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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!
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
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
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
I just recently a few days upgraded my phone from an older Samsung to a Pixel 3 XL., and I am on sprint.
And while still getting used to the Pixel vs Samsung, today I let the phone take the update to Android 10, and not really feeling the love and want to go back to Pie if I can. Already miss having the back button moved to the right side and a few other things.
I did buy the phone used, online, and is not under any lease etc. I do own it.
But unfortunately, I believe because it was probably a Sprint phone originally, OEM Unlock under the developer options is greyed out. I think this means I am currently SOL until there is a way to unlock it?
Thanks,
PT
ptmuldoon said:
I just recently a few days upgraded my phone from an older Samsung to a Pixel 3 XL., and I am on sprint.
And while still getting used to the Pixel vs Samsung, today I let the phone take the update to Android 10, and not really feeling the love and want to go back to Pie if I can. Already miss having the back button moved to the right side and a few other things.
I did buy the phone used, online, and is not under any lease etc. I do own it.
But unfortunately, I believe because it was probably a Sprint phone originally, OEM Unlock under the developer options is greyed out. I think this means I am currently SOL until there is a way to unlock it?
Thanks,
PT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Contact Sprint, give them the IMEI number, they will look up the phone to verify that there is no balance on it and then they will send you an unlock code. Or at least I know AT&T used to do that bank when I had Samsung phones. AT&T had a link you could go to and do it, but I'm not sure about Sprint.
FilthyFord said:
Contact Sprint, give them the IMEI number, they will look up the phone to verify that there is no balance on it and then they will send you an unlock code. Or at least I know AT&T used to do that bank when I had Samsung phones. AT&T had a link you could go to and do it, but I'm not sure about Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually called them last night There tech support guy although rather nice seemed to not understand what I wanted. And after he got help was telling me I need to call google for it, which makes no sense to me.
In reading today here, it mentions Sprint will unlock a phone after 50 days on their network. But I think this is just referring to a Sim/Carrier unlock and not the OEM unlock ability?
https://www.sprint.com/en/legal/unlocking-your-sprint-device.html
EDIT......
How very strange, and perhaps my phone call last night got elevated. I just received a notification on my phone that is has been carrier unlocked and can not enable OEM Unlock. So I hope tonight to reinstall Pie.
ptmuldoon,
So effectively, are you saying that your previously Sprint (sim) locked phone is now (sim) unlocked, BUT that the OEM Unlock option is STILL greyed out?
Based on my reading, I've seen some folks mention that once the phone is (sim) unlocked, you should be able to OEM unlock the bootloader as well. And maybe that isn't necessarily saying that the OEM unlock option will become available, but that you can fastboot unlock bootloader. I'm not sure, but just confirming with you since you seem to be in that situation. Have you not been able to unlock the bootloader?
Thanks,
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.
Im not very good with these carrier locked/unlocked phones. I currently bought a Verizon Galaxy S21+ which is allegedly unlocked. The phone has all verizon bloatware/verizon boot up screen.
I have a Sprint SIM and when I put it in the phone I get the "SIM is not a Verizon SIM card" message and I get no service. Iv tried manually entering Srint APN info to no avail.
Is it safe to assume this phone is not unlocked or am i missing something?
Thanks
what network does sprint even use? cant recall. i dont think its GSM.. and yes. if your phone isnt unlocked yet, what were you expecting? its a simple matter to call a provider and ask for an unlock, they sometimes want you to have the phone for some sort of 60 day wait first, though. and down in the settings theres a item for request permanent unlock and temporary unlock. you may have to use it, after you request yours over the phone.
im dealing with this now, with tmobile. basically it all becomes a little clunky when you didnt actually buy your device from your provider. but its still a simple thing in this day and age, just call them and make them earn that pay. sooner started, sooner finished.