So, I just got my shiny, new Pixel, and immediately went to unlock the bootloader prior to booting it up for the first time. I was not pleased to be greeted with the following message:
FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed)
What I've found online is that with newer Android phones, you *have* to boot the phone first and enable USB debugging/OEM unlocking from the developer settings. Is there no way around this? I don't want to waste all that time doing that, only to wipe data a minute later.
If I am forced to do it this way, is there a way to get into the developer settings without first adding my google account, etc.? This is really, frustratingly difficult, especially for such an obscenely expensive phone!
Edit: Okay, you can get into settings without adding a Google account, but the "OEM unlocking" option is greyed out, with the message "Connect to the internet or contact your carrier." WTF? I don't even have a SIM in this phone yet. What gives, Google?
hackel said:
So, I just got my shiny, new Pixel, and immediately went to unlock the bootloader prior to booting it up for the first time. I was not pleased to be greeted with the following message:
FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed)
What I've found online is that with newer Android phones, you *have* to boot the phone first and enable USB debugging/OEM unlocking from the developer settings. Is there no way around this? I don't want to waste all that time doing that, only to wipe data a minute later.
If I am forced to do it this way, is there a way to get into the developer settings without first adding my google account, etc.? This is really, frustratingly difficult, especially for such an obscenely expensive phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't answer the main part of the question, but you can skip adding a google account and still enable OEM unlock ability in dev options.
EDIT: regarding your edit, hackel, that is frustrating they make you "activate" it on a carrier or via google before allowing OEM unlock. Very Apple-ish.
hackel said:
Edit: Okay, you can get into settings without adding a Google account, but the "OEM unlocking" option is greyed out, with the message "Connect to the internet or contact your carrier." WTF? I don't even have a SIM in this phone yet. What gives, Google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you buy the phone from Verizon or Best Buy? The only ones that support bootloader unlocking are sold direct from Google. The ones from Vz and BB will have "OEM Unlocking" greyed out.
FWIW, I just set mine up this morning. I skipped through most of the settings, didn't add a google app, enabled OEM unlocking, and then unlocked with fastboot with no issues.
EDIT: hmm, I may have put my SIM in it first. Can't remember.
dmbfan36_23 said:
[snip]
Did you buy the phone from Verizon or Best Buy? The only ones that support bootloader unlocking are sold direct from Google. The ones from Vz and BB will have "OEM Unlocking" greyed out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have confirmation of this? We know about Verizon, but where did you see that devices sold through BestBuy or other carriers would not allow unlocking?
dmbfan36_23 said:
Did you buy the phone from Verizon or Best Buy? The only ones that support bootloader unlocking are sold direct from Google. The ones from Vz and BB will have "OEM Unlocking" greyed out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? Ars Technica, for instance, among many, are reporting that the Verizon variant can indeed have the BL unlocked. The default for all versions is greyed out until you change it.
dmbfan36_23 said:
FWIW, I just set mine up this morning. I skipped through most of the settings, didn't add a google app, enabled OEM unlocking, and then unlocked with fastboot with no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have your phone connected to the internet and/or have a SIM in it when you enabled OEM unlocking?
dmbfan36_23 said:
Did you buy the phone from Verizon or Best Buy? The only ones that support bootloader unlocking are sold direct from Google. The ones from Vz and BB will have "OEM Unlocking" greyed out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, purchased directly from Google Store. I didn't add a working wifi network the first time (intentionally). I finally just caved in and added one, and after a few seconds the OEM unlocking option became available. I really wish I didn't have to allow the device to check-in with Google simply in order to unlock it.
Oh well, thanks!
efrant said:
Do you have confirmation of this. We know about Verizon, but where did you see that devices sold through BestBuy or other carriers would not allow unlocking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best Buy is selling the Verizon version. Google has stated that only the ones sold directly from them have unlockable bootloaders.
---------- Post added at 02:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:03 PM ----------
dispatch said:
Are you sure? Ars Technica, for instance, among many, are reporting that the Verizon variant can indeed have the BL unlocked. The default for all versions is greyed out until you change it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did they say that? Everything I've seen says it's not unlockable:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/10/04/confirmed-verizon-pixels-bootloader-will-not-unlockable/
All of the phones ship locked, but on non-Google versions the option to enable OEM unlocking remains greyed out.
All phones, including those sold by Vz, are carrier unlocked though.
dmbfan36_23 said:
Best Buy is selling the Verizon version. Google has stated that only the ones sold directly from them have unlockable bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're absolutely right. I must've read that the Verizon variant will be carrier unlocked and interpreted that as BL.
Still garbage that you have to phone home before the google variant will allow an OEM unlock.
dmbfan36_23 said:
Best Buy is selling the Verizon version. Google has stated that only the ones sold directly from them have unlockable bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I think you are talking specifically about the U.S. then. I'm pretty sure Pixel devices sold through carriers here in Canada have unlockable bootloaders. My device hasn't arrived yet, so I haven't personally verified.
Out of curiosity... Has anyone tried removing the Verizon sim card and replacing it with a T-Mobile or AT&T sim before or after first boot to see if it changes the unlock option?
efrant said:
Ok, I think you are talking specifically about the U.S. then. I'm pretty sure Pixel devices sold through carriers here in Canada have unlockable bootloaders. My device hasn't arrived yet, so I haven't personally verified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please let us know when you do especially if you're on Bell. Thanks!
dmbfan36_23 said:
Did you buy the phone from Verizon or Best Buy? The only ones that support bootloader unlocking are sold direct from Google. The ones from Vz and BB will have "OEM Unlocking" greyed out.
FWIW, I just set mine up this morning. I skipped through most of the settings, didn't add a google app, enabled OEM unlocking, and then unlocked with fastboot with no issues.
EDIT: hmm, I may have put my SIM in it first. Can't remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone know for sure that the phones from best buy are locked and have a locked bootloader? I contacted best buy and they said the phones are locked but when I contacted Google support, they said those phones along with the Google store phones are unlocked with a unlocked bootloader. Don't know who to believe? I would like to buy the phone from best buy only if it's unlocked with a unlocked bootloader because the Google stores shipping and logistics are all screwed up. Ordered placed later are getting shipped before earlier orders. Not happy with Google.
Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk
hackel said:
No, purchased directly from Google Store. I didn't add a working wifi network the first time (intentionally). I finally just caved in and added one, and after a few seconds the OEM unlocking option became available. I really wish I didn't have to allow the device to check-in with Google simply in order to unlock it.
Oh well, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hackel, you don't need to enter your google account info or insert your sim. Just connect to wifi and then go to developer settings to disable OEM unlock.
Source: Me cause I did it, duh
tjarvis said:
Out of curiosity... Has anyone tried removing the Verizon sim card and replacing it with a T-Mobile or AT&T sim before or after first boot to see if it changes the unlock option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a no go, the VZW model has a different CID.
I can't speak for why we have to connect to the internet before you can OEM unlock, but toggling this setting before you can unlock the bootloader is a security measure and its a really good thing.
Think about it, if your Pixel was a corporate phone or you actually cared about security, you would want the bootloader to be locked.
Without the need to boot the phone and enter a password:
1. I could steal / borrow your phone when you aren't looking
2. unlock the bootloader with ANY PC
3. then sideload a kernel that did something bad, or fastboot boot to twrp and install some malware
4. then give it back to you
OR
I could just steal your phone and wipe / flash it and keep it or sell it.
Nothing could stop me from doing either if you got your wish. In its current setup, your pin / password / fingerprint can still protect the phone from getting unlocked. You are in control.
I know anyone who wants to unlock the bootloader here does not care about security. I've been there. But you also have to think about who these phones are really made for. They were built to be mainstream phones for everyone. These aren't strictly developer phones. Even Nexus phones had this feature. My 5x and 6p required me to OEM unlock before I could unlock the bootloader. I don't remember if the Nexus 4, 5, 6 made me do this. It may have started with device encryption. I don't remember.
dbrohrer said:
I can't speak for why we have to connect to the internet before you can OEM unlock, but toggling this setting before you can unlock the bootloader is a security measure and its a really good thing.
Think about it, if your Pixel was a corporate phone or you actually cared about security, you would want the bootloader to be locked.
Without the need to boot the phone and enter a password:
1. I could steal / borrow your phone when you aren't looking
2. unlock the bootloader with ANY PC
3. then sideload a kernel that did something bad, or fastboot boot to twrp and install some malware
4. then give it back to you
OR
I could just steal your phone and wipe / flash it and keep it or sell it.
Nothing could stop me from doing either if you got your wish. In its current setup, your pin / password / fingerprint can still protect the phone from getting unlocked. You are in control.
I know anyone who wants to unlock the bootloader here does not care about security. I've been there. But you also have to think about who these phones are really made for. They were built to be mainstream phones for everyone. These aren't strictly developer phones. Even Nexus phones had this feature. My 5x and 6p required me to OEM unlock before I could unlock the bootloader. I don't remember if the Nexus 4, 5, 6 made me do this. It may have started with device encryption. I don't remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the past, when you purchased a Nexus device, you could pull it out of the box, boot directly into the bootloader, and unlock the bootloader without booting into Android. Starting with the Nexus 6, if (and only if) you booted into Android before unlocking the bootloader, then you needed to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting to unlock the bootloader. (This was done as part of Google's factory reset protection, so that if you lost your device, someone wouldn't be able to just wipe it and use it.) So, having to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting is nothing new. However, now, apparently, what is new, is that you cannot unlock the bootloader when you take it out of the box for the first time, without booting into Android first. I fail to see how this is a security measure, as a brand new phone has nothing on it, and anyone can boot into Android anyway when taking it out of the box.
efrant said:
In the past, when you purchased a Nexus device, you could pull it out of the box, boot directly into the bootloader, and unlock the bootloader without booting into Android. Starting with the Nexus 6, if you booted into Android before unlocking the bootloader, then you needed to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting. (This was done as part of Google's factory reset protection, so that if you lost your device, someone wouldn't be able to just wipe it and use it.) So, having to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting is nothing new. However, now, apparently, what is new, is that you cannot unlock the bootloader when you take it out of the box for the first time, without booting into Android first. I fail to see how this is a security measure, as a brand new phone has nothing on it, and anyone can boot into Android anyway when taking it out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. That sounds correct. I nevered tried to unlock out of the box. I assumed it was the same as after the first boot.
Thanks for the clarification.
efrant said:
In the past, when you purchased a Nexus device, you could pull it out of the box, boot directly into the bootloader, and unlock the bootloader without booting into Android. Starting with the Nexus 6, if (and only if) you booted into Android before unlocking the bootloader, then you needed to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting to unlock the bootloader. (This was done as part of Google's factory reset protection, so that if you lost your device, someone wouldn't be able to just wipe it and use it.) So, having to enable the "Allow OEM unlock" setting is nothing new. However, now, apparently, what is new, is that you cannot unlock the bootloader when you take it out of the box for the first time, without booting into Android first. I fail to see how this is a security measure, as a brand new phone has nothing on it, and anyone can boot into Android anyway when taking it out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It hinders someone from loading malware before the phone is booted. It also makes you clearly aware of the "risks".
Sent from my Pixel using XDA Labs
This is the dumbest complain thread that I've read in awhile honestly. You're complaining about a 1 minute inconvenience? Just login and OEM unlock and you're done...it took you longer to type up this thread and find a way around it.
Cares said:
This is the dumbest complain thread that I've read in awhile honestly. You're complaining about a 1 minute inconvenience? Just login and OEM unlock and you're done...it took you longer to type up this thread and find a way around it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, there are other reasons for wanting to be able to unlock the bootloader without ever having booted into Android, so I wouldn't call this a complaint thread. For example, getting a complete backup of all the partitions in a (mostly) untouched condition (e.g., partitions like frp, persist, etc.).
Calling someone's question/observation a "dumbest complain thread" isn't really contributing to the discussion.
efrant
Senior Moderator
So, I bought a non-carrier G7 Power today and while trying to unlock the bootloader I get a message saying to 'Connect to the Internet or contact your carrier' when I go check 'allow oem unlocking'.
Seeing as this device is completely carrier-unlocked, I'm guessing this must be a security measure - I've seen people saying that after a few days you're able to unlock them without issues - though I saw that for other phones while searching for this issue, not specifically the g7 Power.
So, is this common? I've messed with lots of phones over the years and I've never seen it before. The phone is a XT1955-1, the brazilian one with DTV.
geemv said:
So, I bought a non-carrier G7 Power today and while trying to unlock the bootloader I get a message saying to 'Connect to the Internet or contact your carrier' when I go check 'allow oem unlocking'.
Seeing as this device is completely carrier-unlocked, I'm guessing this must be a security measure - I've seen people saying that after a few days you're able to unlock them without issues - though I saw that for other phones while searching for this issue, not specifically the g7 Power.
So, is this common? I've messed with lots of phones over the years and I've never seen it before. The phone is a XT1955-1, the brazilian one with DTV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait a couple of days, many reports of software channel Retla (Retail Latin America) moto devices
Having greyed out OEM unlocking greyed out for first few days.
Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk
sd_shadow said:
Wait a couple of days, many reports of software channel Retla (Retail Latin America) moto devices
Having greyed out OEM unlocking greyed out for first few days.
Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll wait then.
geemv said:
Wait a couple of days, many reports of software channel Retla (Retail Latin America) moto devices
Having greyed out OEM unlocking greyed out for first few days.
...
Thanks, I'll wait then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did that work?
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.
If you're like me and you came here because you want to see if your phone can be rooted because you bought it off of Motorola's website already carrier unlocked look no further it is possible though the OEM unlock button in developer settings might be greyed out I don't know if this is for all phones coming from Motorola and possibly other carriers but after a few days it will actually allow you to select it I believe there is a wait period before you're allowed to do that I'm just putting this out there
Sometimes a factory reset and connecting to wifi or lte helps
This guy used Rootking.
"OEM unlocking" grayed out on Moto G Play 2021
I bought a Moto G Play 2021 unlocked from best buy yesterday. I can't enable "OEM unlocking" in Developer Settings. It is grayed out. I factory reset a few times. The phone CID is listed as a phone that can be unlocked on the Motorola site...
forum.xda-developers.com
So, is there any definitive answer here yet? I just bought carrier unlocked XT2115-1 model from Amazon, and I am dealing with this problem right now. Seems like this is a common problem, but all the threads/sites etc. I come upon across the internet never really have definitive answers.
Seems like just waiting a few days is the most common answer, but some have also had luck with factory resetting and then trying, with one person even just enabling wifi without actually connecting to it. I find it really hard to believe there is not a better documented process of this unlocking somewhere out there.
skateguy1234 said:
So, is there any definitive answer here yet? I just bought carrier unlocked XT2115-1 model from Amazon, and I am dealing with this problem right now. Seems like this is a common problem, but all the threads/sites etc. I come upon across the internet never really have definitive answers.
Seems like just waiting a few days is the most common answer, but some have also had luck with factory resetting and then trying, with one person even just enabling wifi without actually connecting to it. I find it really hard to believe there is not a better documented process of this unlocking somewhere out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The definitive answer is it still seems random.
Usually its 3-14+ days after connecting to internet, but there must be other factors.
For one Motorola server likely is gitchy or off line sometimes.
[Guide]Un/locking Motorola Bootloader
UnLocking and ReLocking Motorola Bootloader https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a Moto Bootloader Unlocking site Re-Locking see Post #4 More about bootloader UnLocking Post #2 Can my...
forum.xda-developers.com
Just unlocked it. It took about 3 days for my option to become available.
Hi, I have the toggle in developer options switched to allow bootloader unlock but the website still tells me it's unavailable....
michaeljr10wv said:
Hi, I have the toggle in developer options switched to allow bootloader unlock but the website still tells me it's unavailable....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The moto unlock site is not good, if you have a good cid, keep trying.
Yeh after few days of use oem was able to be turned on