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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
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.
Hi, long term xda lurker, first time poster. I've used the search function to try and find my answer, but I keep getting a lot of conflicting answers so I wanted to see what you guys can tell me.
I was considering getting a pixel 4 xl but I want to know if its bootloader is locked. From what I can gather, the us carrier version are in fact locked however a few people have said that if you buy it outright from Google it is unlockable. Can anyone please confirm this? I've always used custom recoveries and rooms like cyanogen and now lineage from my HTC incredible, gs2, gs3, gs4. When I bought my gs7 edge I was highly disappointed to find no way to unlock it and don't want to go through that again. Any help here is mich appreciated.
From the forums, USA carriers will lock the bootloader initially and after you pay off the device (or a certain amount of time has lapsed) you can request they unlock the bootloader. For example, AT&T has a different policy from Verizon, etc.
I am in Canada and my carrier, Telus, did not lock the bootloader. Definitely no hassles if you buy the phone from Google, the bootloader is unlockable.
You may want to look into Google-Fi as well, sometimes they offer phones at a discount. Not sure what has happened post pandemic crisis though.
Fi and Goog phones are unlocked in all respects. All the carrier phones are sim locked and bootloader locked. Tmo for sure can be bootloader unlocked after it's paid for upon request, some have mentioned a 30 day wait also but I did not have to wait. I haven't read up on the other carriers.
Thanks guys from the quick replies! Looks like I'll order a pix4 from google then. I appreciate your input. After dealing with this gs7 (I was such a Samsung nerd for a long time) I'm tired of all the lockouts.
Def Fi or Goog then. Exact same phone but sometimes the deal is better with one or the other so it can pay to have a quick look at both to see if one cuts you a break. The phones have frequently been on sale so some patience might be rewarded if you're of a mind to try and hold out for a better deal.
Verizon will NOT unlock the bootloader. Even if you pay it off.
I purchased mine directly from the Google store and unlocked it on day one
Just curious if anyone can network my T-Mobile 4a 5g?
I haven't paid off my EIP but there was a fellow in the OnePlus 8 forum who unlocked my device.
Just curious if anyone can help it would be a huge favor?
Try asking tmobile, you might get lucky and have a person perform a permanent sim unlock for you.
NikoZBK said:
Try asking tmobile, you might get lucky and have a person perform a permanent sim unlock for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already had them unlock my OnePlus 8 and pixel 3a xl about three months apart before my EIP is up.
They said that there is a maximum of 2 device unlocks before the EIP is fully paid off.
Whether or not that's true is anyone's guess.
I used T-Mobile T-force support team on Facebook to have the others unlocked.
CaptainBrownTee said:
I already had them unlock my OnePlus 8 and pixel 3a xl about three months apart before my EIP is up.
They said that there is a maximum of 2 device unlocks before the EIP is fully paid off.
Whether or not that's true is anyone's guess.
I used T-Mobile T-force support team on Facebook to have the others unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting, haven't heard of that before. I had success in the tmobile app and just told them I would like to root my phone to use my "tool" (viper4android/adaway) and that I have to switch between phones to have access to my tools.
How long have you been a customer? I just had mine unlocked through the chat feature in rhe tmobile app. However Ive been a customer for 14 years 7 of which have been post paid with EIP devices.
Back story...I purchased the device through EIP with Tmobile on Nov. 25th. I was aware of the carrier lock blocking OEM unlocking but tbh i forgot. So when I recieved the device last week i was more angry with myself for not choosing google store.
Anyway on to how i received my carrier unlock....
It took me 3-4hrs of back and forth with the chat rep. 1st rep told me policy says no.
me: "i am looking to unlock my Pixel 4a 5G device. I was under the impression that the device, like most ALL other Google devices, came with the ability to unlock the bootloader but, i am unable to perform the action without the device being SIM unlocked. I could lie and say Im planning a trip but im going to try and be honest and hopefully get this resolved without issue."
Rep 1: "Thank you for your patience, I checked and due to the balance on your device I see it only qualifies for a temp unlock. That will last 30 days. and due to fact the phone has not been in use for 40 days."
I had to become Karen at this point...
me: "So loyalty means nothing? i wouldnt have got the phone had i known i NEEDED to SIM unlock it to use it how i intended. in 14years of being a customer ive NEVER had to do that on ANY of the dozen devices ive purchased through tmobile. i would have purchased it through Google and been able to do everything i want and still be on the tmobile network. its deceptive."
rep 1: "Of course loyalty means alot, this is just our unlock policy."
me: "but the policy is for use of the device on another network. i dont want to use it on another network i dont even WANT the sim unlock its being forced on me by tmobile in order to be able to use the device in the way the device was marketed to developers. And policy says 40days so even if i paid it off or purchased in full tmobile is shipping devices sim locked, which is preventing me from bootloader unlocking, when i could have ordered from google and it would have been able to unlock the bootloader out of the box wether financed or paid in full. and policy is bs i know its a simple approval from a supervisor to move my imei from ineligible to eligible so its a human decision. these will be the LAST devices i ever purchase through tmobile. its outrageous that this is the first and only time ive experienced this."
This is when Rep 2 came in...
Rep 2: "Oh no! I am so sorry you are having an issue with unlocking that Pixel device. I know how important being able to do what you want with your phones is. Let's work together to make sure there isn't any options we missed on our side. I want to make sure you can feel confident purchasing and using those phones with us!"
Rep 2: "So I did reach out here to my support teams and they said with the low time frame of having the device and only one payment in there wouldn't be a way to override a full unlock. I did confirm that a temporary unlock can be done 5 times a year and you can get the bootloading done on a temporary unlock as well."
me: "thats disappointing. i could have purchased the device from google at a discount and been able to do everything i want out of the box but ive been a loyal tmobile customer so i went with you guys. Next time ill be purchasing directly from google. thank you though."
Rep 2: "I totally get that. When you are wanting to do things like bootloading that honestly would be my recommendation as it does give you way more freedom when you purchase a device that is directly unlocked. All of our devices are meant for our network so they all come locked until full paid and used a little bit at least. I appreciate you letting me try to help out best I could though. Was there anything else at all?"
Temporary unlock DOES NOT WORK!!!! for OEM unlocking MUST BE PERMANENT! I stated thos to the rep. Tried to make it seem like a user error...
Rep 2: "Gotcha! I did reach back out to them to see if they can provide any other insight. Did you go through the fastboot menu and everything after enabling developer mode?"
me: "i did it stated that OEM unlocking must be enabled but as u can see in settings it cant be enabled unless its sim unlocked and the temporary unlock didnt change that."
me: "i guess i just have to live with it. now i just know that whether i finance or pay in full NEVER buy a phone from T-Mobile"
HERES WHERE THINGS TURN AROUND
Rep 2: "Let me try something else here.,"
Rep 2: "Would you be able to make 2 additional monthly payments on the phone? If you could do that I could get the override for the permanent unlock."
I hadnt paid anything on the device at this point aside from taxes nd shipping....
me: "i would be able to that. so pay $42 today or would it be added to my bill next month?"
Rep 2: "Yes! If you go in there it will let you type in how much you want to pay. Just pay the $42."
$42 paid 2 minutes later....
Rep 2: "OK! Now try to go do the permanent unlock in the app. If it doesn't work restart your phone super quick."
SUCCESS!!!
me: "it worked!! thank you very much!"
Rep 2: "No problem! Had to go to bat for you with my supervisor, but you have been an amazing customer for over 7 years so we wanted to help. Was there anything else I might be able to do"
So, with ALL of that said....if you've been a good standing customer just try and use your merit to pursuade a rep. and if the first one denys you just threaten to leave. if the swcond rep denys you swear that you're leaving lol customer is always right. I still owe $457 on the device and i havent had it for just about 9 days lol don't let them tell you *policy says no" theres always wiggle room.
Edit: he stated 2 additional monthly payments however i had to go into my account and pay $42 off of the balance of my device so it didnt actually cost me anything more and my monthly payments are lower because of it.
It's a complete lottery, customer for 3 years and got an unlock hassle free first rep. Back with my 6T had no luck, spoke to many different reps until found the right one
i can network unlock any pixel with android 11. Pm and i will help
eugenodk said:
i can network unlock any pixel with android 11. Pm and i will help
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Click to collapse
Does this offer still stand?
So for anyone who might end up in this thread looking for a way to sim unlock their T-Mobile Pixel 4a 5G.
I contacted T-Mobile Help through Twitter ( @TMobileHelp ) and they did a permanent unlock for me on a brand new Pixel 4a 5G.
They used to be called T-Force and are a much more helpful dept of customer service.
Anyway after following the Twitter account I started talking to one of their reps by Direct Message. I told them about my long account history and how I thought this phone wouldn't be locked. Since my phone was still in the return period the rep told me to wait until the return period was over and he'd get back to me.
Anyway he did get back as promised and now my phone is sim unlocked as of today.
So definitely try through T-Mobile Help on Twitter.
I'm considering purchasing a couple of P5a5G from TM but I want to know if the bootlaoder is unlockable so that I can root.
Not seeing the phone on their site.
MrPolite said:
Not seeing the phone on their site.
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Click to collapse
lol, that might make it a little difficult.
I was considering a subsidized phone...maybe I'll look at the Pixel 6. Will TM unlock the bootloader of their phones?
slingblade01 said:
lol, that might make it a little difficult.
I was considering a subsidized phone...maybe I'll look at the Pixel 6. Will TM unlock the bootloader of their phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get an unlocked variant, usually, carrier locked devices can't be unlocked...
If T-Mobile does offer the 5a, and if the TMO 5a can have the bootloader unlocked (likely but not guaranteed), it will first require a permanent SIM unlock and wait 40 days (apparently). Normally TMO won't permanently SIM unlock a phone before it is paid off (and a temporary SIM unlock will not allow a bootloader unlock). You could either wait the two years for the phone to be paid off, or you could prepay the balance on the phone. Prepaying the balance greatly reduces the financial advantage of buying through TMO. If you are a long-term customer of TMO you might be able to convince a service rep to do a full SIM unlock for you, but the cases I found of this were for multi-line customers who clearly were not going to change networks. Just buy an unlocked phone from Google or Best Buy.