First Pixel Device - Google Pixel 4 XL Questions & Answers

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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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

Related

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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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"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
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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.

T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL is carrier locked, looking for unlock

Is there anybody who can unlock my Pixel 4 XL just like it was done with the OnePlus 7 Pro? I really appreciate if it's possible
Call them and ask for unlock, did mine last night with no issues
capsnbottles said:
Call them and ask for unlock, did mine last night with no issues
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You paid in full? They don't wanna do it for me, I need a employee here on XDA who is willing to do it for me
SmileBigNow said:
You paid in full? They don't wanna do it for me, I need a employee here on XDA who is willing to do it for me
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Nope, im on the jump on demand program. I told them I was leaving for work overseas and needed it asap like they have always done for me. Sweet talk them a little if you have to. Threaten to return it or something. Keep trying and eventually you will get someone cool, avoid the over seas reps at all costs though, they are useless
capsnbottles said:
Nope, im on the jump on demand program. I told them I was leaving for work overseas and needed it asap like they have always done for me. Sweet talk them a little if you have to. Threaten to return it or something. Keep trying and eventually you will get someone cool, avoid the over seas reps at all costs though, they are useless
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Gotcha, maybe I'll try T-Force, will see how that will go
There a a thread I read today that showed 2 people unlocking a Verizon pixel by taking the sim card out and setting the phone up while connected to WIFI. They where able to check the unlock button then unlock with adb.
srimay said:
There a a thread I read today that showed 2 people unlocking a Verizon pixel by taking the sim card out and setting the phone up while connected to WIFI. They where able to check the unlock button then unlock with adb.
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Just taking out the SIM card will make the option in settings available?
Apparently...
srimay said:
Apparently...
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Interesting
capsnbottles said:
Nope, im on the jump on demand program. I told them I was leaving for work overseas and needed it asap like they have always done for me. Sweet talk them a little if you have to. Threaten to return it or something. Keep trying and eventually you will get someone cool, avoid the over seas reps at all costs though, they are useless
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I just did the same thing and they said no problem your JOD, whitelisted my number / device and going to the app doesn't work!! Tried a ton of times. He's calling me back shortly to verify working or not. Hopefully they get this right bc otherwise I'm returning and buying Google. Gotta have root.
You're looking for a carrier unlock to unlock to bootloader or to just have the phone Sim unlocked?
Either way you're at the mercy of your carrier. Until the phone is paid in full they legally don't have to Sim unlock it, and if it's never fully paid it will be blacklisted on all major carriers
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Well TMO has no idea why it won't work. Device is listed as applicable for unlock and they claim it's good to go. Going to website on my account shows device as locked and eligible for unlock but will not unlock via TMO app. Technical support escalating to engineering as expedited. Guess we will see what happens from here. I've w feeling I'm returning this to TMO in favor of Google p4xl and I'll wait for op7t pro McLaren 5g to arrive on tmo for my jod
Ippolito1971 said:
Well TMO has no idea why it won't work. Device is listed as applicable for unlock and they claim it's good to go. Going to website on my account shows device as locked and eligible for unlock but will not unlock via TMO app. Technical support escalating to engineering as expedited. Guess we will see what happens from here. I've w feeling I'm returning this to TMO in favor of Google p4xl and I'll wait for op7t pro McLaren 5g to arrive on tmo for my jod
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The app on the Pixel is broken, they have to do it manually on their side
SmileBigNow said:
The app on the Pixel is broken, they have to do it manually on their side
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I've talked to 2 people now. Neither has been able to do it. They did yours?
I'm in this same boat of the unlock app not working. Device is eligible, IMEI whitelisted multiple times, still fails every time. I now have a support case with the executive response team and have been going back and forth trying to find a solution. They've had me swap the phone with a new one and issued me a new temporary plan on a different SIM, neither of which made a difference. There is clearly a problem with their unlock app not working with this phone. No one at T-Mobile seems to know what's going on.
So my device was unlocked remotely without the T-Mobile unlock app.
This only happened once I filed a complaint with the FCC. Other people have stated that they had their device unlocked within a couple days after filing a complaint with the FCC.
I received an email this morning from the FCC that they contacted T-Mobile to unlock my device under federal law requiring carriers unlock eligible devices.
A few hours later I got a notification stating my device has been unlocked (no T-Mobile unlock app required).
It's a shame you have to involve the government so companies follow the law. I was previously told the device unlock app was the only way to unlock my phone, obviously not.
I'd recommend anyone who is struggling with the unlock app file a complaint with the FCC. If you are eligible to unlock the device under T-Mobile's policy, they are required by federal law to do so.

Should I return the ATT version?

I am junior here at XDA and am aware of the protocols for posting (search, search, search before asking), My query doesn't match anything I looked for because it is a combo of different things. Hence, this new thread
a) I've bought an ATT G020J on Ebay that will work with Cricket (that's what the listing said) and I am on Tmob. It is without contract, so I am assuming it is unlockable. Has anyone here tried crossflashing IMG files previously between these two exact carriers; is that even poss?
b) In cue, anyone care to share experience with ATT folks unlocking P4XL specifically, for other carriers?
b) Did October update/patch ruin face unlock for most or only few?
I will return or keep the item based on your generous/helpful replies.
Once again, I apologize before hand if I missed any existing thread that might have alluded to these three issues.
sdg1980 said:
I am junior here at XDA and am aware of the protocols for posting (search, search, search before asking), My query doesn't match anything I looked for because it is a combo of different things. Hence, this new thread
a) I've bought an ATT G020J on Ebay that will work with Cricket (that's what the listing said) and I am on Tmob. It is without contract, so I am assuming it is unlockable. Has anyone here tried crossflashing IMG files previously between these two exact carriers; is that even poss?
b) In cue, anyone care to share experience with ATT folks unlocking P4XL specifically, for other carriers?
b) Did October update/patch ruin face unlock for most or only few?
I will return or keep the item based on your generous/helpful replies.
Once again, I apologize before hand if I missed any existing thread that might have alluded to these three issues.
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Can I ask why you didn't just buy the correct carrier specific Pixel? Also, buying an unlocked version avoids all of this experimentation. Prices are down right now and you can get an unlocked Pixel for not much more than a carrier locked version.
As far as your question, It's not going to work by your logic. Your not going to be able to flash anything that will carrier unlock or switch the phone, otherwise everyone would do it and every Pixel would be unlockable (which they aren't)
My suggestion is return the phone and buy an unlocked Pixel.
October patch didn't harm my face unlock in any way. I haven't Heard any widespread issues regarding have unlock and the October patch.
sdg1980 said:
I am junior here at XDA and am aware of the protocols for posting (search, search, search before asking), My query doesn't match anything I looked for because it is a combo of different things. Hence, this new thread...
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The phone will likely come both carrier locked and bootloader locked. There are quite a few threads on XDA about carrier locked phones. Hopefully you can return and get your money back. Best of luck.
1dopewrx05 said:
Can I ask why you didn't just buy the correct carrier specific Pixel? Also, buying an unlocked version avoids all of this experimentation. Prices are down right now and you can get an unlocked Pixel for not much more than a carrier locked version.
As far as your question, It's not going to work by your logic. Your not going to be able to flash anything that will carrier unlock or switch the phone, otherwise everyone would do it and every Pixel would be unlockable (which they aren't)
My suggestion is return the phone and buy an unlocked Pixel.
October patch didn't harm my face unlock in any way. I haven't Heard any widespread issues regarding have unlock and the October patch.
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Why?-- Bands are exactly the same across ALL variants here in the US, other than carrier-locked OEM pickle. So, once it is out of contract, the question was meant to see if anyone has had experience requesting and getting unlock code from the orange carrier.
---Magenta versions are more expensive, based solely on condition of the phone
--- dependable and reputable seller I have bought multiple times in the past had a 9.9+/10 condition with original packaging for $379. Could not pass that up.
(You are right, in that I could have bought the unlocked version. Not sure about you but I pay outright but for previous years' flagships, but only when they are in the $400 range, which is the most I can afford to cough out at once. I don't like doing installments unless they be for a car or house because that's just me)
Sammy's galaxies, albeit Exynos not SD, are often flashed across each other, despite the company's stranglehold on their version of Android. Google being the 'truer' open sourced company, my idea was if, again, anyone had done boot image flashing across different models but once out of contract and unlocked
Thank you for the last bit as well. There was a Reddit thread complaining how the security patch had ruined the face unlock/sensor. But your statement is assuring.
v12xke said:
The phone will likely come both carrier locked and bootloader locked. There are quite a few threads on XDA about carrier locked phones. Hopefully you can return and get your money back. Best of luck.
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okay, thank youI shall look into it. I have a thirty day return window, so if nothing, I can return it within few days of researching to get it unlocked. The unit is assuredly out of contract for sure even if it is meant for AT&T network.
sdg1980 said:
okay, thank youI shall look into it. I have a thirty day return window, so if nothing, I can return it within few days of researching to get it unlocked. The unit is assuredly out of contract for sure even if it is meant for AT&T network.
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"Out of contract" doesn't mean anything. The market is flooded with locked phones for sale cheap. Could be stolen, could be broken contract, could be blacklisted, etc. Because it is carrier locked you *will have to* go through AT&T to get it unlocked. If the seller was legit, in good standing with AT&T and had simply upgraded to a new phone they could have easily had AT&T unlock it for free OTA and it would have been more valuable/marketable. There are also several threads here on XDA that will give you some insight on trying to get an AT&T phone carrier unlocked. I wish you the best of luck, but you are in for an uphill battle.
v12xke said:
"Out of contract" doesn't mean anything. The market is flooded with locked phones for sale cheap. Could be stolen, could be broken contract, could be blacklisted, etc. Because it is carrier locked you *will have to* go through AT&T to get it unlocked. If the seller was legit, in good standing with AT&T and had simply upgraded to a new phone they could have easily had AT&T unlock it for free OTA and it would have been more valuable/marketable. There are also several threads here on XDA that will give you some insight on trying to get an AT&T phone carrier unlocked. I wish you the best of luck, but you are in for an uphill battle.
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Thank you for the reminder. Yes, interestingly, seller should have been able to unlock it if it were out of contract and then sell. Let's see where I end up. I shall update the information here once I go through the grind.
I am currently searching for relevant threads of ATT unlocking Pixel 4XL...
sdg1980 said:
Thank you for the reminder. Yes, interestingly, seller should have been able to unlock it if it were out of contract and then sell. Let's see where I end up. I shall update the information here once I go through the grind.
I am currently searching for relevant threads of ATT unlocking Pixel 4XL...
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Have you find one of those threads?
movilserver said:
Have you find one of those threads?
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THIS THREAD does a pretty good job of explaining it. If you are able to get AT&T to carrier unlock your phone, you can then unlock the bootloader too, if you wish. Only AT&T can whitelist the IMEI on the AT&T variant. @sdg1980
v12xke said:
THIS THREAD does a pretty good job of explaining it. If you are able to get AT&T to carrier unlock your phone, you can then unlock the bootloader too, if you wish. Only AT&T can whitelist the IMEI on the AT&T variant. @sdg1980
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Thank you so much for that! I found that as well prior to posting this original thread. Seemed to be a mixed bag for commenting members. Persistence paid off for some, even within the contract period. I am chalking that up to luck and probably ill-informed techs who screwed their own employer. Ironically, @jac0b was unsuccessful in requesting unlock from AT&T. I have posed him a question about whether his device was paid off or not when he requested or had any particular hurdle unique to his case. Third party or ATT...,,,neither will unlock at any cost until the device is paid off, bad ESN, prepaid device within two month window, and some more stipulations I can't remember. They are listed on the vendors' websites.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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...

T-Mobile variant OEM unlock

I bought a carrier unlocked Pixel 5 from Amazon. Unfortunately, it's a T-Mobile variant, and I can't perform a OEM unlock. I tried calling their customer care, but they're all clueless.
Is there any paid service to which I can turn to to get my device unlocked?
Also, I read forums where guys ask representatives in Twitter/FB messenger to get device unlocked. If this is possible, how do I go about this? Where do I get the representative contact?
Unfortunately all we know of is you will need the unlocked variant.
I don't believe any carrier Pixels(s) 5 are bootloader unlockable.
Sorry.
andybones said:
Unfortunately all we know of is you will need the unlocked variant.
I don't believe any carrier Pixels(s) 5 are bootloader unlockable.
Sorry.
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I'm not sure if this is true, but if you call them or pay off the device, you can get bootloader unlocked. You can try getting it SIM unlocked via T-Mobile app, if it's paid off.
webhook said:
I'm not sure if this is true, but if you call them or pay off the device, you can get bootloader unlocked. You can try getting it SIM unlocked via T-Mobile app, if it's paid off.
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Unfortunately, even if it is paid off, I need to have a T-mobile account (not sure if it is any account of the account by which the device was bought) associated with the mobile for atleast 40 days. No way around that. So unfair though. Even after it being paid off. Anyways, thanks for the answers. Really appreciate it.
joshuaroy873 said:
Unfortunately, even if it is paid off, I need to have a T-mobile account (not sure if it is any account of the account by which the device was bought) associated with the mobile for atleast 40 days. No way around that. So unfair though. Even after it being paid off. Anyways, thanks for the answers. Really appreciate it.
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Have you tried to get in touch with T-Mo about it? I have no experience with this but maybe they can help
xunholyx said:
Have you tried to get in touch with T-Mo about it? I have no experience with this but maybe they can help
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Yup. This is the reply they gave in Twitter and FB both.
Just purchased a "unlocked" device on swappa only to receive a locked at&t pixel 5.
Requested carrier unlock by calling at&t customer service. My vzw Sim card started working after they unlocked but OEM unlock was still greyed out. Applied all pending updates in settings, then OEM unlock became available. Immediately unlocked the bootloader and loaded Los 20.

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