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Bootloader unlocking question for Verizon customers

My dad's phone had the OEM unlocking button grayed out like some others, but the message said that it wasn't allowed on carrier-locked devices. I'm wondering if it wasn't carrier-locked if you'd be able to unlock the bootloader. Verizon's policy is that they're locked to Verizon for 60 days, so I'm curious to see if they might be willing to waive that if the device is paid in full or for a long time customer. My dad doesn't want to unlock his and I don't have a device yet, so I can't test it out. Has anyone tried, or would they be willing to try to call Verizon to request that their device be unlocked to see if this is possible?

Carrier locked, and bootloader locked are not the same thing. The Pixels purchased from Verizon can be run on different carriers after 60 days, but Their bootloaders will always be locked unless someone finds a hack. I wouldn't count on anyone doing that because they didn't find one for the 2, or the 3. The OG Pixel had one for a short time, but only under a certain firmware version. If you want one with an unlocked bootloader, buy one from Google. Verizon will not unlock the bootloader.

jmartin72 said:
Carrier locked, and bootloader locked are not the same thing. The Pixels purchased from Verizon can be run on different carriers after 60 days, but Their bootloaders will always be locked unless someone finds a hack. I wouldn't count on anyone doing that because they didn't find one for the 2, or the 3. The OG Pixel had one for a short time, but only under a certain firmware version. If you want one with an unlocked bootloader, buy one from Google. Verizon will not unlock the bootloader.
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Yes, they are two different things, but on my dad's 4XL the OEM unlock is blocked because the device is carrier locked. With reports that some Verizon devices have had their bootloader unlocked, I'm wondering if the Verizon variant may be bootloader unlockable once it is no longer carrier locked.

bosox284 said:
Yes, they are two different things, but on my dad's 4XL the OEM unlock is blocked because the device is carrier locked. With reports that some Verizon devices have had their bootloader unlocked, I'm wondering if the Verizon variant may be bootloader unlockable once it is no longer carrier locked.
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If it's a Verizon variant, it will never have an unlocked bootloader period unless someone finds a hack.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3-xl/how-to/bounty-unlock-bootloader-vzw-pixel-3-xl-t3856605
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/help/verizon-pixel-2-xl-root-t3903397
You only have to read these threads for a little bit to realize the Verizon variants will never have an unlocked bootloader

jmartin72 said:
If it's a Verizon variant, it will never have an unlocked bootloader period unless someone finds a hack.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3-xl/how-to/bounty-unlock-bootloader-vzw-pixel-3-xl-t3856605
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/help/verizon-pixel-2-xl-root-t3903397
You only have to read these threads for a little bit to realize the Verizon variants will never have an unlocked bootloader
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I appreciate you taking to respond but this isn't helpful. Past devices don't necessarily indicate future trends. There are reports that individuals have been able to unlock their bootloader with Verizon locked devices. See here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/how-to/root-instructions-verizon-pixel-4-xl-t3990767
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80665445&postcount=12
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80820511&postcount=21
Whether this is an oversight by VZW or a sign of things to come will remain to be seen, so I stand by the question I'm asking and am looking for someone to give it a try. I think there is a chance, albeit very slim, that once the devices are no longer carrier locked, you may be able to unlock the bootloader.

Just for the record, the Pixel 2XL is littered with claims similar to this. Maybe you are correct and it'll be different this time... Maybe people are either trolls or liars or just don't know what they are talking about.
Only time will tell but some very smart folks gave up on the Taimen after two years of trying.

Well I called Verizon today and told them I was traveling out of country. The agreed to unlock device. My OEM Unlock used to be greyed out with the Device is Carrier Locked. After they unlocked it for me just 15 min ago the OEM Unlocking option is still greyed out but the message now reads Connect to the internet or contact your carrier. So it's still greyed out but I wonder if I try fastboot unlock if it would unlock it and make it not greyed out.

Possible Verizon bootloader unlock

Well I called Verizon today and told them I was traveling out of country. The agreed to unlock device. My OEM Unlock used to be greyed out with the Device is Carrier Locked. After they unlocked it for me just 15 min ago the OEM Unlocking option is still greyed out but the message now reads Connect to the internet or contact your carrier. So it's still greyed out but I wonder if I try fastboot unlock if it would unlock it and make it not greyed out.
Just not sure if fastboot to oem unlock will make it work now.

Heres what the oem unlock looks now

wolfballz said:
Well I called Verizon today and told them I was traveling out of country. The agreed to unlock device. My OEM Unlock used to be greyed out with the Device is Carrier Locked. After they unlocked it for me just 15 min ago the OEM Unlocking option is still greyed out but the message now reads Connect to the internet or contact your carrier. So it's still greyed out but I wonder if I try fastboot unlock if it would unlock it and make it not greyed out.
Just not sure if fastboot to oem unlock will make it work now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will not.
The toggle needs flipped to use the fastboot command.

Shoulda bought direct from Google if you want that unlocked

wolfballz said:
Heres what the oem unlock looks now
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What happens when you stick a working SIM from a different carrier in it? Until their phone is CARRIER unlocked, the oem unlocking toggle will be grayed out and it cannot be bootloader unlocked. Doubtful they would carrier unlock their phone until it was 100% paid off. You will not be able to bootloader unlock Verizon's phone until the OEM toggle is enabled, and that won't happen until their phone is carrier unlocked.... in fact they may never carrier unlock their phone.

I can't believe that after 3.5 years of locked Verizon Pixel bootloaders people are still talking about unlocking a locked Verizon bootloader. It's never going to happen.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

cryppie said:
I can't believe that after 3.5 years of locked Verizon Pixel bootloaders people are still talking about unlocking a locked Verizon bootloader. It's never going to happen.
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Preaching to the choir brother... I gave up trying to convince them. Lol

cryppie said:
I can't believe that after 3.5 years of locked Verizon Pixel bootloaders people are still talking about unlocking a locked Verizon bootloader. It's never going to happen.
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CyberpodS2 said:
Preaching to the choir brother... I gave up trying to convince them. Lol
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Then why bother responding? Don't waste your time reading it.

v12xke said:
What happens when you stick a working SIM from a different carrier in it? Until their phone is CARRIER unlocked, the oem unlocking toggle will be grayed out and it cannot be bootloader unlocked. Doubtful they would carrier unlock their phone until it was 100% paid off. You will not be able to bootloader unlock Verizon's phone until the OEM toggle is enabled, and that won't happen until their phone is carrier unlocked.... in fact they may never carrier unlock their phone.
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Going to try a friends thats on at&t's service with a paid off device and use his sim.

wolfballz said:
Going to try a friends thats on at&t's service with a paid off device and use his sim.
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Meaning your device is paid off, or his? I'm not sure there are any verizon-bought Pixels that are bootloader unlocked. Once paid off, they can be carrier unlocked to use on a different service but as far as I know the only people that have a bootloader unlocked Pixel running on verizon were bought unlocked at the Google store (or got an unlocked one on by mistake on RMA). There could be exceptions, but that is generally the case. If you are paid off, and your goal is to get a carrier unlocked phone, you may well succeed. If your goal is to get to an unlocked bootloader you will likely need a different device.

v12xke said:
Meaning your device is paid off, or his? I'm not sure there are any verizon-bought Pixels that are bootloader unlocked. Once paid off, they can be carrier unlocked to use on a different service but as far as I know the only people that have a bootloader unlocked Pixel running on verizon were bought unlocked at the Google store (or got an unlocked one on by mistake on RMA). There could be exceptions, but that is generally the case. If you are paid off, and your goal is to get a carrier unlocked phone, you may well succeed. If your goal is to get to an unlocked bootloader you will likely need a different device.
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People have been trying everything possible to unlock Verizon Pixel phones since they were first released. I'm not saying he shouldn't try but it's not going to work. Just like Samsung phone purchased through Verizon, the bootloader has not been unlocked on them for quite a few years.

v12xke said:
Meaning your device is paid off, or his? I'm not sure there are any verizon-bought Pixels that are bootloader unlocked. Once paid off, they can be carrier unlocked to use on a different service but as far as I know the only people that have a bootloader unlocked Pixel running on verizon were bought unlocked at the Google store (or got an unlocked one on by mistake on RMA). There could be exceptions, but that is generally the case. If you are paid off, and your goal is to get a carrier unlocked phone, you may well succeed. If your goal is to get to an unlocked bootloader you will likely need a different device.
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Mine isn't paid off. I did get verizon to carrier unlock the device. My friend has a unlocked pixel 4xl from google unlocked and is on at&t. Going to try his sim in my device to see if the oem toggle can be tripped.

wolfballz said:
Then why bother responding? Don't waste your time reading it.
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Because you open a thread titled Possible Verizon bootloader unlock. That is misleading to say the least. You will never unlock a Verizon bootloader. You are either trolling or just ignorant. It looks like well over 100 have viewed this misleading post. Try whatever you want but how about trying before you post to save people the time they wasted reading your useless posts?
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

cryppie said:
Because you open a thread titled Possible Verizon bootloader unlock. That is misleading to say the least. You will never unlock a Verizon bootloader. You are either trolling or just ignorant. It looks like well over 100 have viewed this misleading post. Try whatever you want but how about trying before you post to save people the time they wasted reading your useless posts?
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Again, who made you read it?

wolfballz said:
Again, who made you read it?
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He has a valid point, it's a very misleading title.

they probably only temporarily unlocked your device which won't allow OEM unlocking... this is why I am happy I switched from Verizon to T-Mobile, with a bit of nice attitude and talking to the right reps T-Mobile has unlocked every device while still making payments for the pat year for me, including my 4 XL.

Enable ESIM on pixel 4 verizon unlocked but bootloader locked
Is there a way through the developer mode to enable ESIM on a verizon pixel 4?
its unlocked to use on any carrier but not bootloader unlocked.
If there is a way and you have the steps please post.
Thanks!

wolfballz said:
Mine isn't paid off. I did get verizon to carrier unlock the device. My friend has a unlocked pixel 4xl from google unlocked and is on at&t. Going to try his sim in my device to see if the oem toggle can be tripped.
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So I am curious if you had any luck.... I also have to ask how well do you know the new files systems? I know this from 2019 but the newer phones with dual partitions as I read about learning from my pixel 2xl is that the carrier has control of OEM unlocking such as Verizon and because of this and I will say Verizon who is my carrier will play stupid and act like they know nothing about OEM unlocking and will not unlock that toggle ever due to supposed security risks to their network bands and because Verizon purchased the phones from Google , Google gives them permission to have control of the bootloader and good luck trying get any type of developer bare boned version of Android to flash... I'm not trying to bash your idea and I honestly don't know how much you really know about the dual partition file system.... I am just curious how your idea worked though I'm sure it didn't as there is just the 2 pages and nothing new posted....

Root without unlocking bootloader?

I accidentally bought the Verizon locked variant of the pixel 5. Now I can't unlock bootloader to flash the custom rims. Is gaining root access possible without unlocking the bootloader? If not, how would I go about unlocking the bootloader on this unnecessarily locked down pixel 5?

Deitybrother13 said:
I accidentally bought the Verizon locked variant of the pixel 5. Now I can't unlock bootloader to flash the custom rims. Is gaining root access possible without unlocking the bootloader? If not, how would I go about unlocking the bootloader on this unnecessarily locked down pixel 5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No root without unlocking the bootloader and the Verizon models cannot be unlocked.

Deitybrother13 said:
I accidentally bought the Verizon locked variant of the pixel 5. Now I can't unlock bootloader to flash the custom rims. Is gaining root access possible without unlocking the bootloader? If not, how would I go about unlocking the bootloader on this unnecessarily locked down pixel 5?
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How do you just "accidently" buy a Verizon locked phone?? Just like everybody else that bought a Verizon locked phone you'll never unlock the bootloader. Take it back if it's not doin it for you

thatsupnow said:
How do you just "accidently" buy a Verizon locked phone?? Just like everybody else that bought a Verizon locked phone you'll never unlock the bootloader. Take it back if it's not doin it for you
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I got it from best buy, and they activated it on verizon for me. It was supposed to be the unlocked model.

Deitybrother13 said:
I got it from best buy, and they activated it on verizon for me. It was supposed to be the unlocked model.
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"Unlocked" in most people's minds is carrier unlock. The subset that cares and knows about BL unlock is very small. Another good measuring stick is discounts. If there is a discount beyond what you can get at the Google store, it is likely a carrier specific device and will have the BL locked permanently.

l7777 said:
"Unlocked" in most people's minds is carrier unlock. The subset that cares and knows about BL unlock is very small. Another good measuring stick is discounts. If there is a discount beyond what you can get at the Google store, it is likely a carrier specific device and will have the BL locked permanently.
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This is really not directed towards you, I know for a fact you know all this. I don't even think the sales people at BB know what bl unlock means. And unlocked has nothing to do with the ability to bootloader unlock, I just can't believe that this is still an issue for some folks. As for carrier devices you are entirely correct, however, I do believe that the only carrier that will permanently lock the OEM switch is Verizon but I could be wrong on that one. Even TM will allow you to bl unlock once you pay off the device. Verizon will never ever allow it. So the previous poster, even though the rep activated it on Verizon, it's device specific. I bought my P5 directly from Google and immediately activated it on Verizon with a physical sim and an eSim also on VZW. My OEM switch is still active to bl unlock it.
One final point, which I've made before, even Google sells a Verizon P5 through the Google store. If you buy that one it will not allow you to bl unlock no matter what you do. So I'm assuming BB has the same kind of setup, if you buy the VZW device you are **** out of luck. I once got stuck with a VZW Pixel and couldn't activate the eSim due to some silly VZW policy. It took me a month of phone calls to get refunded so never again. And I don't even bl unlock my devices any longer, but I want the option. Hey, you never know. lol

bobby janow said:
This is really not directed towards you, I know for a fact you know all this. I don't even think the sales people at BB know what bl unlock means. And unlocked has nothing to do with the ability to bootloader unlock, I just can't believe that this is still an issue for some folks. As for carrier devices you are entirely correct, however, I do believe that the only carrier that will permanently lock the OEM switch is Verizon but I could be wrong on that one. Even TM will allow you to bl unlock once you pay off the device. Verizon will never ever allow it. So the previous poster, even though the rep activated it on Verizon, it's device specific. I bought my P5 directly from Google and immediately activated it on Verizon with a physical sim and an eSim also on VZW. My OEM switch is still active to bl unlock it.
One final point, which I've made before, even Google sells a Verizon P5 through the Google store. If you buy that one it will not allow you to bl unlock no matter what you do. So I'm assuming BB has the same kind of setup, if you buy the VZW device you are **** out of luck. I once got stuck with a VZW Pixel and couldn't activate the eSim due to some silly VZW policy. It took me a month of phone calls to get refunded so never again. And I don't even bl unlock my devices any longer, but I want the option. Hey, you never know. lol
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The Verizon version and the unlocked version were the same price. But both of them had discounts if you activated service at checkout.

Deitybrother13 said:
The Verizon version and the unlocked version were the same price. But both of them had discounts if you activated service at checkout.
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Yeah, I know that. I never did understand the particulars of that but I'm sure it has something to do with money of some sort to someone. There was always too much fine print and conditions. I'm pretty much stuck on Pixel now so I'll only buy from Google and hope for some kind of discount. On the P5 I got $50 off for something or other. If I were to buy an iPhone I would go to an Apple store. But the other members of my family have all carrier branded devices because they don't give a darn about unlocked carrier or bl able.

Deitybrother13 said:
The Verizon version and the unlocked version were the same price. But both of them had discounts if you activated service at checkout.
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As far as I know, every Pixel device sold by Best Buy is Verizon branded. I don't remember where I learned that from, but get your phones from elsewhere.

Genuine Google (BL Unlockable) Edition?

I am buying a Pixel 4XL on Swappa advertised to be a genuine Google edition which I want so I can unlock the bootloader. Is there a way via IMEI or serial number to verify it's not a Verizon or non-Google edition? Thank you!

STraver said:
I am buying a Pixel 4XL on Swappa advertised to be a genuine Google edition which I want so I can unlock the bootloader. Is there a way via IMEI or serial number to verify it's not a Verizon or non-Google edition? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You used to be able to check the IMEI on the Verizon website but I just checked the link I've used before and it no longer provides the information you're looking for. Maybe someone else knows a different site to check but you can always ask the seller to see if the OEM unlocking toggle can be enabled and have them show you a screenshot of it. I would also mention that being able to unlock the bootloader is a requirement of yours just so you have that down in writing for the Swappa team to see in case it turns out not to be and you need to return it.

Thanks very much for responding. I remember reading somewher that the genuine IMEI number has a specific few character that identify it as a carrier-modified device or "pure" google but I haven't been able to find it,.

If you are just getting into this, note that carrier unlocked and bootloader locked are two different things. Vendors frequently advertise "unlocked" phones (meaning carrier) when they know people are looking for bootloader unlocked. It is VERY possible to get a carrier unlocked Pixel that cannot be bootloader unlocked. These are usually carrier-variant phones.
As mentioned, verify with the seller that it is a deal breaker if bootloader locked. When you start the phone go to settings and enable dev options. If "enable OEM unlocking" is grayed out and or you cannot toggle it on the phone is bootloader locked. I've bought at least 4 Nexus or Pixel phones from Amazon (Prime Day) and every one was fully unlockable.

v12xke said:
If you are just getting into this, note that carrier unlocked and bootloader locked are two different things. Vendors frequently advertise "unlocked" phones (meaning carrier) when they know people are looking for bootloader unlocked. It is VERY possible to get a carrier unlocked Pixel that cannot be bootloader unlocked. These are usually carrier-variant phones.
As mentioned, verify with the seller that it is a deal breaker if bootloader locked. When you start the phone go to settings and enable dev options. If "enable OEM unlocking" is grayed out and or you cannot toggle it on the phone is bootloader locked. I've bought at least 4 Nexus or Pixel phones from Amazon (Prime Day) and every one was fully unlockable.
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Thanks very much for responding. I have since received the phone and unlocked the bootloader.

STraver said:
Thanks very much for responding. I have since received the phone and unlocked the bootloader.
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Click to collapse
Fantastic!

Question Pixel 7 verizon locked how to unlock?

Anyone know how to unlock Pixel 7 from Verizon?

sillyshyme said:
Anyone know how to unlock Pixel 7 from Verizon?
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If you are talking about the bootloader, you can't unlock it on Verizon models.

Lughnasadh said:
If you are talking about the bootloader, you can't unlock it on Verizon models.
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Click to collapse
So how do you unlock to use different carriers?

sillyshyme said:
So how do you unlock to use different carriers?
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Device Locking FAQs
To prevent identity theft and fraud, devices bought from Verizon are locked and cannot be used on another carrier's network for the first 60 days after purchase.
www.verizon.com

sillyshyme said:
So how do you unlock to use different carriers?
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On T-Mobile, supposedly once you pay off the device and wait a certain amount of days (so you can't just resell it in another market), they will unlock the SIM (which pretty much the only prerequisite to unlock the bootloader) -- there are certain workarounds that one can do to get it done before this point, but there isn't a fixed method that works all the time; depends on your history with the carrier, making claims that you work as a developer and require it to be unlocked, supposedly an older method is some have simply said they are traveling internationally and "temporarily" need the SIM unlocked.
I had mistakenly believed AT&T had similar restrictions and workarounds/methods, but apparently not. There is supposed ways for AT&T, but they are less established, consistent, and reliable.
Verizon will not do it under any circumstances. Google sets aside batches meant for Verizon (carrier variant) that almost exclusively locked down bootloaders. No one is clear on the true method for how they lock it down for just that variant -- a case in the past that I was able to get a Verizon Pixel without locked bootloader is getting an RMA, but because they were inundated with exchanges, they just sent Google variants to cover for the short amount of time -- but it seems that they load the device up once at the factory to Verizon's network at least once, and that triggers the lockdown (there was an exploit before where if you do some other things and as long as you didn't put in a Verizon SIM card, you were able to get away with OEM unlock toggle before it was locked down; which is why/what happened in that RMA exchange [if you put in a Verizon SIM, it would lock it down]).
In any case, this has been the case since the first Pixel (1), and there have been bounties for unlocking Verizon variants since then that must've collectively reached more than $10k! And no one has successfully managed to do it and claim all that bag...!
For worse & worser, there is no way to unlock a Verizon variant's bootloader...
I just realized you weren't asking how "other carriers are unlocked", but how to "unlock it to use on other carriers"?
The only way is to get an unlocked non-carrier variant from Google Store, some brick and mortar stores have "unlocked" variants (Best Buy did when it first went on sale), Amazon seems to have/had it, or get it second-hand non-carrier variant from sites like Swappa....
Verizon will not do unlock bootloader under any circumstances.
I haven't seen any circumstances of Verizon "sim unlocking" the device, but they are less restrictive on that than "bootloader unlocking"; I'm sure there are ways/services that do, if not Verizon themselves. Like I stated in my crossed-out section, most carriers simply make you wait a certain amount of time (days) before offering the ability to do so -- to discourage purchasing a device then selling it in another (not official) market.