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I would like to buy a carrier locked phone in the USA.
I do not live in the USA so my question is, can I take this phone home and then flash a new ROM on it?
Would that take care of the lock?
Thanks!
ronr34 said:
I would like to buy a carrier locked phone in the USA.
I do not live in the USA so my question is, can I take this phone home and then flash a new ROM on it?
Would that take care of the lock?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also,
When buying a no-contract phone, is it still locked?
Can I do the same to unlock this phone?
It depends on the phone and the carrier.
Planterz said:
It depends on the phone and the carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking for a good new phone.
QuadCore and 5.0" and bigger.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
A specific model that this would work for?
ronr34 said:
I would like to buy a carrier locked phone in the USA.
I do not live in the USA so my question is, can I take this phone home and then flash a new ROM on it?
Would that take care of the lock?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi There,
Well Unlocking the Bootloader of your device Unlocks it to any Carrier.
If you want to know how to do that tell me which device you are using.
If Helped In Any Way Click THANKS.
DevRakeeß said:
Hi There,
Well Unlocking the Bootloader of your device Unlocks it to any Carrier.
If you want to know how to do that tell me which device you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier unlocking and bootloader unlocking are completely unrelated things.
ronr34 said:
I'm looking for a good new phone.
QuadCore and 5.0" and bigger.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
A specific model that this would work for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, it depends on the phone and the carrier. Verizon phones are internationally unlocked out of the box. Which means if you buy it and try to use it in the US without unlocking it, it won't let you, but if you take it outside the USA, it's GSM unlocked. AT&T and T-Mobile phones can be unlocked and used globally too, but both require that they've been used with their service for a time. 40 days with T-Mobile, and with AT&T it has to be coming from an active or a prior account.
With AT&T and T-Mobile, you can purchase (through eBay or websites) unlock codes, which run like $30-40 for a flagship phone. Alternatively, you can buy new unlocked phones off eBay that once locked to a network, but the reseller bought the phone new, opened the box, unlocked the phone, then sells it. Or you can buy a used phone that has already been unlocked.
Don't buy a Sprint phone, it won't work.
IMO your best bet is to buy a Verizon "world phone", or buy a factory unlocked "international" version.
LTE bands are another matter. If you want LTE where you'll be taking it (assuming it's available), you might be best off with a Nexus 4 or 5, or a recent Sony Xperia Z - class model, as these have numerous LTE band compatibility.
Planterz said:
Carrier unlocking and bootloader unlocking are completely unrelated things.
Again, it depends on the phone and the carrier. Verizon phones are internationally unlocked out of the box. Which means if you buy it and try to use it in the US without unlocking it, it won't let you, but if you take it outside the USA, it's GSM unlocked. AT&T and T-Mobile phones can be unlocked and used globally too, but both require that they've been used with their service for a time. 40 days with T-Mobile, and with AT&T it has to be coming from an active or a prior account.
With AT&T and T-Mobile, you can purchase (through eBay or websites) unlock codes, which run like $30-40 for a flagship phone. Alternatively, you can buy new unlocked phones off eBay that once locked to a network, but the reseller bought the phone new, opened the box, unlocked the phone, then sells it. Or you can buy a used phone that has already been unlocked.
Don't buy a Sprint phone, it won't work.
IMO your best bet is to buy a Verizon "world phone", or buy a factory unlocked "international" version.
LTE bands are another matter. If you want LTE where you'll be taking it (assuming it's available), you might be best off with a Nexus 4 or 5, or a recent Sony Xperia Z - class model, as these have numerous LTE band compatibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, but my question was how to bypass the locks on the phone.
I know I can buy it unlocked but it's way more expensive.
I thought that the lock was software related and not hardware so that burning a new ROM would fix this.
Is that the case?
ronr34 said:
I thought that the lock was software related and not hardware so that burning a new ROM would fix this.
Is that the case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not the case. Carrier lock/unlock is in a different part of the device's firmware.
Planterz said:
It is not the case. Carrier lock/unlock is in a different part of the device's firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does that mean that a new ROM flash will not solve this?
ronr34 said:
So does that mean that a new ROM flash will not solve this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How many times do I have to say the same thing?
Flashing a different ROM, be it from another carrier, or a custom ROM, does not give you the ability to carrier unlock a device.
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
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.
I haven't purchased a new phone since before 802.11ax came out. It's been... a long time, to say the least.
I'm reading mixed signals. Can I unlock, root, and do whatever anyone else can do with this hardware - or will they strangle my balls still?
I'm on Verizon too, but purchased the unlocked version. The Verizon bootloaders have driven me nuts in the past...
Fully unlocked amas in carrier unlocked. Only way you can unlock the bootloader of a pixel 7 device in the USA is if you bought an u locked variant directly from Google. You can't unlock any Android device bought from Verizon.
Usually it means you can't unlock the bootloader but that's only after the first firmware update.
So if you don't update it and wait then it should work. That's how it went with the vzw variant of the pixel XL anyways... I bought 2 of them because like a dupe I let it update without even thinking.
Then I got another and before anything I unlocked the bootloader, installed twrp, got root and then put my sim card in and I manually installed Google's updates and everything was fine.
Dunno if that changed or not...but it will ship with the ability to unlock it, or should because it's flashed with the stock Google firmware
The above post only applies to the original Pixel 1.
When Verizon says "unlocked" they mean carrier unlocked.
You can only get a bootloader unlocked if you buy direct from Google and buy the Google version of the phone, not the Verizon one they list.
What @jdoe6783 and @TonikJDK said. When all United States carriers volunteer information about "unlocking", they only mean carrier unlocking - i.e. you can then use your Verizon Pixel 7 Pro on a different carrier.
As I say in Post 2 in my thread:
roirraW edor ehT said:
Verizon variants:
Will never be able to have their bootloader unlocked. It's like winning the lottery, and just as rare and relatively random. There is nothing that anyone on XDA can do to help you unlock your Verizon variant.
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Click to collapse
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Click to collapse
Curious why you would even buy the carrier variant from the google store? I mean if you are paying in full, just buy the unlocked version.
Ok. Thank you, all. Once the device is carrier unlocked, will I be able to remove the Verizon bloatware? That's my biggest concern now. I can live with a locked bootloader as long as the provided OS allows me to control what software is and is not running.
I bought the carrier variant for a few reasons:
I've already settled on Verizon as my carrier for the long haul. I bounced around between MVNOs, Google Fi, and T-mobile before landing on Verizon ~18mo ago. It has been a better experience for a little less money after taking advantage of so many promotions - several of which hinge on my home ISP being Verizon as well.
The trade-in value is pretty solid. I don't value it at $700 like they say as it's really just $19/mo off my bill for 3 years. It's not clear to me what happens if I upgrade my device or decide to cancel service in that time... they just stop providing the discount?
I never felt the need to root my last phone. I did it for a while, and many of my necessary apps detected this and stopped working. I've gathered that this is something the community has addressed now, but it still speaks to the time/benefit of going through the process to root and try out different things that rooting enables. I have less time to research and try out various options than I once did. My suspicion is that I'll be happy enough with the factory OS. The only things that would change this would be if I cannot remove Verizon bloatware. I'm not forefiting that kind of control of my $1k phone for a $20/mo reimbursement.
mmWave sounds cool, but I'm not convinced it'll have a meaningful impact on my usage. Perhaps when I'm in a large city and there's congestion on the other bands... This is a very minor point.
shiftr182 said:
Curious why you would even buy the carrier variant from the google store? I mean if you are paying in full, just buy the unlocked version.
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agreed...
you can always buy the Google unlocked variant and just activate it on your carrier (in this case, Verizon as OP's carrier), instead of purchasing the specific carrier variant.
At the very least I plan on purchasing the unlocked variant and activating it on Verizon....
If anything, @SethW, if it is truly important to you to do all the additional "fun" stuff like root, tether, custom ROMs, and all the other stuff (like it is to many/most of us on this forum)...you should still be in the return period. You might want to try the route of returning it and purchasing the Google unlocked variant to be certain you can unlock the bootloader -- and therefore root and other things.
EDIT
@SethW's reply just popped up while I was replying and just got in right before my post, so I wanted to address it...
SethW said:
Ok. Thank you, all. Once the device is carrier unlocked, will I be able to remove the Verizon bloatware? That's my biggest concern now. I can live with a locked bootloader as long as the provided OS allows me to control what software is and is not running.
I bought the carrier variant for a few reasons:
I've already settled on Verizon as my carrier for the long haul. I bounced around between MVNOs, Google Fi, and T-mobile before landing on Verizon ~18mo ago. It has been a better experience for a little less money after taking advantage of so many promotions - several of which hinge on my home ISP being Verizon as well.
....My suspicion is that I'll be happy enough with the factory OS. The only things that would change this would be if I cannot remove Verizon bloatware. I'm not forefiting that kind of control of my $1k phone for a $20/mo reimbursement.
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It's okay to be on Verizon. I've been with them for decades and okay with them. It's good that you tried out a bunch and have your reasons to use them. By all means, you can/should use the P7P with them.
But to address your other concerns about the Verizon bloatware -- I'm fairly certain if you purchased the carrier specific Verizon variant, it will have its bloatware and you will not be able to remove it. There might be tricks to hide & help ignore it, but [usually] you aren't going to be able to remove it (at least without root, which you will not be able to do since Verizon bootlocks their devices; also, if it were rootable, you would have an unlocked variant and would not have bloatware in the first place ) [fun fact: in the earliest days of Android smartphones, the whole reason to root one's phone was to get rid of said bloatware; now, one has to purchase directly from Google and get their variant to even get a chance to root outside of carrier control]. Now I've never purchased a carrier variant from Google nor have I met anyone who has, so it might be different since you purchased it from Google store and not Verizon store, but I can't imagine Verizon wouldn't hold Google to their restrictions even if it's from Google's store -- I mean, what's the difference/purpose selling a carrier variant without any of said carrier's restrictions when Google could just sell Google's unlocked variant and just load it on the carrier's network?
TL;DR If it's a carrier (Verizon) variant, it most likely will have the carrier's bloatware; and you cannot remove it; even if the OS is as customizable as Android.
I'm definitely thinking about a return already. The agreements states 'unlocked after 60 days' which I read as fully unlocked, rather than some partial unlocking they've come up with. It really hinges on whether or not I can fully control the OS of the phone after it's 'carrier' unlocked.
EDIT - in response to @simplepinoi177 's edit
Well then. Returning it for sure. Didn't even think to mention ad-blocking apps and such but I rely on those. Makes my stomach turn when I see someone using a device without robust ad-blocking. Without root, that's probably on the chopping block too.
SethW said:
I'm definitely thinking about a return already. The agreements states 'unlocked after 60 days' which I read as fully unlocked, rather than some partial unlocking they've come up with. It really hinges on whether or not I can fully control the OS of the phone after it's 'carrier' unlocked.
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Keep in mind, it's not just Verizon. All U.S. carriers, when they say unlocked, they only mean carrier unlocked. It's not just something Verizon came up with. As far as they're concerned, it will be fully unlocked.
SethW said:
EDIT - in response to @simplepinoi177 's edit
Well then. Returning it for sure. Didn't even think to mention ad-blocking apps and such but I rely on those. Makes my stomach turn when I see someone using a device without robust ad-blocking. Without root, that's probably on the chopping block too.
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Good luck with your return and re-purchase!
simplepinoi177 said:
you can always buy the Google unlocked variant and just activate it on your carrier (in this case, Verizon as OP's carrier), instead of purchasing the specific carrier variant.
At the very least I plan on purchasing the unlocked variant and activating it on Verizon....
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The unlocked phone from Amazon is the same as the unlocked one from Google, isn't it?
Wi1son said:
The unlocked phone from Amazon is the same as the unlocked one from Google, isn't it?
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Yep
Wi1son said:
The unlocked phone from Amazon is the same as the unlocked one from Google, isn't it?
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EtherealRemnant said:
Yep
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Also, if you check the Amazon description, under "Wireless Carrier", it states "Unlocked", so it's a safe bet that it's actually unlocked like the Google variant and not the way carrier's state "unlocked" like it's not "contractually bound" or "locked" to the carrier....
If you have the Verizon model, you can disable some of the VZW bloatware with ADB, but not all of it. If you disable some of the VZW specific packages, it won't boot and you will have to go through recovery. I was really annoyed when I found out that I couldn't unlock the bootloader on the VZW model of my Pixel 3XL. On my previous phone I had relied on particular mods to make my life easier (I'm unilaterally deaf).
I would certainly return it for the unlocked Google version while the window is open, just in case you ever need to unlock the bootloader.
Refused delivery and requested FedEx return it to sender - as instructed by Google Support. In spite of this, FedEx tried to delivery every day for the past week. They're finally sending it back to Google. I suspect they'll refund it soon. I'm really annoyed that I'm apparently going to miss out on the $200 google store promotion. I was looking forward to trying out the pro earbuds for free.
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
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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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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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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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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