!!! 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.
Related
So I am going to buy a probably used Galaxy S5, most likely from Swappa.com and I am going to activate it with Metro PCS, which is a GSM carrier, so I know I need a GSM carrier GS5, like from AT&T or T-Mobile. I did a bit of googling and I only ended up with more questions... Are the AT&T and T Mobile versions of the GS5 carrier locked? From what I read online, the ATT is locked and the Tmobile is unlocked, but I cant be certain from the couple forum posts I could only find. If the phone is already unlocked, I can just bring it into the Metro PCS store and activate it, right?
Now, what if it is locked? Can I carrier unlock it myself? How do I do that? Do I really need to buy an unlock code online? Seems kinda sketchy to buy these codes from random unlocking sites, but if I have to...? Also, can I have it unlocked by Metro PCS or T-Mobile or ATT?
Next part of my question is about the bootloader. Again, I did some research, but found only one relatively... relevant forum post. So I come here for direct help. I was chatting with AT&T tech support on their site asking about the bootloader.
Anyways, ATT told me the bootloader on their GS5's are encrypted locked. What about TMobiles version? Supposedly if they are encrypted, there is near to no chance of really getting that unlocked. Although, if they are not encrypted, would they be able to be unlocked? I have no idea about T-Mobile having a locked bootloader or not.
Lastly, has the bootlader been unlocked already for any GS5? I ask because ive seen some GS5's with custom ROM's and launchers and stuff, but last I heard, they were still locked.
You didn't do much "research" via Google or searching this forum or you'd already have the answers your are looking for. These questions have been asked and answered innumerable times.
Very few carriers other than ATT and Verizon lock bootloaders. TMB's bootloader is not locked. Generally speaking, TMB model has the most GSM bands and is arguably the most desirable model but you need to check whether those include the bands you need with the carrier you plan to use. Do that by checking and comparing the bands that both carriers use or simply find out what S5 model your carrier uses itself.
Most phones, incuding TMB, ATT, et al are SIM locked. But you can easily get a third party vendor to provide an unlock code for about $20 and thereafter use it on another carrier.
.
fffft said:
You didn't do much "research" via Google or searching this forum or you'd already have the answers your are looking for. These questions have been asked and answered innumerable times.
Very few carriers other than ATT and Verizon lock bootloaders. TMB's bootloader is not locked. Generally speaking, TMB model has the most GSM bands and is arguably the most desirable model but you need to check whether those include the bands you need with the carrier you plan to use. Do that by checking and comparing the bands that both carriers use or simply find out what S5 model your carrier uses itself.
Most phones, incuding TMB, ATT, et al are SIM locked. But you can easily get a third party vendor to provide an unlock code for about $20 and thereafter use it on another carrier.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, this is just totally new to me. Ive never had an android device other than a Nexus 7 I was gifted that i hardly use. Ive never even had a smartphone, so Ive had to find and absorb all this info about rooting, bootloaders, unlocking. Its been kinda mind boggling. So in the meantime after I posted this I pieced together this info.. I hope I am corrrect:
-AT&T and Verizon have been locking their bootloaders for a while and everyone hates them for that
-Any GSM carrier phone can be unlocked to work with any other GSM carrier
-CDMA cannot be unlocked at all
Kinda iffy on this one, not 100% sure... -Rooting is the same as unlocking the bootloader. If the bootloader is not encrypted, the phone can be rooted and custom ROM's/recoveries can be installed.
-Supposedly Verizon and AT&T GS5's can now be rooted... (cant link to outisde links, but just search "How to Root ANY Samsung Galaxy S5 Variant (Even AT&T & Verizon) in 20 Seconds Flat" and its the first link.
Based off this new info I have gathered... I want a T-Mobile GS5 (or AT&T if they can in fact be rooted and have custom ROM's installed on them). I will have to carrier unlock it myself unless it is already unlocked (someone on Swappa.com says they are selling a "factory unlocked" T-Mobile GS5 for $480, so I guess T-Mobile also sells carrier unlocked versions). I will unlock it using a code from theunlockingcompany website for $40 (seems like a steep price, but supposedly its the best site to use). I will then unlock it with the code which should take a couple minutes after I get the code, code taking up to 5 hours to arrive in my email. I will then have to take it in store to Metro PCS (hopefully I can do it online too if I order the SIM card online to ship to me for $10) to have it activated with them and get service. Then it should be activated, have my phone number, have cell and data service, paid/pay $40 a month. All is well in the world.
Is that info I discovered above true, what about the steps I should go through in the last section, above?
DannyDee15 said:
Is that info I discovered above true
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't know where to begin. Yes, a TMB phone is ideal IMO for ATT because it covers all of the ATT frequencies and then some, plus has an unlocked bootloader. Most of the rest you have wrong.
Any GSM carrier phone can be unlocked to work with any other GSM carrier
No. You can unlock phones, but models will seldom work well on a different carriers frequency allotment.
CDMA cannot be unlocked at all
Not true.
Rooting is the same as unlocking the bootloader.
They are not the same thing.
If the bootloader is not encrypted, the phone can be rooted
Not correct. You can root phones with locked (encrypted) bootloaders.
Supposedly Verizon and AT&T GS5's can now be rooted
Almost any Android with a pre-June6th firmware build can be rooted.
so I guess T-Mobile also sells carrier unlocked versions
Nope.
I don't know how you managed to adopt so much misinformation. I can only assume that you haven't done much reading yet and /or made a lot of assumptions. You should read some of the sticky posts to get a better general understanding of how everything fits together. Then you can pose more informed questions.
It has nothing to do with being new to smartphones. You just thought that it was easier to ask than to do a proper search or puzzle out a few confusing points. It would be in your own best interests to do some reading, but whether you do or not is entirely up to you.
.
Mod Edit
As long as you are using Straight Talk "AT&T" nothing needs to be unlocked. You are still on AT&T, but just using a high-lag MNVO.
WHICH carrier is your Straight Talk SIM card using? Straight Talk resells service from all four major carriers.
If you're using Straight Talk "T-Mobile", then you've got a problem.
maxgibson said:
I have already pre-ordered Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ for me and my wife, will get it on 29th April. The both phones are from AT&T and I want to ask. Can I unlock them same day for Straight Talk carrier usage? I have a plan with straight talk with a cheap calls so I want to switch to them at the same day. found this this service where S8 already supported for sim unlocking. have somebody used this service before ? just want to be sure before making order there
Mod Edit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably dont need a pay service or any service at all to sim unlock it. AT&T has a website to unlock phones if they meet the criteria you just enter the info and they unlock it if you qualify.
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/
Should have bought a Verizon model in that case since they come sim unlocked.
They unlock it only if you do not owe any money of the phone
954wrecker said:
You probably dont need a pay service or any service at all to sim unlock it. AT&T has a website to unlock phones if they meet the criteria you just enter the info and they unlock it if you qualify.
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just a quick experience share. I've tried the service from the first post (Mod Edit). my s8+ was locked with a highest level of encryption (hard locked) by carrier, so delivery time was around 12 hours. price was 26 $ ( 13 $ first charge + 13 $ pending amount for hard locked phone). unlock code worked well from the first try and phone is unlocked now (switched from t-mobile to vodafone because they have better mobile data speed). thanks for the link. cheers
eldar4uk said:
just a quick experience share. I've tried the service from the first post (Mod Edit). my s8+ was locked with a highest level of encryption (hard locked) by carrier, so delivery time was around 12 hours. price was 26 $ ( 13 $ first charge + 13 $ pending amount for hard locked phone). unlock code worked well from the first try and phone is unlocked now (switched from t-mobile to vodafone because they have better mobile data speed). thanks for the link. cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you just say t-mobile? They use their own device unlock app right? I wonder how you were able to unlock t-mobile Samsung Galaxy S8.
suyash1629 said:
Did you just say t-mobile? They use their own device unlock app right? I wonder how you were able to unlock t-mobile Samsung Galaxy S8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's using T-Mobile Europe, not T-Mobile USA. Did you not see the Vodafone reference?
ChazzMatt said:
He's using T-Mobile Europe, not T-Mobile USA. Did you not see the Vodafone reference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like I skipped that part
suyash1629 said:
Looks like I skipped that part
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Deutsche Telekom is the parent company of T-Mobile and that brand is used in some European countries, besides the U.S. At one point, 13 countries had "T-Mobile".
maxgibson said:
I have already pre-ordered Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ for me and my wife, will get it on 29th April. The both phones are from AT&T and I want to ask. Can I unlock them same day for Straight Talk carrier usage? I have a plan with straight talk with a cheap calls so I want to switch to them at the same day. found this this service where S8 already supported for sim unlocking. have somebody used this service before ? just want to be sure before making order there
Mod Edit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This really sucks for me. I contacted them before ordering sim Unlock for T-Mobile USA. They said since all the services are down for T-Mobile through the official app they are doing it differently where I will have to use an app made by them to enter the unlock code. Everything was fine until today when I got email from them with unlock code and Network Unlock app. I followed there instruction but their app does nothing. its useless, its like a dummy app.
App says "Connecting to server..." while it doesn't even have internet access permission. I checked by disabling the wifi and mobile data, it was still functional (as expected because it had no internet excess) it prompted me to enter unlock code but it does nothing except for saying Permanently Unlocked it literally does nothing else after entering the code. Later on I tried entering wrong codes as well and it would still say Permanently Unlocked. I have sent them multiple emails and messages but no reply yet.
I am guess the unlock code they provided might be correct but there is no way to enter it on phone since it is T-Mobile variant and only Device Unlock App can enter the unlock code.
I bought a ATT version on day one of release and paid full retail at Best buy. Figured I can unlock via their site. Nope, in fact the IMEI # wasn't coming up at all. Kept saying it was not in the system. I called ATT but they couldn't help so I returned it and bought the Verizon version and works fine on Tmo via MintSim. Only bad thing is I have to use desktop software to update since it's not on the Verizon network.
Mod Editis having a 2 day sale 30% off for $13 (vs $19). How can you tell if your phone is "hard locked"?
eldar4uk said:
just a quick experience share. I've tried the service from the first post (samsungsimunlock.com). my s8+ was locked with a highest level of encryption (hard locked) by carrier, so delivery time was around 12 hours. price was 26 $ ( 13 $ first charge + 13 $ pending amount for hard locked phone). unlock code worked well from the first try and phone is unlocked now (switched from t-mobile to vodafone because they have better mobile data speed). thanks for the link. cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
annulation said:
Mod Edit is having a 2 day sale 30% off for $13 (vs $19). How can you tell if your phone is "hard locked"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what they told me as well that New Samsung phones are Hard Locked
gqukyo said:
I bought a ATT version on day one of release and paid full retail at Best buy. Figured I can unlock via their site. Nope, in fact the IMEI # wasn't coming up at all. Kept saying it was not in the system. I called ATT but they couldn't help so I returned it and bought the Verizon version and works fine on Tmo via MintSim. Only bad thing is I have to use desktop software to update since it's not on the Verizon network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming the VZW version is sim unlocked out of the box?
Correct, all their LTE phones are unlocked but they may not have the bands required for whichever provider one is looking to use it on. The S8 has the most bands that I read of the US releases though
Only cost £10 on eBay for a unlock code
I tried androidsimunlock.net who are my usual go to guys and they couldn't do it. So I paid at samsungsimunlock but haven't heard anything back yet. It's been over 12 hours, I've even emailed to follow up but heard nothing.
Anyone else used these guys successfully?
suyash1629 said:
Did you just say t-mobile? They use their own device unlock app right? I wonder how you were able to unlock t-mobile Samsung Galaxy S8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, my phone is from t-mobile. do you mean pre-installed t-mobile device unlock app? I have tried to unlock my phone using that app too but with no success. every time I hit the unlock button the phone just displayed an error.
samsungsimunlock com provided Network Unlock app and after I've completed all steps from the step by step guide it said "your device is permanently unlocked". I've rebooted the phone with my vodafone sim card and the phone accepted it. also I have tried orange and three carrier sim cards, they all are worked well also. 4g/LTE is working well too :victory:
eldar4uk said:
yes, my phone is from t-mobile. do you mean pre-installed t-mobile device unlock app? I have tried to unlock my phone using that app too but with no success. every time I hit the unlock button the phone just displayed an error.
samsungsimunlock com provided Network Unlock app and after I've completed all steps from the step by step guide it said "your device is permanently unlocked". I've rebooted the phone with my vodafone sim card and the phone accepted it. also I have tried orange and three carrier sim cards, they all are worked well also. 4g/LTE is working well too :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed their steps too but no luck yet. I have no idea why it does not work for me. After I was frustrated I decided crack down their app a little bit. It doesn't have any phone permission, I am guessing it cant put Unlock Code for the phone and the other thing is I tried some random numbers and it still said Permanently Unlocked.
Do you need to have the app installed all the time or is it fine to remove afterwards?
Hello. I cant seem to find any service that can sim unlock a verizon htc 10. I am looking for a remote unlock, or a way I can be sure it will unlock, since I am buying the phone off Ebay. I would hate to buy it, to see it wont accept unlock codes.
Will converting it to US unlocked version (s-off, change cid, flash ruu) sim unlock it? Or is the sim lock permanent on verizons?
liquidzorch said:
Hello. I cant seem to find any service that can sim unlock a verizon htc 10. I am looking for a remote unlock, or a way I can be sure it will unlock, since I am buying the phone off Ebay. I would hate to buy it, to see it wont accept unlock codes.
Will converting it to US unlocked version (s-off, change cid, flash ruu) sim unlock it? Or is the sim lock permanent on verizons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I mentioned in the other thread the verizon 10 is not sim locked and will work with a gsm sim card, provided that the lte bands used by the GSM network are supported by the Verizon variant. You just need to switch the network mode to Global in Settings I believe.
Tarima said:
As I mentioned in the other thread the verizon 10 is not sim locked and will work with a gsm sim card, provided that the lte bands used by the GSM network are supported by the Verizon variant. You just need to switch the network mode to Global in Settings I believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your replies. I have asked the person selling it, and he says his is locked to verizon, it will not accept gsm sim. The unlocked verizons are a bit more expensive. Is there any remote unlocking services for verizon? Even if it has bad ESN.
liquidzorch said:
Thanks for your replies. I have asked the person selling it, and he says his is locked to verizon, it will not accept gsm sim. The unlocked verizons are a bit more expensive. Is there any remote unlocking services for verizon? Even if it has bad ESN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how much sense what the seller is telling you makes.
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/verizon-unlocking-guide
As I said I used my stock verizon 10 with a gsm sim.
Regarding your question sorry I don't know. And I suspect the reason you don't find much info is because it's not needed.
Tarima said:
I don't know how much sense what the seller is telling you makes.
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/verizon-unlocking-guide
As I said I used my stock verizon 10 with a gsm sim.
Regarding your question sorry I don't know. And I suspect the reason you don't find much info is because it's not needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can ask for an unlock, but you have to meet certain criteria, and some phones being sold dont meet the criteria, or the owner does not feel like calling verizon and asking them to unlock it even when being free. If I buy one I can not ask them to unlock it since I will not be on thier network. I have fallen in that trap before. They ask you have it activated on their network so they can send the unlock. Stupid, but its their rules.
liquidzorch said:
Yes, you can ask for an unlock, but you have to meet certain criteria, and some phones being sold dont meet the criteria, or the owner does not feel like calling verizon and asking them to unlock it even when being free. If I buy one I can not ask them to unlock it since I will not be on thier network. I have fallen in that trap before. They ask you have it activated on their network so they can send the unlock. Stupid, but its their rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From Verizon's website:
We do not lock most phones or tablets that are activated with our postpay service, either during or after the term of your service contract or*Device Payment Plan*installment sales agreement.
We do not lock our 4G LTE devices, and no code is needed to program them for use with another carrier.
This is their official policy written on their site, so if the seller is trying to sell you phone that's somehow locked you should beware.
AT&T claims to unlock their SIM locked device for US networks only, but not Europe?
Hi people, I'm new in US Samsung models world, so I have a couple of burning questions.
Long story short, my friend lives in US, has bought AT&T S7 Edge last year off contract, paid the device fully, so in theory he should be free from their will, except the device being SIM locked to AT&T. Now he has S8, and wants to send me his S7 Edge here in Europe, however upon contacting them about removing the lock, they have claimed that at least a year has to expire from the day of purchase for the phone to be fully unlocked and used globally, and as for now, they can only unlock the phone from their network so it can be used (on all networks) in US only, but it can't be used in Europe (until a year expires which they indicated).
Now, from my very limited knowledge I smell BS here, since only thing they can do is block the usage of certain bands through their software thus limiting usage of the device across all networks, but that can be avoided by flashing a fresh firmware, or better yet U firmware, since I've read that its Samsungs firmware with unlocked bands for a global use.
So, as long as there is hardware capability, they can't limit it really permanently, or for certain amount off time if you bypass that with U global firmware.
Or am I wrong here? Is unlocking through 3rd party websites better solution?
Cirra92 said:
Hi people, I'm new in US Samsung models world, so I have a couple of burning questions.
Long story short, my friend lives in US, has bought AT&T S7 Edge last year off contract, paid the device fully, so in theory he should be free from their will, except the device being SIM locked to AT&T. Now he has S8, and wants to send me his S7 Edge here in Europe, however upon contacting them about removing the lock, they have claimed that at least a year has to expire from the day of purchase for the phone to be fully unlocked and used globally, and as for now, they can only unlock the phone from their network so it can be used (on all networks) in US only, but it can't be used in Europe (until a year expires which they indicated).
Now, from my very limited knowledge I smell BS here, since only thing they can do is block the usage of certain bands through their software thus limiting usage of the device across all networks, but that can be avoided by flashing a fresh firmware, or better yet U firmware, since I've read that its Samsungs firmware with unlocked bands for a global use.
So, as long as there is hardware capability, they can't limit it really permanently, or for certain amount off time if you bypass that with U global firmware.
Or am I wrong here? Is unlocking through 3rd party websites better solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) As soon as the phone is paid off (no balance owed) and you have been a customer in good standing for either 2 months (post-paid) or 6 months (pre-paid) you can request a SIM unlock code. Yes, this is BS, but it is what it is. Note that it is important to do SIM unlocking BEFORE removing your old device from your account, as you will guarantee a bad time trying to do it afterward.
2) The SIM unlock is global and should allow any APN to be used with the device. AT&T doesn't really care where you use your unlocked device because T-mobile is just as much not AT&T as any European carrier.
3) If you can get it from AT&T for free, why not? Otherwise, get it where you can. So far, every time I have requested an unlock for an AT&T device I have had to escalate, and for some devices they don't even offer unlocks (AT&T branded hotspots, tablets, etc. aren't unlockable through AT&T)
4) Using U firmware doesn't help because it is the baseband processor (and related firmware) that handles network locking. Simply switching to unlocked software doesn't alter the baseband at all. Changing the modem/baseband firmware won't help EITHER, because that processor has it's own non-volatile storage. Carriers take SIM locking very seriously at a hardware level.
jshamlet said:
1) As soon as the phone is paid off (no balance owed) and you have been a customer in good standing for either 2 months (post-paid) or 6 months (pre-paid) you can request a SIM unlock code. Yes, this is BS, but it is what it is. Note that it is important to do SIM unlocking BEFORE removing your old device from your account, as you will guarantee a bad time trying to do it afterward.
2) The SIM unlock is global and should allow any APN to be used with the device. AT&T doesn't really care where you use your unlocked device because T-mobile is just as much not AT&T as any European carrier.
3) If you can get it from AT&T for free, why not? Otherwise, get it where you can. So far, every time I have requested an unlock for an AT&T device I have had to escalate, and for some devices they don't even offer unlocks (AT&T branded hotspots, tablets, etc. aren't unlockable through AT&T)
4) Using U firmware doesn't help because it is the baseband processor (and related firmware) that handles network locking. Simply switching to unlocked software doesn't alter the baseband at all. Changing the modem/baseband firmware won't help EITHER, because that processor has it's own non-volatile storage. Carriers take SIM locking very seriously at a hardware level.
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1) All those conditions have been met, so there shouldn't be a problem about requesting SIM unlock code, and they did say the phone can be unlocked and be SIM free but it will work on US networks only, and not on European, until 1 year expires.
2) Since the G935A has GSM 2G bands and HSDPA 3G bands, it is already compatible with European bands, or specifically with bands on my carrier here, I don't see how are they going to unlock it to work on US networks but not on EU, that's what confused me. SIM unlock should be global that is how it goes anyway.
3) Yeah that's what I thought, but since they mention limiting the unlock (if it is possible) for US usage only (maybe tampering with the device in hand) it might be better to go for 3rd party unlock.
4) Thanks for the explanation, that seems serious, not sure why so serious though.
Anyway as a conclusion, since both 2G and 3G bands match with my carrier's, if they do unlock the device (AT&T) it should work in EU, despite their claims that it won't for a year? How would they "unlock" it after a year when the device is not in their hands :S
I suggested to my friend to request a code through 3rd party anyway, unlock it and send me the device, since he was already pissed off with the response from AT&T.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UV2u66UVF7PWUuYD8
Weird, its grayed out for me
Were you able to root it?
A little off topic, but why do people buy the Verizon version when you can buy the Unlocked version for the same price and 0% interest financed?
ackliph said:
A little off topic, but why do people buy the Verizon version when you can buy the Unlocked version for the same price and 0% interest financed?
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Some people don't know, some people have weird trust issues, sometimes the Verizon one is much cheaper.
I wish there were confirmation on this- local Verizon stores have stock while WorstBuy requires shipping or store stock next week.
Nope, picked up a 3a from a Verizon corporate store (asked for clearly white, turns out it slightly purple) and no joy on OEM unlock. Toggle is grayed out and states "Unavailable on carrier-locked devices". Going back tomorrow and hopefully won't get dinged $50 on the return since they gave me the wrong color but I don't think that will play out.
lattosimbaste said:
Nope, picked up a 3a from a Verizon corporate store (asked for clearly white, turns out it slightly purple) and no joy on OEM unlock. Toggle is grayed out and states "Unavailable on carrier-locked devices". Going back tomorrow and hopefully won't get dinged $50 on the return since they gave me the wrong color but I don't think that will play out.
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Well the bootloader definitely cannot be unlocked if the carrier has it sim carded locked. Carrier issued phone are generally sim card locked by default and the user has to usually request for the device to be sim card unlocked. I still don't believe the Verizon edition will be bootloader unlockable, but seeing that particular message does not confirm one way or another as it appears on every carrier sim card locked device - even those that can be bootloader unlocked once the phone is sim card unlocked.
I can confirm this true, at least in the bestbuy I bought my pixel 3a.
Like I say bought on bestbuy unlocked, when I get home turn on without a sim card and no WiFi, then turn on developer option and there was the beautiful oem unlock available, immediate I turn on and go to fastboot and do the fastboot flashing oem unlock and successful, now I rooted with magisk and button remapper with the active edge remapped.
P.s it was in the latest firmware
i wonder if the method for the orig pixel would work. would be funny if it did. for those wondering https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 i doubt it will, but might be worth trying
So, stupid question, but the Google Store site wasn't completely clear on this...if I buy the unlocked Pixel 3a from Google's site, will it work 100% with Verizon's network? Will it have all of the same LTE bands, for example, or will I see reduced performance compared to the Verizon-locked version? I'm used to the old days where I had to buy one version of a phone for VZW and a different version for AT&T...
Yes, the unlocked 3a works fully on Verizon's LTE bands as well as calling over WiFi and VoLTE. 100% compatible and none of the preinstalled crap.
sn00gan said:
So, stupid question, but the Google Store site wasn't completely clear on this...if I buy the unlocked Pixel 3a from Google's site, will it work 100% with Verizon's network? Will it have all of the same LTE bands, for example, or will I see reduced performance compared to the Verizon-locked version? I'm used to the old days where I had to buy one version of a phone for VZW and a different version for AT&T...
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It's the same only the differences are that one it's unlockable bootloader(Google) and the other not(verizon).
Both have the same bands and processor, etc.
If you want to make this phone more great and you knowledge about flashing and that stuff buy from Google but if you don't care about that buy the one from verizon and I don't sure but on verizon have very good discounts like 100 bucks more cheap with activation.
pbanj said:
i wonder if the method for the orig pixel would work. would be funny if it did. for those wondering https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 i doubt it will, but might be worth trying
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Tried it yesterday....lol. no go, cant uninstall the phone apk. Could be named differently I guess.
sd_N said:
Tried it yesterday....lol. no go, cant uninstall the phone apk. Could be named differently I guess.
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Shame lol. I just checked and the name still seems to be the same
pbanj said:
Shame lol. I just checked and the name still seems to be the same
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Cant remember what exactly it said when I tried uninstalling the phone apk. Something about the user 0 not found
sn00gan said:
So, stupid question, but the Google Store site wasn't completely clear on this...if I buy the unlocked Pixel 3a from Google's site, will it work 100% with Verizon's network? Will it have all of the same LTE bands, for example, or will I see reduced performance compared to the Verizon-locked version? I'm used to the old days where I had to buy one version of a phone for VZW and a different version for AT&T...
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ALUCARD4DEAD said:
It's the same only the differences are that one it's unlockable bootloader(Google) and the other not(verizon).
Both have the same bands and processor, etc.
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No, the Google Store version and Verizon version are NOT the same. Almost, but not "just the same with one sim locked". They don't have exactly the same model name and LTE bands.
Verizon Pixel 3a model: G020E
Google Store Pixel 3a model : G020G
The Verizon model miss some LTE bands (14, 29, 30, 71) and miss e-sim support. Maybe Verizon LTE network doesn't use the missing bands and there is no difference with the LTE coverage, but they are not the same.
Source: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7158570?hl=en&ref_topic=7530176
I know this is almost a 2 year old thread but just bought a used Verizon 3a because my Pixel died. I have to have a Verizon version because those are the only phones that Page Plus will activate. Anyone know which OTA version they were able to unlock on? Have my doubts any of them will actually work but wanted to know before I update too far. Currently on QQ3A.200605.002.
I know I did not get a response before and have upgrade to the latest April 2021 patch with no success at unlocking. Wondering if anyone has tried using a AT&T sim to try and unlock bootloader? Not sure how the phone knows it is a Verizon phone. The OTAs are for all versions. Wonder if there is something in the code that could be tweaked before install.