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There's been a lot of new users picking up cheap G7 ThinQ G710ULM (US Unlocked) versions on ebay lately, then getting frustrated when they find out it a hacked Sprint version (G710pm).
I'm finding posts from new users on different corners of the internet, Telegram groups, Reddit, etc, usually saying that they can't upgrade from Oreo and their device is missing a serial number, and the IMEI is actually from the Sprint pm version. I couldn't find a lot of info in one place about these handsets, so I'm starting this thread to discuss them. There's a good chance any ULM on ebay for a good price is one of these. I bought 3 of them for different people from different sellers, and this was the case on all of them. I almost returned them all and gave up until I did some research and found out THIS ISN'T NECESSARILY A BAD THING!
In fact, it may actually be beneficial compared to the real ULM version in some ways. First of all, it WILL work with T-mobile USA just fine. The bands all seem to work, it even supports WiFi calling and VOLTE, and there's a chance even B71 will work (although this isn't 100% verified, it shows up as an available band to test in the service menu). The real ULM supposedly skips this band. Some people even say the real ULM version is also missing bands for AT&T, but the PM crossflashed version seems to connect to them (this might be an isolated incident or fluke, but at least one redditor claims this was his experience). I'm still not clear on how the unlocked official US version can be missing AT&T bands, so I'd love for other people to maybe chime in here with their experiences.
Yes, you can update to Pie. The OTA updates won't work, likely because of the missing serial number. On that note, I'd LOVE to find out why that is. Can anyone explain why these crossflashed devices are missing the SN? Does that happen on other crossflashed devices?
Either way, follow this guide here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg...how-to-install-pie-stock-treble-aosp-t3914079
Note, this guide was written for flashing a European variant, but the same steps apply. Just choose a kdz for the ULM variant from here: https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmg710ulm-firmwares/#tab=firmwares
^ I recommend the latest Google Fi firmware version, which is G710ULM20e_00_NAO_US_OP_1010.kdz , from 2019-11-14
There is a more recent version from BPT, but it is unclear what that firmware is for. BPT seems to be some sort of regional carrier, so you are better off with the regular USA or Fi version.
Also note, you may need to use 7zip to extract the dll file from that guide. That took me a while to figure out, as Windows explorer throws an error with it. Once you finish, your phone will reboot with a shiny new (relatively) up to date Pie firmware!
There. You now saved yourself a few bucks and got a solid phone. Feel free to share your experiences with the handset here.
Dishe said:
There's been a lot of new users picking up cheap G7 ThinQ G710ULM (US Unlocked) versions on ebay lately, then getting frustrated when they find out it a hacked Sprint version (G710pm).
I'm finding posts from new users on different corners of the internet, Telegram groups, Reddit, etc, usually saying that they can't upgrade from Oreo and their device is missing a serial number, and the IMEI is actually from the Sprint pm version. I couldn't find a lot of info in one place about these handsets, so I'm starting this thread to discuss them. There's a good chance any ULM on ebay for a good price is one of these. I bought 3 of them for different people from different sellers, and this was the case on all of them. I almost returned them all and gave up until I did some research and found out THIS ISN'T NECESSARILY A BAD THING!
In fact, it may actually be beneficial compared to the real ULM version in some ways. First of all, it WILL work with T-mobile USA just fine. The bands all seem to work, it even supports WiFi calling and VOLTE, and there's a chance even B71 will work (although this isn't 100% verified, it shows up as an available band to test in the service menu). The real ULM supposedly skips this band. Some people even say the real ULM version is also missing bands for AT&T, but the PM crossflashed version seems to connect to them (this might be an isolated incident or fluke, but at least one redditor claims this was his experience). I'm still not clear on how the unlocked official US version can be missing AT&T bands, so I'd love for other people to maybe chime in here with their experiences.
Yes, you can update to Pie. The OTA updates won't work, likely because of the missing serial number. On that note, I'd LOVE to find out why that is. Can anyone explain why these crossflashed devices are missing the SN? Does that happen on other crossflashed devices?
Either way, follow this guide here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg...how-to-install-pie-stock-treble-aosp-t3914079
Note, this guide was written for flashing a European variant, but the same steps apply. Just choose a kdz for the ULM variant from here: https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmg710ulm-firmwares/#tab=firmwares
^ I recommend the latest Google Fi firmware version, which is G710ULM20e_00_NAO_US_OP_1010.kdz , from 2019-11-14
There is a more recent version from BPT, but it is unclear what that firmware is for. BPT seems to be some sort of regional carrier, so you are better off with the regular USA or Fi version.
Also note, you may need to use 7zip to extract the dll file from that guide. That took me a while to figure out, as Windows explorer throws an error with it. Once you finish, your phone will reboot with a shiny new (relatively) up to date Pie firmware!
There. You now saved yourself a few bucks and got a solid phone. Feel free to share your experiences with the handset here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The devices lose the s/n and possibly imei because people are flashing using lgup 1.14 dev version which causes issues with nvdata.
Lgup 1.15 fixes this when you go back to oreo then update to pie.
Also crossflashed devices do not get ota because lgup marks these devices as crossflashed in nvdata using a 0x01 value for certified_device
loonycgb2 said:
The devices lose the s/n and possibly imei because people are flashing using lgup 1.14 dev version which causes issues with nvdata.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that's some good info right there, thank you for sharing!
Hmm- messing with nvdata though? So you're saying the SN missing is some sort of accident or goof? That doesn't sound so cool. Should I be concerned anything else is messed up? There's a ton of these in the wild now and it seems the SN is the only weird side effect that has been noticed.
As far as I know the IMEI is fine (looking it up reveals it is a PM imei, which is correct, and it does work with voice over Wifi and VOLTE, which I think wouldn't work if the IMEI was messed up). In fact, it's interesting because when that screen loads in Settings>About, etc, it shows "checking" under S/N, then checking goes away and it comes back blank. None of the other fields seem to need any sort of checking first. There's something fishy about how the S/N is stored that it has to check it first and then error out.
Lgup 1.15 fixes this when you go back to oreo then update to pie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. It came with Oreo, and I used 1.15 to flash to Pie. So you're saying I should flash another Oreo kdz with my LGUP and it will magically fix any corrupt NVdata?
Also crossflashed devices do not get ota because lgup marks these devices as crossflashed in nvdata using a 0x01 value for certified_device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that is unfortunate. And that value stays with it forever, even if you go back to it's native firmware? I'm assuming that value can't be manipulated with any of the tools we have available.
Thank you so much for sharing this knowledge. Any insight on how the bands work? Is that from nvdata as well, and completely independent of firmware? So essentially, I have whatever band support a G710pm has? Or perhaps was it manipulated by the seller/refurbisher, who possibly used some nvram voodoo tricks which killed the S/N as a result?
Even tho the s/n is blank and at time if you try to show the imei it might also be blank, it is still stored internally and not lost forever.
There is multiple oreo's which for ulm is 10g and 11g, but i would have said flash to the original firmware but you cannot as sprint kdz is not available and the people who have an Original firmware still on device cannot or will not back it up for us.
The value for certified device returns to normal when flashed to the original firmware as lgup has an internal database used for identifying models.
As far as the basebands, all g7 thinq's come with the same bands no matter the firmware or region. The difference is the kdz gives band priority to the ones prefered by the carrier.
All of that can be changed by getting into the lg data secret menu or the dialer code menu
Remember now bootloader and root for the LG g7 is just the beginning. You talk about nvdata you might as well throw out EFS backup as well.
The point is that TWRP creates faulty EFS backups on many devices which can't be restored properly. For our devices TWRP is barely universal. People selling crossflashed phones know this which is why they sell them.
I prefer the manual backup using adb shell you can do it with terminal emulator as well.
Qfil is very powerful for Qualcomm devices and we'll figure out how to make back ups of all partitions that involve serial numbers and IMEI ( nvdata and efs).
Just wait you'll see.
netookska05 said:
Remember now bootloader and root for the LG g7 is just the beginning. You talk about nvdata you might as well throw out EFS backup as well.
The point is that TWRP creates faulty EFS backups on many devices which can't be restored properly. For our devices TWRP is barely universal. People selling crossflashed phones know this which is why they sell them.
I prefer the manual backup using adb shell you can do it with terminal emulator as well.
Qfil is very powerful for Qualcomm devices and we'll figure out how to make back ups of all partitions that involve serial numbers and IMEI ( nvdata and efs).
Just wait you'll see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats already been possible since day 1, use qpst with your msl code to backup qcn with imei and s/n.
netookska05 said:
The point is that TWRP creates faulty EFS backups on many devices which can't be restored properly. For our devices TWRP is barely universal. People selling crossflashed phones know this which is why they sell them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand. What does twrp have to do with any of this? My bootloader is locked and the stock recovery is still there. The devices are likely just flashed with LGup as is, and that doesn't seem to have effected much outside of a missing SN.
Are you saying that my cross flashed phone would effect things if I tried to root somehow? Or am I missing the point here?
loonycgb2 said:
Thats already been possible since day 1, use qpst with your msl code to backup qcn with imei and s/n.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please elaborate for those unfamiliar with this?
Dishe said:
I don't understand. What does twrp have to do with any of this? My bootloader is locked and the stock recovery is still there. The devices are likely just flashed with LGup as is, and that doesn't seem to have effected much outside of a missing SN.
Are you saying that my cross flashed phone would effect things if I tried to root somehow? Or am I missing the point here?
Can you please elaborate for those unfamiliar with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using TWRP to create a backup of efs. Sometimes the restore is faulty.
EFS partition holds up the unique IMEI number of the device, also other identifying numbers like MAC address, MEID, and ESN are stored up in this partition.
Check you IMEI with this.
https://imeipro.info/check_lg.html
To get your sn.
Oh ok.
So I don't actually need to know my SN but I'd like it to not be blank if flashing back to a previous version would restore it... Especially if there are possibly other parts of nvram that may be corrupt that I'm unaware of?
Thanks for the info. The one I got said it can't work on Sprint or Verizon networks, and is missing the serial #, as you said.
I got just one from bay with S/N missing and software version G710ULM10g. Latest patch level Sep 1, 2018 (Android 8.0.0). Is there any way to install Android 10 based ROM?
Assuming that after following the steps (Part 1 only) (hope we can skip part 2?) to somehow install G710ULM20e_00_NAO_US_OP_1010 (Android 9), is there a way to follow similar steps after part-1 to update it to Android 10 based ROM?
It would be great if someone can help to install Android 10 directly from Android 8.0 (without the need to installing Android 9). I am not sure if its even possible to get Android 10 on such bay unlocked devices without S/N.
vishal198900 said:
I got just one from bay with S/N missing and software version G710ULM10g. Latest patch level Sep 1, 2018 (Android 8.0.0). Is there any way to install Android 10 based ROM?
Assuming that after following the steps (Part 1 only) (hope we can skip part 2?) to somehow install G710ULM20e_00_NAO_US_OP_1010 (Android 9), is there a way to follow similar steps after part-1 to update it to Android 10 based ROM?
It would be great if someone can help to install Android 10 directly from Android 8.0 (without the need to installing Android 9). I am not sure if its even possible to get Android 10 on such bay unlocked devices without S/N.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you must know the serial number there is a one site that you enter imei and it'll tell you what it is. Just gotta search on Google.
Serial number is lost when bootloader is unlocked. You can regain it if you relock and go back to stock. Not sure what version of g7 you have. More likely it's probably crossflashed and sold like that so there won't be a kdz to go back to stock.
Android 10 has a thread they tell you what kdz to crossflash too and how to update to android 10 with the activity launcher app.
I just got a 710pm off ebay. I unlocked the bootloader, crossflashed to ulm pie, and rooted. It works just fine. [emoji106]
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk
netookska05 said:
If you must know the serial number there is a one site that you enter imei and it'll tell you what it is. Just gotta search on Google.
Serial number is lost when bootloader is unlocked. You can regain it if you relock and go back to stock. Not sure what version of g7 you have. More likely it's probably crossflashed and sold like that so there won't be a kdz to go back to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if there's much use of serial number. Isn't it better to have unlocked bootloader?
netookska05 said:
Android 10 has a thread they tell you what kdz to crossflash too and how to update to android 10 with the activity launcher app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please help me with the correct thread post for crossflashed devices like mine bought through ebay? I appreciate your help.
vishal198900 said:
I don't know if there's much use of serial number. Isn't it better to have unlocked bootloader?
Can you please help me with the correct thread post for crossflashed devices like mine bought through ebay? I appreciate your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the crossflashing thread using command line lgup.
Thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g7-thinq/how-to/cross-flash-oreo-pie-firmwares-lg-g7-g7-t3915303
There's another lgup dualmode you can use the partion dl option to install the Korean kdz that Android 10 uses. Search for that.
To install the Android 10 LGUP_FOTA.up update which you use activity launcher to install.
Thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g7-thinq/how-to/android-10-beta-lg-g7-g710n-t4059483
netookska05 said:
Here's the crossflashing thread using command line lgup.
Thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g7-thinq/how-to/cross-flash-oreo-pie-firmwares-lg-g7-g7-t3915303
There's another lgup dualmode you can use the partion dl option to install the Korean kdz that Android 10 uses. Search for that.
To install the Android 10 LGUP_FOTA.up update which you use activity launcher to install.
Thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g7-thinq/how-to/android-10-beta-lg-g7-g710n-t4059483
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. My phone (G710PM) is cross-flashed with G710ULM firmware Android 8. Please suggest is below plan will work?
1) First update existing firmware to stock Android 9.0 i.e. G710ULM20e_00_NAO_US_OP_1010 using these steps.
2) Then install Lineage OS 17.1 (based on Android 10) because it needs stock Android 9.0 as a pre-requisite using these steps.
vishal198900 said:
Thanks. My phone (G710PM) is cross-flashed with G710ULM firmware Android 8. Please suggest is below plan will work?
1) First update existing firmware to stock Android 9.0 i.e. G710ULM20e_00_NAO_US_OP_1010 using these steps.
2) Then install Lineage OS 17.1 (based on Android 10) because it needs stock Android 9.0 as a pre-requisite using these steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will work.
I'd also like to add that Google Pay will not work, at retail brick and mortar stores.
A pop up says device may be rooted or modified.
I have magisk installed and it seems to trick Schwab banking app.
Edit:
Edit: I followed the instruction from the following video, and was able to get GPay to accept the card. Also Gpay needs to be manually hidden in magisk, be sure to select 'display system apps' to find it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKYC0r-m0Mo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not an expert but I just bought one of these Ebay phones. It has Pie but what would like to know is how can I get the security updates? Or is that not possible? Please help. Thanks in advance.
captain barbosa said:
I am not an expert but I just bought one of these Ebay phones. It has Pie but what would like to know is how can I get the security updates? Or is that not possible? Please help. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on Pie, I doubt you have one of these Sprint phones. Check if you pass SafetyNet and if so, you have a native ULM model. Most G7 variants receive very few updates (including the ULM).
I'm looking for any information for this phone on:
Rooting
Bootloader unlocking
Magisk
TWRP
etc...
Any help is appreciated
jhavron said:
I'm looking for any information for this phone on:
Rooting
Bootloader unlocking
Magisk
TWRP
etc...
Any help is appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings @jhavron. Very sorry for such a belated reply to your inquiry for info. I just ran across your post.
Like most AT&T, Verizon & TracFone (Straight Talk & Net10) branded Motorola devices, the XT2005DL is not supported by Motorola's bootloader unlocking protocol. As such, rooting, TWRP, Magisk, etc., are not possible. Anybody familiar with Motorola devices can confirm that devices with perma-locked bootloaders are as tough as Fort Knox when it comes to security -- especially Moto devices manufactured from 2015 to the present. For example, the Verizon Moto E (2nd Gen) LTE from 2015 cannot be bootloader unlocked. Now, over 5 years later, there is still no known method for the xt1528 device. Such is also the case with the XT2005DL: its locked down status will prevent any type of rooting methods or custom recovery flashes from working.
I wish my news could be more favorable.
Thanks for replying. I's good to know that someone reads the posts from the little guys. :good:
Jbrown728 said:
Ok well is it possible to flash stock firmware onto the moto e6 xt2005dl with a locked bootloader. I keep getting image primary_gpt failed validation. I thought stock firmware could be flashed onto any device with locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, sorry for such a belated reply. Yes, you are correct. Regardless of bootloader locked/unlocked state, you can flash your device with the official stock firmware package using fastboot mode, RSD-Lite, or the Lenovo-Moto Smart Rescue utility. There is but one rule of thumb to keep in mind: you can flash only a firmware package that is the same or a newer version than the version presently on your device. A locked bootloader will not allow you to downgrade firmware versions.
Official Motorola stock firmware packages for the XT2005DL (Codename: surfna) are available from this link. Again, it is recommended that you use the most recent build available, as downgrading firmware versions with a locked bootloader isn't permitted.
lolinet mirrors - firmware, software, iso etc.
lolinet mirrors - powered by h5ai
mirrors.lolinet.com
I have posted a step-by-step installation guide here https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...en-stock-firmware-installation-guide.4191961/
Is there any way to improve battery performance with out root? .. Battery drain too fast
Hodari_sefu5x said:
Is there any way to improve battery performance with out root? .. Battery drain too fast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Greenify and have had the Pro version for years.
Mine is pretty much new. I bought it for work usage (keeping work-related things off my personal devices), in part for when I'd be at our partner's site every one or two weeks. But not long afterwards the scamdemic hit and I wasn't going to their site anymore.
And then since it wasn't upgradable past Android 9, my company blocked any Android versions 9 & below for Google services. So now it's not usable for ANYTHING I needed it for. I'd donate it but I don't think any group could use it since it's locked to TracFone. And the parts (glass & daughterboard) can't be used for fixing my personal Moto e5. Such a waste that it can't be repurposed.
I got a Sprint LG G7 phone from the bay that has been unlocked and flashed to G710ULM Firmware running Android 8.
I want to update to Android 10 if possible. I've never 'hacked' into a phone but am very familiar w/ hacking gaming consoles and feel like I am in familiar territory. With that said, I've read many existing guides and tutorials but have some questions?
1) How do i create (or find) a backup to my current FW in case of errors, etc.
2) Will flashing a FW from another country (Korea, Canada, etc.) render the network services (w/ Sprint) I have useless? In fact, will updating ANY FW render my networking services useless?
3) Do I attempt to flash an updated FW of the original Sprint model (G710PM) or an updated version of the FW that is flashed on the device (G710ULM)
4) Do i need to do an intermediate step of flashing an Android 9 FW or can i go straight to Android 10.
I apologize if any of these questions are redundant to any currently existing guides or posts. I did my due diligence of looking everything up as best as possible before posting these questions. Any help is greatly appreciated.
War Destroyer said:
I got a Sprint LG G7 phone from the bay that has been unlocked and flashed to G710ULM Firmware running Android 8.
I want to update to Android 10 if possible. I've never 'hacked' into a phone but am very familiar w/ hacking gaming consoles and feel like I am in familiar territory. With that said, I've read many existing guides and tutorials but have some questions?
1) How do i create (or find) a backup to my current FW in case of errors, etc.
2) Will flashing a FW from another country (Korea, Canada, etc.) render the network services (w/ Sprint) I have useless? In fact, will updating ANY FW render my networking services useless?
3) Do I attempt to flash an updated FW of the original Sprint model (G710PM) or an updated version of the FW that is flashed on the device (G710ULM)
4) Do i need to do an intermediate step of flashing an Android 9 FW or can i go straight to Android 10.
I apologize if any of these questions are redundant to any currently existing guides or posts. I did my due diligence of looking everything up as best as possible before posting these questions. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm newbie, but i try answer you in my understanding, and of course, i take no responsibility if something unfortunate happens :angel:
1/ i dont know any way to backup whole phone, but you can flash current FW (G710ULM) again via cross flash.
2/ i dont use Sprint, but my network service is work properly with Android 10 eu, canada and ulm (lasted is Pie), you can try...
3/ yes, via cross flash (update: there is no KDZ or Dump available. Probably in the future there will be dumps of 710PM but for now there is no).
4/ no, you can flash any version, any model (except tmobile) by cross flash way.
Hi. I know this is an old post, but does op still have Sprint firmware backed up?
If you do, I would love to get it from you. I can't seem to boot off other ULM firmware and I think I need an up-to-date Sprint backup abl, laf, boot, and possibly more. If you don't, have fun with your device and have a good day.
Hi!
I come from the Galaxy S series (S4, S5, S7) phones and I m considering of buying a Google Pixel 3
I can find many decent options, all of which are carrier unlocked
My concern with the Pixel 3 is whether I ll be able to install Android vanilla (without any carrier-related bloatware)
For all of my Samsung's so far, I could easily pick the retail ROM (well not exactly 'vanilla'!) from sammobile and load it with Odin (without breaking the knox)
Can I do something similar in the Pixel 3 or are there any security mechanisms to prevent me? (I m talking about installing original ROM - not custom..)
Bonus question - does any of you know if the Pixel 3 from Verizon and US Cellular have branding [carrier logo(s)] on the device?
Thank you in advance!
Well, you will certainly avoid the Samsung bloatwear. I have a P3 from Google and got my son's P3 through T-mobile. It did not have any additional T-mobile bloat on it, but I don't know about the big V.
Note10.1Dude said:
Well, you will certainly avoid the Samsung bloatwear. I have a P3 from Google and got my son's P3 through T-mobile. It did not have any additional T-mobile bloat on it, but I don't know about the big V.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can find it via Verizon and US Cellular - hopefully none of which have put logos on it..
I have one more - rather embarassing question: do you have to use a Google account in order to use the Pixel 3? For several other Android phones that I know of - it's optional. You can still skip this step and use the phone without having to tie the phone with Google. But can you do that on the P3?
Any more hints on that and my ROM-related queries would be really helpful! Thanks
jstoner said:
I can find it via Verizon and US Cellular - hopefully none of which have put logos on it..
I have one more - rather embarassing question: do you have to use a Google account in order to use the Pixel 3? For several other Android phones that I know of - it's optional. You can still skip this step and use the phone without having to tie the phone with Google. But can you do that on the P3?
Any more hints on that and my ROM-related queries would be really helpful! Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon branded Pixel 3s have locked bootloaders, which prevent rooting or custom ROMs (vanilla AOSP would be a custom ROM). According to the flashing instructions at https://developers.google.com/android/images, you also need to unlock the bootloader to flash a google factory image.
I'm not sure if you can skip the google account. If you really want to avoid google services, my recommendation would be to install LineageOS, with no gapps.
dcarvil said:
Verizon branded Pixel 3s have locked bootloaders, which prevent rooting or custom ROMs (vanilla AOSP would be a custom ROM). According to the flashing instructions at https://developers.google.com/android/images, you also need to unlock the bootloader to flash a google factory image.
I'm not sure if you can skip the google account. If you really want to avoid google services, my recommendation would be to install LineageOS, with no gapps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...if the 3s has that, then the 3 will also have it :/
But I m confused...would I be able to unlock the bootloader?
I can see from this page: https://developers.google.com/android/images#blueline that 'blueline' is that vanilla AOSP version that corresponds to the P3 (right?)
The G account issue is less important. I just don't like 'syncing' stuff (accounts, photos etc). Worse case scenario, I ll create an empty profile, just for the logon
jstoner said:
Hmm...if the 3s has that, then the 3 will also have it :/
But I m confused...would I be able to unlock the bootloader?
I can see from this page: https://developers.google.com/android/images#blueline that 'blueline' is that vanilla AOSP version that corresponds to the P3 (right?)
The G account issue is less important. I just don't like 'syncing' stuff (accounts, photos etc). Worse case scenario, I ll create an empty profile, just for the logon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3s is not a model, it is the plural of 3. A Verizon Pixel 3 usually cannot be boot loader unlocked, but if you search this forum, you will find a few special cases where it has been done. One such case is at https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...branded-pixel-3-how-is-this-possible.4267273/
Vanilla AOSP generall refers to a ROM without any google services. See https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/53171/what-exactly-is-in-aosp for more info. Blueline is the Pixel 3 factory image, which has all the google services. It does not have any added carrier bloatware, but I wouldn't call it a vanilla AOSP.
You can turn off all the syncing stuff, and you may be able to skip the google account part. I just can't definitely say you can skip the google account because I have not tried it.
Another consideration with a locked bootloader is the end support date. Google support for the Pixel 3 ends in October, 4 months from now. There will be no security updates from Google after October. If you have an unlocked bootloader, you can switch to LineageOS and continue to receive security updates. That is what I plan to do.
dcarvil said:
3s is not a model, it is the plural of 3. A Verizon Pixel 3 usually cannot be boot loader unlocked, but if you search this forum, you will find a few special cases where it has been done. One such case is at https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...branded-pixel-3-how-is-this-possible.4267273/
Vanilla AOSP generall refers to a ROM without any google services. See https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/53171/what-exactly-is-in-aosp for more info. Blueline is the Pixel 3 factory image, which has all the google services. It does not have any added carrier bloatware, but I wouldn't call it a vanilla AOSP.
You can turn off all the syncing stuff, and you may be able to skip the google account part. I just can't definitely say you can skip the google account because I have not tried it.
Another consideration with a locked bootloader is the end support date. Google support for the Pixel 3 ends in October, 4 months from now. There will be no security updates from Google after October. If you have an unlocked bootloader, you can switch to LineageOS and continue to receive security updates. That is what I plan to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clear!
I ll check on the resources you ve listed here
If the V-branded P3 is troublesome as it sounds, perhaps I should just go for the US Cellular carrier option. Bootloader may also be locked (but we know for sure that the V is..)
Interestingly, the US Cellular P3 is unlocked to all GSM carriers except Verizon, Boost, Virgin Mobile and Sprint
Is the carrier lock specified in the bootloader?
Btw, thanks for all the help!
jstoner said:
Clear!
I ll check on the resources you ve listed here
If the V-branded P3 is troublesome as it sounds, perhaps I should just go for the US Cellular carrier option. Bootloader may also be locked (but we know for sure that the V is..)
Interestingly, the US Cellular P3 is unlocked to all GSM carriers except Verizon, Boost, Virgin Mobile and Sprint
Is the carrier lock specified in the bootloader?
Btw, thanks for all the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIM (carrier) unlock and bootloader unlock are separate, and not related. I have no idea if US Cellular is bootloader unlocked. Google sold a global model, which is the bootloader unlocked version, and the one I have. The IMEI/MEID number of the global variant begins with 990012 (don't know how many digits are significant). If I was buying it, I'd ask the seller to confirm it was bootloader unlocked.
Glad I could help.
dcarvil said:
SIM (carrier) unlock and bootloader unlock are separate, and not related. I have no idea if US Cellular is bootloader unlocked. Google sold a global model, which is the bootloader unlocked version, and the one I have. The IMEI/MEID number of the global variant begins with 990012 (don't know how many digits are significant). If I was buying it, I'd ask the seller to confirm it was bootloader unlocked.
Glad I could help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two P3 options I m considering (Verizon + US Cellular), both are sealed in their original box. According to that post, if the P3 hasn't ever being turned on, which is probably then when bootloader becomes locked
So I wonder if there is a SIM that comes with the phone already and that I have to remove that prior booting the phone. Not sure what he means with "VZW SIM". Is it a different type of SIM e.g. an eSIM??
I know for fact that these phones are CDMA-locked and only GSM is unlocked (but that's what I need anyways)
Does anyone here have any experience from an US Cellular P3 - is the bootloader locked? (the retailer of the phone doesn't seem to know much on such details..)
jstoner said:
The two P3 options I m considering (Verizon + US Cellular), both are sealed in their original box. According to that post, if the P3 hasn't ever being turned on, which is probably then when bootloader becomes locked
So I wonder if there is a SIM that comes with the phone already and that I have to remove that prior booting the phone. Not sure what he means with "VZW SIM". Is it a different type of SIM e.g. an eSIM??
I know for fact that these phones are CDMA-locked and only GSM is unlocked (but that's what I need anyways)
Does anyone here have any experience from an US Cellular P3 - is the bootloader locked? (the retailer of the phone doesn't seem to know much on such details..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VZW SIM is just a Verizon SIM. It is probably the standard SIM card, not an eSIM. I would remove the SIM prior to booting, just to be safe. According to one of those posts, WiFi had to be connected before they could unlock the bootloader.
dcarvil said:
VZW SIM is just a Verizon SIM. It is probably the standard SIM card, not an eSIM. I would remove the SIM prior to booting, just to be safe. According to one of those posts, WiFi had to be connected before they could unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ll find out soon, I ve ordered the P3 (US cellular stock)
Seller claims that it is sealed in original box. If that's really the case, then the carrier can't have put a SIM into it, right? But what about an eSIM? If they have the eSIM pre-programmed, then I can't possibly avoid booting the phone with it..
jstoner said:
I ll find out soon, I ve ordered the P3 (US cellular stock)
Seller claims that it is sealed in original box. If that's really the case, then the carrier can't have put a SIM into it, right? But what about an eSIM? If they have the eSIM pre-programmed, then I can't possibly avoid booting the phone with it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm I think the way it works is that when the phone is produced, for a specific carrier, and the carrier wants it to have a sim, it's put in at the factory. So, I think, sealed with a sim in it, possible.
I don't think us cellular uses e-sims. Double check that but it doesn't look like one of the carriers that's capable of e-sims.
cheers, good luck. I have a vzw coming today, hoping it's new and can unlock as others have... we'll know soon.
Good news! Just got the phone and ... I ve managed to unlock the bootloader!
Exactly same case as described here. No SIM inserted, connected to WIFI, and in Dev Options, turned OEM unlocking to ON!
Then, on the instructions (link by opensense), I ve used adb and the bootloader is now unlocked! I m really chuffed about it
(btw the US Cellular supplied SIM was attached on the box (outside) with a sticker. Box was sealed.
Now, all is left is for me to pick that 'cleaner' Android option I always wanted!
But which one should it be? It's currently running blueline MP1.0(ROW)
Is there any clearer (official) Android ROM that I should switch to instead?
From G services, I would like to keep the Playstore and Maps...
jstoner said:
Good news! Just got the phone and ... I ve managed to unlock the bootloader!
Exactly same case as described here. No SIM inserted, connected to WIFI, and in Dev Options, turned OEM unlocking to ON!
Then, on the instructions (link by opensense), I ve used adb and the bootloader is now unlocked! I m really chuffed about it
(btw the US Cellular supplied SIM was attached on the box (outside) with a sticker. Box was sealed.
Now, all is left is for me to pick that 'cleaner' Android option I always wanted!
But which one should it be? It's currently running blueline MP1.0(ROW)
Is there any clearer (official) Android ROM that I should switch to instead?
From G services, I would like to keep the Playstore and Maps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratulations. You'll have to define what you mean by the term "cleaner (official)" ROM. Blueline is the only official Google ROM for the Pixel 3. Anything else will be a custom ROM. I have no experience with any of the Pixel custom ROMs, so can't offer any advice on those.
You can disable most of the unwanted Google services in the blueline ROM. I'd recommend keeping the backup service, though.
Blueline MP1.0(ROW) is not a version listed at https://developers.google.com/android/images#blueline Go to Settings, About Phone, and tap Android Version. Check the "Android security update" date. Latest is June 5, 2021. I suspect yours is quite old.
If you want to update to the current blueline version, you have 2 options, OTA or flash a new factory image.
For OTA, go to Settings, System, System update, and follow instructions.
To flash a new factory image, follow the instructions at the link above. To prevent wiping your data when flashing, edit the flash-all.bat or flash-all.sh file, and remove the "-w" from the last line.
I you intend to change ROM's, I wouldn't bother updating.
Good luck.
dcarvil said:
Congratulations. You'll have to define what you mean by the term "cleaner (official)" ROM. Blueline is the only official Google ROM for the Pixel 3. Anything else will be a custom ROM. I have no experience with any of the Pixel custom ROMs, so can't offer any advice on those.
You can disable most of the unwanted Google services in the blueline ROM. I'd recommend keeping the backup service, though.
Blueline MP1.0(ROW) is not a version listed at https://developers.google.com/android/images#blueline Go to Settings, About Phone, and tap Android Version. Check the "Android security update" date. Latest is June 5, 2021. I suspect yours is quite old.
If you want to update to the current blueline version, you have 2 options, OTA or flash a new factory image.
For OTA, go to Settings, System, System update, and follow instructions.
To flash a new factory image, follow the instructions at the link above. To prevent wiping your data when flashing, edit the flash-all.bat or flash-all.sh file, and remove the "-w" from the last line.
I you intend to change ROM's, I wouldn't bother updating.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I ll probably stick with the official one then. My current is PQ1A.181105.017.A1 (which is very old as you guessed)
Which means I can jump to Android 10 or 11. From my experience, latest isn't always the best so I might have to keep reading, see if I should jump to a latest build of 10 instead. My emphasis is on stability/security - not new features...
And I want to ensure that the camera is at its best
jstoner said:
I think I ll probably stick with the official one then. My current is PQ1A.181105.017.A1 (which is very old as you guessed)
Which means I can jump to Android 10 or 11. From my experience, latest isn't always the best so I might have to keep reading, see if I should jump to a latest build of 10 instead. My emphasis is on stability/security - not new features...
And I want to ensure that the camera is at its best
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If security is a concern, you'll want to go to Android 11. 10 has not been updated since August 2020, when Android 11 came out. Also, I believe there have been camera improvements since August 2020, which would not be in the latest Android 10 build.
I have not seen any reports of stability problems with the June 2021 Android 11 update, which has the latest security patches.
I don't know if you can do an OTA update to Android 11 from Android 9. You might have to go from 9 to 10 to 11. You can flash the Android 11 image without going to 10 first.
I intend to do via flashing (whichever version I decide in the end). Not a fan of OTA
So i was looking to maybe upgrade my kids G Stylus from 10 to 11 re-root etc etc. ( runs a bit slow and laggy sometimes ) Then i see this option in the Retus list??
Anyone try it even though it say XT2043-8 and we have XT2043-4 I was curious if its compatible etc ( i mean its listed in the same sofia list ) as all other roms???
Also leaning towards the 2022 G-Stylus with 8gb ram ( any thoughts) BUT this maybe a cheaper quicker fix / upgrade before buying her a new phone
Android 12
https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/motorola/sofiap/official/RETUS/XT2043-8_SOFIAP_RETUS_12_
vs
Android 11
https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/motorola/sofiap/official/RETUS/XT2043-4_SOFIAP_RETUS_11_
Use the RETAIL one, which is compatible with 2043-4 if you want android 12:
lolinet mirrors - firmware, software, iso etc.
lolinet mirrors - powered by h5ai
mirrors.lolinet.com
The xt2043-8 one is not a real retus model (it's actually sold only in non-us markets with TD-LTE networks) and has different hardware/modem from the actual retus xt2043-4 model.
googlephoneFKLenAsh said:
Use the RETAIL one, which is compatible with 2043-4 if you want android 12:
lolinet mirrors - firmware, software, iso etc.
lolinet mirrors - powered by h5ai
mirrors.lolinet.com
The xt2043-8 one is not a real retus model (it's actually sold only in non-us markets with TD-LTE networks) and has different hardware/modem from the actual retus xt2043-4 model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All set she now has a G-Pro running A12 with no issue so far and Android Auto wireless works much much better
one thing since A12 has more battery optimizing stuff built in i had to kill of a few otimizer apps seem they were fight the system
Root was same as before so no problems so far
she still liked the 2022 5G Stylus with 8gb Ram so that may happen but not such a rush now
googlephoneFKLenAsh said:
Use the RETAIL one, which is compatible with 2043-4 if you want android 12:
lolinet mirrors - firmware, software, iso etc.
lolinet mirrors - powered by h5ai
mirrors.lolinet.com
The xt2043-8 one is not a real retus model (it's actually sold only in non-us markets with TD-LTE networks) and has different hardware/modem from the actual retus xt2043-4 model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When checking for updates the last security update was from February
If I wasn't satisfied with 11, forgetful & lazy I'd give 12 a spin.
zapjb said:
If I wasn't satisfied with 11, forgetful & lazy I'd give 12 a spin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I'm getting OTA updates with 12. Will try to flash the latest version. I'd probably go with the AOSP Android 13 rom if it was confirmed that Gapps works?
Flashing the latest update fixed OTA updates
So let me see if I understand this correctly.
If I unlock my XT2043-4 and load https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmwar...ubsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip.
It will have Android 12 on it?
Do I do this with TWRP or some other recovery? Or through ADB?
Any way to do it through the Lenovo Rescue Assistant software?
i think i used rescue assistant to load factory GPro A12 then i did a strandard root via Magisk...I just upgraded her to Edge + running stock so i dont need to worry about G-Pay issues etc So far the new phone is great
Thanks for the reply. I might just give it a try tomorrow.
Just downloaded G Pro A12, placed it in the correct folder, but the assistant won't let me install it. It insists on downloading the last A10 file. Any way to force it to to use the zip file for A12? Or should I just use ADB?
And if I have to use ADB what's the process? Unzip it and install every file separately?