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
I picked up a Pixel 3a off ebay. It was sold as "factory unlocked", and I confirmed not a VZW model. I double checked by entering the IMEI number, on the VZW site, and it is indeed incompatible. However, the OEM unlocking toggle is greyed out. Anyone have any suggestions before I dispute the "Factory Unlocked Status" With the ebay seller?
Update: So. Even though a device's IMEI says it's not compatible with VZW, apparently that doesn't mean it's not a VZW phone. I chatted with Google support, and they were able to confirm it's a VZW model. Beware folks.
Firedrake1 said:
I picked up a Pixel 3a off ebay. It was sold as "factory unlocked", and I confirmed not a VZW model. I double checked by entering the IMEI number, on the VZW site, and it is indeed incompatible. However, the OEM unlocking toggle is greyed out. Anyone have any suggestions before I dispute the "Factory Unlocked Status" With the ebay seller?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Factory Unlocked" usually means available from the factory for use with any carrier, not necessarily that the bootloader can be unlocked.
Hopefully this isn't your situation or a quick return may be in order.
Good luck.
Firedrake1 said:
I picked up a Pixel 3a off ebay. It was sold as "factory unlocked", and I confirmed not a VZW model. I double checked by entering the IMEI number, on the VZW site, and it is indeed incompatible. However, the OEM unlocking toggle is greyed out. Anyone have any suggestions before I dispute the "Factory Unlocked Status" With the ebay seller?
Update: So. Even though a device's IMEI says it's not compatible with VZW, apparently that doesn't mean it's not a VZW phone. I chatted with Google support, and they were able to confirm it's a VZW model. Beware folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my 3a xl in Australia at a store and can confirm it's a Verizon model but it is factory unlocked with bootloader unlock available and I was able to unlock the bootloader as soon as I got home. Quite weird that yours was unable to be unlocked ?
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs
Firedrake1 said:
I picked up a Pixel 3a off ebay. It was sold as "factory unlocked", and I confirmed not a VZW model. I double checked by entering the IMEI number, on the VZW site, and it is indeed incompatible. However, the OEM unlocking toggle is greyed out. Anyone have any suggestions before I dispute the "Factory Unlocked Status" With the ebay seller?
Update: So. Even though a device's IMEI says it's not compatible with VZW, apparently that doesn't mean it's not a VZW phone. I chatted with Google support, and they were able to confirm it's a VZW model. Beware folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely return the phone if you can. I suspect you are being hit with a double whammy - not only is it a Verizon phone, I suspect it has been reported to Verizon as lost or stolen which is why it is showing as incompatible on their system.
Firedrake1 said:
I picked up a Pixel 3a off ebay. It was sold as "factory unlocked", and I confirmed not a VZW model. I double checked by entering the IMEI number, on the VZW site, and it is indeed incompatible. However, the OEM unlocking toggle is greyed out. Anyone have any suggestions before I dispute the "Factory Unlocked Status" With the ebay seller?
Update: So. Even though a device's IMEI says it's not compatible with VZW, apparently that doesn't mean it's not a VZW phone. I chatted with Google support, and they were able to confirm it's a VZW model. Beware folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I read on previous pixel threads is that you have to check the OEM unlock before setting the entire phone. Factory data reset the entire phone and pull your sim out. Boot the the phone back up and since you have no sim log into your WiFi, skip all the Google sign in. And wait until the phone boots back up. Once the phone is boot up go to developer settings and you should be able to check the OEM unlock from there. I've never tried it so idk if that actually works but that's from what I read. So maybe you could give that a shot?
99% of Pixels on ebay sold as unlocked are Verizon models. Buy on swappa instead, so you know what you're getting, but you will have to pay more for a non-Verizon model.
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.