Do Not Buy The T-Mobile OnePlus 6T - OnePlus 6T Guides, News, & Discussion

By all means you are free to do what you please with your hard earned money but just know what you're getting when you purchase the Oneplus 6T from T-Mobile stores.
The T-Mobile version is ideal for people who will use the phone stock no root and will rely on T-Mobile software updates. The device is locked down. While they do offer you $300 for old devices which is an awesome deal you are getting a crippled device and you will be settling. No pun intended.
IF YOU CARE ABOUT ROOT, KERNELS, TWEAKS & FULL CONTROL OF YOUR DEVICE AND A WARRANTY AFTER YOU UNLOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER....ORDER DIRECTLY FROM ONEPLUS.
YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONVERT OR FLASH ANY ROM TO THE T-MOBILE VARIANT TO CONVERT IT TO THE TRULY UNLOCKED VERSION
*** THE T-MOBILE VERSION DOES NOT SUPPORT DUAL SIM FUNCTIONALITY; EVEN THOUGH IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S THERE AND WILL WORK IT WILL NOT BE SUPPORTED BY T-MOBILE. THEY WILL NOT ASSIGN A 2ND IMEI # TO THE DEVICE TO USE A 2ND SIM ON THEIR NETWORK ***
I bought the device from the event and was told it was the “unlocked version” because I purchased outright only to get a T-Mobile boot animation, T-Mobile sounds, preinstalled apps, and a locked down bootloader only too late to return because I left NY to head back home. I got it sim unlocked via 611 which also un-greyed the oem unlock option. You then have to fill out a form and get an unlock token like the old HTC days. That takes 7 days to get the .bin file via email that allows you to bootloader unlock your phone. Not worth the time and run around.
Also think about this for those that purchase their phones outright. T-Mobile is charging $580 for the 8/128 after taxes etc you will be close to the 8/256 model that Oneplus is offering directly also depending on where you live and your tax percent rate. You can get that model (8/256) from Oneplus plus free shipping etc not to mention it’s unlocked how it should be with dual sim and the faster software updates.
Read the fine print from T-Mobile. Make your decision based on your needs.
-Never Settle
Lastly at the event Oneplus showed the following prices: $549 for 6/128, $579 for 8/128 and $629 for 8/256. Get to the T-Mobile pop-up and the T-Mobile reps come out and tell everyone around 4:30pm that there are 2 models available...The T-Mobile version for $580+tax which is the 8/128 Jet Black and the "Unlocked" version Midnight Black for $620+tax....mind you NY tax is 8.8% i think. That was an argument all in itself.
Here are some pics of my T-Mobile Oneplus 6T that I picked up and will more than likely return.
Last pic is me trying to unlock the bootloader but it asks for an unlock token in which you need the form to move forward to do so.
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I see the the second sim slot is filled. Makes me wonder if software and hardware is actually in there. I wonder if if you could replace it with a two slot one and get functionality. it wouldn't be the first time a manufacture did something like this. is there anyone who can try this and verify yet?

I am a bit confused. Depending upon where I live, if I have x% tax, then won't tmo and OnePlus both charge me the same tax? It's not as if tmo will tax me but OnePlus won't right?
Useful information about bootloader unlocking etc. Thanks for that.
Can the tmo apps be uninstalled?

it's looking REAL bad for everyone here at XDA who wants to save $300 by buying from tmobile. $300 is not worth being unable to unlock the bootloader for 24 months.
If you are here at XDA, it's because you want development and tweaks to your phone. You want to be able to flash custom roms / kernels / recovery / magisk, etc. All of that requires bootloader to be unlocked.
I just had a chat with tmobile and the tmobile variant CANNOT unlock the bootloader if you want the $300 device trade in bill credits over 24 months. The only way to unlock the bootloader on the tmobile variant is if you buy the phone outright for $580 + tax, making you ineligible for the $300 trade in bill credits (which you're way better off buying directly from oneplus.com at that point).
I will be buying from oneplus.com and I suggest that you do the same.
chat transcript is below:

raing said:
it's looking REAL bad for everyone here at XDA who wants to save $300 by buying from tmobile. $300 is not worth being unable to unlock the bootloader for 24 months.
If you are here at XDA, it's because you want development and tweaks to your phone. You want to be able to flash custom roms / kernels / recovery / magisk, etc. All of that requires bootloader to be unlocked.
I just had a chat with tmobile and the tmobile variant CANNOT unlock the bootloader if you want the $300 device trade in bill credits over 24 months. The only way to unlock the bootloader on the tmobile variant is if you buy the phone outright for $580 + tax, making you ineligible for the $300 trade in bill credits (which you're way better off buying directly from oneplus.com at that point).
I will be buying from oneplus.com and I suggest that you do the same.
chat transcript is below:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
roflmao, nothing more to say about that.

Deleted

Still going to get the phone from Tmobile. My family plan rate isn't going to be beat and I"m in it for a low cost phone with 6gb+ of memory and a large battery PLUS the 300 i'll get for my Nexus 6. I won't unlock the bootloader anyway since I use Google Pay and don't feel like modifying the phone to get it to work with an unlocked bootloader.
Things I'll miss but aren't dealbreakers
1) Always On Display. I can adapt i hope
2) Camera from pixel xl 2. I'm not a huge picture taker but pixel photos do look nice but for any big events I usually break out the RX100
3) Going caseless. Pixel XL 2 rear doesn't pick up fingerprints or oils hardly. That mirror black is going to need a case. (dbrand maybe?)

biggiestuff said:
Still going to get the phone from Tmobile. My family plan rate isn't going to be beat and I"m in it for a low cost phone with 6gb+ of memory and a large battery PLUS the 300 i'll get for my Nexus 6. I won't unlock the bootloader anyway since I use Google Pay and don't feel like modifying the phone to get it to work with an unlocked bootloader.
Things I'll miss but aren't dealbreakers
1) Always On Display. I can adapt i hope
2) Camera from pixel xl 2. I'm not a huge picture taker but pixel photos do look nice but for any big events I usually break out the RX100
3) Going caseless. Pixel XL 2 rear doesn't pick up fingerprints or oils hardly. That mirror black is going to need a case. (dbrand maybe?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so you know, you can easily have google pay working with unlocked bootloader, custom recovery, a custom rom, and root via magisk. No extra tweaks or anything needed. Just flask magisk and you pass safetynet no problems.
It is also highly likely that custom roms and/or magisk modules will bring Always on Display to the 6t, which you will not be able to do with the tmobile version.

raing said:
Just so you know, you can easily have google pay working with unlocked bootloader, custom recovery, a custom rom, and root via magisk. No extra tweaks or anything needed. Just flask magisk and you pass safetynet no problems.
It is also highly likely that custom roms and/or magisk modules will bring Always on Display to the 6t, which you will not be able to do with the tmobile version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm fine with no flashing. I have a Google version of the pixel XL 2 and haven't even unlocked the boot loader. I'm just that lazy to do so now. I'm hearing different reports about still receiving credits after you've paid off the device. Once it's confirmed I'll just pay it off early if the desire to flash and mod ever arises. All this information is good for the consumer to know so they can see if the compromises are worth it to them.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I bought the phone yesterday as well. It does have the Tmo splash screen and one additional app (the Tmo app). I was able to unlock the phone this morning and the unlock app went away. Ok, it does have the "T-Jingle", but that's easily replaced. You can request a token for the bootloader here:
https://unlockbootloader.oneplus.com/unlock_token
I honestly wouldn't say don't buy it from Tmo, because it's right in the store and you don't have to wait. But if you want 256GB of storage or a different color, then get direct from OP. No need for a sky is falling thread.

darkjedi said:
I bought the phone yesterday as well. It does have the Tmo splash screen and one additional app (the Tmo app). I was able to unlock the phone this morning and the unlock app went away. Ok, it does have the "T-Jingle", but that's easily replaced. You can request a token for the bootloader here:
https://unlockbootloader.oneplus.com/unlock_token
I honestly wouldn't say don't buy it from Tmo, because it's right in the store and you don't have to wait. But if you want 256GB of storage or a different color, then get direct from OP. No need for a sky is falling thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, you already SIM unlocked it? We're trying to figure out whether that's really needed or just FUD. Did you get a bootloader token back already too?
I wonder if the research by @runningnak3d will help us as a last resort.

LLStarks said:
Wait, you already SIM unlocked it? We're trying to figure out whether that's really needed or just FUD. Did you get a bootloader token back already too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIM unlocked, yes. I don't think I'll unlock the BL unless there's an image that removes the Tmo splash screen and gives back the timely updates.

Get the token process started just in case.

raing said:
it's looking REAL bad for everyone here at XDA who wants to save $300 by buying from tmobile. $300 is not worth being unable to unlock the bootloader for 24 months.
If you are here at XDA, it's because you want development and tweaks to your phone. You want to be able to flash custom roms / kernels / recovery / magisk, etc. All of that requires bootloader to be unlocked.
I just had a chat with tmobile and the tmobile variant CANNOT unlock the bootloader if you want the $300 device trade in bill credits over 24 months. The only way to unlock the bootloader on the tmobile variant is if you buy the phone outright for $580 + tax, making you ineligible for the $300 trade in bill credits (which you're way better off buying directly from oneplus.com at that point).
I will be buying from oneplus.com and I suggest that you do the same.
chat transcript is below:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So T-Force is saying otherwise. Looks like you need to be on EIP in order to qualify for the promo. But after the promo is activated, do whatever you want with it. The bill credits will continue to apply to service charge.

Would it be possible to sim unlock and use Sim2 slot at all on this model?
biggiestuff said:
I'm fine with no flashing. I have a Google version of the pixel XL 2 and haven't even unlocked the boot loader. I'm just that lazy to do so now. I'm hearing different reports about still receiving credits after you've paid off the device. Once it's confirmed I'll just pay it off early if the desire to flash and mod ever arises. All this information is good for the consumer to know so they can see if the compromises are worth it to them.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

LLStarks said:
Get the token process started just in case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have but I'm on my way to T-Mobile now to return it

darkjedi said:
I bought the phone yesterday as well. It does have the Tmo splash screen and one additional app (the Tmo app). I was able to unlock the phone this morning and the unlock app went away. Ok, it does have the "T-Jingle", but that's easily replaced. You can request a token for the bootloader here:
https://unlockbootloader.oneplus.com/unlock_token
I honestly wouldn't say don't buy it from Tmo, because it's right in the store and you don't have to wait. But if you want 256GB of storage or a different color, then get direct from OP. No need for a sky is falling thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Far from a sky is falling thread. If you get what I'm saying you get what I'm saying. You aren't unlocking your BL so.......

Both @darkjedi and @charlieb were able to do the unlock via the TMobile app, which then let's them enable the "oem unlock bootloader" setting in settings.
This is only because they paid for the phone outright at $580 + tax. They did not get the $300 trade in credit.
If you get the $300 trade in credit then you cannot complete the TMobile app unlock step until 24 months later once all credits have been applied.
Further, they are now stuck waiting for the token unlock .bin file (relieved after filling out the form on OnePlus site) before can do a fastboot oem unlock.

biggiestuff said:
I'm fine with no flashing. I have a Google version of the pixel XL 2 and haven't even unlocked the boot loader. I'm just that lazy to do so now. I'm hearing different reports about still receiving credits after you've paid off the device. Once it's confirmed I'll just pay it off early if the desire to flash and mod ever arises. All this information is good for the consumer to know so they can see if the compromises are worth it to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the same boat as you. I have the pixel 2 xl too, love the camera, wondering if I can live with the 6t camera. Not interested in rooting/custom roms. 279$ is a very good deal. I do want to know though if I can pay off the eip in a year and still receive credits.. Let me know if you find out please

From a few posts back it looks like you can pay it off and still receive bill credits.
Nileshdd said:
I am in the same boat as you. I have the pixel 2 xl too, love the camera, wondering if I can live with the 6t camera. Not interested in rooting/custom roms. 279$ is a very good deal. I do want to know though if I can pay off the eip in a year and still receive credits.. Let me know if you find out please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Related

LG G4 H811 Unlock

It's become more than apparent that unlocking the LG G4 H811 variant is next to impossible, if you're not a T-Mobile customer. I'm on AT&T and I bought the phone from a T-Mobile employee, who purchased the phone to resell on Craigslist, using an LG promotion, exclusive to those employees. I add this detail to stress that the phone is not stolen, nor is it blacklisted. I've tried everything in my skill set to unlock it, to no avail. I've even taken it to a couple third party shops in Cleveland , who were stupefied at the new Unlock App T-Mobile forces on us to prevent unlocking. I want to use it as if I bought it from AT&T, calling, 4G data and all. Who can suggest the best possible method? I understand that a user on these forums can unlock it for $45, but this is a bit too steep for something I already spent a couple hundred dollars on. Please help!
NarwhalsNumbNuts said:
It's become more than apparent that unlocking the LG G4 H811 variant is next to impossible, if you're not a T-Mobile customer. I'm on AT&T and I bought the phone from a T-Mobile employee, who purchased the phone to resell on Craigslist, using an LG promotion, exclusive to those employees. I add this detail to stress that the phone is not stolen, nor is it blacklisted. I've tried everything in my skill set to unlock it, to no avail. I've even taken it to a couple third party shops in Cleveland , who were stupefied at the new Unlock App T-Mobile forces on us to prevent unlocking. I want to use it as if I bought it from AT&T, calling, 4G data and all. Who can suggest the best possible method? I understand that a user on these forums can unlock it for $45, but this is a bit too steep for something I already spent a couple hundred dollars on. Please help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat you are in. Mine isn't blacklisted or anything T-Mobile said that the phone that I have is paid off but that it wasn't on their network for more than 18 days. I'm not understanding why if the phone is purchased outright why do you have to be on T-Mobile for a certain time? Or if their even telling me the truth.
memtenn said:
I'm in the same boat you are in. Mine isn't blacklisted or anything T-Mobile said that the phone that I have is paid off but that it wasn't on their network for more than 18 days. I'm not understanding why if the phone is purchased outright why do you have to be on T-Mobile for a certain time? Or if their even telling me the truth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called their customer support and they told me to call LG and get the code, since T-Mobile gets it from them anyways. I called LG and they said to call T-Mobile... I called T-Mobile back and they told me to call the person who originally purchased the phone. I texted him, a guy about my age (I'm 21). Still waiting to hear back, but my God, the last thing I want to do when I sell something, is have the buyer come back and ask me for help. I feel like I'm bugging him. The thing I want is so simple, yet so godd**n difficult to achieve.
I am T-Mobile customer for a long time. If you have time to wait and want to get it unlocked for free you can do the following:
1) Ask some one you know with T-Mobile sim card and account and put his/her sim in your phone.
2) Make couple of calls so T-Mobile's system will register the device. You can then give the sim card back.
3) Remember that date and you may need to wait from 40 to 60 days.
4) After that period get same sim card from that person, put it in the phone and launch that Unlock App, pick "Permanent Unlock" and if you are eligible then great if not, that person will have to call T-Mobile and ask for the unlock code.
So the above is normal procedure to get a phone unlocked. This is what I do, but for me it is normal since I am a customer and able to use the phone while waiting that period.
Charkatak said:
I am T-Mobile customer for a long time. If you have time to wait and want to get it unlocked for free you can do the following:
1) Ask some one you know with T-Mobile sim card and account and put his/her sim in your phone.
2) Make couple of calls so T-Mobile's system will register the device. You can then give the sim card back.
3) Remember that date and you may need to wait from 40 to 60 days.
4) After that period get same sim card from that person, put it in the phone and launch that Unlock App, pick "Permanent Unlock" and if you are eligible then great if not, that person will have to call T-Mobile and ask for the unlock code.
So the above is normal procedure to get a phone unlocked. This is what I do, but for me it is normal since I am a customer and able to use the phone while waiting that period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know how to access the frequency settings on the LG G4? I spoke to a very helpful representative and he was about to help me unlock it, when the line disconnected.
NarwhalsNumbNuts said:
Do you know how to access the frequency settings on the LG G4? I spoke to a very helpful representative and he was about to help me unlock it, when the line disconnected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't, but you can search online and I am sure you will fine it.
World GSM Codes told me that they could do it but they could not. It was suppose to happen in a couple of days. When I inquired several days later as to why I haven't been unlocked they replied that they needed a couple of more days. Since then I have sent them a few emails asking why it hasn't happened and one requesting a refund, all of which have gone unanswered. I now have a paypal claim filed against them to get my money back.
Why not flash the sim unlocked rom in he dev section? At least for now...
Sent From My LG G4
Shouldn't that method above work?
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
Yea just flash a rom a debloated unlocked rom. Simple. Screw those bastard nazis from telling you what to do. Its your device!
Rydah805 said:
Why not flash the sim unlocked rom in he dev section? At least for now...
Sent From My LG G4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dontbeweakvato said:
Yea just flash a rom a debloated unlocked rom. Simple. Screw those bastard nazis from telling you what to do. Its your device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anybody suggest a bug-free, simple ROM that will accomplish that please?
Rydah805 said:
Why not flash the sim unlocked rom in he dev section? At least for now...
Sent From My LG G4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not work, it does not sim unlock, sim locked phones.
NarwhalsNumbNuts said:
Can anybody suggest a bug-free, simple ROM that will accomplish that please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to sim unlock via a rom.
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Is it just me or does everyone's T-mobile LG G4 comes with an app that allows you to permanently unlock your device?
When I clicked on the "Device Unlock" app it allow me to choose from temporary unlock and permanent unlock, I chose the latter and it been working ever since on AT&T even after reset and root.
badboyzz77 said:
Is it just me or does everyone's T-mobile LG G4 comes with an app that allows you to permanently unlock your device?
When I clicked on the "Device Unlock" app it allow me to choose from temporary unlock and permanent unlock, I chose the latter and it been working ever since on AT&T even after reset and root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did u have G4 paid off?
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
badboyzz77 said:
Is it just me or does everyone's T-mobile LG G4 comes with an app that allows you to permanently unlock your device?
When I clicked on the "Device Unlock" app it allow me to choose from temporary unlock and permanent unlock, I chose the latter and it been working ever since on AT&T even after reset and root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The temp unlock is good for 30 days. Afterward you will need to insert a valid T-Mobile SIM to reunlock it again. If you keep the phone on an active T-Mobile post paid line for 40 days, you can request permanent unlock and it will be unlocked for life.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
I haven't used it on T-mobile, been using it on AT&T. Don't know if it was paid off or not either. Bought it off a guy on Craigslist for about $220 after I buy the accessories needed.
Tried the device unlock app, chose the permanent unlock option and it's unlocked ever since. Never had this happened on a smartphone before, I was surprised myself.
vnphantom said:
The temp unlock is good for 30 days. Afterward you will need to insert a valid T-Mobile SIM to reunlock it again. If you keep the phone on an active T-Mobile post paid line for 40 days, you can request permanent unlock and it will be unlocked for life.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
badboyzz77 said:
I haven't used it on T-mobile, been using it on AT&T. Don't know if it was paid off or not either. Bought it off a guy on Craigslist for about $220 after I buy the accessories needed.
Tried the device unlock app, chose the permanent unlock option and it's unlocked ever since. Never had this happened on a smartphone before, I was surprised myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would you mind sharing your build.prop?
I just noticed an ad on e-bay claiming the T-Mobile app unlock service is working again.
Wondering if this is true? My guess is no
.
badboyzz77 said:
I haven't used it on T-mobile, been using it on AT&T. Don't know if it was paid off or not either. Bought it off a guy on Craigslist for about $220 after I buy the accessories needed.
Tried the device unlock app, chose the permanent unlock option and it's unlocked ever since. Never had this happened on a smartphone before, I was surprised myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you have the at&t sim in the phone when u unlocked it?
the title of this thread should be edited to add SIM Unlock

Unlocked or carrier model?

I have to root my phones (not wanting to pay $30 for Verizon tether), is anyone aware if the Pixel 4 XL from Verizon will have the bootloader locked, and unable to be rooted? In addition to that, would we see a root for the unlocked version? Thanks
Pretty sure most carrier devices are going to remain locked until you pay it off. At least, that's the logical rationale. I can't imagine they want people unlocking devices they haven't paid for. As far as root, that should be a simple process of just patching the boot.img
ZeroKool76 said:
Pretty sure most carrier devices are going to remain locked until you pay it off. At least, that's the logical rationale. I can't imagine they want people unlocking devices they haven't paid for. As far as root, that should be a simple process of just patching the boot.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the lock not something they ever lift? My current 2 XL was paid retail but they never allowed me to unlock the bootloader. They do allow for any carrier SIM to be used in it.
psone said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the lock not something they ever lift? My current 2 XL was paid retail but they never allowed me to unlock the bootloader. They do allow for any carrier SIM to be used in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought the Verizon Pixel 2 XL it had a locked bootloader. Since it was exclusive to Verizon. The unlocked version directly from Google did not have a locked bootloader. That was the same for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. I am not sure about the Pixel 3a and 3a XL since it was not exclusive to Verizon.
Does anyone know if the Pixel 3a or 3a XL came with a locked bootloader?
EDIT: There's a thread over on the Pixel 3a XL where a bunch of carrier and non-carrier devices had locked bootloaders. I would be careful which device you buy going forward until you hear others chime in on the greyed out unlocked button.
When in doubt, buy directly from Google.
psone said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the lock not something they ever lift? My current 2 XL was paid retail but they never allowed me to unlock the bootloader. They do allow for any carrier SIM to be used in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct. Verizon is a mofo. Doesn't make much sense. I mean, you paid for the device, you should be able to do what you want with it
ZeroKool76 said:
This is correct. Verizon is a mofo. Doesn't make much sense. I mean, you paid for the device, you should be able to do what you want with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This right here has been the case with Verizon going ALL the way back to the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. **** Verizon!
Yep, never buy the carrier modesl unless you have absolutely no other option. In the case of Tmo with OnePlus and similar phones you could get an unlock (both carrier and bootloader) after the device was paid off. You still have to deal with a little bloat and later updates along with lesser issues. AT&T will have this one and their policies are similar to Verizon so I wouldn't go that way unless you hate yourself. No idea on Sprint, that have nothing in my area so I haven't paid attention. The previous posters were 100 prevent though, buying unlocked is the way. Tmo if you must to get a deal but only after verifying the bootloader can be unlocked.
krabman said:
Yep, never buy the carrier modesl unless you have absolutely no other option. In the case of Tmo with OnePlus and similar phones you could get an unlock (both carrier and bootloader) after the device was paid off. You still have to deal with a little bloat and later updates along with lesser issues. AT&T will have this one and their policies are similar to Verizon so I wouldn't go that way unless you hate yourself. No idea on Sprint, that have nothing in my area so I haven't paid attention. The previous posters were 100 prevent though, buying unlocked is the way. Tmo if you must to get a deal but only after verifying the bootloader can be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently have a one plus 7pro from T-Mobile that is still financed. The bootloader was locked until you paid off your device and waited the mandatory 45 days. Some were able to talk to T-force and got their devices unlocked early whether they financed or not. I was one of the unlucky ones that could not negotiate with T-force to unlock my device. Luckily there was a nice person that worked for TMobile that was in the forums and was able to unlock my phone. We will see what happens when we get the devices and start working on them. I will be financing my phone with them again next Thursday.
I purchased the Unlocked model. I currently have Pixel 2XL Verizon (Bootloader Locked), not a huge issue. But there are times where I wish I had a rooted phone. Not making that mistake again.
cronojay said:
I currently have a one plus 7pro from T-Mobile that is still financed. The bootloader was locked until you paid off your device and waited the mandatory 45 days. Some were able to talk to T-force and got their devices unlocked early whether they financed or not. I was one of the unlucky ones that could not negotiate with T-force to unlock my device. Luckily there was a nice person that worked for TMobile that was in the forums and was able to unlock my phone. We will see what happens when we get the devices and start working on them. I will be financing my phone with them again next Thursday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try calling in multiple times? That often works although some people can't seem to catch a break on it. I've been on a number of OP devices and I'm familiar with what you're talking about; Saw it most recently on the 6T but it goes back further. I had them unlock a SGS6 the day I bought it, I paid cash but still the word was it couldn't be done without a dwell period, I remember it being 30 days at that time but maybe it was 45, been a while. In any event the very next year was the one were it turned out Tmo couldn't unlock your bootloader, came from Samsung they said. I remember there being an exploit coming out for that but I had already given away my S7 and moved on to the next thing before they figured that out. Not much over a year later Samsung started the BS with bootloaders on their international unlocked phones and I didn't keep the Note 8 long either. IMO if root is a must it's a good idea to let someone else be the guinea pig and profit from that information unless you've got enough ching to walk away without worrying about it.
I'm pretty sure this phone will also be exactly as you describe on Tmo and I agree with you BTW, just saying the smart money if a man needs to be careful is to wait for the first phones to meet their owners a few of who will unlock and root or attempt to do it. Or as I said in my first post, buy unlocked direct from Goog or Fi if possible.
There is not likely to be any bootloader unlock for the P4 and P4XL for carrier versions unless an exploit is found (which doesn't seem likely anymore). Google does not provide carriers an interface to change the device type, nor do they provide that interface to their own customer service and support teams. It's not a matter of hounding customer service or posting on the right forum because they can't help you. It's an obligation that Google has to meet if they want to keep their big carrier contracts in the United States.
The only unlocking requirement for carrier specific versions is having the ability to SIM unlock the device for portability between networks. Most carriers will do this upon request if you have international travel plans or have completed a certain percentage of your device financing.
navalynt said:
There is not likely to be any bootloader unlock for the P4 and P4XL for carrier versions unless an exploit is found (which doesn't seem likely anymore). Google does not provide carriers an interface to change the device type, nor do they provide that interface to their own customer service and support teams. It's not a matter of hounding customer service or posting on the right forum because they can't help you. It's an obligation that Google has to meet if they want to keep their big carrier contracts in the United States.
The only unlocking requirement for carrier specific versions is having the ability to SIM unlock the device for portability between networks. Most carriers will do this upon request if you have international travel plans or have completed a certain percentage of your device financing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, the devices are shipped to the carriers already locked? Interesting. for some reason I always thought it was the individual carriers that lock them down and then would unlock it when you fully paid off the device. So you're saying, even if you fully pay off the device, you will never be able to unlock a carrier pixel 4/XL? Wow, that's a bummer.
ZeroKool76 said:
So, the devices are shipped to the carriers already locked? Interesting. for some reason I always thought it was the individual carriers that lock them down and then would unlock it when you fully paid off the device. So you're saying, even if you fully pay off the device, you will never be able to unlock a carrier pixel 4/XL? Wow, that's a bummer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. Enthusiasts have a channel to bootloader unlock, which is buying directly from Google where Google provides it's own support.
Carriers are only looking to sell you a device that's stable to work on their own networks. What do the carriers have to gain at all from controlling the bootloader unlock? They have nothing to gain from it except a support migraine.
navalynt said:
Correct. Enthusiasts have a channel to bootloader unlock, which is buying directly from Google where Google provides it's own support.
Carriers are only looking to sell you a device that's stable to work on their own networks. What do the carriers have to gain at all from controlling the bootloader unlock? They have nothing to gain from it except a support migraine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that makes sense when you put it that way. Just took me by surprise when OP and it's carrier phones pretty much allow you to do whatever you want to the device, once it's paid off. Still can't stand OP, but I have to admit, that's a check mark in their corner
Keep in mind Google does not require it like Samsung does so it's left up to the carrier. Tmo has been unlocking similar devices and there is little reason to think it wont happen here. In the opposing camp you have Verizon which demands a locked bootloader and few exploits have been found to circumvent it on recent devices. Meanwhile something to consider is that even the unlocked straight from google device is not really unlocked in the way some people think: Before you can unlock the bootloader it absolutely must phone home. Don't give the phone that connection and you cannot unlock it. Samsung does the same thing. We are not in control of our devices anymore, they can pull the plug on unlocking any time they want simply by denying it via that same connection even if you have already unlocked it. Samsung did this a few years ago in just that way and to this date no one has found a way around it that doesn't cause real pain with the wait a week and all that BS.
I called several times and got on with T-force sever times and no luck. I got lucky when the post I described about unlocking and got mine done. I always device finance because of the 0% apr and jump on demand so all I need to is bring my phone, get my new phone and profit.
ZeroKool76 said:
Pretty sure most carrier devices are going to remain locked until you pay it off. At least, that's the logical rationale. I can't imagine they want people unlocking devices they haven't paid for. As far as root, that should be a simple process of just patching the boot.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"simple process" "just patch the boot img" come on man.. Ask the people that own a pixel 3 from Verizon. Please don't spread wrong info
bigmatt503 said:
"simple process" "just patch the boot img" come on man.. Ask the people that own a pixel 3 from Verizon. Please don't spread wrong info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean, ask the people who were dumb enough to buy a locked down device? I'll pass. People that have purchased Verizon's in the past, as you have stated, would obviously know this doesn't apply to them. I was more referring to, since we don't have recovery yet, you would have to patch the boot img manually.
Honestly, I ALMOST got me and my wife's from Verizon (she definitely jumped on the pixel bandwagon). They have a buy one, get one free. Sooo, I kept thinking about root, but ultimately decided I'd rather save $900. Evidently, there's some caveats. One, the get one is for a new line. No biggie, I'll just cancel the one number and add a new one (her phone is paid off, I don't think there's a termination fee after two years). Two, you have to sign up for an unlimited plan. That piece completely wiped the price difference and then some for me. Sooo, I smiled a bit and bought them unlocked from Google. The only reason I would buy directly is for a huge price savings.
Another thing I thought of too, there is an early upgrade fee with V if I were to decide to upgrade to the 5xl next year. So, that's another caveat. I'm glad I just went with unlocked. Hoping it doesn't take long to root.
This time around I placed a pre-order with Google Fi.
All their Pixels are both SIM & Bootloader Unlocked even on
financing, same as Google Store.

First Pixel Device

I'm swaying between this and the OnePlus 7T Pro.
Being a Pixel phone, am I free to unlock the bootloader and root it? If so, will Google Pay still work?
Thanks
You can do it , but it will break the gpay but there is workaround for that
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
mushtafa said:
I'm swaying between this and the OnePlus 7T Pro.
Being a Pixel phone, am I free to unlock the bootloader and root it? If so, will Google Pay still work?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
mushtafa said:
I'm swaying between this and the OnePlus 7T Pro.
Being a Pixel phone, am I free to unlock the bootloader and root it? If so, will Google Pay still work? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yours is a two part question. The second part is a definite yes. The first part depends on which phone you buy. You have to be careful that the phone you end up with can be bootloader unlocked. There are many vendors selling phones that are carrier unlocked but cannot be bootloader unlocked. They advertise them as "unlocked". If you are able to buy directly from the Google Store there will be no question that it will work anywhere in the world and the bootloader can be unlocked. If you get the correct one you will not be disappointed!
what @v12xke said.
if you buy from swappa make sure the bootloader is unlockable have them check if the OEM setting is active or grayed out in developer settings.
v12xke said:
Yours is a two part question. The second part is a definite yes. The first part depends on which phone you buy. You have to be careful that the phone you end up with can be bootloader unlocked. There are many vendors selling phones that are carrier unlocked but cannot be bootloader unlocked. They advertise them as "unlocked". If you are able to buy directly from the Google Store there will be no question that it will work anywhere in the world and the bootloader can be unlocked. If you get the correct one you will not be disappointed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there anyway of knowing before purchase? Will be from Vodafone UK
mushtafa said:
Is there anyway of knowing before purchase? Will be from Vodafone UK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be fine, it's US carriers that commonly have the issue
Mackay53 said:
Should be fine, it's US carriers that commonly have the issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Said the guys using EE.... It was just a heads up to a guy new to the Google line.
---------- Post added at 05:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:45 PM ----------
mushtafa said:
Is there anyway of knowing before purchase? Will be from Vodafone UK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm U.S. based so cannot speak to buying a phone from a UK carrier. I know EE is locked for the first six months and then you have to get a code to unlock it. You could also just buy it direct from Google UK. If you need to finance, they probably have better terms and you will have better customer service and warranty experience? If they let you handle a phone, you can quickly enable developer options and check the "Allow OEM unlocking" setting. If it is grayed out or you cannot toggle it unlocked, then the phone cannot be unlocked as-is. Do a search for this developer option and you will quickly see how to access.
Thanks for that, I might look into buying it outright.
If I go for Vodafone, they allow returns within 14 days.
mushtafa said:
Thanks for that, I might look into buying it outright.
If I go for Vodafone, they allow returns within 14 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just order it through a website like buymobiles etc.
They'll normally just give you a Carrier unlocked one and include the SIM card
mushtafa said:
Thanks for that, I might look into buying it outright. If I go for Vodafone, they allow returns within 14 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to buy it outright from Google, you can finance it through them as well. Here in the U.S. Google has a 15 day no questions asked return policy for a full refund (or exchange). Don't know how it works in the UK. Warning: Carrier unlocked is NOT the same as bootloader unlockable. No Pixel comes BL unlocked out of the box. There is a setting in Developer options that must be toggled on first to allow unlocking. Trouble is, this setting is only available on certain phones. You could easily buy a phone that will work on any carrier (carrier unlocked), but cannot be BL unlocked. Best of luck and let us know what you ended up with.
Is there anyway of knowing which phones are boot loader un-lockable? Or is it just a case of getting the device and looking in the settings?
Having the freedom of an un-lockable boot loader is one of the main reasons I want a Pixel.
I will probably have to go through Vodafone UK. They are offering me 20% off if I upgrade. No-one else can beat that at the moment.
Can get 'Unlimited Max with Entertainment' (Unlimited calls/texts/data and Spotify) for £48.80 or 'Red 20GB with Entertainment' (The same as before with only 20GB data) for £40.80
mushtafa said:
Is there anyway of knowing which phones are boot loader un-lockable? Or is it just a case of getting the device and looking in the settings?
Having the freedom of an un-lockable boot loader is one of the main reasons I want a Pixel.
I will probably have to go through Vodafone UK. They are offering me 20% off if I upgrade. No-one else can beat that at the moment.
Can get 'Unlimited Max with Entertainment' (Unlimited calls/texts/data and Spotify) for £48.80 or 'Red 20GB with Entertainment' (The same as before with only 20GB data) for £40.80
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask Vodafone before you sign up
Asked someone on chat, they only know about the SIM lock. I've ordered, will go and pick it up today and try it.
They've said I've got 14 day cooling off period which is completely free.
Can't wait to ditch this Huawei
Just to confirm, OEM unlock was greyed out in developer options until I updated the software. Now to unlock it and have a play

Question S21 ultra tmobile locked help

Hi Everyone,
So i just bought the s21 ultra t-mobile from samsung.com. As i understand it, the device is locked to tmobile simcard. I have an att sim card and would like to understand my options if i want to continue to use att sim card.
Since i will have device paid in full,
1. Can tmobile unlock the device for me even though i have no account with them?
2. If they will not unlock it, is my option to then get a prepaid card top it with 100 dollars work with phone for couple months then switch back to att after they unlock?
3. Is there a shorter way, like when i receive device can i just flash unlocked firmware and that would make me able to use any sim?
I am just looking for the following
1. Unlocking device
2. Having wifi call as with this weird att\tmobile combo as i understand it i will not have wifi calling? so flashing unlocked\att should help? but given tmobile unlocks my phone
Thanks alot for your help
Message @Tmobilehelp on Twitter. They'll unlock for you. I did this recently for a couple of A71. I also confirmed with them before ordering the S21 Ultra.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out, My name is Marva and I will be working with you moving forward! I hope that overall your day is going well so far! We always want to be respectful of your time and appreciate you hanging in there with us to make sure that you're all set. I know it's important to get that device unlocked for use on other networks. Traveling is so much easier and versatility of an unlocked phone is awesome. We do have a process for devices purchased directly through the manufacturer. So yes, you are definitely able to purchase from Samsung, then you'll just need to share your device imei with us here and we can submit the request. It does take about 72 hours to complete and then you'll use the preinstalled unlock app once your request has been processed. Let me know what other questions you have abut this.
That's correct, this process is specifically for non T-Mobile customers that purchase their devices through Samsung so you'll be all set!
rmrl2008 said:
Message @Tmobilehelp on Twitter. They'll unlock for you. I did this recently for a couple of A71. I also confirmed with them before ordering the S21 Ultra.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out, My name is Marva and I will be working with you moving forward! I hope that overall your day is going well so far! We always want to be respectful of your time and appreciate you hanging in there with us to make sure that you're all set. I know it's important to get that device unlocked for use on other networks. Traveling is so much easier and versatility of an unlocked phone is awesome. We do have a process for devices purchased directly through the manufacturer. So yes, you are definitely able to purchase from Samsung, then you'll just need to share your device imei with us here and we can submit the request. It does take about 72 hours to complete and then you'll use the preinstalled unlock app once your request has been processed. Let me know what other questions you have abut this.
That's correct, this process is specifically for non T-Mobile customers that purchase their devices through Samsung so you'll be all set!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are not as accomodating with current Tmo customers.
Dai_321 said:
Hi Everyone,
So i just bought the s21 ultra t-mobile from samsung.com. As i understand it, the device is locked to tmobile simcard. I have an att sim card and would like to understand my options if i want to continue to use att sim card.
Since i will have device paid in full,
1. Can tmobile unlock the device for me even though i have no account with them?
2. If they will not unlock it, is my option to then get a prepaid card top it with 100 dollars work with phone for couple months then switch back to att after they unlock?
3. Is there a shorter way, like when i receive device can i just flash unlocked firmware and that would make me able to use any sim?
I am just looking for the following
1. Unlocking device
2. Having wifi call as with this weird att\tmobile combo as i understand it i will not have wifi calling? so flashing unlocked\att should help? but given tmobile unlocks my phone
Thanks alot for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much did you pay? I cancelled my preorder yesterday and today I tried to reorder but now the tmo version is $100 more than yesterday
If someone willing to unlock S21 bootloader on snapdragon variant PM me for unlock and testing TWRP build.
Shuthefrontdoor said:
How much did you pay? I cancelled my preorder yesterday and today I tried to reorder but now the tmo version is $100 more than yesterday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it looked the $100 off the TMO version was only for a day or so.
BladeRunner said:
They are not as accomodating with current Tmo customers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe they will unlock if the phone is fully paid off. They will also do temporary unlocks for travel.
Bobb_o said:
I believe they will unlock if the phone is fully paid off. They will also do temporary unlocks for travel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Needs to be active on a line for 40 days. They USED to be much more flexible about that but the last couple of times I've tried they've stuck firm on that.
I've had T-Mobile unlock phones for me in the past, even when the phone hasn't been active on my account for 40 days, but I have had my Tmo account for a long time with several lines and financed devices. I don't ask for unlocks often, I've maybe done 3 or 4 over the years. Last one was a Pixel 4 XL and before that it was an iPhone XS.
BladeRunner said:
Yeah, it looked the $100 off the TMO version was only for a day or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed this too, and now the Sprint version is $100 off. I would think that getting the Sprint version would work just fine on Tmo these days (especially since all US branded devices are the same hardware model), but then, would that phone be locked to Spring SIM Cards only and using my Tmo SIM would be a problem?

Question Pixel 7 Verizon Demo unit

Hello all, does anyone have experience with demo units, I want to buy one from eBay and send to my brother who is not in US it is brand new sealed but I don't know will that work with their local gsm or it is usually locked to Verizon? What else I should know about this item? Thanks
No direct experience, but every post I have seen from people that get them is that they are useless. They are locked in demo mode and nothing you do will get them out of it.
TonikJDK said:
No direct experience, but every post I have seen from people that get them is that they are useless. They are locked in demo mode and nothing you do will get them out of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing. someone is selling them for $350 on ebay, though maybe can be useful.
they're stolen and useless. Don't buy it.
Can we install GrapheneOS on it?
Odin<3 said:
Can we install GrapheneOS on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO. just no. its locked
One guy selling Pixel 7 say: "Device is ready to be activated on the Xfinity network. It cannot be unlocked for use on other!" Can I unlock it?
ITMASTER said:
Thanks for sharing. someone is selling them for $350 on ebay, though maybe can be useful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you insist on purchasing that device, you could always try and check the IMEI at an IMEI checker to at least see if it is blacklisted from Verizon (or any other carrier); because you will not be able to do anything about it even if it would be sent to another country.
That, and sometimes there are website services for a carrier where you can enter the IMEI to see if the device is "compatible" if/when you can "bring your own device" to the carrier...
but beware there is a scam that is going on that have people getting a device on a plan, them selling the phone for a high price, the buyer checks and sees that it has a clean IMEI, but after a couple of months of non-payment to the original carrier that has leased the device, they blacklist the SIM and the device no longer will work anywhere while the seller runs away with whatever they sold it for... That's why it's good to call the major carriers, give them the IMEI and make sure it's not under any payment plan or anything...
and of course if the seller isn't willing to give an IMEI, then that is definitely suspect & shady and should not be bought from that seller...
Don't buy Verizon phones, demo unit or not. They are always locked down to their network and you can't modify them due to their locked bootloader. Also, they have garbage re-sell value because of this. Don't waste your money. If you really want a p7 and $350 is your price point, wait for a sale when the p8 gets ready to launch or keep your eye out for a good sale going on for the unlocked, non-carrier based version.
Phone Google pixel 6 is managed by admin and keeps factory resetting every one hour. Can I install GrapheneOS on it?
Odin<3 said:
Phone Google pixel 6 is managed by admin and keeps factory resetting every one hour. Can I install GrapheneOS on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might do better and get a better response in the appropriate device forum (Pixel 6)...
But as it seems your device is being managed by (what I assume is) an IT department for (what I assume is) your work device, I doubt they'd allow you to install a custom OS on it as well as you not getting into trouble for modifying a work device. At the very least, they'd find it an annoyance; at worst, they'll see it as some sort of security breach and would be immediately turned back and you reprimanded...

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