Buying a Pixel 3 Verizon unlocked for International use. - Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers

The variant is GA00465-US and if I understand correctly the device approaches its EOL, with no way of installing custom ROMs to keep it up to date since it has a locked bootloader.
Anything else should I be aware of? Do I need a Verizon SIM for activation or updates? Does it come with any nonremovable bloatware?
I don't usually buy 2 year old models, but with the Pixel 3 costing less then my Note8 screen repair bill it will get the job done for a year or two.
Any help would be appreciated.

In some cases you can actually unlock the bootloader of these phones. Try to boot it up without a SIM card and then look for the OEM unlock option. If you're lucky, it'll be there and you can unlock the phone

Related

Verizon Pixel 3a OEM unlock

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.

T-Mobile Variant : Google Pixel 4XL (VERIZON Bootloader Unlock Process WONT WORK)

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.
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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

At&t pixel 5 is carrier-locked

Does anyone know an unofficial way to unlock this? Otherwise it's going back.
Thanks
joemommasfat said:
Does anyone know an unofficial way to unlock this? Otherwise it's going back.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it financed, or did you buy it outright? Mine is financed, but I assumed (like an idiot, after all this is at&t) that I would be able to unlock it after paying it off. Please don't tell me I'm stuck.
Mine is financed, but I have 14 days to return it. I thought it was a deal at $450, but if I can't root it, I'll have to get an unlocked one.
I'm not from the US but I think people on the OP7Pro would call up and saying there are going on a business trip abroad so could they please have the device unlocked.
It was a bit of a lottery if they got someone chill who would do it. The other option is to pay it off.
That might have been another US network though.
Sent from my Pixel 5 using XDA Labs
rav101 said:
I'm not from the US but I think people on the OP7Pro would call up and saying there are going on a business trip abroad so could they please have the device unlocked.
It was a bit of a lottery if they got someone chill who would do it. The other option is to pay it off.
That might have been another US network though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was the locked t-mo model, and that's how I got mine unlocked. I don't work at at&t anymore but when I did there would be no way to unlock it without it being paid off. However I was contracted to work with at&t and not directly employed by them, maybe someone would have permission to do so I'm just doubtful.
joemommasfat said:
Mine is financed, but I have 14 days to return it. I thought it was a deal at $450, but if I can't root it, I'll have to get an unlocked one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier locked is not the same as bootloader locked. As long as you can toggle the unlock bootloader setting in the developer options menu, you can root. You just can't insert the SIM of another carrier until your device is paid off.
You cannot toggle the OEM unlocking switch on carrier locked devices
joemommasfat said:
Mine is financed, but I have 14 days to return it. I thought it was a deal at $450, but if I can't root it, I'll have to get an unlocked one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, you just now discovered that carrier locked phones can't be rooted?
Tel864 said:
LOL, you just now discovered that carrier locked phones can't be rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I discovered when I received the phone that at&t was carrier locking this phone. I was asking if anyone had found a way to side step this.
Tel864 said:
LOL, you just now discovered that carrier locked phones can't be rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's amazing the number of people who still don't know that carrier incentivized devices are locked and the exploit ship has long ago sailed away into the sunset.
l7777 said:
It's amazing the number of people who still don't know that carrier incentivized devices are locked and the exploit ship has long ago sailed away into the sunset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's truley amazing is that I thought I could ask a question on this forum without a bunch of 1337 know-it-alls being condescending.
joemommasfat said:
What's truley amazing is that I thought I could ask a question on this forum without a bunch of 1337 know-it-alls being condescending.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies, no condescension intended. It looks like you've been rooting devices all the way back to the HTC M8. That may well have been one of the last devices that could be bootloader unlocked via exploit. I find it hard to believe that you have been active on XDA all this time and never read any posts regarding bootloader unlocking of Verizon branded/locked devices. The answer regarding bootloader unlock and root has been the same for many years now. Thus my statement that I'm amazed people are still not aware of this.
I didn't know that either. Guess all the phones I've purchased have been unlock devices.. My last phone was a samsung note 10 whick couldn't be unlocked.
if pixel 5 is anything like pixel 4 then the oem bootloader unlock option is tied to the sim lock status. for example my p4 was carrier lock to EE but i paid it off right away so i can sim unlock. becuz i read that once sim unlocked, the oem unlock toggle ungreys itself. this is exactly what happened and i was then able to unlock bootloader.
i read posts about at&t models when early researching the p4 and the way i remember it being explained was it is like apple unlocking system. the serial gets whitelisted for unlocking on google servers which then sim unlocks phone. but this also controls the oem unlock toggle! so basically sim lock status = oem unlock toggle ability status. but again this was for p4.
if youre willing to pay it off early you should be able to unlock. im debating going to p5 because of batteyr life on p4. otherwise love the phone. choices choices! anyway hope this info helps mate, good luck
vdevl said:
if pixel 5 is anything like pixel 4 then the oem bootloader unlock option is tied to the sim lock status. for example my p4 was carrier lock to EE but i paid it off right away so i can sim unlock. becuz i read that once sim unlocked, the oem unlock toggle ungreys itself. this is exactly what happened and i was then able to unlock bootloader.
i read posts about at&t models when early researching the p4 and the way i remember it being explained was it is like apple unlocking system. the serial gets whitelisted for unlocking on google servers which then sim unlocks phone. but this also controls the oem unlock toggle! so basically sim lock status = oem unlock toggle ability status. but again this was for p4.
if youre willing to pay it off early you should be able to unlock. im debating going to p5 because of batteyr life on p4. otherwise love the phone. choices choices! anyway hope this info helps mate, good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. Unfortunately if you pay it off early, you have to pay full price (which is somehow more than buying it straight from google). The discounted price only applies if you submit to the 30 month lock in. I returned the phone. Guess I'm sticking with the trusty 2xl for a little longer.
The carrier unlock and SIM unlock are tied together for T-Mobile and AT&T, only Verizon has the "OEM unlock" permanently stuck to OFF and they will not unlock it. I think they need to be pressured but it will take work. They have no excuse.
But AT&T and T-Mobile will unlock the OEM toggle when they SIM unlock, it was confirmed with Pixel 4 when they started selling those carrier-locked. Just usually have to pay off unless you can convince them early.
FYI....T-Mobile only sells the 4a 5G, not the 5. Could change as 5 stock comes back. Short supply right now.

Sprint SIM unlock...haven't bought phone yet

Looking at picking up a 8T, and I have Sprint. I don't want to roll over to Tmo because I'm on grandfathered BYOD plans that I don't want to give up.
I also want dual SIM, so I'll need to SIM unlock and BL unlock. I've read over a few threads where people are finding that Sprint won't SIM unlock these phones, but it also sounds like they're all on installment billing deals, and trying to get them unlocked early?
Is Sprint just flat not unlocking these phones period, or just not doing it on financed phones? Would I be OK if I just paid for it full retail and get it unlocked immediately, or would I still be subject to the 40-something day waiting period?
i sure like the idea of getting the phone free with trade in, but not if it means I can't get it unlocked and modified for dual SIM...the _only_ reason I bought my current Pixel was for the dual SIM feature...
I could not get it done because of the installment plan. But I think they would be more flexible over the waiting period. But then again, it's Sprint.
"it's Sprint"...yeah, that's one of my concerns, lol. It's been pretty difficult to find anyone that's hasn't done one of these phones on installment..., but then given that few people likely have $800 to drop on a phone, and the "free with trade in" deals that Tmo/Sprint are doing on the phones, I'm not really surprised either.
I'm not really even all that opposed to just waiting a couple months to get the unlock if that's what it comes down to, but at the same time, I don't want to drop $800 only to find I'm still boned 2 months later too...
From what I understand, you can take your device into tmobile and have them put a Tmo SIM in it for free, which effective unlocks your Sprint SIM, but I don't know enough about how any of that works to know whether it means it's fully unlocked from that point, or simply locked to Tmobile.
Edit: I plan on doing this Monday, so I'll try the bootloader unlock and let you know if it's successful.
DaddyIronwood said:
From what I understand, you can take your device into tmobile and have them put a Tmo SIM in it for free, which effective unlocks your Sprint SIM, but I don't know enough about how any of that works to know whether it means it's fully unlocked from that point, or simply locked to Tmobile.
Edit: I plan on doing this Monday, so I'll try the bootloader unlock and let you know if it's successful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since tmobile and sprint are one company now thats why it works. It doesn't sim unlock the phone or make oem unlocking available so no bootloader unlock and no root

Question OEM unlocking on a Pixel 7 pro? Verizon

Any tips on how to enabling the OEM unlocking on a Pixel 7 pro? Verizon
Skeeter300blackout said:
Any tips on how to enabling the OEM unlocking on a Pixel 7 pro? Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't unlock the bootloader on Verizon models.
Wow, not all? No hacks or anything.
Nope
Well that sucks, I guess i have to take this dam thing back.
How about T-Mobile? Unlock bootloader option is greyed out
Beddadizi619 said:
How about T-Mobile? Unlock bootloader option is greyed out
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Click to collapse
That's how the Verizon one is. I've seen some video on youtube on how to possibly enable it.... but nothing works. Lughnasadh is correct.
Beddadizi619 said:
How about T-Mobile? Unlock bootloader option is greyed out
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Click to collapse
For T-Mobile you have to be carrier unlocked first before you can unlock the bootloader. This usually involves paying off the phone and then contacting the carrier to have them Carrier unlock it.
Beddadizi619 said:
How about T-Mobile? Unlock bootloader option is greyed out
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I got my pixel 7 pro sim unlocked through the chat function of the T-Mobile app. From there I was able to enable OEM unlock. No need to pay it off, just try and get a good rep in the chat/be abundantly friendly
Beddadizi619 said:
How about T-Mobile? Unlock bootloader option is greyed out
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You have to get TMobile to do a permanent sim/network unlock. They do it over the phone. They make you follow specific rules though, device has to be payed off and you have to have been with T-mobile for a specific amount of time...... If you get a tech support guy who just doesn't care then you may get lucky. I just kept calling until someone did it for me.
Lughnasadh said:
You can't unlock the bootloader on Verizon models.
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Could have if they rooted before letting the phone be booted with a sim card. Verizon carrier unlocks at 6 months paid off or not. You don't have to ask it just happens but if you need to be 100% sure then ask.
I remember getting the first XL and without thinking I booted it up with the sim, it updated and bye bye unlock bootloader option. Thankfully my son also wanted one so we just swapped. I rooted before anything else, then put my sim in and didn't use ota updates because I didn't want the bloat from Verizon.
d0x360 said:
Could have if they rooted before letting the phone be booted with a sim card. Verizon carrier unlocks at 6 months paid off or not. You don't have to ask it just happens but if you need to be 100% sure then ask.
I remember getting the first XL and without thinking I booted it up with the sim, it updated and bye bye unlock bootloader option. Thankfully my son also wanted one so we just swapped. I rooted before anything else, then put my sim in and didn't use ota updates because I didn't want the bloat from Verizon.
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That was for the OG XL. We're talking about the Pixel 7/Pro here (also applies to the 3-6 series as well)(some say they found an exploit for the 2). Carrier unlocking is irrelevant in this case.
Lughnasadh said:
That was for the OG XL. We're talking about the Pixel 7/Pro here (also applies to the 3-6 series as well)(some say they found an exploit for the 2). Carrier unlocking is irrelevant in this case.
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Changed it again huh? I know carrier unlocking is irrelevant but they were talking about it and I knew the vzw info because I had them unlock a phone then they pushed an app to it and that was that.
I have 2 7 pros I need to root that will be going on Verizon but I'm not putting the sim in until I'm done setting up either way. It's bloat free and staying that way. I'm probably switching to fi if the service is good here. I'll save a ton of money on just 2 lines.
d0x360 said:
Changed it again huh? I know carrier unlocking is irrelevant but they were talking about it and I knew the vzw info because I had them unlock a phone then they pushed an app to it and that was that.
I have 2 7 pros I need to root that will be going on Verizon but I'm not putting the sim in until I'm done setting up either way. It's bloat free and staying that way. I'm probably switching to fi if the service is good here. I'll save a ton of money on just 2 lines.
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It doesn't matter if you put the SIM in yet or not. What matters is where you got the phone from - each carrier has a different model number. Did you get the phones from Verizon? Then you're out of luck, no bootloader unlocking, no root. Did you get them from Google? Then it's easy, just follow guides on here.
And as others have mentioned, T-Mobile allows you to unlock your phone but it almost always requires that you have the device on active line for 60 days and that you have paid for it in full.
bobbarker2 said:
It doesn't matter if you put the SIM in yet or not. What matters is where you got the phone from - each carrier has a different model number. Did you get the phones from Verizon? Then you're out of luck, no bootloader unlocking, no root. Did you get them from Google? Then it's easy, just follow guides on here.
And as others have mentioned, T-Mobile allows you to unlock your phone but it almost always requires that you have the device on active line for 60 days and that you have paid for it in full.
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Of course not, I don't trust Verizon for even a brief second. I bought a non carrier variant at best buy. I also bought a fi sim because I want to quit Verizon. We pay something like $158 a month for 2 lines and 4 gigs of shared data. Here they have the best service by far but I'm near wifi 99% of the day so it's not a worry.
Hell last month we used 0.68 gigs of data though I saved 30 using Adguard.
I've been rooting since the G1 so I don't forsee any problems but I'm looking for changes like you mentioned and others have...
Really miss those days especially once the Nexus one was out.
Everything was easier to do and there were tons of custom ROM options. With TWRP I'd make an image then flash a new ROM and possibly kernel and be tinkering in settings in under 3 min. It's a shame the scene has shrunk so much but there is still tons of quality stuff which is always nice.
d0x360 said:
We pay something like $158 a month for 2 lines and 4 gigs of shared data.
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Wow that's crazy. I pay that same amount for 6 lines on TMobile with unlimited everything.
d0x360 said:
Everything was easier to do and there were tons of custom ROM options. With TWRP I'd make an image then flash a new ROM and possibly kernel and be tinkering in settings in under 3 min. It's a shame the scene has shrunk so much but there is still tons of quality stuff which is always nice.
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The old days are gone unfortunately. People should consider themselves lucky if they can even get a custom recovery for their device.
I'm perfectly happy with stock Pixel rom. The only reason I root is for custom kernel and some extra control over the apps on my device.
The benefits of rooting and/or unlocking the bootloader have diminished greatly overtime.
d0x360 said:
We pay something like $158 a month for 2 lines and 4 gigs of shared data.
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Not sure what plan your on? We're on Verizon and pay that for 4 lines with unlimited everything.
Apparently even AFTER Carrier Unlocking Pixel 7 Pro, Bootloader is NOT Unlockable, under any circumstance. VZW is pointing at Google and Google is pointing at VZW. I am waiting for a reply or call back from a Google Supervisor, because it should be clearly noted on the VZW Box that even after Carrier Unlocking device, BL CANNOT be Unlocked under any circumstance. I smell a class action lawsuit against Google and/or VZW for Pixel Customers who are unable to OEM Unlock Devices after Carrier Unlocking. Anyone want in? I am hoping I get the right Google Supervisor who will warranty exchange device for another Unlocked or any other Branded Pixel 7 Pro....
AndroidAddict420 said:
Apparently even AFTER Carrier Unlocking Pixel 7 Pro, Bootloader is NOT Unlockable, under any circumstance. VZW is pointing at Google and Google is pointing at VZW. I am waiting for a reply or call back from a Google Supervisor, because it should be clearly noted on the VZW Box that even after Carrier Unlocking device, BL CANNOT be Unlocked under any circumstance. I smell a class action lawsuit against Google and/or VZW for Pixel Customers who are unable to OEM Unlock Devices after Carrier Unlocking. Anyone want in? I am hoping I get the right Google Supervisor who will warranty exchange device for another Unlocked or any other Branded Pixel 7 Pro....
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Good luck getting a class action because you can't bootloader unlock your phone. It's been this way with phones on Verizon for many years now. Never buy a Verizon branded phone if you want to unlock the bootloader.
AndroidAddict420 said:
Apparently even AFTER Carrier Unlocking Pixel 7 Pro, Bootloader is NOT Unlockable, under any circumstance. VZW is pointing at Google and Google is pointing at VZW. I am waiting for a reply or call back from a Google Supervisor, because it should be clearly noted on the VZW Box that even after Carrier Unlocking device, BL CANNOT be Unlocked under any circumstance. I smell a class action lawsuit against Google and/or VZW for Pixel Customers who are unable to OEM Unlock Devices after Carrier Unlocking. Anyone want in? I am hoping I get the right Google Supervisor who will warranty exchange device for another Unlocked or any other Branded Pixel 7 Pro....
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Click to collapse
Buying devices from carriers (specifically from AT&T or Verizon) and expecting them to have an unlockable bootloader: https://media.tenor.com/AQz3_zaiD14AAAAM/hysterical-laughter.gif

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