Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone has done this, or knows if it's possible to (after unlocking bootloader) flash the Google stock Pixel system image instead of the Verizon one? I'm assuming the hardware and firmware are identical, but am not sure and am not skilled enough (or at all) in code to know if its possible. I bought my phone through Verizon, only because nowhere else had stock. I use it on T-Mobile, but fear there may be some behind the scenes Verizon stuff going on that may hinder my phone on T-Mobile. I haven't experienced any issues yet, but with the Nov security update mentioning a specific fix for wifi calling in New Mexico only on the Verizon pixels, it makes me weary that there is more happening beneath the surface than I am aware of. Thanks for any and all help! Appreciate it.
newbienic said:
Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone has done this, or knows if it's possible to (after unlocking bootloader) flash the Google stock Pixel system image instead of the Verizon one? I'm assuming the hardware and firmware are identical, but am not sure and am not skilled enough (or at all) in code to know if its possible. I bought my phone through Verizon, only because nowhere else had stock. I use it on T-Mobile, but fear there may be some behind the scenes Verizon stuff going on that may hinder my phone on T-Mobile. I haven't experienced any issues yet, but with the Nov security update mentioning a specific fix for wifi calling in New Mexico only on the Verizon pixels, it makes me weary that there is more happening beneath the surface than I am aware of. Thanks for any and all help! Appreciate it.
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I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
jay661972 said:
I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
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Awesome! Thanks for the info... Really glad to know I can convert if need be. Thanks again!
jay661972 said:
I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
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Interesting side note on this...
I went ahead and unlocked my bootloader and flashed Google's stock Pixel image. All went well, no problems... Until I tried to use Android Pay. It's telling me my software can't be verified. And I out of curiosity checked, and the "allow OEM unlocking" in developer options is still greyed out, and not selectable, even though my BL is unlocked. Hoping this doesn't mean that we can't take an OTA. Weird, I guess we'll have to wait and see when next month's security update comes out...
newbienic said:
Interesting side note on this...
I went ahead and unlocked my bootloader and flashed Google's stock Pixel image. All went well, no problems... Until I tried to use Android Pay. It's telling me my software can't be verified. And I out of curiosity checked, and the "allow OEM unlocking" in developer options is still greyed out, and not selectable, even though my BL is unlocked. Hoping this doesn't mean that we can't take an OTA. Weird, I guess we'll have to wait and see when next month's security update comes out...
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Just having an unlocked bootloader trips SafetyNet now and you can't use Android Pay without a custom kernel.
ITGuy11 said:
Just having an unlocked bootloader trips SafetyNet now and you can't use Android Pay without a custom kernel.
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And the OEM unlock option appears to be dependent on device ID (imeid? Ccid?), And not the software. So don't relock it, and you're fine
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
danaff37 said:
And the OEM unlock option appears to be dependent on device ID (imeid? Ccid?), And not the software. So don't relock it, and you're fine
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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One thing I just realized, is in Developer Options, its greyed out like I mentioned, but also says "Bootloader is already unlocked". Which I actually remember seeing on my Nexus 5x when the bootloader was unlocked. It's got me really curious about re locking the bootloader. Mainly cause I actually use Android Pay. Had no idea bootloader unlocks are actually tripping safety net now. Major bummer. If anyone has gone through this process with a Verizon pixel and has actually relocked their bootloader with no issues I'd certainly appreciate any info you have. Otherwise, I may have to dive in blind and hope for the best.
If you want to use Android pay, flash a custom kernel but don't root. Works for me.
Don't relock if you ever want to have it rooted, custom, etc. The unlock method isn't going to survive another security update.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
danaff37 said:
If you want to use Android pay, flash a custom kernel but don't root. Works for me.
Don't relock if you ever want to have it rooted, custom, etc. The unlock method isn't going to survive another security update.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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Hypathetically, if I didn't want root or anything custom at all, do you think that relocking the bootloader could cause an issue while using the Stock Google image on a Verizon Pixel? I wish I had more knowledge on this, but I'm pretty in the dark on this stuff as of late... Thanks for your help!
Should be fine if all stock I think, just know that you may not be able to unlock later.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
newbienic said:
One thing I just realized, is in Developer Options, its greyed out like I mentioned, but also says "Bootloader is already unlocked". Which I actually remember seeing on my Nexus 5x when the bootloader was unlocked. It's got me really curious about re locking the bootloader. Mainly cause I actually use Android Pay. Had no idea bootloader unlocks are actually tripping safety net now. Major bummer. If anyone has gone through this process with a Verizon pixel and has actually relocked their bootloader with no issues I'd certainly appreciate any info you have. Otherwise, I may have to dive in blind and hope for the best.
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Contrary to what people are saying. You CAN relock your bootloader and then unlock it again later. However, keep in mind that at some point there will likely be an update that blocks the use of dePixel8 and you will no longer be able to unlock the bootloader unless someone writes another exploit.
I would like to find a way to permanently unlock VZW Pixels but until I get one from the Google Store to compare with my Verizon one I don't think I will make much progress.
Relocking your bootloader is as simple as running the "fastboot oem lock" command from the terminal window.
Lastly. If you want to relock the bootloader, make sure your phone is 100% stock image or you risk bricking the phone
If I were to buy the Verizon pixel and flash the unlocked (non European) image. How do you think updates would work? Would I get seamless updates from Google or would I need to flash every Ota manually. Might be too early to tell
b316kane said:
If I were to buy the Verizon pixel and flash the unlocked (non European) image. How do you think updates would work? Would I get seamless updates from Google or would I need to flash every Ota manually. Might be too early to tell
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This is exactly what I did, and I am curious as well... We'll see next month I guess, but I'm guessing it will take the OTA just fine. My wife has a Pixel from the Google store, and mine is from Verizon. I've compared everything (including booloaders) since flashing the Google store Pixel image, and every informational detail is identical. Not sure if there is some other place hidden to me that might indicate a difference, but I'm thinking that Verizon's Pixel is only different in its official software image... And, that may be it. Please don't take my word for it, I'm no developer, and know very little about any of this, but in my comparisons, they are identical now since flashing Googles official (Non Verizon, Non European) image.
Sidenote, I have yet to try this, but I'm thinking that since I am on Googles image, that if I re-lock my bootloader, that I WILL be able to unlock again after locking. I think Verizon used Googles "Allow OEM Unlocking" software toggle in developer options as the only method to actually keep people from unlocking the bootloader (again speculative), and now that I'm on Googles image, that software "block" should no longer be present, so I should in theory, be free to lock/unlock the same as Pixels purchased from the Google store... Again, I've got no proof, or actual skill to back this up, but it's a theory I have, and if I end up locking my BL again, I'll post what I find...
newbienic said:
I have yet to try this, but I'm thinking that since I am on Googles image, that if I re-lock my bootloader, that I WILL be able to unlock again after locking.
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In the Verizon unlocking threads the people that tried relocking reported that they were unable to unlock again without depixel8, which is the same as how the Verizon phone typically works. Some people seem to have gotten into situations that could have been corrected with an unlocked bootloader, but because they had a locked bootloader that couldn't be unlocked using depixel8 they had no easy solution to get their phone working again at this time.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/psa-read-relocking-bootloader-t3494615
alluringreality said:
In the Verizon unlocking threads the people that tried relocking reported that they were unable to unlock again without depixel8, which is the same as how the Verizon phone typically works. Some people seem to have gotten into situations that could have been corrected with an unlocked bootloader, but because they had a locked bootloader that couldn't be unlocked using depixel8 they had no easy solution to get their phone working again at this time.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/psa-read-relocking-bootloader-t3494615
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Thanks for the heads up!!! Like I said, I really know nothing, just speculating. Appreciate you looking out.
newbienic said:
Thanks for the heads up!!! Like I said, I really know nothing, just speculating. Appreciate you looking out.
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I forget where, but I saw written or implied that the "checking for updates" screen about third of way through initial setup of first boot uses WiFi AND sim carrier data to install Verizon custom restrictions and settings that among other effects make depixel8 required.
Even on "non Verizon phones" (which you are saying use the same build images byte to byte?)... You have to either use a SIM card or wifi and google account to allow the developer options to enable OEM unlock.
My theory: In other words, if you don't allow via SIM and a network wifi or data connect, for Verizon to mark your phone, or another carrier, then the phone can not be unlocked. So carrier models may indeed be differentiated from current factory images AFTER boot and setup.
There is a post in Q&A of someone trying to unlock bootloader without loading into the device, not having luck. This is why oem unlock toggle is so important and why people are bricking from locked bootloaders that won't unlock (so no wipe and factory images cannot be flashed.)
Another thing to consider: SIM network lock will not be flashed over.
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs
I have a google pixel xl. I am currently on 7.0 but just received notification that i have a 7.1.1 update waiting for me. I have rooted my phone's in the past but have not rooted or unlocked bootloader this time. Is it my understanding that once this update is received that it is not possible to unlock the bootloader and/or root? I would like to keep the rooting option open but at this time would like to stay on stock as i like having timely updates ota. The last phone/ROM i used, the developer kinda laxed on updates, plus additional issues that were not present on factory installed rom.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
As long as you have a Pixel bought from Google and not Verizon you are fine to take the update. The Verizon variant ships with a locked bootloader that can't be unlocked without the intervention of dePixel8 on 7.1 firmware. The Google variety will always have the option to unlock bootloader / root.
You are on 7.1, not 7.0... the phone shipped at 7.1.
jreink01 said:
I have a google pixel xl. I am currently on 7.0 but just received notification that i have a 7.1.1 update waiting for me. I have rooted my phone's in the past but have not rooted or unlocked bootloader this time. Is it my understanding that once this update is received that it is not possible to unlock the bootloader and/or root? I would like to keep the rooting option open but at this time would like to stay on stock as i like having timely updates ota. The last phone/ROM i used, the developer kinda laxed on updates, plus additional issues that were not present on factory installed rom.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
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As I understand, the google phone should have no issues getting the bootloader unlocked. The verizon one cannot be unlocked from 7.1.1 (at least so far).
Beyond that, rooting can be done in 7.1 or 7.1.1.
I would suggest unlocking the bootloader and keeping it that way if you want to change anything.
(My suggestions are based on Google Pixel, and NOT the XL). I just noticed, but you're posting on the pixel forums btw.
Can all versions of Pixel have their bootloader unlocked and be rooted? Or are there some versions that cannot be rooted? In the past I had misfortune with carrier branded phones from Canada that it was impossible to unlock bootloader. It want to confirm this is not the case before gettinga Pixel. Thanks in advance.
Just to be clear I'm talking about the Pixel with 5.0" screen, so not the XL.
Google version can be unlocked. There is a tool available to unlock the Verizon version but it was patched with December's update. If you plan to get it through Verizon I would hurry up and get it because it's likely not updated yet. Then you can take out the sim and skip connecting to wifi during setup and then unlock the bootloader before updating.
It is VERY unlikely that a new exploit will be found ever for the Verizon pixel. From my understanding it was a very simple exploit that was pretty much found by mistake.
lightningglasses said:
Can all versions of Pixel have their bootloader unlocked and be rooted? Or are there some versions that cannot be rooted? In the past I had misfortune with carrier branded phones from Canada that it was impossible to unlock bootloader. It want to confirm this is not the case before gettinga Pixel. Thanks in advance.
Just to be clear I'm talking about the Pixel with 5.0" screen, so not the XL.
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All Canadian versions of the pixel/XL are carrier unlocked and can have their bootloader's unlocked as well. And can be rooted.
aholeinthewor1d said:
Google version can be unlocked. There is a tool available to unlock the Verizon version but it was patched with December's update. If you plan to get it through Verizon I would hurry up and get it because it's likely not updated yet. Then you can take out the sim and skip connecting to wifi during setup and then unlock the bootloader before updating.
It is VERY unlikely that a new exploit will be found ever for the Verizon pixel. From my understanding it was a very simple exploit that was pretty much found by mistake.
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Why is it "Very Likely"?
There have been plenty of phones to lose bootloader unlock exploits only to never get them back. Guaranteed unlock exploits is a thing of the past... Get in while you can or deal with it when it never becomes an option again.
scryan said:
Why is it "Very Likely"?
There have been plenty of phones to lose bootloader unlock exploits only to never get them back. Guaranteed unlock exploits is a thing of the past... Get in while you can or deal with it when it never becomes an option again.
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Read my post again lol. I said "very unlikely".
Hello guys.
I'm going to buy used and bootloader unlocked Verizon Pixel tomorrow and I'm interested in couple of things:
1. Can I flash all the ROMs that are available for Pixel on Verizon version too?
2. Can I properly install TWRP, root using Magisk, etc?
3. Can I properly flash (and downgrade if needed) official system images (and are they ever available for Verizon models?)
4. Can I take part in Android Beta program?
5. Is there anything I should be afraid of?
Thanks in advance.
Make sure it is bootloader unlocked, and not just SIM unlocked. There are not many VZ ones around that are bootloader unlocked. You need that to do the items on you list.
TonikJDK said:
Make sure it is bootloader unlocked, and not just SIM unlocked. There are not many VZ ones around that area bootloader unlocked. You need that to do the items on you list.
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As I already stated, bootloader is already unlocked.
No one has an answer?
If it's bootloader u locked then yeah u can do all those things. Just do not ever for any reason ever relock the bootloader. Also I believe there have been a few cases where ppl have had semibricks or other issues which required locked stock to fix or somehow resulted in locked stock
I got a replacement about a month ago on my small Pixel and that one was unlocked. However, the one I got from Verizon in store did not have an unlocked bootloader. I'm not sure what the deal is, but maybe getting a replacement from an "accidental" break might do the trick. just to clarify, my first Pixels' usb port got completely fried and started to smell bad whenever it charged, and the phone would get really hot. I am now on 8.1 with an unlocked bootloader but have yet to actually root the phone
KittyRgnarok said:
If it's bootloader u locked then yeah u can do all those things. Just do not ever for any reason ever relock the bootloader. Also I believe there have been a few cases where ppl have had semibricks or other issues which required locked stock to fix or somehow resulted in locked stock
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Thank you!
gb_14 said:
Thank you!
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Np
I unlocked the bootloader on my Verizon Pixel 2 - just because I could - but I don't really have any need for root and don't want to deal with the tripped safetynet and manual updates. What I'd like to do is flash a ROM that would convert this to a Google Pixel 2 (that gets OTAs directly from Google) and then relock the bootloader. Is this possible?
8.1 was unified so both Verizon and Google has the same firmware. Maybe that's why it "broke" the bootloader for us to be able to Unlock it.
I hope it'll continue to be unified so we get updates as fast as the Google Pixel 2.
guapinoy said:
8.1 was unified so both Verizon and Google has the same firmware. Maybe that's why it "broke" the bootloader for us to be able to Unlock it.
I hope it'll continue to be unified so we get updates as fast as the Google Pixel 2.
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Thanks, I didn't realize they had merged. Your theory about why the bootloader broke is definitely possible, but if so I'm not sure why the XL wouldn't have received the same treatment.