Should I return the ATT version? - Google Pixel 4 XL Questions & Answers

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you find one of those threads?

movilserver said:
Have you find one of those threads?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

Welcome to XDA
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Related

[q] unlock code for galaxy s4 active at&t

Really need a way to unlock my galaxy s4 active from at&t, just bought off ebay and rooted it but haven't found a way to unlock the network yet so I can use 4g with solavei.
I tried using the *#0011# method but couldn't past the initial screen.
Please any help would be appreciated.
GenZarnik said:
Really need a way to unlock my galaxy s4 active from at&t, just bought off ebay and rooted it but haven't found a way to unlock the network yet so I can use 4g with solavei.
I tried using the *#0011# method but couldn't past the initial screen.
Please any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I did was call 611 and told them that I was leaving the country and I need it for business. However they have records that my previous phones have been unlocked for travels as well as me buying phone from them. You could always try and test your luck though. I've read a thread somewhere that someone got their S4A unlocked similar to how I got mine unlocked but they didn't specify whether or not they got it through AT&T or not. Oh and if it doesn't work with one rep, try calling again later with another rep. Supposedly some reps care and look into your records to see if you qualify and others don't give a crap. Good luck!
I have at&t and called them to try to get my phone unlocked. they told me it wasn't possible since I just purchased the phone back in August, even though I've had an account with them for the last decade and have had many unlocked phones with them.
I was told that this policy was changed within the last 2 weeks, not sure if that's a BS line they fed me or not, but have tried calling different reps and have had no luck.
Also, when I enter my number in online to the online request form, it automatically tells me my phone cannot be unlocked. Apparently new policy states that any phone that is still under contract will not be unlocked my AT&T.
where are all the helpful replies?
Im in the same boat. There has to b a way. Why cant we roll back the jellybean build to a version that has access to the unlock panel?
Why is unlocking not possible using a root method of some type??? Is this build truely not unlockable without a custom code? MOD Edit: This is a development site. Please do not ask for illegal unlocking methods here
post some links to helpful blogs etc please
This is the leading site for answers but mod says look elsewhere with no helpful redirection..... WTF?
Where should we go now then?
pinyata said:
I have at&t and called them to try to get my phone unlocked. they told me it wasn't possible since I just purchased the phone back in August, even though I've had an account with them for the last decade and have had many unlocked phones with them.
I was told that this policy was changed within the last 2 weeks, not sure if that's a BS line they fed me or not, but have tried calling different reps and have had no luck.
Also, when I enter my number in online to the online request form, it automatically tells me my phone cannot be unlocked. Apparently new policy states that any phone that is still under contract will not be unlocked my AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's unfortunate. If it was me, I'd just keep trying to test my luck but I guess AT&T wised up a bit.
timjf said:
This is the leading site for answers but mod says look elsewhere with no helpful redirection..... WTF?
Where should we go now then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MOD kinda said they are a development site and don't partake in illegal methods. In case you didn't know, unlocking without carrier consent is illegal however rooting/flashing roms and etc aren't since they are just part of the opensource backbone of android. And to answer your question, google is a good place to start if you can't get answers here.
The reason the mods took issue with this is because the OP is not an AT$T customer, he bought a phone off eBay, and is now looking for someone to help him with his mistake. Carriers only unlock phones for customers as a courtesy, there is no requirement of them to do so. While XDA is all about modding phones, providing unlock codes for people who are not entitled to them is against their policy. Better that he bought one of the many unlocked phones for sale on eBay. I'm surprised the mods didn't also close this thread.
Look up Chainfires region lock away. Got a s4 active off eBay, rooted it with the activerootapp. Then used chainfires Regionlockaway. And popped in a tmobile sim card and enabled aws bands and now using HSPA+.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
What are the rules on someone who buys the phone on ebay, but are still on at&t?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
Yep got chainfires app on playstore and used irish sim card which worked. I am with at&t and not looking to move but I bought my phone on ebay and if I go to Ireland I feel entitled to use it freely.
laugh123 said:
Unlocking your Samsung Galaxy S4 can be done with the help of <<WHOEVER>> where unlock code and free unlocking instructions will be provided for affordable rates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:"Affordable rates" > $0.00 and are therefore not "free."
Invalid sim- solavei- samsung4 active- #supersu
Message ::
"There is no su binary installed and #SuperSU cant install it. There is a problem!!"
Does anyone know what I do next from here. I purchased this from a friend and would like to use my solavei micro sim card, but it states "invalid sim"
Samsung 4active

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.

Thinking of getting pixel 4 xl. Need advice.

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

Question att denied unlock request

I just purchased a Samsung S21 Ultra AT&T version from samsung.com and paid the full payment. I requested to unlock my phone in att's website but my requested was denied because my service hasn't been active for at least 60 days.I do not have any payment installment and contract with AT&T since I paid the full price when I bought my phone. I tried to call ATT customer service 800-331-0500, but each time I said unlock phone to the phone robot, the call was disconnected and directed my to submit a unlock request online. I am current using Cricket Wireless, and the the sim card works on this ATT locked phone. I want to unlock it because I would like to flash the XAA firmware. Does anyone have experience to handle the unlock process with ATT? Thanks in advance.
Update on 3/16/2021:
I called ATT retention department and talked with 3 reps, but no one was able to solved the issue. Two rep said they were not able to unlocked a phone without 60 days ATT service or let me ask samsung to unlock the phone, and the third one directed me to fill the unlocking form in the https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/ again. This request was denied within one hour, claiming "Your IMEI number & device don't match". This reason is different with my first request. I am very confused with their unlocking system. After 24 hours (this afternoon), I submitted an online unlocking request again. Surprisingly, this request was approved within half an hour. This is a happy ending, but I hate this hassle progress.
Hope my experience can help someone else.
Call them again and ask to talk with the Customer Loyalty Dept aka Retainment Dept.
Escalate the case if needed.
If nice doesn't get it, hound them.
If bought with a Master Card you can file a claim for a refund (you need return the phone first).
Trust me if you're assertive with AT&T you'll get it done. Been there, done that... many times
blackhawk said:
Call them again and ask to talk with the Customer Loyalty Dept aka Retainment Dept.
Escalate the case if needed.
If nice doesn't get it, hound them.
If bought with a Master Card you can file a claim for a refund (you need return the phone first).
Trust me if you're assertive with AT&T you'll get it done. Been there, done that... many times
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your suggestion. ATT sucks.
qoupan said:
Thanks for your suggestion. ATT sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can play with them. The CEO gives their reps a lot of leeway to resolve problems.
You just need to leverage them a bit sometimes.
Consider it assertiveness training.
One way or another... get it done
Just a question, why get a carrier locked phone instead of an unlocked phone to begin with?
Sonin66 said:
Just a question, why get a carrier locked phone instead of an unlocked phone to begin with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason I bought a ATT locked phone it the 256gb black unlocked version is out of stock.
qoupan said:
The reason I bought a ATT locked phone it the 256gb black unlocked version is out of stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the worst you'll only need to wait 60 days to comply with the contract.
Speed is always expensive...
Sonin66 said:
Just a question, why get a carrier locked phone instead of an unlocked phone to begin with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not unusual for a Carrier to have this kind of policy - TMobile has a similar rule - I don't know about Verizon, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did too. Like someone said earlier, if the OP complains long enough, there is a very good chance he will get what he wants.
Geekser said:
It is not unusual for a Carrier to have this kind of policy - TMobile has a similar rule - I don't know about Verizon, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did too. Like someone said earlier, if the OP complains long enough, there is a very good chance he will get what he wants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had AT&T unlock my S4+ as I was in compliance with the contract.
They are contractually bound by that agreement.
They are only obligated to fullfill the terms of that contract although they may choose to alter it on the OP's behalf.
One point to remember though is that they make most of their profit by providing cell service not the devices.
The OP should carefully check the buy out clause(s) in the contract as well as any state laws that apply ie contact the State Attorney General's office.
I found this thread when I did the research. It analyzed the potential reason why ATT's unlock system is problematic.
S21 AT&T variant purchased from Samsung.com IMEI not recognized in unlock portal | AT&T Community Forums
@ATTCARES Samsung CS confirms phone is an AT&T device per their IMEI portal. AT&T's unlock portal does not contain the IMEI so they have no ability to produce an unlock code. Device is acti...
forums.att.com
you do know that carrier unlock is not needed to flash the xaa firmware

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...

Categories

Resources