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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?
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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.
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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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Click to collapse
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.
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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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Please can anyone tell me if note 10 verizon is sim unlocked like all the other verizon phones?
kristid said:
Please can anyone tell me if note 10 verizon is sim unlocked like all the other verizon phones?
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Click to collapse
Yeah all verzion phones are unlocked
badazzscncme said:
Yeah all verzion phones are unlocked
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They are telling me that it is not. Have you tested it with another sim card?
It's locked until you insert a valid, active Verizon SIM into it, and then it unlocks. This is Verizon trying to normalize and eventually skirt around the FCC unlock requirements.
entropism said:
It's locked until you insert a valid, active Verizon SIM into it, and then it unlocks. This is Verizon trying to normalize and eventually skirt around the FCC unlock requirements.
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Click to collapse
Have you tested it with another sim?
No, this is just how Verizon phones work now. I believe the active SIM has to be in around an hour or so.
I beg to differ I have a Verizon note 10 and it had a active Verizon SIM card but when I insert my cricket SIM it registers for about 45 secs to a min. Then says something about this phone cant be on another network.
---------- Post added at 10:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 AM ----------
entropism said:
No, this is just how Verizon phones work now. I believe the active SIM has to be in around an hour or so.
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Click to collapse
Now I don't have any idea how long the active SIM was inserted, so I can't say you aren't correct sir.
They are locked for 60 days as per Verizon, I called them to inquire because I will be traveling internationally and wanted to know if I can use the device with another sim card locally purchased when I am traveling in the EU, they told me their phones are locked for the first 60 days, after that they are unlocked automatically. The policy is on their website too.
Yazen
Definitely locked for 60 days on Verizon
Yazenaswad said:
They are locked for 60 days as per Verizon, I called them to inquire because I will be traveling internationally and wanted to know if I can use the device with another sim card locally purchased when I am traveling in the EU, they told me their phones are locked for the first 60 days, after that they are unlocked automatically. The policy is on their website too.
Yazen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called Verizon again just few days prior to my international travel, they agreed to unlock the phone for me! I received a text message that read "Verizon Msg: Once you put a non-verizon SIM car into this device, it'll be unlocked for use on other carrier networks". And when I landed in Austria, purchased a local SIM card, inserted into the phone, then received a message right away that read " Sorry, your device can't be activated on another carrier's network right now. For help, contact Verizon at (800)922-0204 or (888) 294-6804" So I called Verizon, they said the device is unlocked, passed me to the technical team, they said they see the device is unlocked and they were not sure what was going on.. Long story short, the device is still locked. I returned to the US, and been in contact with Verizon trying to figure out what was the issue, because I like my fully paid phone to be unlocked. Will update you once I hear back from them.
Y
Yazenaswad said:
I called Verizon again just few days prior to my international travel, they agreed to unlock the phone for me! I received a text message that read "Verizon Msg: Once you put a non-verizon SIM car into this device, it'll be unlocked for use on other carrier networks". And when I landed in Austria, purchased a local SIM card, inserted into the phone, then received a message right away that read " Sorry, your device can't be activated on another carrier's network right now. For help, contact Verizon at (800)922-0204 or (888) 294-6804" So I called Verizon, they said the device is unlocked, passed me to the technical team, they said they see the device is unlocked and they were not sure what was going on.. Long story short, the device is still locked. I returned to the US, and been in contact with Verizon trying to figure out what was the issue, because I like my fully paid phone to be unlocked. Will update you once I hear back from them.
Y
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Click to collapse
I am having the exact same problem.They told me that the phone is unlocked but every time i insert a sim that contact Verizon notification pops up.Did you hear back from them?
Tarar said:
I am having the exact same problem.They told me that the phone is unlocked but every time i insert a sim that contact Verizon notification pops up.Did you hear back from them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I finally go to speak to someone who knew what he was talking about. Initially when I called them, the tech person said she unlocked the phone, but when she refreshed my account, it shows it was locked again and she did not know what was going on.
Yesterday when I called them, this rep said, new phones are locked for 60 days, and even if we tried to unlocked them manually the system overrides the changes and reverts it back to locked, that's what was happening in my case earlier. He said the to wait for 60 days and try it out. It just passed 60 days for me since I had the phone activated with Verizon, so I tried it last night with T-Mobile SIM card and Austrian one, both worked well! So I guess waiting 60 days is the answer.
Yazen
Yazenaswad said:
Yes, I finally go to speak to someone who knew what he was talking about. Initially when I called them, the tech person said she unlocked the phone, but when she refreshed my account, it shows it was locked again and she did not know what was going on.
Yesterday when I called them, this rep said, new phones are locked for 60 days, and even if we tried to unlocked them manually the system overrides the changes and reverts it back to locked, that's what was happening in my case earlier. He said the to wait for 60 days and try it out. It just passed 60 days for me since I had the phone activated with Verizon, so I tried it last night with T-Mobile SIM card and Austrian one, both worked well! So I guess waiting 60 days is the answer.
Yazen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same lock issue. The problem is that I'm not the fist owner of the phone and there is no way I can track how many lock days left. The interesting thing about this Verizon lock is that when you insert non-Verizon SIM the phone is not locked straight away. It works as fully unlocked for about 5 min. I guess that it could run longer with no Internet connection. Certainly we need a hacker here .
WarVic said:
I have the same lock issue. The problem is that I'm not the fist owner of the phone and there is no way I can track how many lock days left. The interesting thing about this Verizon lock is that when you insert non-Verizon SIM the phone is not locked straight away. It works as fully unlocked for about 5 min. I guess that it could run longer with no Internet connection. Certainly we need a hacker here .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon should be able to tell you when was it activated on their system. I'd give them a call and ask.
Yazenaswad said:
Verizon should be able to tell you when was it activated on their system. I'd give them a call and ask.
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Click to collapse
I had an online chat with Verizon. They kindly told me that couldn't assist me with it without account details which I don't have. That's quite annoying.
So would it be safe to assume that the phones with "bad IMEI" will never get automatically unlocked this way or it won't matter?
Kdintk said:
I beg to differ I have a Verizon note 10 and it had a active Verizon SIM card but when I insert my cricket SIM it registers for about 45 secs to a min. Then says something about this phone cant be on another network.
---------- Post added at 10:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 AM ----------
Now I don't have any idea how long the active SIM was inserted, so I can't say you aren't correct sir.
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Click to collapse
This was changed in July. The phone must remain active for 60days before unlocked to another Network.
I am on day 74 and been fighting with Verizon two weeks now to get unlocked. They are all clueless. Phone still locked.
Same issue here. Note10+5G. Day 64 still locked. Tech support can't figure out what is going on. SIM works excellent for the first 30 sec-1 min, then the lock launches and I'm locked out. It's clearly something Verizon screwed up. I've elevated the issue and filed an FCC complaint. I suggest everyone does so too so that we have a case against them since locking past 60 days is a breach of contract and against FCC regulations. They are obligated to reply and compensate for the damage done.
any updates on this unlocking? my 2 devices are past the 60 days and are still locked!
Hello, does anyone know how to SIM unlock Sprint Google Pixel 3a (G020G) ?
I bought it from ebay and they told me it will work in Europe but it says SIM Card Is not supported. It runs the oldest Android 9 version and I can turn ADB on, OEM Unlocking can't be enabled.
You would need to take it to a Sprint store to unlock it. It is likely blacklisted though.
I have a funny story. I had a pixel3A bought from the google store but got the screen repaired under Sprint warranty. They sent me another device. However the device was locked. I went through weeks of calls with Sprint "unlocking" the device. But with it "unlocked" I was only able to use Sprint MVNOs. I get the same SIM error if I try to use a GSM SIM. Then to some degree I believe there is a big challenge regarding this device, at least using it with a non Sprint MVNO.
arusiasotto said:
You would need to take it to a Sprint store to unlock it. It is likely blacklisted though.
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Click to collapse
Ok so long story short: ended up getting a Verizon pixel 3 the other week, found out about the bootloader issue, returned it and just ordered a new one from Sprint (my current carrier), imei starts with 99 so pretty sure it's not a Verizon varient and from what I know Sprint doesn't lock bootloaders. Ended up finding out about Sprint's 50 day service requirement before allowing a phone to be Sim unlocked. Pretty sure that's the issue with OEM Unlocking being greyed out but I'd just like someone to confirm this for me if possible
Locking
I could be mistaken, but sim and bootloader unlocking are not related. I have a verizon pixel 1 that I am using on a different carrier (Google FI) no problems, but the Verizon bootloader CANNOT be unlocked. In the booloader it's listed as US and my second Pixel 1 is listed as "ROW" and was able to have it's bootloader unlocked.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. (And show me how to unlock big red's Bootloader on the Pixel 1 Android 10.
Zepher013 said:
Ok so long story short: ended up getting a Verizon pixel 3 the other week, found out about the bootloader issue, returned it and just ordered a new one from Sprint (my current carrier), imei starts with 99 so pretty sure it's not a Verizon varient and from what I know Sprint doesn't lock bootloaders. Ended up finding out about Sprint's 50 day service requirement before allowing a phone to be Sim unlocked. Pretty sure that's the issue with OEM Unlocking being greyed out but I'd just like someone to confirm this for me if possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lmt1979 said:
I could be mistaken, but sim and bootloader unlocking are not related. I have a verizon pixel 1 that I am using on a different carrier (Google FI) no problems, but the Verizon bootloader CANNOT be unlocked. In the booloader it's listed as US and my second Pixel 1 is listed as "ROW" and was able to have it's bootloader unlocked.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. (And show me how to unlock big red's Bootloader on the Pixel 1 Android 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He is not asking about the bootloader. His phone is carrier (SIM) locked. I don't know Sprint's policies but if they say 50 days I would believe that.
Zepher013 said:
Ok so long story short: ended up getting a Verizon pixel 3 the other week, found out about the bootloader issue, returned it and just ordered a new one from Sprint (my current carrier), imei starts with 99 so pretty sure it's not a Verizon varient and from what I know Sprint doesn't lock bootloaders. Ended up finding out about Sprint's 50 day service requirement before allowing a phone to be Sim unlocked. Pretty sure that's the issue with OEM Unlocking being greyed out but I'd just like someone to confirm this for me if possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They usually will sim unlock if the device is fully paid. If not then you'll probably have to wait. Once your device is sim unlocked then you can unlock the bootloader.
bobby janow said:
They usually will sim unlock if the device is fully paid. If not then you'll probably have to wait. Once your device is sim unlocked then you can unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was initially on a payment plan but I went ahead and paid it off in full after realizing that I'd have to do so to get bootloader unlocking to become available, but yes thank you for confirming that. The end of the 50 day period is at the end of the month so I guess I'll know for sure then.
Zepher013 said:
It was initially on a payment plan but I went ahead and paid it off in full after realizing that I'd have to do so to get bootloader unlocking to become available, but yes thank you for confirming that. The end of the 50 day period is at the end of the month so I guess I'll know for sure then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can call them if it's paid off and get it done now. There is no need to wait the 50 days.
bobby janow said:
You can call them if it's paid off and get it done now. There is no need to wait the 50 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean I did try doing so a couple weeks ago, went through customer support about 2 or 3 times and my call was eventually escalated to one of their tech support reps who basically told me I'd have to wait the 50 days to have it sim unlocked, which I'm assuming in turn will then allow bootloader unlocking. Was pretty frustrating having to ask multiple representatives on the phone and in a number of local Sprint stores without anyone giving me a straight answer or just giving me false information. You seem to be pretty sure, have you had a different experience?
Zepher013 said:
I mean I did try doing so a couple weeks ago, went through customer support about 2 or 3 times and my call was eventually escalated to one of their tech support reps who basically told me I'd have to wait the 50 days to have it sim unlocked, which I'm assuming in turn will then allow bootloader unlocking. Was pretty frustrating having to ask multiple representatives on the phone and in a number of local Sprint stores without anyone giving me a straight answer or just giving me false information. You seem to be pretty sure, have you had a different experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Just been reading and that's the general consensus.. If you can't get it with one rep hang up and call again. Demand it since your device is paid off. That 50 day bull**** is just that.
So I'm an idiot. When I went to pre-order, I selected T-Mobile since they didn't have a Sprint option and I figured they were "merged" by now. Apparently that's not the case. I was reluctant to get the Unlocked model.
When I got the phone yesterday, I spent 4 hours on the phone (Note 8) and a worthless trip to one of the "Sprint/T-Mobile" stores. On the last call, a guy from Sprint said my IMEI number was not in the database yet -- I'm guessing because it shipped about 5 days earlier than expected. He would elevate the issue so it would and he'd call me back once it was added, then I could transfer my Sprint SIM from my Note to my T-Mobile Fold 2. He didn't call back.
The guy at the store said I'd have to call T-Mobile to get them to unlock it so I could put it on Sprint. But they won't talk to me if I don't have an account with them and that I'd have to talk to Sprint.
I want to keep my cell phone number, so now I'm wondering if I just open a new T-Mobile account and get my number ported to T-Mobile. I've been with Sprint for 22 years so I'm reluctant to do that even though they're going to be one network -- but probably not for a while.
Recommendations?
Wade
File an FCC Complaint. It's kind of the nuclear option but in my experience when it comes to cell phone and working with wireless providers (as well as internet) that's really the only thing that seems to get them to treat the customer as a customer. Even if the phone isn't compatible that will at least get someone from the Executive Offices on the phone with you to lay out what is happening and how to fix it.
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us
I got my phone Tmobile variant Wed paid in full and tried to unlock it in the phone settings. Didn't work. So called up Tmobile. He told me to do what i already tried. Told him it didn't work. He took my IMEI and he put me on hold. Then he came back and said to try again in 3 days and if i still can't unlock it to call back. I too think maybe it's because the phone isn't technically out yet. I'm using Fi which will only be using Tmobile anyway so i went ahead and flashed unlocked firmware. Then i downloaded the Fi app and was able transfer my number. But of course being on unlocked firmware the unlock option is now gone. So i may flash the carrier firmware this weekend and try unlocking again.
I'm currently in the same predicament. I was going to get the unlocked version but it was going to take another month to ship so I went ahead with the T-mobile version. After being unable to activate the phone, after 2+ hours working with CS the answer I finally ended up with from a T-Mobile rep (Sprint was useless) was to go into a store today and they can transfer my account over to T-Mobile and then I'd be able to activate the new one. The process will also unlock the rest of my phones so that they can accept a new SIM card from T-Mobile. Not what I wanted to do but since I can't get an unlocked version it may be the only option I have because after playing with this phone there is no way I'm getting rid of it.
Last night, I finally got my situation RESOLVED!
I went to another Sprint/T-Mobile store and found someone who knew how to transfer my Sprint account and Phone Number over to T-Mobile using the same SIM card! I chose the Magenta Plus plan -- and am even saving $20 a month for being "Over 55"! I'm now a VERY happy camper who's now getting 150Mbps downloads (so far). The Manager said he noticed the Model Number of my Z Fold 2 and thinks it was the Verizon model which may have caused some of the problems.