Database Users

The T-Mobile USA Xperia Z C6606 Bootloader is locked

Well, I went to check out the T-Mobile branded Xperia Z C6606 at the Sony Style store and was disappointed to see that the bootloader is locked.
I was trying to get information online if it was locked or not but couldn'tget any confirmation. I know that it'sprobably locked by T-mobile, but I was hoping.
Sent from my C6602 using xda premium

All branded/carrier phones are. Tell us something new...

LenAsh said:
All branded/carrier phones are. Tell us something new...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen some phones in the past that were sold by T-Mobile or other carriers but were not bootloader locked. With T-Mobile's new business model and the fact that Sony was selling it outright at their stores, you would think that it should be unlocked.

All phones have locked bootloaders when they come from the store. 'Bootloader unlock allowed' means if it is allowed to unlock it yourself or not, but doing so will void your warranty and wipe your DRM keys (which are needed for Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2, MusicID/Gracenote, etc.).
Sent from my Xperia Z using Tapatalk

LenAsh said:
All branded/carrier phones are. Tell us something new...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a carrier here in Spain that sells unlockable Xperias. It's the fourth mayor carrier so is not a shady one.

DrKrFfXx said:
There is a carrier here in Spain that sells unlockable Xperias. It's the fourth mayor carrier so is not a shady one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sim locked and locked bootloader are two separate things. >.>
usually when some stores states "selling unlocked xperia/galaxy/iphone/ etc.." it means the phone is unlocked and it can be used anywhere else. When you purchase a phone from a store (Sony store) or carrier (At&T) it is locked to them. In other words, the phone cannot be used with another sim card like T-Mobile, since the phone is locked to At&t.

LitoNi said:
sim locked and locked bootloader are two separate things. >.>
usually when some stores states "selling unlocked xperia/galaxy/iphone/ etc.." it means the phone is unlocked and it can be used anywhere else. When you purchase a phone from a store (Sony store) or carrier (At&T) it is locked to them. In other words, the phone cannot be used with another sim card like T-Mobile, since the phone is locked to At&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally understand what is sim and boot lock.
I've had in my hands a couple of Xperia devices from that company (Yoigo), one Xperia Mini Pro I think, and the other one a Xperia Z, and both had "Bootloader Unlockable: Yes" on the service menu.

I've read that some custom ROMs can still be flashed on this phone without unlocking the bootloader. Is this true?

skynet11 said:
I've read that some custom ROMs can still be flashed on this phone without unlocking the bootloader. Is this true?
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Yes, if they are based on the stock kernel.

Apollo89 said:
Yes, if they are based on the stock kernel.
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Click to collapse
anyone have the basebands ftf for this model yet?

HoOnZ said:
I've seen some phones in the past that were sold by T-Mobile or other carriers but were not bootloader locked. With T-Mobile's new business model and the fact that Sony was selling it outright at their stores, you would think that it should be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile isn't really known for locking bootloaders. Verizon on the other hand... When it comes to locked boot loaders it seems to be like this.
Locked carriers:
Verizon
at&t
Mostly unlocked carriers:
Sprint
T-Mobile
Phone brands locked:
HTC
Sony Xperia
sometimes LG
Phone brands not locked
Huawei
Samsung
This has just been my experience.

Will the roms in the development thread work on the TMO version? Might go pick this up in a week or two.

DOTC said:
Will the roms in the development thread work on the TMO version? Might go pick this up in a week or two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if they're based on the stock kernel. Something like 'for locked bootloader' has to be mentioned. They often have 'LB' in their titles.

Apollo89 said:
Only if they're based on the stock kernel. Something like 'for locked bootloader' has to be mentioned. They often have 'LB' in their titles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This maybe a stupid question, but I've never flashed a ROM on a locked bootloader. Will the roms still be able to be bloat and CIQ free?

i understand that the bootloader is locked for the t-mo version (c6606), but what about root?
i want to be able to run ti backup and get rid of all these ads...

dnaL0R said:
i understand that the bootloader is locked for the t-mo version (c6606), but what about root?
i want to be able to run ti backup and get rid of all these ads...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
locked bootloader has nothing to do with its ability of being rootable or not.
Root should run fine on tmo version.

LitoNi said:
locked bootloader has nothing to do with its ability of being rootable or not.
Root should run fine on tmo version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gotcha... just found out that the DooMLoRD Easy Rooting Toolkit was just updated to v17 to support my device...
all good now :good:
now i just need to upgrade to 4.2.2

I played with the TMO version today and find it inferior compared to my own C6602. The first problem is the branding and bloatware - yes it is bloated carrier style and a lot of TMO notifications where shown on the demo unit. One of the demo units had noticeable lag, much worse than my C6602 back in March on .350. The other one were smoother.
I managed to put System Tuner on one of them - it runs the standard Interactive governor and 384-1551 is the used frequencies.
The price tag was very high - $610, $579 with "appropriate plan". More expensive than in the Sony Store for an unbranded, unlocked and superior C6602.
I just don't see any reason to buy the TMO version when there is the C6602 available for less money (albeit at a small difference) that can be bootloader unlocked and optimized. Paying MORE for a carrier branded device? No way.
To those that feel that they need to talk LTE with me as a reason to buy the branded edition: wait for the Honami instead - it will offer a superior LTE radio, which means that it can be used on many carriers. I base this assumption on the nice multiband LTE radio that the Z Ultra offers.
After playing with the T-Mobile version, my recommendation of the C6602 instead is stronger than before.
To those that want to argue about prices: use a credit card instead if $539 is "too much".

t-mobile's wifi calling feature is the ONLY reason why i went with the C6606... having lte is nice too, i guess

dnaL0R said:
t-mobile's wifi calling feature is the ONLY reason why i went with the C6606... having lte is nice too, i guess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't get the reason the have WiFi Calling when there is a little thing called Google Voice. I can make free calls to the whole US that way and even configure it as a 100% IP phone with GrooveIP. For international calls, I am using Viber or Voice (my relatives in Sweden use Viber so we have free calls).
To me, carrier bloat and locked bootloaders are total dealbreakers and I can't really see how WiFi Calling can compensate.
LTE? I will get it when I can buy a standard, unlocked device and use it. As long as I need carrier branding in order to use it - I say pass.

T-Mobile MotoMaker vs. Dev Edition

I'm sure everybody already knows this, but just to confirm, here is a conversation with a Motorola rep I had:
Carl: Hi, my name is Carl. How may I help you?
Trevor: I was curious: what's the difference between the T-Mobile moto x and the developer editions, since both of their bootloaders are unlockable?
Carl: I will be more than happy to assist you on this.
Trevor: Is there any difference, because it's tempting to get a T-Mobile version so it can actually be customized.
Carl: The Developer Edition will have an unlocked Bootloader and the Developer Edition GSM will be unlocked with most GSM carriers.
Carl: The Developer Edition Verizon, will be locked with Verizon but will be unlocked for any non-US SIM cards.
Trevor: I use at&t, a GSM carrier, so I know after unlocking the bootloader on a T-Mobile phone, the carrier settings can be bypassed *and used on my network. But are there any actual hardware differences between the dev and T-Mobile versions? The way I understand it, they'll both have unlockable bootloaders.
Carl: The Developer Edition will only come with the 32 GB version.
Trevor: That's fine. I'd get a 32 GB T-Mobile version too. But am I right? The T-Mobile version is also bootloader unlockable, isn't it?
Carl: The MotoMaker Moto X will come with 16GB and 32GB.
Carl: Yes.
Carl: The MotoMaker Verizon and AT&T have a locked Bootloader.
Trevor: So why would I get the Dev version? Wouldn't it be smarter to get a T-Mobile version and unlock the bootloader AND have the benefit of getting a prettier phone?
Carl: Unlocking the Bootloader will void the warranty.
Carl: The Developer Edition will be unlocked for any GSM carriers right away.
Carl: With the Moto X MotoMaker version, you'll need to unlock the Bootloader first.
Carl: You'll also need the Subsidy unlock Code from the carrier to have it unlocked.
Trevor: Okay, so there's that. Are there limitations on using different bands of LTE , HSPA+ and HSPA with the T-Mobile phone on at&t's network?
Carl: Both versions will support these bands: GSM/GPRS/EDGE - UMTS/HSPA + up to 42 Mbps - CDMA/EVDO Rev. A (CDMA model only) - 4G LTE
Trevor: So they're essentially the same, if just void the warranty, and need a carrier unlock.
Carl: Correct.
I wonder how hard it is to unlock the carrier settings after the bootloader...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I am under the impression that the T-Mobile motomaker is already unlocked(carrier) and Carl is a big fat lying jerk.

99% sure the T-Mo version comes SIM unlocked from the factory. Many have already answered this. I can confirm again today though. Already have a Developer Edition and my customized T-Mo edition is coming in today. I'm on AT&T so I'll know pretty quickly if it's locked to T-Mo.

I wonder how knowledgeable the website chat guys are. On Monday I had this conversation (copy and pasted exact, but names removed). I asked him specifically about the unlocked boot loader and voided warranty on the T-Mobile motomaker phone:
him: TMobile Edition supports the unlockable bootloader.
him: We have a new update for the warranty on the unlocked bootloader.
him: The warranty is no longer voided.
me: Is that on all phones and not just the developer phones?
me: If so that is excellent
him: That is for the phones that it is supporting the unlock boot loader but not for all phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that to mean that if you can unlock the boot loader using the supported process, you can do it without voiding the warranty.
After finding the unlock page and reading it, I think he's wrong....or at least, misleading. Unlocking non-dev edition phones seems to void your warranty, full stop. But I'd love it if he is right...

parsa5 said:
I am under the impression that the T-Mobile motomaker is already unlocked(carrier) and Carl is a big fat lying jerk.
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Click to collapse
After everything I read up to this point I tend to agree.
It would be nice if someone who purchased the T-Mobile version and used it on AT&T network could confirm.

funmerlin said:
I wonder how knowledgeable the website chat guys are. On Monday I had this conversation (copy and pasted exact, but names removed). I asked him specifically about the unlocked boot loader and voided warranty on the T-Mobile motomaker phone:
I read that to mean that if you can unlock the boot loader using the supported process, you can do it without voiding the warranty.
After finding the unlock page and reading it, I think he's wrong....or at least, misleading. Unlocking non-dev edition phones seems to void your warranty, full stop. But I'd love it if he is right...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll tell you Dec 16th, my delivery date for my T mo motomaker customized baby that I'll be using with att. ( until march of next year when the contract is up and I'm giving att the boot for aio or straight talk)
Sent from the second to last Galaxy
PACman Rom Nightlies
AJK 4.9 "the boss"

I'm starting to notice there is a lot of incompetence in their customer care. I still haven't managed to get any help getting my order shipped after a week. I'm starting to lose hope. Has anybody had any luck getting their shipping expedited?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

ps. cant unlock bootloader on tmobile....and customer service at moto say its locked and not unlockable.

Not that it's a huge deal but the VZW version is not SIM locked. You can use it on att/tmo without a need for unlocking the device contrary to what this conversation says.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

gtg465x said:
99% sure the T-Mo version comes SIM unlocked from the factory. Many have already answered this. I can confirm again today though. Already have a Developer Edition and my customized T-Mo edition is coming in today. I'm on AT&T so I'll know pretty quickly if it's locked to T-Mo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did your phone come in and is it locked to T-mo?

tonyguy2000 said:
Did your phone come in and is it locked to T-mo?
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Click to collapse
No, it got held up by the storm in Texas.

Hmm. With all of the mixed results on here, I'm not feeling as dumb about just getting the Dev Edition. I'd rather not risk getting another bootlocked phone like I did with my S4 Active (because the bootloader unlock on that phone is going SO well).
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I have been told by several Google reps on G+ that the only difference between the Tmo version and the Dev is that the warranty remains after unlocking the Dev. I believe them so I ordered one. We will see. Also have the Dev version coming. One is going back.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

kolyan said:
ps. cant unlock bootloader on tmobile....and customer service at moto say its locked and not unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have the tmobile version and can't unlock the bootloader?

the green man said:
You have the tmobile version and can't unlock the bootloader?
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Click to collapse
I think the only thing proven so far is that motos support reps are pretty clueless.
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/09/09/t-mobile-moto-x-added-to-motorola-bootloader-unlock-program/
https://motorola-global-portal.cust...sion/L3RpbWUvMTM4NjQ3NDc0NS9zaWQvaTlvX0pnSGw=

Cubfan99 said:
I have been told by several Google reps on G+ that the only difference between the Tmo version and the Dev is that the warranty remains after unlocking the Dev. I believe them so I ordered one. We will see. Also have the Dev version coming. One is going back.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Motorola, what is the sense in a different warranty for ostensibly the same phone? It would maybe make some sense if there was some sort of qualification needed to purchase the 'Developer Edition' phone, but there isn't. I feel like getting a signature on my T-Mobile Moto Maker version...my signature will be "DEVELOPER EDITION". I plan on unlocking the boot loader of my phone and I would like Motorola to give me a rational reason why my warranty should be nullified if I do. Different colors and or letters printed on the back are not rational reasons to cancel a warranty.

sunnycheeba said:
Dear Motorola, what is the sense in a different warranty for ostensibly the same phone? It would maybe make some sense if there was some sort of qualification needed to purchase the 'Developer Edition' phone, but there isn't. I feel like getting a signature on my T-Mobile Moto Maker version...my signature will be "DEVELOPER EDITION". I plan on unlocking the boot loader of my phone and I would like Motorola to give me a rational reason why my warranty should be nullified if I do. Different colors and or letters printed on the back are not rational reasons to cancel a warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither are 15mph school speed zones.They are completely ridiculous and traps for wrong doers, but it's the law. It's Moto/Carrier's law. Just the way it is.
By the way I agree with you, but it's the way it is. Dev only if you want bootloader unlock + warranty. End of discussion.

trevorftard said:
I'm sure everybody already knows this, but just to confirm, here is a conversation with a Motorola rep I had:
Carl: The Developer Edition will have an unlocked Bootloader and the Developer Edition GSM will be unlocked with most GSM carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just as a note, the bootloader is not PRE unlocked, it still requires you to do so using a code acquired from the moto site using fastboot and a command console.

the green man said:
You have the tmobile version and can't unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
funmerlin said:
I think the only thing proven so far is that motos support reps are pretty clueless.
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/09/09/t-mobile-moto-x-added-to-motorola-bootloader-unlock-program/
https://motorola-global-portal.cust...sion/L3RpbWUvMTM4NjQ3NDc0NS9zaWQvaTlvX0pnSGw=
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they assured me that its a mistake and their website is wrong....
But as one guy said, I need to wait for my device to be added to their bootloader unlock database. So far I can't unlock it.

kolyan said:
Yes, they assured me that its a mistake and their website is wrong....
But as one guy said, I need to wait for my device to be added to their bootloader unlock database. So far I can't unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, a mistake as in you can unlock the bootloader without voiding your warranty with the T-mobile edition? Or, wrong as in you can unlock the bootloader and void your warranty in the process?

Z2 from virgin uk

Can i root him?
The botloader is locked or unlocked?

dandi212 said:
Can i root him?
The botloader is locked or unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot say for definite. As far as I currently know sim free phones and contract phones from Three come boatloader unlocked.
However my HTC HD2 on contract with Virgin a few years back came sim/bloatware free so I'd wager it could be a possibility.

3 UK devices are unlockable, not unlocked

The phone is not sim free now but i can unlocked him for sim free..
i just need to know if i can root him ..the botloader is unlocked?
The phone from virgin and not from three

Sure, my 3 uk is sim and bootloader unlocked and thus rootable.
What I meant to say is although I cannot say for definite, what I remember from having a contact phone with Virgin myself is that they used to send was a sim free phone pretty much like those from the cpwh and phones4u.
I'd phone Virgin personally. I am with Virgin myself but baulked at the price they were charging.

How can i know if the bootloader is locked?

Moto Z Force.... GSM Unlocked?

I read the post where someone asked about an unlocked Moto Z Force, and I met with the Moto rep at Verizon today who again said that it would be a Verizon exclusive, but I think we might have something with the thought that eventually, there will be a "Force Pure" (for lack of a real term of what it would be called) being sold directly through Moto, like the 2015 Pure was. I have AT&T and want to stay with them AND get a "Force Pure" model that will allow me to easily unlock the bootloader and use one of the many root options already available. I know the regular Z model will get an unlocked version for GSM carriers in September, but Verizon can't truly hold the Force model all to themselves forever..... right?
We also have people like this claiming to sell "unlocked GSM Moto Z Force" phones on eBay, when they probably just mean carrier unlocked, which isn't nearly as hard as bootloader unlocked.
And speaking of not knowing what we're talking about when we mean "unlocked," can we all learn the difference between the developer option to allow the bootloader to be unlocked and the NEXT step required to actually unlock it? With the Moto X Pure, you must start by selecting that option, go on Moto's website, give them your phone's info, and THEN the phone can be bootloader unlocked - the Verizon locked phones will never get that unless devs find the hack around it. If you are confused on any of what I said, then learn how it's done on the Moto X Pure here, which is a whole lot longer than just flipping the switch on the developer option.... Lots of people here seem to think that's how it works, so I'm addressing it here before someone incorrectly says that it is already available - which it isn't and won't be on Verizon....

Unlocked bootloader .....never gonna happen but sim unlocked for GSM? It already has

thyrellik said:
Unlocked bootloader .....never gonna happen but sim unlocked for GSM? It already has
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please read my actual question again before even bringing up SIM unlocking.... what makes you so sure that the upcoming GSM-only model sold directly by Moto won't ever be able to be bootloader unlocked? Or are you just speculating based on the current Verizon offerings?

The Verizon moto z and z force is carrier unlock, free to use on any gsm. I'm using a z force on cricket. And there is no way to unlock bootloader for these phone.
Only the moto z gsm version coming in September can have bootloader unlock.

Important Google-Pixel Information: Verizon (USA) and EE (UK). READ BEFORE PURCHASING

!!! IMPORTANT FOR ANYBODY IN THE UK or USA WHO WANTS TO ROOT A GOOGLE PIXEL!!!
The ability to root is blocked on handsets ordered on contract from EE (the same with Verizon in the USA). The reason for this is to do with the sim lock. Upon putting the EE (or Verizon) sim into the phone, it activates and locks to the network. Google, unfortunately, cannot remove this block due to their exclusive deals with these networks (hence why Pixels on other UK and US networks are sold via Carphone Warehouse and other providers).
So, if you wish to root your Pixel, order one from a third party (CPW in the UK) as, again, EE/Verizon Pixels have the "enable OEM unlock" function disabled, and there is no way past this as of Android version 7.1.1.
(In the UK, if you have already ordered a Pixel on contract direct from EE, you have 14 days to return it for a full refund. At the time of this posting, o2 are doing a deal via Carphone Warehouse on the Pixel, for £35 per month, 6GB data, unlimited minutes and calls. It's a couple of pounds more expensive per month than EE, but you'll be able to root the phone. Not sure about other providers: I went with o2).
If you are unfortunate enough to have already purchased a PIxel on contract direct from either Verizon or EE, you may still be able to root it with the following method, providing it is fresh out of the box (this won't work on handsets that have already been opened, set-up and have an EE/Verizon sim-card in them):
DO NOT PUT A SIM CARD INTO THE PHONE.
Turn the phone on.
Skip the setup.
Do not connect to WiFi.
Go to settings and disable ALL automatic updating (of both OS and apps).
Check the Android build in device settings. If you are on Android 7.1, then be happy: you might have avoided the lock. If you are Android 7.1.1 , 7.1.2, or newer, then unfortunately you won't be able to root.
If you are one of the lucky ones on Android 7.1, then proceed to root the phone as you normally would, without a sim card attached. Avoid all automatic updates and most importantly, keep your boot-loader unlocked. Once you lock it again, it is unlockable (and you may brick your phone if the OS at the time of locking is a custom one).
SUMMARY: Handsets on contract direct from EE/Verizon are un-rootable if your firmware version is 7.1.1 or higher. Check details on how to potentially root a 7.1 or older EE/Verizon contract Pixel. Otherwise, order from third party like CPW in the UK.

I'm kind of confused, I think I heard that Verizon Pixels will work with any network, e.g. T-Mobile, AT&T.
And you are saying they will be locked??
Shouldn't their phones be unlocked by default, like the Verizon Galaxy S4?

Wolf2231 said:
I'm kind of confused, I think I heard that Verizon Pixels will work with any network, e.g. T-Mobile, AT&T.
And you are saying they will be locked??
Shouldn't their phones be unlocked by default, like the Verizon Galaxy S4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's talking about bootloader unlock not carrier unlock. So many of the statements in the OP are incorrect and dis-proven, which is why no one responded to the post, that I'd just ignore it and move on. It was a noble effort but one that is misplaced and misguided.

I had mine replaced two weeks ago under warranty due to a fault by EE in the UK. The replacement device is not bootloader locked and I'm running the paranoid android no problems. This could be a mistake or could mean they are no longer locked oe maybe it came from Google rather than EE stock?

EE has been proven to be carrier lock related to bootloader/OEM switch.
6 months and EE unlock your handset, simple legal smooth

bobby janow said:
He's talking about bootloader unlock not carrier unlock. So many of the statements in the OP are incorrect and dis-proven, which is why no one responded to the post, that I'd just ignore it and move on. It was a noble effort but one that is misplaced and misguided.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. I forgot my password, but I'm the OP. I can tell you with one hundred percent certainty that the bootloader lock on contract Pixel handsets bought directly from EE and Verizon is directly related to the network lock. In fact, the very message which appears under 'Enable OEM unlock' on carrier locked phones is ' feature not available on carrier locked devices".
This is why I had to send my Pixel bought direct from EE, back to EE, and get one from O2 via Carphone Warehouse instead.

Grimbo09 said:
Incorrect. I forgot my password, but I'm the OP. I can tell you with one hundred percent certainty that the bootloader lock on contract Pixel handsets bought directly from EE and Verizon is directly related to the network lock. In fact, the very message which appears under 'Enable OEM unlock' on carrier locked phones is ' feature not available on carrier locked devices".
This is why I had to send my Pixel bought direct from EE, back to EE, and get one from O2 via Carphone Warehouse instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon Pixels (or any other Verizon phones) aren't carrier locked. It's illegal in the US for any carrier to carrier lock their phones. In the US you can buy a Verizon phone and use it on any network you choose to. The only thing needed to do so is a SIM for the network you choose to to use.

robocuff said:
Verizon Pixels (or any other Verizon phones) aren't carrier locked. It's illegal in the US for any carrier to carrier lock their phones. In the US you can buy a Verizon phone and use it on any network you choose to. The only thing needed to do so is a SIM for the network you choose to to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is no longer allowed to sell carrier locked devices but that's not true for every carrier..

aholeinthewor1d said:
Verizon is no longer allowed to sell carrier locked devices but that's not true for every carrier..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's true for every carrier in the US.

aholeinthewor1d said:
Verizon is no longer allowed to sell carrier locked devices but that's not true for every carrier..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although Verizon's postpaid devices are not sim-locked, the same is typically not true about Verizon Prepaid phones, as noted in their policies.
http://www.verizon.com/about/consumer-safety/device-unlocking-policy
robocuff said:
It's true for every carrier in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon Pixel phones are not sim-locked, but there are lots of phones currently sold in the US that are still sim-locked. My understanding is that if you buy an AT&T phone on installments it will be locked to AT&T. Similarly AT&T prepaid phones can be used with some AT&T MVNOs, but they have to be unlocked for other service providers. Cricket sells locked phones. I think Sprint commonly locks their phones, which is supported by their unlocking policy. The last time I skimmed US Cellular's policies, my impression was that they were not selling unlocked phones. Tracfone brands have been reported to have sim-locks on their iPhones. Anyway, Howardforum and Slickdeals discussions clearly indicate a significant portion of phones sold in the US today are sim-locked to various service providers.

robocuff said:
It's true for every carrier in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just switched from AT&T, and I was not able to bring my S7 Active and my wife's V20 would not work either, they were locked to AT&T. Given that, we both now have Pixels. I can see maybe the Active being an issue as it's a exclusive to AT&T, but the V20 is not.