Related
I'm committed to using VZW. I want to root a Pixel 2 and access VZW. Clearly a VZW Pixel 2 has problems with the bootloader. What Pixel 2 meets my requirements. FWIW, I expect to have the 64 Gb version.
The unlocked Pixel 2 from the Google store.
https://store.google.com/product/pixel_2
Unlock the bootloader, root with Magisk, pop in your VZW SIM and you're set.
OK - is there any chance of saving some money by using eBay (Amazon is on my deep s*** list) or am I better off not even trying there?
As long as you're confident that what you're buying is a carrier unlocked phone and that it's never been flashed to VZW firmware 8.1.0 (OPM2.171019.016, Jan 2018, Verizon), which disables the ability to unlock the bootloader.
Gotit - great thanks!
I've been thinking of making this list for people who will be buying a Pixel 4 XL in future. It might come in handy to decide where to buy your phone from.
Please post in the thread what your seller/carrier did and I will update the list.
Note: You can buy a bootloader unlockable Pixel 4 XL directly from the Google Store.
UK greyed out OEM
EE
UK unlockable bootloader
Vodafone
US greyed out OEM
Verizon? (conflicting reports)
AT&T
TMobile
US unlockable bootloader
Best Buy
StrangerWeather said:
I've been thinking of making this list for people who will be buying a Pixel 4 XL in future. It might come in handy to decide where to buy your phone from.
Please post in the thread what your seller/carrier did and I will update the list.
Note: You can buy an unblocked Pixel 4 XL directly from the Google Store.
UK blocked OEM
EE
UK unblocked OEM
US blocked OEM
Verizon? (conflicting reports)
AT&T
US unblocked OEM
Best Buy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMobile variant is locked
StrangerWeather said:
I've been thinking of making this list for people who will be buying a Pixel 4 XL in future. It might come in handy to decide where to buy your phone from.
Please post in the thread what your seller/carrier did and I will update the list.
Note: You can buy an unblocked Pixel 4 XL directly from the Google Store.
UK blocked OEM
EE
UK unblocked OEM
US blocked OEM
Verizon? (conflicting reports)
AT&T
US unblocked OEM
Best Buy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UK Vodafone is unblocked.
To be more clear I think you need to refer to it as Bootloader Unlock as OEM has no relation to that at all.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer btw
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
superchilpil said:
To be more clear I think you need to refer to it as Bootloader Unlock as OEM has no relation to that at all.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer btw
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, not too sure. It's not that the phones come with an unlocked bootloader, you still have to unlock it. But they are either OEM unlockable or not... Any other suggestions to make it clearer?
StrangerWeather said:
Hmm, not too sure. It's not that the phones come with an unlocked bootloader, you still have to unlock it. But they are either OEM unlockable or not... Any other suggestions to make it clearer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well yeah none of them come with an unlocked bootloader. But your wording wasn't wrong to begin with, I just felt that referring to as bootloader unlockable is a more friendly way to put it especially for the noobs out there.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Where did you hear about AT&T not being unlockable?
mew1033 said:
Where did you hear about AT&T not being unlockable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/how-to/att-pixel-4-xl-locked-bootloader-t3989095
Bit of thread bump, but thanks!
Been searching everywhere to find out if Vodafone UK is un-lockable. Has anyone bought one recently to confirm they're still OK?
The Tmo variant can be unlocked after the sim lock is removed. I think it goes without saying for most that Fi and Google offer unlcockable versions but as this is for new guys it might be worth noting.
StrangerWeather said:
I've been thinking of making this list for people who will be buying a Pixel 4 XL in future. It might come in handy to decide where to buy your phone from.
Please post in the thread what your seller/carrier did and I will update the list.
Note: You can buy a bootloader unlockable Pixel 4 XL directly from the Google Store.
UK greyed out OEM
EE
UK unlockable bootloader
Vodafone
US greyed out OEM
Verizon? (conflicting reports)
AT&T
TMobile
US unlockable bootloader
Best Buy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U.S. Cellular is unlocked for Pixel 4, would assume xl as well
Except for the Verizon model, all of the other US variants can be bootloader (OEM) unlocked when they are SIM card unlocked. However the SIM card being unlocked is a requirement to having the bootloader unlocked. If you purchase a device through a US service provider, it will generally have the SIM card locked down and you must request a SIM card unlock from your service provider. The "unlocked" version sold by Google (and Best Buy) comes with the SIM card unlocked already. Therefore it can immediately have it's bootloader unlocked.
Verizon variants will never be able to be bootloader unlocked - even if you are able to get Verizon to unlock the SIM card. (People who are successful in bootloader unlocking a Verizon model are the exception to the rule and simply got lucky - normally due to a MEID snafu).
This is the same across the entire Google Pixel line.
StrangerWeather said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/how-to/att-pixel-4-xl-locked-bootloader-t3989095
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm gonna remove that thread because the bootloader can be unlocked if you carrier unlock your device. Confirmed on my friend's Pixel 4 from AT&T.
StrangerWeather said:
I've been thinking of making this list for people who will be buying a Pixel 4 XL in future. It might come in handy to decide where to buy your phone from.
Please post in the thread what your seller/carrier did and I will update the list.
Note: You can buy a bootloader unlockable Pixel 4 XL directly from the Google Store.
UK greyed out OEM
EE
UK unlockable bootloader
Vodafone
US greyed out OEM
Verizon? (conflicting reports)
AT&T
TMobile
US unlockable bootloader
Best Buy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Verizon is locked if you buy it from them. I bought mine through the Google store with Verizon as a "3rd party" and I got an unlockable XL
I think basically whatever the carrier, they are locked until they are fully paid, is that right? In that case, I might just close the thread as it's not very useful.
Does anyone know if the Spectrum Variant of the Google Pixel 4 xl Has an unlockable bootloader?
I called t mobile today told them I'm a developer and they gave me a permanent unlock for my phone for the OEM so I can't complain but call them, whoever's your provider and tell them you're a developer and you're trying to access the Android 11 operating system and because it's a Google phone they bound to unlock your phone. And my phone ain't fully paid off from T-Mobile so I'm good I'm happy with the results and right now I'm using Android 11 and this bad boy for preview is beautiful
Hello everyone
Any news on Pixel 4XL EE UK to unlock the bootloader after 6 months of use???
I'm on a Verizon variant which I purchased directly from Verizon. Initially I was unable to unlock my bootloader same as everyone else. However, I was recently in developmer options and noticed OEM unlocking was no longer greyed out (I was running Android 11 with Octobers update). I Didn't believe my eyes for a second and immediately toggled it on and got to work. Within a few minutes I was unlocked and rooted. Not sure if they messed up on the 11 update or if it was a mistake from one of the updates. I hadn't checked for a while previous to my discovery so I can't pin down the exact trigger.
Once you either fully payoff the device or get permission through your carrier then the carrier sends it over to Google's server which generates your unlock code then is sent to pixel 4xl as a update which will then unlock your sim. Once your sim unlocked it will allow you to highlight unlock bootloader. This is for tmobile,att, and sprint. Verizon variants however is an exception. You can get sim unlock, but will not highlight the unlock bootloader. Once in a while somebody gets lucky, but does not happen alot. Even tho it is a Google phone the carrier can still make the choice for the bootloader.
I purchased a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL from T-Mobile due to the fact that they were price matching the device with a competitor's offer that contacted me, for the device to be $0 down and $28 monthly. Now because of the situation, i have been speaking to the "Retention" Department, which i found out today, that the department no longer exists.
I ordered the device already having experience with the OG Pixel XL Verizon Variant, which as most Pixel Users know, that if you boot the device for the 1st time with a different carriers SIM Card, the device Registers as a Google Edition Bootloader Unlockable device forever, AS LONG AS YOU BOOT FOR THE 1st TIME WITH A DIFFERENT SIM AND ENTER DEVELOPER OPTIONS TO ALLOW OEM UNLOCKING.
The Pixel 4 XL from T-Mobile and from Verizon ARE 2 TOTALLY DIFFERENT DEVICES... The above process does not and WILL NOT WORK on T-MOBILE Variants.. The WHACKED thing is, Verizon's Variant is Carrier Unlocked from the gate and is supposed to NOT be Bootloader Unlockable. T-Mobile on the other hand, owned by Deutch Telecom and a world carrier, sells the Pixel 4 XL Carrier LOCKEDand Bootloader LOCKED. WTF?
So, i have 18 days to send the device back if :
1) I cant crack it and Unlock Bootloader
2) I have John Legere's Assistant's email and i have emailed her to see if she can do anything. If i must send the device back to TMO to purchase the device directly from Google, and they want to keep me, They can credit my accout the different between the cost of the device from Google and what i would have paid forr the TMO variant.
3) I have been on the phone with Google the last 2 days awaiting a Level 2 Tech Support Supervisor to call me back. When i first got my OG Pixel XL, it was from a buddy, Verizon Sales Rep and i didnt know the Bootloader wasnt unlockable if not done immediatly. Contacted Google and they did a warrenty placement and even upgraded me to a BRAND NEW 128GB Pixel XL!
I have read that the Verizon Pixel 4 XL SIM MOD to unlock the bootloader IS STILL WORKING on the 4XL.
The reason I feel as though T-Mobile should help me is because there are NO Bootloader Unlock Policies in writing, which i asked for on several occassions and all i received back was their Carrier Unlock Policies. 99% of the employees at T-Mobile or any other carrier for that matter DO NOT know what a Bootloader is and i school them and tell them to pay me via credit to my bill. Because a Bootloader Policy does not Officially exist, there is my argument if i take legal action. Time will tell.....
I will Update the Post with any Updates I receive...
Update 11/25/19
I went to Twitter to rant and rave about my situation which is in the hands of (2) Major Companies, T-Mobile and Google Escalations Level 2 Tech Support. Saturday I was emailied by John Legeres's Assistant from T-Mobile asking me the best time to contact me by phone to rectify the situation. I sent a long email to her explaining everything from the sale the discounts I got on the device, which was over $300 for the down payment and $28 a month for the device. I gave T-Mobile the option 2 bill credit me the difference between getting the device through Google T-mobile. And I will gladly return the unit and get one direction Google that was one of the options I gave them. Because I was given two options 1 return the device within 20 days 2 pay the device off. In the T-Mobile help reps and no idea what they're talkin about saying that after the device is unlocked I will be contacted by the carrier with an unlock code for the bootloader Google phones do not require an unlock code for the bootloader so where they're making this information up or where she's getting this text book information during her "lunch break". Know me personally I just started using Twitter and I use it more for like news and stuff but I never tweet and at T-Mobile help is a Twitter account and I was on there for 5 hours Straight in front of my laptop going back and forth and sometimes waiting 20-30 minutes for a reply I understand their multitasking and dealing with multiple customers but 5 hours but I will say they usually get stuff done that care cannot.
So as of now I reefer reply or a phone call from T-Mobile's John Legeres assistant end I'm supposedly waiting for an email from a level two Tech support rep Google escalations. And I made both parties understand that this is a time-sensitive matter then I will not be stuck with the paperweight.
Also please keep in mind I always purchase unlocked devices since I've been with T-Mobile all I purchased was unlocked devicesn whether OnePlus directly from OnePlus we're international versions from Amazon unless I end up with the carrier version that I can crack I don't do it but something will be done here. I also suggested to the T-Mobile assistant I am emailing that a memo go out to everyone regarding bootloader unlocking what it is what is used for who requested it and so on and so forth. This was the deal I just couldn't pass up matching in Xfinity deal that was provided to me over the phone to consolidate my utility bills and I just heard pixel for nothing down in $28 a month then you got the bright idea to contact T-Mobile to see if they would match it and it took them a week to say yes and speak to different people but they said yes and here we are
Putting aside the merits of your argument in regards to what's right or wrong, which I agree with you btw.
I'm going to predict your stuck with a locked phone if you keep it. Neither the Pixel 2 or 3 ever got unlocked on the carrier versions. Google don't get involved as they offer it up unlocked at a premium. I can't imagine any scenario where a carrier gives a Rats ass about providing help on that front. It is a lose - lose situation for them. It opens up security concerns for their corporate partners and customers and creates a whole new warranty headache with people boning up their phones.
Could you link me to where you see the Verizon 4XL bootloader is still unlockable? Last I heard it was locked and the people who had unlocked it had potentially gotten lucky.
ThisPlaceIsaJoke said:
I purchased a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL from T-Mobile due to the fact that they were price matching the device with a competitor's offer that contacted me, for the device to be $0 down and $28 monthly. Now because of the situation, i have been speaking to the "Retention" Department, which i found out today, that the department no longer exists.
I ordered the device already having experience with the OG Pixel XL Verizon Variant, which as most Pixel Users know, that if you boot the device for the 1st time with a different carriers SIM Card, the device Registers as a Google Edition Bootloader Unlockable device forever, AS LONG AS YOU BOOT FOR THE 1st TIME WITH A DIFFERENT SIM AND ENTER DEVELOPER OPTIONS TO ALLOW OEM UNLOCKING.
The Pixel 4 XL from T-Mobile and from Verizon ARE 2 TOTALLY DIFFERENT DEVICES... The above process does not and WILL NOT WORK on T-MOBILE Variants.. The WHACKED thing is, Verizon's Variant is Carrier Unlocked from the gate and is supposed to NOT be Bootloader Unlockable. T-Mobile on the other hand, owned by Deutch Telecom and a world carrier, sells the Pixel 4 XL Carrier LOCKEDand Bootloader LOCKED. WTF?
So, i have 18 days to send the device back if :
1) I cant crack it and Unlock Bootloader
2) I have John Legere's Assistant's email and i have emailed her to see if she can do anything. If i must send the device back to TMO to purchase the device directly from Google, and they want to keep me, They can credit my accout the different between the cost of the device from Google and what i would have paid forr the TMO variant.
3) I have been on the phone with Google the last 2 days awaiting a Level 2 Tech Support Supervisor to call me back. When i first got my OG Pixel XL, it was from a buddy, Verizon Sales Rep and i didnt know the Bootloader wasnt unlockable if not done immediatly. Contacted Google and they did a warrenty placement and even upgraded me to a BRAND NEW 128GB Pixel XL!
I have read that the Verizon Pixel 4 XL SIM MOD to unlock the bootloader IS STILL WORKING on the 4XL.
The reason I feel as though T-Mobile should help me is because there are NO Bootloader Unlock Policies in writing, which i asked for on several occassions and all i received back was their Carrier Unlock Policies. 99% of the employees at T-Mobile or any other carrier for that matter DO NOT know what a Bootloader is and i school them and tell them to pay me via credit to my bill. Because a Bootloader Policy does not Officially exist, there is my argument if i take legal action. Time will tell.....
I will Update the Post with any Updates I receive...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have t mobile and I bought my pixel 4xl from t mobile you have to pay the full price from t mobile in order to unlock bootloader my t mobile device is unlock. But you have to wait 40 days in order to get your phone unlock when purchase in full prices. Once you get the pixel 4xl unlock the bootloader will also be unlock. For me it took me 30 days to make it happen.
Why are you talking to Google? Hit up T-Mobile on Twitter or Facebook and they'll sim unlock it if you ask nicely.
Worked for me.
LLStarks said:
Why are you talking to Google? Hit up T-Mobile on Twitter or Facebook and they'll sim unlock it if you ask nicely.
Worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey has to pay for his devices full price in order to unlock bootloader
No he doesn't. I didn't.
Customers in good standing can get an override.
If you're in good standing and tell them you're traveling internationally (especially to a country that isn't on their plus list), they'll usually do it from my experience.
brandon5491 said:
If you're in good standing and tell them you're traveling internationally (especially to a country that isn't on their plus list), they'll usually do it from my experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty stuff that is carrier unlock, not bootloader unlock.
CyberpodS2 said:
I'm pretty stuff that is carrier unlock, not bootloader unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. I've read that carrier unlock is necessary for bootloader unlock no?
brandon5491 said:
That's right. I've read that carrier unlock is necessary for bootloader unlock no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know they had any influence on each other, but maybe I'm mistaken?
They don't. The carriers had Google use SIM unlock status as a check for being able to toggle OEM unlocking in dev options.
If you don't like your chances with T-Mobile support, FCC complaints have also apparently been effective at getting an unlock.
LLStarks said:
They don't. The carriers had Google use SIM unlock status as a check for being able to toggle OEM unlocking in dev options.
If you don't like your chances with T-Mobile support, FCC complaints have also apparently been effective at getting an unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your posts contradicts itself.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
There's no contradiction.
My experience matches the experience of others, especially those with OnePlus phones and the Pixel 3A. Chatting with reps worked. May take more than one attempt. You can honest with them about what you want to do with your phone or claim a need to use overseas for a period longer than a temp unlock may allow for. Either way, make it clear that you're a loyal T-Mobile customer.
For other people, depending on your account type, credit class, and overall standing with T-Mobile, this may not work. Calling T-Mobile does not seem to work, ever. Calling Google does nothing.
An FCC complaint is a last resort nuclear option and worked for at least one poster here. Probably not worth it.
Paying off your phone and waiting 40 days is the proper way, but it's also for suckers. You probably also limit yourself to 2 unlocks per year this way. Kinda defeats the purpose of JOD and getting ready for rapid improvements to 5G phones.
aznsensazn29 said:
Could you link me to where you see the Verizon 4XL bootloader is still unlockable? Last I heard it was locked and the people who had unlocked it had po notentially gotten lucky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't remember where I seen it but there's a certain process that has to be done it has to be a brand-new out of the unit box never booted. You have to take the Verizon sim out replace it with another carrier Sim. Who did the voice the first time with the other carrier shim when it registers to the network it registers is a Google edition device instead of a Verizon Variant. This method has worked on all pixel models carried by Verizon. This method does not work on T-Mobile because another Sim cannot be registered on the network because it's carrier-locked. Do you have any other questions feel free to p.m. me. If you already booted your phone l o e m unlock in developer options is greyed out you can never bootloader unlock your device Google however will replace the device under warranty with another Verizon unit which most likely would be a new unit they tell you they prepare the units but they do not the unit is too new to have repaired units yet so anything within the first few months of release is going to be a brand new replacement.
williejack619 said:
I have t mobile and I bought my pixel 4xl from t mobile you have to pay the full price from t mobile in order to unlock bootloader my t mobile device is unlock. But you have to wait 40 days in order to get your phone unlock when purchase in full prices. Once you get the pixel 4xl unlock the bootloader will also be unlock. For me it took me 30 days to make it happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no patience for stupid T-Mobile reps I have no patience for stupid people I'm past that and I was sold a device that I was told was told was bootloader unlockable. Clearly explaining the difference between carrier unlock and bootloader unlock. I'm still a little lost on the fact of why VZW Variant is carrier-unlocked with all the other device is being carrier-locked and it's a domestic company yet T-Mobile is global the device is carrier-locked and it just cost them x amount of dollars for a different version of software for that reason. It's all this is another version of firmware for the pixel 4.
T-Mobile isn't even aware that 95% of the Motorola's are bootloader unlockable even the Moto Z3 what exactly are they trying to protect when other devices they carry are boot literal lockable but still carrier-locked.
CyberpodS2 said:
Putting aside the merits of your argument in regards to what's right or wrong, which I agree with you btw.
I'm going to predict your stuck with a locked phone if you keep it. Neither the Pixel 2 or 3 ever got unlocked on the carrier versions. Google don't get involved as they offer it up unlocked at a premium. I can't imagine any scenario where a carrier gives a Rats ass about providing help on that front. It is a lose - lose situation for them. It opens up security concerns for their corporate partners and customers and creates a whole new warranty headache with people boning up their phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well like I previously said this is a time-sensitive matter to both parties Google escalations and the T-Mobile assistant. And again I will not get stuck with a paperweight whether they like it or not they may be unlocking this phone early. Google support level 1 already said they would replace the device under warranty but it would have to be with another T-Mobile variant which would not do me any good especially with the VZW SIM card swap not working on this model.
CyberpodS2 said:
I didn't know they had any influence on each other, but maybe I'm mistaken?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely not it all depends on how its setup if it's set up via firmware or it is a separate component listening device but for example the Moto Z3 is carrier-locked but it is bootloader unlockable through Motorola I know for a fact a bootloader unlock free of them which all bricked when they upgraded from Oreo 2 Pie aka Treble.
ThisPlaceIsaJoke said:
Dude disappoint so be stupid like T-Mobile reps I have no patience for stupid people I'm past that and I was sold a device that I was told was told was bootloader unlockable. Clearly explaining the difference between carrier unlock and bootloader unlock. I'm still a little lost on the fact of why VZW Variant is carrier-unlocked with all the other device is being carrier-locked and it's a domestic company yet T-Mobile is global the device is carrier-locked and it just cost them x amount of dollars for a different version of software for that reason. It's all this is another version of firmware for the pixel 4.
T-Mobile isn't even aware that 95% of the Motorola's are bootloader unlockable even the Moto Z3 what exactly are they trying to protect when other devices they carry are boot literal lockable but still carrier-locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone translate this to English?
LLStarks said:
Why are you talking to Google? Hit up T-Mobile on Twitter or Facebook and they'll sim unlock it if you ask nicely.
Worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will what I did before work for me I hit up Google I had a Verizon variant with the OG Pixel XL they replaced it with a Google edition upgraded model to 128 gig brand new. I only have 20 days so I'm going to hit up anybody that I can that is willing to help. Google is the manufacturer T-Mobile is the carrier both parties are involved
I just bought the device from ebay seller who listed it as unlocked but it's locked to spectrum. I was wondering if anyone has been able to unlock the device from this carrier. Any help is appreciated. (SS548)
NEOSPEED said:
I just bought the device from ebay seller who listed it as unlocked but it's locked to spectrum. I was wondering if anyone has been able to unlock the device from this carrier. Any help is appreciated. (SS548)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine directly from Spectrum, it had to be paid off and I had to call Spectrum tech support to unlock it (Sim lock?). After that, I could follow the procedure to unlock and root. Note: I unrooted and relocked as I found little value in being rooted at the moment and preferred to be able to use google pay, which is blocked if phone is unlocked (will likely go back to root after Google stops supporting the phone and will load lineageos, if I still have the phone).
Stu
-----
Google Pixel 3a, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 and Mecool KIII Pro
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 (2016)
Google Pixel
Nexus 7 (2013)
Moto Z Play
HTC 10
Nexus 6
LG G2
Verizon LG G Pad 8.3 LTE
HTC Droid DNA
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 Plus
HTC Thunderbolt
HTC Droid Eris
Verizon XV6700
So the only way to unlock the bootloader is to have the carrier sim-unlock the device first? I'm kinda surprised there isn't an exploit to get around that.
Badd_blood said:
So the only way to unlock the bootloader is to have the carrier sim-unlock the device first? I'm kinda surprised there isn't an exploit to get around that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't be surprised considering Verizon Pixels 2, 3 ,4 don't have exploits.
Who knows what OP is actually talking about. His title is talking about bootloader unlock, while his post is talking about carrier unlock.
Hello all,
I read online that Verizon and AT&T would be carrying the 5G mmwave version of the Pixel 6a only. Anyone know if it is possible to purchase this phone outright from a carrier with bootloader unlocked? I have no interest in getting one of these phones without OEM unlocking enabled, but I don't want to miss out on features either. Thank you.
From a carrier no, you can't get an unlocked phone. You most likely will have to buy it from the google store. Saying that, if you load the Android 13 load for the pixel 6a, c-band 5G and mmWave 5g should be available for it I believe. Unless they switched the samsung modem chip to a different one from the 6/6 pro to the 6a.
BalooRJ said:
Hello all,
I read online that Verizon and AT&T would be carrying the 5G mmwave version of the Pixel 6a only. Anyone know if it is possible to purchase this phone outright from a carrier with bootloader unlocked? I have no interest in getting one of these phones without OEM unlocking enabled, but I don't want to miss out on features either. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't buy any phone with a bootloader unlocked. I presume you mean bootloader unlockable, i.e. OEM switch active and not grayed out. Forget Verizon completely but I'm not sure about ATT. Verizon charges $100 more for a technology that is dubious at best at this point and ATT is about $20 more. If you consider it a feature that you will use you'll have to buy the device from one or the other. Personally I don't care about mmWave and I have Verizon as a carrier. There is no way I'd give up being able to unlock the bootloader even though I don't unlock it any longer. But I want the option and I've been know to flip the switch before I install an update or some other beta just so I can roll back albeit with a full device wipe.
You can buy an unlocked version from Google without 5G mmWave or from BB for about the same price. Check with ATT see if the device is carrier unlocked and bootloader unlockable or wait for someone to buy one from ATT and come here to see if there is a bypass for the OEM switch. As I said take Verizon off your radar there is no way.
edit: Verizon is $499 only $50 more and it seems like the ATT version is the same $449 price. I'm still not sure is the ATT version is unlockable though and if it for certain has the mmWave tech in it. Perhaps someone with more knowledge of ATT could chime in.