is it a Verizon phone, I suspect it has been reported to Verizon as lost or stolen which is why it is showing as incompatible on their system.
Firedrake1 said:
I picked up a Pixel 3a off ebay. It was sold as "factory unlocked", and I confirmed not a VZW model. I double checked by entering the IMEI number, on the VZW site, and it is indeed incompatible. However, the OEM unlocking toggle is greyed out. Anyone have any suggestions before I dispute the "Factory Unlocked Status" With the ebay seller?
Update: So. Even though a device's IMEI says it's not compatible with VZW, apparently that doesn't mean it's not a VZW phone. I chatted with Google support, and they were able to confirm it's a VZW model. Beware folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I read on previous pixel threads is that you have to check the OEM unlock before setting the entire phone. Factory data reset the entire phone and pull your sim out. Boot the the phone back up and since you have no sim log into your WiFi, skip all the Google sign in. And wait until the phone boots back up. Once the phone is boot up go to developer settings and you should be able to check the OEM unlock from there. I've never tried it so idk if that actually works but that's from what I read. So maybe you could give that a shot?
99% of Pixels on ebay sold as unlocked are Verizon models. Buy on swappa instead, so you know what you're getting, but you will have to pay more for a non-Verizon model.
Related
I asked Verizon and they deleted my question. If I payed off my Verizon Pixel the device belongs to me so under some law they should legally be held to unlock my bootloader. Do they if the device is paid off?
There is no such law and they will not unlock your bootloader.
Kinda funny
That's funny because I found the law on the Verizon website community.verizonwireless.com/thread/778109
Reverseslayer said:
That's funny because I found the law on the Verizon website community.verizonwireless.com/thread/778109
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Click to collapse
No you didn't. You found a law about SIM locking, not bootloader locking. The phone is already SIM unlocked.
Reverseslayer said:
I asked Verizon and they deleted my question. If I payed off my Verizon Pixel the device belongs to me so under some law they should legally be held to unlock my bootloader. Do they if the device is paid off?
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Click to collapse
And don't forget that this is YOUR problem for buying a phone thru verizon
Before the google pixel went on sale it was publically known and confirmed that verizons version of the pixel would be bootloader locked and was posted, blogged, ridiculed at just about every tech site on the web, you have no one to blame but yourself
I love reading posts like this, I almost have to change my shorts from the entertainment.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app
So I chatted with Google about this rumors of people trading thier Verizon phone for refurbished Google store versions. This not true do not waste your time. Google refused to send me a different device, stated " if you want to send us your Verizon model for replacement it will be replaced with a Verizon model." Google said if I have Verizon deactivate the phone on the network ie: turn an old phone back on during this process as to keep your Verizon account. Once deactivated phone will be carrier unlocked (phone must be paid off) then when you insert a sim card from another carrier it will make available OEM unlock in developer settings!! Then you can install twrp and reinsert Verizon sim and poof you have unlock bootloader, custom recovery/root. Can anyone please confirm this works. I cannot as my phone is not paid off and Verizon will not deactivate it from there network.
raybonz420 said:
So I chatted with Google ..Once deactivated phone will be carrier unlocked (phone must be paid off) then when you insert a sim card from another carrier it will make available OEM unlock in developer settings!!
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Nonsense. The only way to get your Verizon device to oem unlock is to sell it and buy a Google phone. I don't know how many different ways to say this.
Purchased from Google unlocked.
Running .30 version.
When I initially received the device I pulled the SIM from my OG pixel 1 and inserted and booted the 3. Set it up (running on AT&T) and used it. This morning I decided to root for theming only to notice it was grayed out. First thought was to factory reset and reboot with no SIM inserted. Did that. Still gray.
Am I missing something new?
mostyle said:
Purchased from Google unlocked.
Running .30 version.
When I initially received the device I pulled the SIM from my OG pixel 1 and inserted and booted the 3. Set it up (running on AT&T) and used it. This morning I decided to root for theming only to notice it was grayed out. First thought was to factory reset and reboot with no SIM inserted. Did that. Still gray.
Am I missing something new?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you received the google version phone and not the Verizon one? Did you notice if it was grayed out before you inserted your sim?
Badger50 said:
Are you sure you received the google version phone and not the Verizon one? Did you notice if it was grayed out before you inserted your sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't the fact that it takes my AT&T SIM mean it is the unlocked variant?
To answer though... I did not notice.
UPDATE: Called Google. The tier 1 guy said, "Per our engineering documentation this option is designated as disabled on the pixel 3 line."
I have requested an RMA even though I hope he was wrong and that someone can enlighten me before I send it back.
mostyle said:
Wouldn't the fact that it takes my AT&T SIM mean it is the unlocked variant?
To answer though... I did not notice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sim unlocked yes. But not bootloader unlockable. I'm guessing you have the Verizon variant.
Badger50 said:
Sim unlocked yes. But not bootloader unlockable. I'm guessing you have the Verizon variant.
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Click to collapse
When my RMA is completed how will I specify that I don't want the Verizon variant?
As I'm sure you already know the store offers only three options and I verified that I chose the 'unlocked' option. Anything I can do to get what I need should I decide to reorder?
Also the store says the verizon variant comes with a SIM card which was not included in my packaging.
I'm really steamed at the moment... I do thank you for replying.
mostyle said:
When my RMA is completed how will I specify that I don't want the Verizon variant?
As I'm sure you already know the store offers only three options and I verified that I chose the 'unlocked' option. Anything I can do to get what I need should I decide to reorder?
Also the store says the verizon variant comes with a SIM card which was not included in my packaging.
I'm really steamed at the moment... I do thank you for replying.
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Click to collapse
Again my friend, I'm just guessing. It could also be possible that from what I've read, the P3's were initially sim locked to Verizon only, even if you ordered the google version. It could be possible that when you installed your at&t sim, it locked the bootloader. Again, I'm just guessing.
Badger50 said:
Again my friend, I'm just guessing. It could also be possible that from what I've read, the P3's were initially sim locked to Verizon only, even if you ordered the google version. It could be possible that when you installed your at&t sim, it locked the bootloader. Again, I'm just guessing.
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Sure... I get that. I have been approved for an advanced RMA. Wasn't trying to seem harsh. The rep that gave me the advanced RMA did say that it SHOULD allow toggle. I'll be sure to attempt bootloader adjustments before inserting a SIM this round.
I don't think the Google version was sim locked to Verizon. That doesn't make sense at all. The device needs to connect to the internet in order for the switch to become active from what I understand. So if you don't put a sim in then you will need to connect to wifi. Something is amiss or we're not getting the full picture. Why would a Google bought Pixel anything not allow bootloader unlock? Even if you put in a Verizon sim it should still be active.
bobby janow said:
I don't think the Google version was sim locked to Verizon. That doesn't make sense at all. The device needs to connect to the internet in order for the switch to become active from what I understand. So if you don't put a sim in then you will need to connect to wifi. Something is amiss or we're not getting the full picture. Why would a Google bought Pixel anything not allow bootloader unlock? Even if you put in a Verizon sim it should still be active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts exactly. The grayed out switch does say 'connect to the internet or contact your carrier' below the toggle. All while there's an LTE signal indicator on the status bar. I'm perplexed, truly. This isn't my first Android rodeo and I've never encountered this before.
I bought mine through Project Fi. I tried to unlock the boot loader first thing but the OEM unlock was greyed out. I had to activate the phone on the Project Fi Network before OEM unlock became available (I used the eSim). I wonder if they've linked the OEM unlocking switch to the network activation somehow. Has anyone bought a Network unlocked Pixel 3 from the Google Store, stuck a Verizon simcard in it, and then tried to unlock the bootloader?
karthakon said:
I bought mine through Project Fi. I tried to unlock the boot loader first thing but the OEM unlock was greyed out. I had to activate the phone on the Project Fi Network before OEM unlock became available (I used the eSim). I wonder if they've linked the OEM unlocking switch to the network activation somehow. Has anyone bought a Network unlocked Pixel 3 from the Google Store, stuck a Verizon simcard in it, and then tried to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thought of this, but don' have access to a Verizon sim card.
karthakon said:
I bought mine through Project Fi. I tried to unlock the boot loader first thing but the OEM unlock was greyed out. I had to activate the phone on the Project Fi Network before OEM unlock became available (I used the eSim). I wonder if they've linked the OEM unlocking switch to the network activation somehow. Has anyone bought a Network unlocked Pixel 3 from the Google Store, stuck a Verizon simcard in it, and then tried to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked mine with a Verizon Sim in it. No problems at all. I also did the same with 3 different pixel 2's when the pixel 2 was first released. Again, not one problem with any of them. I see a lot of talk about the unlock possibly being tied to the SIM. It isn't. I know first hand.
I bought my 3xl carrier unlocked from Google. I inserted a vzw sim and activated my phone. After all that I tried to oem unlock and it is greyed out. My phone is running build PD1A.180720.31 and as far as I know it is the vzw build. Tried factory reset several times and still greyed out. Also tried sideloading .30 but it didn't work. Any help would be appreciated.
i bought the unlocked pixel 3 from google on launch, i was able to unlock the bootloader and flash images with no issue. I didnt have my verizon sim in it tho
.31 is the verizon variant.
.30 should be the unlocked variant.
I'm on the phone now... For a third time trying to get an RMA issued. Google support is horrific.
Issued me 2 RMA requests that had a link that was already used.
I was on the phone with them this afternoon and they are sending me a new phone. Hopefully it will be the .30
TommyB322 said:
I was on the phone with them this afternoon and they are sending me a new phone. Hopefully, it will be the .30
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Click to collapse
That's the scary thing for me. Mine is .30 and I was able to factory reset today and try a TMO SIM with the same result.
I processed my advance RMA today as well so we'll see.
mostyle said:
That's the scary thing for me. Mine is .30 and I was able to factory reset today and try a TMO SIM with the same result.
I processed my advance RMA today as well so we'll see.
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Interesting. On a side note 2 vzw apps showed up randomly in my app drawer. I was able to uninstall them but they weren't there before. One was messenger and the other I think was My Verizon.
TommyB322 said:
Interesting. On a side note 2 vzw apps showed up randomly in my app drawer. I was able to uninstall them but they weren't there before. One was messenger and the other I think was My Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those got installed when you inserted the VZ SIM.
For those of you getting RMAs best of luck. Their RMA department is a mess, they are not shipping anything. Some of us have RMAs open since day one. There is thread here on it, and a pretty big one on Reddit.
mostyle said:
.31 is the verizon variant.
.30 should be the unlocked variant.
I'm on the phone now... For a third time trying to get an RMA issued. Google support is horrific.
Issued me 2 RMA requests that had a link that was already used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this is right. I bought the unlocked variant from Verizon & unlocked the bootloader no problem.
Build number .031
The model is G020E, but does not have any Verizon branding on it; everything just says Google. I was told it was a Sprint phone, but I don't know if that means Sprint sold it, or if it was just moved to Sprint network at some point. Either way, the only branding (physical and software) is Google.
When I go into Developer Options, OEM unlocking is greyed out and says "Connect to the internet or contact your carrier." (Connecting to the internet doesn't change anything.)
From what I've read, there's no way to unlock the bootloader on the Verizon version. Does it sound like this phone is in that group?
Also, I've read some people saying that Verizon will unlock the phone after it's been activated for a couple months. It seems like they are talking about SIM unlocking, but I've also seen claims that people got the bootloader unlocked by just waiting the 60 or so days. Anyone have any experience with that?
Thanks
lemminman said:
The model is G020E, but does not have any Verizon branding on it; everything just says Google. I was told it was a Sprint phone, but I don't know if that means Sprint sold it, or if it was just moved to Sprint network at some point. Either way, the only branding (physical and software) is Google.
When I go into Developer Options, OEM unlocking is greyed out and says "Connect to the internet or contact your carrier." (Connecting to the internet doesn't change anything.)
From what I've read, there's no way to unlock the bootloader on the Verizon version. Does it sound like this phone is in that group?
Also, I've read some people saying that Verizon will unlock the phone after it's been activated for a couple months. It seems like they are talking about SIM unlocking, but I've also seen claims that people got the bootloader unlocked by just waiting the 60 or so days. Anyone have any experience with that?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Googled the model and it said it's an unlocked model. But once you boot it with that Verizon SIM card in it, Verizon will lock you out of OEM unlocking. Remove your SIM card and factory reset. Go through the setup, then try the OEM unlocking again (remember after you flip that switch, you still need to go through fastboot to actually unlock). Then factory reset again, this time with your SIM card installed.
That 60 days thing is definitely SIM unlocking. It will be a cold day in hell before Verizon consciously allows the bootloader to be unlocked.
I just bought a (supposedly) G013A Unlocked Pixel 3, but when I go to developer options, the option to enable OEM Unlocking, I get the "Connect to internet or contact your carrier" message. I decided to use an IMEI lookup site and there are multiple comments about this specific IMEI number being grabbed from XDA and spoofed and that it's actually a Verizon phone. Is this possible/is there a way for me to confirm it?
In this case, unlocked simply means it can be used on other carriers. The phone is not bootlocker unlocked or able to be. No soup for you if you have a Verizon phone.
i have blueline with vz version and i can unlock bootloader i use CalyxOS right now.
Had a hell of a time speaking with T-Mobile representatives these last couple of days. Everyone has a different opinion on what I need to do to unlock my S22 Ultra. Just today a guy recommended I download the T-Mobile Device Unlock app off the Play store and it said the following:
"Your device is currently permantently unlocked and allowed to be used with any carrier. Restart your device to apply these changes if your device was previously locked." Yet I do that and it remains locked.
Anyone else had this experience? Not sure what I can do short of returning it.
DJRepresent said:
Had a hell of a time speaking with T-Mobile representatives these last couple of days. Everyone has a different opinion on what I need to do to unlock my S22 Ultra. Just today a guy recommended I download the T-Mobile Device Unlock app off the Play store and it said the following:
"Your device is currently permantently unlocked and allowed to be used with any carrier. Restart your device to apply these changes if your device was previously locked." Yet I do that and it remains locked.
Anyone else had this experience? Not sure what I can do short of returning it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're talking about OEM Unlocking, that is completely separate from carrier lock, and there's little the carrier can do about it.
The device is networked locked to T-Mobile.
DJRepresent said:
The device is networked locked to T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you the original owner?
Has the phone been paid off?
Are you currently running T-Mobile firmware?
KOLIOSIS said:
Are you the original owner?
Has the phone been paid off?
Are you currently running T-Mobile firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm not. There was apparently someone before me. The phone is paid off and I do believe there isn't any custom firmware on it and I went through a series of updates since getting the phone.
If this indeed is a T-Mobile phone, you shouldn't need the T-Mobile unlock app. Just look around in Settings > Connections & look around for SIM unlock, network unlock or something along those lines (I'm running US unlocked firmware XAA, so, I don't have the unlock in my settings, otherwise, I'd be able to give you the exact terminology).
Anyway, once you've found it, you should be able to check for the SIM Unlock. If it says you're unlocked & you're still having issues, I'd call customer service.
KOLIOSIS said:
If this indeed is a T-Mobile phone, you shouldn't need the T-Mobile unlock app. Just look around in Settings > Connections & look around for SIM unlock, network unlock or something along those lines (I'm running US unlocked firmware XAA, so, I don't have the unlock in my settings, otherwise, I'd be able to give you the exact terminology).
Anyway, once you've found it, you should be able to check for the SIM Unlock. If it says you're unlocked & you're still having issues, I'd call customer service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that. I've been on the phone with them for over two hours already. I asked them to put in a request to unlock it given the previous owner's contract and filed a complaint with the FCC. The phone SHOULD be eligibile for unlocking but the carrier is just being stubborn.
The "T" in Mobile stands for "Trouble"
DJRepresent said:
No, I'm not. There was apparently someone before me. The phone is paid off and I do believe there isn't any custom firmware on it and I went through a series of updates since getting the phone.
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Click to collapse
I got my T-mobile unlocked from 3rd party vendor as it was bought of ebay. I am using that phone in Asia and it is working fine. But i have a problem that i do not get OTA updates
raju_a said:
I got my T-mobile unlocked from 3rd party vendor as it was bought of ebay. I am using that phone in Asia and it is working fine. But i have a problem that i do not get OTA updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who's the vendor?