unlock bootloader troubles: finding the original carrier - Google Pixel 4 Guides, News, & Discussion

If you need to find out which carrier sold your Pixel in the first place you can try this website.
Using the IMEI I found out that my pixel 4 originated from Sprint.
It didn't help me much though, the Sprint helpdesk person couldn't do anything for me and suggested Android SDK....
Oh well, the phone is working great anyway.....

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New user droid 3 xt862 - assistance

Hello guys, I just goot this device used from someone in the US. It is locked on GSM, but rooted.
At this I am most interested in getting it unlocked and explore further which is, learning bootstrapping, changing recovery and loading custom roms.
I spoke to Verizon extensively today and was told, they wouldn't be able to give me the unlock code unless it was activated on the network. After a long conversation, the global support team suggested that if I know someone in the US on the Verizon network, what could possibly be done is activating this phone on their current contract, right away share the unlock code and move the Verizon user to their previous phone. All on one call, with a feww minutes? Do Verizon users or with similar experience share their insight, if this would work out with getting an unlock code from them?
I don't really want to go through the idea of finding someone, going through the call and finding out, the person I spoke to was mistaken about all this possible on a single call..
Any other ways to unlock the phone? I don't like the idea of paying money to a website for the unlock code and possibly the code not working, with no refunds.
I've already spent on the phone with the risk of not ever being able to unlock it.
I know, there are threads with unlocking info, but a lot of users I realized were still unable to unlock their phones.
Looking forward to expert insights, and thanks a load everyone!
Cheers.
Sent from my HTC Vision
To add, I am not physically in the US, neither is the phone. Phones GSM bands are apparently compatible with the GSM networks in my country.
Thanks!
Sent from my HTC Vision
Unfortuanlty that is the only way to unlock an xt862. Unless it has never been activated on verizons network. As I understand it verizon changes the sim unlock code upon first activation. Even if that is the case you will still need a code from an unlock site(or possibly your nearest cell repair store)
Sent from my XT860 using xda premium
Endoroid said:
Unfortuanlty that is the only way to unlock an xt862. Unless it has never been activated on verizons network. As I understand it verizon changes the sim unlock code upon first activation. Even if that is the case you will still need a code from an unlock site(or possibly your nearest cell repair store)
Sent from my XT860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. Unlock4Moto.com is where I am currently planning to purchase it from - they don't have specific verizon codes, but motorola xt862 in general.
Really really hoping, that verizon didn't change the lock code during its few months of activation.
Scared now of not having to use the device as only a PDA..
Thanks for the response.
Can others also pls share their experiences, thanks!
Sent from my HTC Vision
rezapatel said:
Ok. Unlock4Moto.com is where I am currently planning to purchase it from - they don't have specific verizon codes, but motorola xt862 in general.
Really really hoping, that verizon didn't change the lock code during its few months of activation.
Scared now of not having to use the device as only a PDA..
Thanks for the response.
Can others also pls share their experiences, thanks!
Sent from my HTC Vision
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya if its been activated previously the code from unlock4moto will probably fail. In addition if you have too many fails the phone will go into susbsidy lock(or something similar) and will need a PUK(personal unlock code) from verizon to even be functional. You could try just calling verizon repeatedly and explain your perdicament to a new agent each time until you find one that will just give you the sim unlock code. I do believe that it needs to be connected to verizons network at the time though there are several threads of ppl who have had this same problem. Its pretty ****ty. I might recommend selling it and getting the xt860 model. Its easier to unlock and is also global GSM.
Sent from my XT860 using xda premium
Endoroid said:
Ya if its been activated previously the code from unlock4moto will probably fail. In addition if you have too many fails the phone will go into susbsidy lock(or something similar) and will need a PUK(personal unlock code) from verizon to even be functional. You could try just calling verizon repeatedly and explain your perdicament to a new agent each time until you find one that will just give you the sim unlock code. I do believe that it needs to be connected to verizons network at the time though there are several threads of ppl who have had this same problem. Its pretty ****ty. I might recommend selling it and getting the xt860 model. Its easier to unlock and is also global GSM.
Sent from my XT860 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
That really sounds crappy :-( I do although plan to buy one and see what happens. Just hoping, I am lucky. Else, I will trt and resort to finding someone from verizon to help me with the situation.
In regards to selling it, I purchased the phone in the us with a friends address almost a month back, and received it in hand just today. Really wouldn't want to sell it yet or thar I might not even find a buyer for a locked phone in my country.
Tough situation I am in, thanks though and wish me luck!
Sent from my HTC Vision
You can bypass the Verizon setup by tapping the four corners of the setup window. At least this will make the phone useable.
That would make the phone usable as a PDA (wifi only), but I think he mentioned that wasn't his goal. Still good info to have while waiting for unlock though.
OP, the phone definitely needs to be activated on a Verizon account temporarily so it can communicate with their system for unlock code to work. Maybe you can place an ad on craigslist offering some money or something similar. People have nothing to lose by helping you if they don't have a global phone or if they never travel outside the US. If they've already done it before, I believe they have to wait ten months before they can unlock another phone on their line. Just fyi.
Good luck!
Sent while mobile using Tapatalk.
BenSWoodruff said:
That would make the phone usable as a PDA (wifi only), but I think he mentioned that wasn't his goal. Still good info to have while waiting for unlock though.
OP, the phone definitely needs to be activated on a Verizon account temporarily so it can communicate with their system for unlock code to work. Maybe you can place an ad on craigslist offering some money or something similar. People have nothing to lose by helping you if they don't have a global phone or if they never travel outside the US. If they've already done it before, I believe they have to wait ten months before they can unlock another phone on their line. Just fyi.
Good luck!
Sent while mobile using Tapatalk.
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Click to collapse
Ahh here's another catch then. But I guess, someone who doesn't travel out might be willing.
Btw, just a quick question, so like the support person told me that I can get the phone activated on Verizon without the phone having to be physically in the US, can someone confirm that's possible?
Also, while at it, if someone on XDA is willing to help me with the situation, it would be awesome! I don't mind looking at the option of a monetary incentive for the assistance.
Thanks!
Sent from my HTC Vision
True-ish
Having been through the SIM unlock route myself, here is what I found out. The Droid3 Sim unlock code modification is presented in the first Over The Air (OTA) update. And it doesn't effectively change the code. It adds a modified algorithm to the existing code which has to match up to the one they provide you with. Just like an md5 sum would be incorrect if anything is missing or altered. If the phone is or is returned to the original software that came on the phone (i.e. SBF / Fastboot / Flash) then this algorithm is not present in the firmware and thus the code you recieve from a third party vendor should work. I would surf around and find a trusted source with a strong reputation. When you find a company that states they can do it for you then ask them what their success rate is with the Droid 3 in particular.
As far as the subsidy lock......mine was just like the droid 2 global, when I tried too many attempts it subsidy locked on me ( I was trying different variations that I found in different areas of RadioComm to see if I could circumvent the system, finally gave up). I didn't touch it and let it sit on the subsidy lock request screen for about an hour and it asked me again for the sim unlock code. I finally got the right code through my inderect agent rep and voila. Hope this helps. I've been unlocking a rack of Droid2 and 3 for myself and friends lately, so if any of the information provided is cross-device (I sometimes get confused) then hopefully a guru will correct me. But this is to the best of my recollection.
If you haven't succeeded in about a week I'll be having my acct transferred from an employee line to a consumer acct and I can help you with swapping it to my service briefly and getting in touch with global support. Just pm me or send a message to my gmail - same username queberican351
take care and best of luck
~SU1C1D3~
Hey thanks for the info. All of it made lots of sense. So at this point i am hoping that the OTA update didnt happen on device in its lifetime with the first owner although I am almost sure its highly unlikely.
I am currently most inclined towards unlock4moto.com for the code, hoping it works out.
Regarding flashing the OS version to the factory default version, I will try learning how to flash the roms on this device since I think the way to flash roms on motorolas are pretty different to other phones.
And thanks, really really appreciate the offer of helping me out if I don't succeed in a week.
Thanks!
P.s. first message on xda using the droid 3 (in airplane mode), wonderful phone!
Sent from my DROID3 using XDA App
Good news guys. The code from unlock4moto.com worked perfectly.
This makes me think that Verizon doesn't change the code on their network, because the phone was used for a couple months on their network prior to being detached from their network.
But there's another sad news too, which is, right after being unlocked I had to give it to my sister.. So I guess I will stick around to my Desire Z for another while.
Thanks everyone who helped me get my direction right and opted to help me, cheers!
Sent from my HTC Vision
rezapatel said:
Good news guys. The code from unlock4moto.com worked perfectly.
This makes me think that Verizon doesn't change the code on their network, because the phone was used for a couple months on their network prior to being detached from their network.
But there's another sad news too, which is, right after being unlocked I had to give it to my sister.. So I guess I will stick around to my Desire Z for another while.
Thanks everyone who helped me get my direction right and opted to help me, cheers!
Sent from my HTC Vision
Click to expand...
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I'm glad to hear that, so many others have had issues with this.
Sent from my XT862 using xda premium
Endoroid said:
I'm glad to hear that, so many others have had issues with this.
Sent from my XT862 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feel for them. I guess, was lucky :-D
Sent from my HTC Vision

[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

[Q] Questions about Sprint Unlocking

So I see there is a thread about unlocking your phone in these forums but that says its a GSM unlock. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to unlocking phones but I know I want to use my sprint M8 on Verizon since I'm switching services.
So my question is, is there any way to unlock my phone to work on the Verizon network? Is that unlocking method make it work on Verizon or just ATT?
Sorry but I am extremely ignorant on the subject and am looking for some info, rather not rebuy my one.
Knnox said:
So I see there is a thread about unlocking your phone in these forums but that says its a GSM unlock. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to unlocking phones but I know I want to use my sprint M8 on Verizon since I'm switching services.
So my question is, is there any way to unlock my phone to work on the Verizon network? Is that unlocking method make it work on Verizon or just ATT?
Sorry but I am extremely ignorant on the subject and am looking for some info, rather not rebuy my one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, extremely sorry that no one took the time to respond to this sooner. I believe there is 2 methods to do this, one being a SIM unlock and another being the GSM unlock you mentioned above. To my knowledge GSM unlock is what you want but sadly I don't think there is any 'free' way of doing this. I've never personally GSM unlocked one of my own phones but I have helped a friend do so. Anyways in order to GSM unlock a phone you need a special 'generated' (i think generated) code to input in your phone which will unlock it and allow it to use other carriers besides the one it was made for.
Here is a presumably valid tutorial on how to do this on an HTC One M8.
I would recommend trying freeunlocks.com first, only because I have a coupon from there which i'll gladly give you if you plan on using it. Only reason I have one and or am giving it away is because previously I bought one from there and they didn't have a code at the time so they refunded me and gave me a coupon code to enter if I ever purchased from them again which I most likely won't as I have no need for GSM unlocking, i.e why i'm giving it away. If by some chance freeunlocks does not work then you can try the one in the video or you can look for others.
If you would like to try this and want the coupon for freeunlocks.com then just say so in your response and I'll PM you it. I think its for either a discount or a free code, I don't really remember as this was quite a while ago when I was given it. (around a year)
Goodluck!
I'm just not sure if this would work because I'm trying to go from sprint to verizon, both being CDMA. If I did this would it mean I have to go to ATT?
Knnox said:
I'm just not sure if this would work because I'm trying to go from sprint to verizon, both being CDMA. If I did this would it mean I have to go to ATT?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so, according to this it should have all the proper bands to support both Sprint & Verizon. On the off hand there is always the chance that this link I just sent is ONLY for the International model and I am wrong which I very well could be. I've had trouble truly understanding if all versions of phones have support for the same bands or if they don't. I'd recommend researching this a bit or waiting until someone else comes along with the proper knowledge to assist you in your question on the radio bands comes along.
Anyways LS;DR, It should work but I may be wrong so do your own research or wait for someone else with the proper knowledge to assist you to come along.

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.
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?
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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
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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

A question about tmobile unlocking

Hi guys
I recently bought a used 4xl off ebay that I want to install grapheneos on. I bought the tmobile variant to save some money, as I assumed as long as it wasnt the verizon variant the bootloader would be unlockable.
I've called 3 different tmobile support techs, and reached out to the @tmobilehelp twitter account, all of whom are saying the past owner has to call to have the phone sim unlocked. Is there a way to get the device unlocked without ever being a tmobile customer? I didn't originally have intentions to put a sim in the phone at all, but if i have to, i will.
What are my options to getting the bootloader/sim unlocked? Can I become a tmobile connect customer to get the phone on the network, and then request an unlock as i'd be the current owner of the phone?
Thanks
AlmightyGrapefruit said:
... What are my options to getting the bootloader/sim unlocked? Can I become a tmobile connect customer to get the phone on the network, and then request an unlock as i'd be the current owner of the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The past owner lost his phone or it was stolen while still under contract (hasn't been paid off), and it was sold on ebay. Pretty much the only option you have is to try and get your money back from the ebay vendor selling stolen phones. Have you contacted them already and what was their response? As for your last question about becoming a TMo customer with a stolen TMo phone, I guess you forgot to ask that when you talked with the 3 support techs? If you are lucky your IMEI is not blacklisted already and it is capable of being activated.
Hey!
I have a similar problem. Mine is from AT&T. The only thing you should know is if it is blacklisted or not.
If it is you may run into other problems!
I am still researching how to unlock the bootloader. I have already learned a lot of things but still trying... To get the phone unlocked I think the best way is to flash original firmware that comes with unlocked models(you can download it directly from google here )
Now, as the bootloader is locked, you can't just flash it directly as the bootloader won't allow you to flash things to certain partitions(like boot partition⛔️). I will let a pic of what you get, even if you use the force attribute.
The case is that Qualcomm chipsets have and especial mode called EDL.
With this mode you can flash any firmware, even if the bootloader is locked.
This is because the EDL is like the main bootloader, and then there is the 2 bootloader, which is the one is locked(See pic).
Concluding, what I am trying to do is flash the not locked firmware through the PBL(which you access through EDL mode, to get there just run "fastboot reboot edl" without quotes).
The problem is that you need some strange files, which appear to be very rare. They have an .mbn or .hex extension and I didn't find them yet. They are supposed to be inside the firmware, but I didn't find them yet.
When I finally find it, I am going to publish a full guide on how to unlock any firmware, even if it is from Verizon.
I already have understood how to unlock the phone to work with any SIM, mine despite being locked to AT&T it's working fine with my Vodafone SIM. Here is the link to my post
This information probably won't help because it's for a completely different device... But I had a OnePlus 6t prior to my Pixel 4XL and we had a T-Mobile to global conversion thread that used a tool that made our T-Mobile OnePlus 6t/6 a global model. I'll go grab the link to the thread and paste it here. I know OnePlus and Pixel are two completely different devices but what the hell. Hopefully it may help...
T-Mobile 6T to International Conversion (WITHOUT unlocked bootloader/SIM unlock!)
In the previous thread, we discussed a method to convert T-Mobile 6T's to the international variant, sort of, but it required an unlocked bootloader, which itself requires a SIM unlock which T-Mobile gives people a hard time about. However, it...
forum.xda-developers.com
That is more less what your aim is here in quite sure... Make your Pixel 4XL T-Mobile an unlocked model. It would seem like there would be some way to do it, unless whatever the OnePlus developers did to have the conversion work is a no go because of how the two devices are made. I'm not sure as I have not dug deep in to this just figured I'd share. When I read your post this is the first thing that came to my mind. I hope you get it resolved. All else fails sell the T-Mobile model and try and get a Google model Factory unlocked. They have come down even more now I'm pricing.. Anyway good luck man.

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