To figure out how everything works, I did some testing with several factory flashes, and OTA updates and whatnot.
If you bought the phone unlocked from Google Store: Your phone starts with an OPD1 Stock firmware. Doesn't make a difference what SIM card you have out of the gate, you get the stock firmware with the unlocked phone.
Popped my Verizon SIM in when I first got phone. I was on OPD1.170816.010, Sep 2017. My phone AUTOMATICALLY installed My Verizon and Verizon Message+ during activation, even though I was on OPD1. Not sure if this occured for everyone with a Verizon SIM, but occured for me.
Performing the OTA update which came out on Monday, 11/6 brought my device to OPD3.170816.023 (Nov 2017). This is technically the Verizon Variant. In Conclusion, Google at some point during the "check for updates" scans to see what carrier SIM card you have in.
Factory flashed one more time back down to the stock OPD1 September build, performed update one more time. Confirmed, it updated me to the Verizon "version" of OPD3.170816.023
Each time I did the Factory Reset/Full Factory Flash, the moment my phone activated and saw the Verizon SIM, it installed those two apps...
Fast forward, now to compare Factory Stock Images from the official factory image website.
I download two factory images to compare side by side radio/bootloader differences: OPD3.170816.023, Nov 2017 Verizon... as well as OPD1.170816.025, Nov 2017 Bootloaders are the same.
Radios ARE different, probably slight tuning differences for Verizon radio.
Agnostic Radio: radio-taimen-g8998-00122-1708311414.img
Verizon Radio: radio-taimen-g8998-00122-1708231715.img
And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances).
Hope this clears things up.
I do have an AT&T sim card, but I have everything set up the way I want it now and don't feel like doing anymore Factory Flashes or Resets
I have factory reset my xL2 twice now and haven't had any Verizon apps installed after putting in my SIM. I also haven't received the November update yet either.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
D1l777 said:
I have factory reset my xL2 twice now and haven't had any Verizon apps installed after putting in my SIM. I also haven't received the November update yet either.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very odd. And you clicked the "check for updates" button two or three times in a row to "force" the update search?
And you are on Verizon Post paid?
How about a Legacy plan, as opposed to any of the "New Verizon Plans/Unlimited plan" . Are you on a Legacy plan?
I don't know if any of these factors affect anything, just trying to gather some more info
bigblueshock said:
That's very odd. And you clicked the "check for updates" button two or three times in a row to "force" the update search?
And you are on Verizon Post paid?
How about a Legacy plan, as opposed to any of the "New Verizon Plans/Unlimited plan" . Are you on a Legacy plan?
I don't know if any of these factors affect anything, just trying to gather some more info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine did the same thing installed those two Verizon apps as soon as I put in the SIM
@bigblueshock
Exactly what I've been trying to tell people about the Sim not being able to lock a bl, but one person *thinks* it happened that way and it spreads.
I too received about four vzw bloat apps when I first got in, easily enough they are removeable, vzw branded phones come with some garbage you need to root to remove.
If you restored your phone from a backup or from another physical phone, you installed all of the apps that you had on the previous phone (except for the ones you told it not to install or the ones that are not compatible with your new phone). If you had My Verizon and Message+ on a previous phone, that would be included in the restore. Mystery solved. It has nothing to do with your SIM.
My Google Store bought XL 2 running on Verizon auto-installed their go90 app in addition to the two mentioned in the first post.
Also, my phone still isn't seeing any update for the November patch even when hitting "check for updates".
---------- Post added at 06:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------
TheSt33v said:
If you restored your phone from a backup or from another physical phone, you installed all of the apps that you had on the previous phone (except for the ones you told it not to install or the ones that are not compatible with your new phone). If you had My Verizon and Message+ on a previous phone, that would be included in the restore. Mystery solved. It has nothing to do with your SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except it does have something to do with the SIM. My old phone didn't have Message+ or go90 installed, and yet they were installed on my XL 2 when I activated it with my Verizon SIM.
Herohtar said:
My Google Store bought XL 2 running on Verizon auto-installed their go90 app in addition to the two mentioned in the first post.
Also, my phone still isn't seeing any update for the November patch even when hitting "check for updates".
---------- Post added at 06:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------
Except it does have something to do with the SIM. My old phone didn't have Message+ or go90 installed, and yet they were installed on my XL 2 when I activated it with my Verizon SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh. I didn't realize that Go90 was a Verizon app. I saw that one when I set up the phone too. Interesting.
Mine is an unlocked model purchased from the Google Store. I'm coming from a 6P, similarly purchased, that started out on AT&T and recently switched to Verizon. I set up the P2XL completely before installing the Verizon SIM card. I put it in and it works fine and no Verizon apps were installed. When you guys say "activated," what exactly do you mean?
Pappy35 said:
Mine is an unlocked model purchased from the Google Store. I'm coming from a 6P, similarly purchased, that started out on AT&T and recently switched to Verizon. I set up the P2XL completely before installing the Verizon SIM card. I put it in and it works fine and no Verizon apps were installed. When you guys say "activated," what exactly do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case I put my SIM in before booting my phone the first time, so activation and setup all happened during that initial process.
Do you happen to have a link to one of the posts that explains why bootloader unlock status definitely has nothing to do with SIM? If the SIM can trigger apps to be unhidden without permission, I'm worried.
TheSt33v said:
Do you happen to have a link to one of the posts that explains why bootloader unlock status definitely has nothing to do with SIM? If the SIM can trigger apps to be unhidden without permission, I'm worried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the op? He specifically proved it doesn't happen from all the builds he was messing around with.
Where's the post that shows proof this has happened on the 2xl?
Or is it that you've seen none and your tin foil hat is on too tight ?
Lawlrus said:
Did you read the op? He specifically proved it doesn't happen from all the builds he was messing around with.
Where's the post that shows proof this has happened on the 2xl?
Or is it that you've seen none and your tin foil hat is on too tight ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool your jets , captain butthurt. Let me break it down step by step for you:
He doesn't prove anything relating to bootloader unlock in the OP. The only mention of bootloader unlock is this:
"And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances)."
He does absolutely no testing, and "as we all know" isn't good enough for me. Up until now, I thought we "all knew" that a SIM card can't affect anything related to phone software other than providing some preloaded APN settings. Turns out that's not the case. I was simply asking for a link to one of these "multiple threads" he mentioned so that I could gain a better understanding of why we're so certain that a SIM (or more specifically, the deals that Google may or may not have made with lock-happy carriers like Verizon) can absolutely not affect bootloader unlock ability.
TheSt33v said:
Cool your jets , captain butthurt. Let me break it down step by step for you:
He doesn't prove anything relating to bootloader unlock in the OP. The only mention of bootloader unlock is this:
"And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances)."
He does absolutely no testing, and "as we all know" isn't good enough for me. Up until now, I thought we "all knew" that a SIM card can't affect anything related to phone software other than providing some preloaded APN settings. Turns out that's not the case. I was simply asking for a link to one of these "multiple threads" he mentioned so that I could gain a better understanding of why we're so certain that a SIM (or more specifically, the deals that Google may or may not have made with lock-happy carriers like Verizon) can absolutely not affect bootloader unlock ability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the second paragraph of the op. Looks like he is stating it as a fact, that he did it to me.
"If you bought the phone unlocked from Google Store: Your phone starts with an OPD1 Stock firmware. Doesn't make a difference what SIM card you have out of the gate, you get the stock firmware with the unlocked phone."
Feel free to think a Sim can make system lvl changes though lol
I will always say to cover my butt/disclaimer, there's always a small chance Google can push an update out to any bootloader-unlockable phone and lock the bootloader permanently. Will it happen? Probably as good of chances as Apple going bankrupt...
In terms of testing; after all the flashing, locking and unlocking the bootloader, updating to OTA's, and whatever else testing I've done, I was 0% worried, nor did anything happen. On top of that, I popped my Verizon SIM in the phone before I even turned it on for the first time. Regardless, you have a 2 year warranty on the device, so I don't think it matters.
Was there ever a legitimate case of a BOOTLOADER-UNLOCKABLE Pixel 1... Purchased from the Google Store... bootloader permanently locking? No. I know this is a Pixel 2, but GENERALLY SPEAKING in terms of unlocking the device, carrier locks, and where you can purchase the phone, not much has changed.
In the USA, The only place you can truly get a BOOTLOADER-UNLOCKABLE Pixel 2 XL is the Google Store. Other stores which sell the phones can sell the Verizon version (Best Buy, some other name brands), which is still technically "unlocked" in terms of being able to use it on other carriers, but the BOOTLOADER has a permanent lock. Two different meanings of "unlocked".
TheSt33v said:
Cool your jets , captain butthurt. Let me break it down step by step for you:
He doesn't prove anything relating to bootloader unlock in the OP. The only mention of bootloader unlock is this:
"And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances)."
He does absolutely no testing, and "as we all know" isn't good enough for me. Up until now, I thought we "all knew" that a SIM card can't affect anything related to phone software other than providing some preloaded APN settings. Turns out that's not the case. I was simply asking for a link to one of these "multiple threads" he mentioned so that I could gain a better understanding of why we're so certain that a SIM (or more specifically, the deals that Google may or may not have made with lock-happy carriers like Verizon) can absolutely not affect bootloader unlock ability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He put a Verizon SIM in it and was still able to flash his phone, proving at least that the Verizon SIM doesn't lock down the bootloader.
It seems like a simple case of Google's software looking at your SIM and enabling/disabling certain components based on that. It wouldn't make sense for them to cripple your phone by locking down the bootloader just because you put in a Verizon SIM (if that's even possible).
Lawlrus said:
This is the second paragraph of the op. Looks like he is stating it as a fact, that he did it to me.
"If you bought the phone unlocked from Google Store: Your phone starts with an OPD1 Stock firmware. Doesn't make a difference what SIM card you have out of the gate, you get the stock firmware with the unlocked phone."
Feel free to think a Sim can make system lvl changes though lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to generally also add... Everything I am saying or speaking of is in regards to the American version of the phone. I'm not sure if there are any differences for any other countries.
For instance, if Google sells phones in China, I'm sure they will come completely locked down
bigblueshock said:
I'm going to generally also add... Everything I am saying or speaking of is in regards to the American version of the phone. I'm not sure if there are any differences for any other countries.
For instance, if Google sells phones in China, I'm sure they will come completely locked down
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YeaH, when it comes to a counties government, I'm sure they are able to pass some sort of regulations if it means Google.will.miss out on selling units
Herohtar said:
He put a Verizon SIM in it and was still able to flash his phone, proving at least that the Verizon SIM doesn't lock down the bootloader.
It seems like a simple case of Google's software looking at your SIM and enabling/disabling certain components based on that. It wouldn't make sense for them to cripple your phone by locking down the bootloader just because you put in a Verizon SIM (if that's even possible).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that. What he didn't do, or at least it wasn't stated in the OP, was re lock and unlock the phone post-Verizon update. That's what I was curious about.
Here's where I'm coming from. I passed up a $100 off deal on the Verizon model specifically for bootloader unlock ability, but I don't want to unlock the bootloader just yet. As of right now, I don't see a reason to. I just don't understand why everyone is so sure it isn't possible for Verizon to do this. I'm looking for a reason that is more detailed than "they've never done it before so they probably won't ever." I want to know what the explanation is at a software level. If such an explanation doesn't exist, fine. Just wondering if it did.
Tl:dr, if they Pixel software can say "that's a Verizon SIM, let's enable these apps," why is it so impossible for it to say "there's a Verizon SIM, let's disable bootloader unlock?"
Pappy35 said:
Mine is an unlocked model purchased from the Google Store. I'm coming from a 6P, similarly purchased, that started out on AT&T and recently switched to Verizon. I set up the P2XL completely before installing the Verizon SIM card. I put it in and it works fine and no Verizon apps were installed. When you guys say "activated," what exactly do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great to know! Adds more information to the pot.
The "Initial Activation" which occurs during the first boot after a full factory reset, or when you first get your phone turning it on for the first time.
Since you had the AT&T SIM in your phone and have been using the phone, then switched to a Verizon SIM afterwards, that "Initial Activation" process isn't done again unless you do a Full Factory Reset.
No problem really, though. The phone will activate on Verizon with no ill effects.
Related
64 gig version of Moto X now available on motomaker for U.S. users.
check it out.
https://www.motorola.com/us/motomaker?pid=FLEXR1#interior/memory
gammite said:
64 gig version of Moto X now available on motomaker for U.S. users.
check it out.
https://www.motorola.com/us/motomaker?pid=FLEXR1#interior/memory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only see the 32GB option.
Edit: Now i get 64GB. Niiice!
Well that sucks, earlier I got in on the Moto X for a penny trial thing, would have been nice to have had this one as an option.
This should have been available from the beginning.
Excited to see this, but it jumps to 499 at checkout and there isn't a 64GB developer edition. It kinda gives me a reason to get a custom one I guess. I'm also under the impression that this means that X+1 is going to take longer to release than I thought or Motorola has a buttload of MotoX shells to get rid of still. I gotta see how much I can sell my Developer edition for and I guess I'll decide to either jump on this or wait for the next one.
Edit. I went back to see if they fixed the checkout and realized that it isn't an error. $449 is for republic wireless. I guess they are subsidizing it slightly.
The Moto design site starts out at $449 for the 64gig version, then the select carrier page bumps you up to $499 for the GSM Unlocked version. What's that about?
It's $50 cheaper for the Republic Wireless version. Same for the 32 and 16GB versions too. It's been that way from the beginning I believe.
Sent from my XT1053 using xda premium
Just remember.... No root.
KJ said:
Just remember.... No root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I have read the T-Mobile version can be rooted just as easily as the GSM Dev Edition. Unlocking the bootloader on the T-Mobile phone voids the warranty, unlike on the GSM Dev Edition. Other carriers may have the X locked down more.
marvin02 said:
From what I have read the T-Mobile version can be rooted just as easily as the GSM Dev Edition. Unlocking the bootloader on the T-Mobile phone voids the warranty, unlike on the GSM Dev Edition. Other carriers may have the X locked down more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Motomakers are what these are...no? I was sure they can't be unlocked.
And definitely republic wireless can't be.
I'm waiting on the 64GB unlocked GSM version from the 2 week trial. The unlocked gsm is the same as the T-Mobile version and the bootloader can be unlocked.
Sent from my SM-G900A using Tapatalk
So, correct me if I'm wrong: the GSM unlocked version (which still made me choose the AT&T/T-Mobile option to get the unlocked version) can or can not be rooted? I know it can be bootloader unlocked, at least according the Motorola bootloader unlocking page (I chose the T-Mobile version there and it shows as bootloader unlockable).
I mean, it's entirely possible that these trial phones will have their specific IMEI numbers (if you ordered one for the 14 day trial) added to some other entirely different internal blacklist that won't let us unlock them for the trial period, that's my concern.
I fully intend to do everything possible with this phone when I get it - that's what a trial period is for, and when it's shipped back (if it doesn't live up to my expectations) they can easily just reset it in a few minutes time (bootloader locked, restored to factory state, even alter the IMEI and program it with an entirely new one if they want, it's their damned device).
As long as I know it can be rooted and then bootloader unlocked so I can play around with some ROMs, I'm cool with that and could decide to keep it. If not, then I'll just toy with it and send it back - again, it's just a penny so it's not like I'm breaking the bank or anything.
br0adband said:
So, correct me if I'm wrong: the GSM unlocked version (which still made me choose the AT&T/T-Mobile option to get the unlocked version) can or can not be rooted? I know it can be bootloader unlocked, at least according the Motorola bootloader unlocking page (I chose the T-Mobile version there and it shows as bootloader unlockable).
I mean, it's entirely possible that these trial phones will have their specific IMEI numbers (if you ordered one for the 14 day trial) added to some other entirely different internal blacklist that won't let us unlock them for the trial period, that's my concern.
I fully intend to do everything possible with this phone when I get it - that's what a trial period is for, and when it's shipped back (if it doesn't live up to my expectations) they can easily just reset it in a few minutes time (bootloader locked, restored to factory state, even alter the IMEI and program it with an entirely new one if they want, it's their damned device).
As long as I know it can be rooted and then bootloader unlocked so I can play around with some ROMs, I'm cool with that and could decide to keep it. If not, then I'll just toy with it and send it back - again, it's just a penny so it's not like I'm breaking the bank or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They could see you unlocked the bootloader and send it back to you and charge you. If unlocking voids warranty, which it does on anything that's not a dev edition, then it may affect returning it too.
A possibility anyway.
KJ said:
Motomakers are what these are...no? I was sure they can't be unlocked.
And definitely republic wireless can't be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on the carrier.
Verizon and ATT moto makers can't be unlocked. You are right, Replublic Wireless can't be unlocked.
However, Sprint and the "GSM Unlocked (ships with T-Mobile SIM)" variants can be. Some other carriers can too.
---------- Post added at 01:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:43 PM ----------
br0adband said:
So, correct me if I'm wrong: the GSM unlocked version (which still made me choose the AT&T/T-Mobile option to get the unlocked version) can or can not be rooted? I know it can be bootloader unlocked, at least according the Motorola bootloader unlocking page (I chose the T-Mobile version there and it shows as bootloader unlockable).
I mean, it's entirely possible that these trial phones will have their specific IMEI numbers (if you ordered one for the 14 day trial) added to some other entirely different internal blacklist that won't let us unlock them for the trial period, that's my concern.
I fully intend to do everything possible with this phone when I get it - that's what a trial period is for, and when it's shipped back (if it doesn't live up to my expectations) they can easily just reset it in a few minutes time (bootloader locked, restored to factory state, even alter the IMEI and program it with an entirely new one if they want, it's their damned device).
As long as I know it can be rooted and then bootloader unlocked so I can play around with some ROMs, I'm cool with that and could decide to keep it. If not, then I'll just toy with it and send it back - again, it's just a penny so it's not like I'm breaking the bank or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do anything that voids the warranty while you are "trying it for $.01" they will likely refuse return.
If you are buying a Moto Maker X, unlocking its bootloader DOES void the warranty just by completing the action of requesting the code from Moto. You are submitting unique info to Moto about the phone you are unlocking, so expect they will know you have requested the unlock code.
And as for Moto can"easily" re-lock the bootloader, it depends on if its an eFuse or not. Using mFastboot, we can get the bootloader status to unlock and relock, not LOCK. If its an eFuse, moto likely can't set it back to lock without replacing components.
Can you get a developer edition for a penny? If so you do keep warranty for unlocking. I cannot verify whether or not they will accept the return, for that I would call Motorola and request confirmation in writing that they will accept the return even if you unlock the boot loader. If yes, get it, test it, if you like it send it back and order the Moto Maker one you want.
SymbioticGenius said:
Can you get a developer edition for a penny? If so you do keep warranty for unlocking. I cannot verify whether or not they will accept the return, for that I would call Motorola and request confirmation in writing that they will accept the return even if you unlock the boot loader. If yes, get it, test it, if you like it send it back and order the Moto Maker one you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "Try Then Buy" FAQ clearly stated that the regular non-Moto Maker version, the Moto Maker version, and the Dev Edition were all supposed to be available for that offer but I tried several times to get the Dev Edition and each time I punched in the promo code they sent me, it wouldn't apply the discount and the price remained $449 and change. After maybe 5 attempts, I decided to contact them using their "instant chat" support and the first time it said I was number 18 in the queue so I waited 14 minutes and when I got to being number 3 in the queue, it kicked me out and said their instant chat support was offline.
I waited a minute, reconnected to the chat support thing and it said I was number 27 with a wait time of 35 minutes so I said the hell with it and just ordered a Moto Maker edition, hence my question(s) above about rooting/unlocking.
For 14 days it's my phone, that's how the deal goes, so I'm going to use it as if it were my actual device, that's the only way I'm going to know if I want to actually keep it - I'll fire off an email to 'em when it arrives to clarify things, but if I do end up rooting it and unlocking the bootloader and then they refuse the return of the phone, well... guess I'll be getting it for free, who knows.
br0adband said:
The "Try Then Buy" FAQ clearly stated that the regular non-Moto Maker version, the Moto Maker version, and the Dev Edition were all supposed to be available for that offer but I tried several times to get the Dev Edition and each time I punched in the promo code they sent me, it wouldn't apply the discount and the price remained $449 and change. After maybe 5 attempts, I decided to contact them using their "instant chat" support and the first time it said I was number 18 in the queue so I waited 14 minutes and when I got to being number 3 in the queue, it kicked me out and said their instant chat support was offline.
I waited a minute, reconnected to the chat support thing and it said I was number 27 with a wait time of 35 minutes so I said the hell with it and just ordered a Moto Maker edition, hence my question(s) above about rooting/unlocking.
For 14 days it's my phone, that's how the deal goes, so I'm going to use it as if it were my actual device, that's the only way I'm going to know if I want to actually keep it - I'll fire off an email to 'em when it arrives to clarify things, but if I do end up rooting it and unlocking the bootloader and then they refuse the return of the phone, well... guess I'll be getting it for free, who knows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure they won't let you have it free. Lol
And yes, you will void the warranty.... And therefore probably void your chance to return it.
Remember.....us rooters are a very....very tiny fraction of their customers. They don't think of us when they make deals, or rules or promos.....most will try it, not change a single thing and keep it or return it. Then WE come along, void its warranty and try to return it. Nope....not happening. You own it now. Pay up. Or bye bye imei. And now you own a pretty paperweight.
And.....if moto is smart, which they seem to be, any device on this promo....no matter the carrier....won't be eligible to unlock on their site. Didn't think of that one....did we. I'm betting they won't be eligible to unlock on motos site, not until the deal is done and you keep it. ?
---------- Post added at 10:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:14 PM ----------
Also....come on now....you don't NEED root to know if you like a device. Lol
Very valid points KJ. Sad thing is I've had root since day one and I barely use apps that require it anymore. With the recent updates and the ability to disable apps without TiBu my battery life is fine so the only thing I've used root for is kernel tweaks.
Try the phone, if you even remotely like it without root, you'll like it that much more with it.
SymbioticGenius said:
Very valid points KJ. Sad thing is I've had root since day one and I barely use apps that require it anymore. With the recent updates and the ability to disable apps without TiBu the only thing I've used root for is kernel tweaks.
Try the phone, if you even remotely like it without root, you'll like it that much more with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd die without root. Lol. Luckily I research first and would never own a device I can't root.
Yeah, I don't get the attitude about its mine for 14 days. Its yours to TRY they are saying. Taking it apart physically or unlocking boot loaders and messing with the system is not something they will be happy about. They'll just laugh, send it back to you and say congrats on your new purchase. Lol.
KJ said:
I'd die without root. Lol. Luckily I research first and would never own a device I can't root.
Yeah, I don't get the attitude about its mine for 14 days. Its yours to TRY they are saying. Taking it apart physically or unlocking boot loaders and messing with the system is not something they will be happy about. They'll just laugh, send it back to you and say congrats on your new purchase. Lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would never own a phone without an unlockable boot loader. Until the Nexus5 all my phones had CM and I bought my phones based on having a stable-ish build. I understand your point.
I think I should teach many of you in here something my father taught me as a kid.
If something isn't yours return it how you found it. If you break it, you replace it.
Otherwise known as "you break it, you bought it."
I'm from a country that official google store is not available, so I have to purchase Pixel via a seller. Since he's got only Verizon version, I cannot change to a Google edition to get bootloader unlockable.
My phone is already updated to android 7.1.2 so depixel8 will not work on my case, I think there are a lot of people like me hope to have bootloader unlocked.
There is already a thread discusses abt Pixel XL: Verizon Pixel XL - Unlocking Discussions
If there is any a method available it should be working on both phones. So If anyone figure out a way please let us know.
no method for the Verizon pixel unfortunately. so as for now, we are out of luck...
bill12690 said:
no method for the Verizon pixel unfortunately. so as for now, we are out of luck...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just have to wait
It seems that some NEW Verizon Pixel got unlocked: Bootloader unlock on NEW Verizon Pixels
It might be because of the SIM or They are just lucky
Anyway, mine is still not unlockable. This is so crazy.
hope unlock come soon
lonelyboycs said:
It seems that some NEW Verizon Pixel got unlocked: Bootloader unlock on NEW Verizon Pixels
It might be because of the SIM or They are just lucky
Anyway, mine is still not unlockable. This is so crazy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Literally took 3 phones out if my stock and can confirm that it's the sim. I unlocked mine on 7.1.2 using fastboot OEM unlock commands.
Mod edit: Posts condoning fraud against a company or individuals will not be tolerated on this site. Take heed of the forum rules and do not make such posts in the future.
Cheers
Magnum_Enforcer
FSM
SIM has nothing to do with it. This has been looked into countless times already. Yes some people get unlockable devices from Verizon.
seshaz said:
Literally took 3 phones out if my stock and can confirm that it's the sim. I unlocked mine on 7.1.2 using fastboot OEM unlock commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is NOT the SIM. If that were the case, then all the Google store versions would get their bootloaders locked as soon as a Verizon SIM was installed. That is NOT the case. Some people are just getting lucky for whatever reason, and they are getting Pixels with bootloaders that are able to be unlocked.
jmartin72 said:
It is NOT the SIM. If that were the case, then all the Google store versions would get their bootloaders locked as soon as a Verizon SIM was installed. That is NOT the case. Some people are just getting lucky for whatever reason, and they are getting Pixels with bootloaders that are able to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QFT
Especially the part about how a VZ SIM didn't lock my Google Pixel.
jmartin72 said:
It is NOT the SIM. If that were the case, then all the Google store versions would get their bootloaders locked as soon as a Verizon SIM was installed. That is NOT the case. Some people are just getting lucky for whatever reason, and they are getting Pixels with bootloaders that are able to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol whatever you say. Not really concerned if you believe it. Worked on multiple devices. Didn't work when I left it in
seshaz said:
Lol whatever you say. Not really concerned if you believe it. Worked on multiple devices. Didn't work when I left it in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a couple other threads on this very topic. You should go read them. You may learn something.
jmartin72 said:
There are a couple other threads on this very topic. You should go read them. You may learn something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah I'm good. Worked for me. Experimented and got results. Which seems better than your reasoning of a random chance. Same reason I don't believe in God, I believe in science. There's no random chance. There's a reason for everything.
---------- Post added at 05:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:27 PM ----------
seshaz said:
Nah I'm good. Worked for me. Experimented and got results. Which seems better than your reasoning of a random chance. Same reason I don't believe in God, I believe in science. There's no random chance. There's a reason for everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I've read them
---------- Post added at 05:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:28 PM ----------
seshaz said:
Nah I'm good. Worked for me. Experimented and got results. Which seems better than your reasoning of a random chance. Same reason I don't believe in God, I believe in science. There's no random chance. There's a reason for everything.
---------- Post added at 05:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:27 PM ----------
And I've read them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do understand I work for Verizon and have as many of them as I need to check if it's the Sim right? And I have
It's not the Sim. I received a replacement from asurion and it was branded Verizon on the box. I never put a Verizon sim in it and OEM unlock was greyed out right from the start. Still greyed after connecting to WiFi, still greyed after updating to Android O, still greyed after inserting an ATT Sim.
---------- Post added at 05:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:52 PM ----------
As was already stated if it was the Sim then even Google store pixels would get locked after being used on the Verizon network, and fact of the matter is they aren't. I know of multiple Google pixels on Verizon network that are still unlockable
bill12690 said:
It's not the Sim. I received a replacement from asurion and it was branded Verizon on the box. I never put a Verizon sim in it and OEM unlock was greyed out right from the start. Still greyed after connecting to WiFi, still greyed after updating to Android O, still greyed after inserting an ATT Sim.
---------- Post added at 05:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:52 PM ----------
As was already stated if it was the Sim then even Google store pixels would get locked after being used on the Verizon network, and fact of the matter is they aren't. I know of multiple Google pixels on Verizon network that are still unlockable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, the Google Play Store pixels do not have locked bootloader regardless of the SIM that is in them. I have a pixel from the Google Play Store, and a Verizon SIM. My bootloader has been unlockable from day one. The SIM simply has nothing to do with it. The truth is no one knows for sure, but logic say that the IMEI's have a black list, and a white list, and for some reason Verizon is letting go of some Pixels that are on the white list. Could be Google, and HTC not being able to supply as many as they need.
jmartin72 said:
Correct, the Google Play Store pixels do not have locked bootloader regardless of the SIM that is in them. I have a pixel from the Google Play Store, and a Verizon SIM. My bootloader has been unlockable from day one. The SIM simply has nothing to do with it. The truth is no one knows for sure, but logic say that the IMEI's have a black list, and a white list, and for some reason Verizon is letting go of some Pixels that are on the white list. Could be Google, and HTC not being able to supply as many as they need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As much as I wanted it to be sim-related (so i could potentially unlock my replacement) I'm a firm believer that it is not and most likely is an IMEI black/white list of sorts. I've talked to both Google and Verizon regarding the matter and both deny having any knowledge of why they become locked...although I didn't really expect them to admit it.
bill12690 said:
As much as I wanted it to be sim-related (so i could potentially unlock my replacement) I'm a firm believer that it is not and most likely is an IMEI black/white list of sorts. I've talked to both Google and Verizon regarding the matter and both deny having any knowledge of why they become locked...although I didn't really expect them to admit it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look through the Droid-Life archives, they have a post that said they point blank asked Verizon if the bootloaders on the Pixels that they sell would be locked, and they said yes. In the beginning they were, and the only way to unlock them was with depixel8. Then I think it was two security releases later they patched that hole, and if you took that OTA without having unlocked your bootloader you were screwed. It's only in the last couple of months that people have been reporting that they have gotten phones from Verizon with bootloaders that are able to be unlocked.
jmartin72 said:
Correct, the Google Play Store pixels do not have locked bootloader regardless of the SIM that is in them. I have a pixel from the Google Play Store, and a Verizon SIM. My bootloader has been unlockable from day one. The SIM simply has nothing to do with it. The truth is no one knows for sure, but logic say that the IMEI's have a black list, and a white list, and for some reason Verizon is letting go of some Pixels that are on the white list. Could be Google, and HTC not being able to supply as many as they need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been following this thread for a bit and have a question. Did your Pixel from Google Play Store originally come with a Verizon SIM?
Misterxtc said:
I've been following this thread for a bit and have a question. Did your Pixel from Google Play Store originally come with a Verizon SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it didn't come with a Verizon SIM. They don't come with carrier SIM's from the Google Play Store unless you get them with a Google Fi subscription. Then they come with a Fi SIM. They are carrier unlocked, so all I did was put in the Verizon SIM I already had.
jmartin72 said:
No, it didn't come with a Verizon SIM. They don't come with carrier SIM's from the Google Play Store unless you get them with a Google Fi subscription. Then they come with a Fi SIM. They are carrier unlocked, so all I did was put in the Verizon SIM I already had.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK and did you unlock before or after you put the Verizon SIM in?
So I purchased my phone from Sprint and would like to do the domestic unlock. I have read around that if you insert another carriers sim card before turning the phone on initially it will be unlocked. I unfortunately did not do this.
My question is, if I were to re-flash the stock firmware (whenever that releases) would I be able to insert another carrier's sim card and reproduce the initial out of the box unlock process?
Just take it to Sprint and have them unlock it for all carpets. As I understand it, they are required by law to do so if asked.
mrcooter said:
Just take it to Sprint and have them unlock it for all carpets. As I understand it, they are required by law to do so if asked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that I got the phone on the sprint lease and i'm paying it but would like to use it on a different carrier.
Droidz said:
The problem is that I got the phone on the sprint lease and i'm paying it but would like to use it on a different carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That shouldn't matter as long as you don't cancel your Sprint service, otherwise then of course they would bill you for the remainder of the phone. If you look on your about phone settings, there is an option for UICC unlock where you would update the PRL etc. They put in a code which then allows other SIMs and activations, but you could switch back and forth after that even. Leased or not they should unlock this for you no questions asked if requested.
mrcooter said:
That shouldn't matter as long as you don't cancel your Sprint service, otherwise then of course they would bill you for the remainder of the phone. If you look on your about phone settings, there is an option for UICC unlock where you would update the PRL etc. They put in a code which then allows other SIMs and activations, but you could switch back and forth after that even. Leased or not they should unlock this for you no questions asked if requested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is the UICC option? I remember seeing it when I was playing around with the phone but now I don't see it anymore?
I bought one off of craigslist, sprint "locked" I took a gamble thinking it would be able to be used on a different network. Unfortunately, I am unable to make it work with AT&T.
Anyone with ideas on how to unlock a sprint phone (clean IMEI) for AT&T?
PlasticsDoc said:
Where is the UICC option? I remember seeing it when I was playing around with the phone but now I don't see it anymore?
I bought one off of craigslist, sprint "locked" I took a gamble thinking it would be able to be used on a different network. Unfortunately, I am unable to make it work with AT&T.
Anyone with ideas on how to unlock a sprint phone (clean IMEI) for AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About phone / OMADM updates / UICC unlock
Sprint will either need to put in the code for you, or they will give you the code. Haven't looked into it much since I'm staying with Sprint. Even if they aren't your carrier, probably would still do it when asked. Just go to local store front and try.
mrcooter said:
About phone / OMADM updates / UICC unlock
Sprint will either need to put in the code for you, or they will give you the code. Haven't looked into it much since I'm staying with Sprint. Even if they aren't your carrier, probably would still do it when asked. Just go to local store front and try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank for your reply. Unfortunately, they won't unlock it. CSR said its common that people make fake accounts to get free phones and sell them. Is there any other possibilities?
PlasticsDoc said:
Thank for your reply. Unfortunately, they won't unlock it. CSR said its common that people make fake accounts to get free phones and sell them. Is there any other possibilities?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone else will know and comment. If it were me, I'd use the excuse of you travel and Sprint coverage isn't supported everywhere therefore you need to be able to swap SIMs. If it were me, I'd research the law requiring them to unlock it and see the best way getting this done, maybe a second tier rep over the phone would be another option to try, sometimes people in the store just say things thinking they know best. You could try a factory reset and put in the other SIM before 1st boot but not seeing that actually work in my opinion.
The only way I see working is flashing stock firmware and inserting another sim card at that point. A regular wipe wont work.
Also the international unlock doesn't allow it to work domestically, like with T-Mobile or Verizon.
Droidz said:
The only way I see working is flashing stock firmware and inserting another sim card at that point. A regular wipe wont work.
Also the international unlock doesn't allow it to work domestically, like with T-Mobile or Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still no way to flash stock firmware is there?
So if you purchase a phone direct from essential but put the Sprint sim in it the phone will be locked to Sprint?
Final-Mac said:
So if you purchase a phone direct from essential but put the Sprint sim in it the phone will be locked to Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doubt it.
Sprint locks the batch of phones they lease out. Just like anything you lease, it's not yours until you pay for it.
PlasticsDoc said:
Still no way to flash stock firmware is there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, that's what I've been waiting for as well.
Droidz said:
nope, that's what I've been waiting for as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just flashed stock firmware (NMJ20D) over my sprint locked phone, still locked...
Only way Sprint will unlock the devices is after 50 days and it's paid off.
---------- Post added at 04:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:35 AM ----------
Sprint.com/unlock
There has to be a way to unlock the phone through software. If they come unlocked out of the box before being activated, then it must be some sort of software switch.
This means that there must be a way to get the phone back to its out of the box state and have it unlock.
If there is anybody who can chime in on this and let me know otherwise it would be very much appreciated.
networx2002 said:
Only way Sprint will unlock the devices is after 90 days and it's paid off.
---------- Post added at 04:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:35 AM ----------
Sprint.com/unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, it's 50 days. The device needs to be active on the Sprint network for 50 days and also fully paid off. You can then request the unlock.
So if you got in on the Sprint flex lease deal and ended up with a Sprint locked phone, your options are:
1) Sell it as a Sprint locked device
2) Use it on Sprint for 50 days, then request the unlock
3) Keep haggling Sprint CS to try and get it unlocked before 50 days (some users have had success with this)
Sprint customer support says hell no. I spent all day trying. All DAY. I talked to over 12 reps with no solution
I originally have att... Went and signed up with Sprint to take advantage of their price... Paid my phone off... And got them to unlock it a day later... You do NOT need to have the phone on 50 day service to get it unlocked...
What I think may be happening with the different outcomes is how people talk to the support... I don't think it helps if you're aggressive or not friendly.... Or course, this is just my weak guess.... The support gave me no issues getting it unlocked but did ask if I was keeping the service still... Which I said yes, but to be honest, Sprint LTE is slow.... So now I dunno if I want to keep the service...
joewoo said:
I originally have att... Went and signed up with Sprint to take advantage of their price... Paid my phone off... And got them to unlock it a day later... You do NOT need to have the phone on 50 day service to get it unlocked...
What I think may be happening with the different outcomes is how people talk to the support... I don't think it helps if you're aggressive or not friendly.... Or course, this is just my weak guess.... The support gave me no issues getting it unlocked but did ask if I was keeping the service still... Which I said yes, but to be honest, Sprint LTE is slow.... So now I dunno if I want to keep the service...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have issues either. I had it unlocked within 12 hours of receiving the phone. I'm assertive and speak like I know the rules, because I do. But I ALWAYS say yes sir or no sir, please, thank you, and talk to them like they're actual human beings. I almost never have issues with customer service.
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
No wonder their business is in trouble.
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
lchen5 said:
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
Now wonder their business is in trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the "easiest" way to tell if it was an original Sprint phone.
1. power off the phone
2. press the volume down button and the power button at the same time until the fastboot menu appears
you will see a screen that has Variant on it
What is written after Variant? usually it says sprint or OPENUS (openus being from essential directly or through a seller like best buy/amazon)
---------- Post added at 07:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:09 PM ----------
felipemendes said:
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a difference between the NMI81C and the NMJ32F (other than the 32F being a newer updated version with additional patches and security updates.). The only reason there are 2 of them, is that Sprint hasn't "certified" anything past the NMI81C version. (this is what I read, but I cannot be 100% sure of this, but I am 99% sure it is correct.).
If you have an unlocked Sprint phone, and put in a different carriers SIM, it will find the other firmware images available to be downloaded. You can also just follow the instructions to flash the 32F on your phone by overwriting the phones partition. It works on Sprint, and I have tested it. (I have installed the Orea beta, the 81C and the 32F, no issues.)
felipemendes said:
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.
kbonnel said:
Here is the "easiest" way to tell if it was an original Sprint phone.
1. power off the phone
2. press the volume down button and the power button at the same time until the fastboot menu appears
you will see a screen that has Variant on it
What is written after Variant? usually it says sprint or OPENUS (openus being from essential directly or through a seller like best buy/amazon)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.
lchen5 said:
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on that, your phone came from essential, or something like a bestbuy/amazon reseller. (e.g. not Sprint)
Does anyone know why VARIANT filed on my Essential could be empty? No OPENUS or SRPINT on it
tero2012 said:
Does anyone know why VARIANT filed on my Essential could be empty? No OPENUS or SRPINT on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a demo model.....had one like that and thats what essential said
Tech_Savvy said:
Thats a demo model.....had one like that and thats what essential said
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yeah, I contacted essential for another thing and when they asked for my serial number they told me it was a demo model. I hope this empty field doors not break anything in future updates. Until now everything works and I am receiving OTA update. But, I read that yesterday's update did lock down some Sprint models that were previously unlocked.
Who knows...
lchen5 said:
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint sims are device specific. Not sure where you got your sprint sims, or what type they are, but you need SIMOLW416Q
tero2012 said:
Thanks. Yeah, I contacted essential for another thing and when they asked for my serial number they told me it was a demo model. I hope this empty field doors not break anything in future updates. Until now everything works and I am receiving OTA update. But, I read that yesterday's update did lock down some Sprint models that were previously unlocked.
Who knows...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same VARIANT with u. So have u successfully update the September update?
X-Beta said:
I have the same VARIANT with u. So have u successfully update the September update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it did. No issues at all thru OTA
tero2012 said:
Yes it did. No issues at all thru OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated mine to september update and it locked , now i can't unlock it , Sprint said it's not locked to them .
does anyone has this isssue ..??
OPENUS VARIANT
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
xCasasx said:
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a sprint version that is what i can see in bootloader. Can you upload your modems1/2 partitions @Rwin01 can try on his phone if yours is working fine on October release
arjunv said:
I have a sprint version that is what i can see in bootloader. Can you upload your modems1/2 partitions @Rwin01 can try on his phone if yours is working fine on October release
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that's why my cellular signal sux here in Mexico
Pd. I don't know how to do that, I'm stock, locked bootloader and I don't want to change that.
xCasasx said:
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats an amazon model. do you have the halo grey model? if so that one is amazon exclusive.
---------- Post added at 09:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:14 AM ----------
lchen5 said:
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
No wonder their business is in trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Halo Grey amazon model, funny enough I also moved from T-mobile and had the same issue, the tmobile sim worked but no sprint sims would work.
I am on the free year with sprint and my phone did lock to sprint.
from what I understand this is a hit or miss problem, not everyones phone gets locked to sprint but when it does happen it can be a pain to unlock.
you are basically at the mercy of sprint to unlock it again.
generally they will unlock it for you but oddly make you wait the same period as someone who bought a phone from them and then you have to get someone who knows what they are doing to unlock it.
I havent tried myself since I still have about 6 months left.
the sim card is not only specific to the device but the one year free plan apparently has a specific sim as well.
I ended up having to call sprint and they located a store near me that had the right one.
normally when you sign up online they will ship you a sim but when I did it they were out of stock online and I had to get them locally.
I also activated a Moto G and a Moto X and they used a different sim than the essential (though they did use the same sim as eachother)
hopefully this helps.
Mine says
"Variant - (blank) "
Nickdroid86 said:
Mine says
"Variant - (blank) "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's a demo model
Yay. (Sarcasm)
I bought this v35 off of eBay and turns out it hasn't been paid off and I can't pay it off because I don't have the old account info.
Can I still go through the online carrier unlock methods to get this unlocked? Is there any way to unlock it myself or otherwise?
You need to return it for a refund.
Ohitstarik said:
I bought this v35 off of eBay and turns out it hasn't been paid off and I can't pay it off because I don't have the old account info.
Can I still go through the online carrier unlock methods to get this unlocked? Is there any way to unlock it myself or otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly I can't. I tried to refund it on eBay and they sided with the seller on some bull****. The point I made was that I couldn't unlock it because it wasn't paid off (not that it wasn't paid off in the first place), and the seller said it was locked to at&t in the ad (but they didn't say anything about it not being paid off).
So, I'm stuck with this at&t phone in my hand. Apparently at&t users can use it though.
Also: the IMEI is clean
Ohitstarik said:
Sadly I can't. I tried to refund it on eBay and they sided with the seller on some bull****. The point I made was that I couldn't unlock it because it wasn't paid off (not that it wasn't paid off in the first place), and the seller said it was locked to at&t in the ad (but they didn't say anything about it not being paid off).
So, I'm stuck with this at&t phone in my hand. Apparently at&t users can use it though.
Also: the IMEI is clean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that seems outrageously bogus. Ebay sides with seller that is selling a phone, that isn't paid off? Hard to imagine how they justified that. You can't sell a used car that isn't paid off, unless paying the lien on it is part of the selling transaction, which it usually is. How is it justified selling a phone that isn't paid off, knowing that it can't be unlocked without it being paid for?
I guess that they indicated it was locked to at&t somehow mitigates this in ebays eyes? But it's not like you bought it from the seller knowing you'd have to now pay more to at&t to be able to pay it off and unlock it? that seems totally unfair.
That is crazy for all of the reasons already given. Unless you file an appeal or escalate in some other way, the best you can hope for is that it wasn't stolen, gets paid off, and stays off IMEI blacklists. You have a paperweight if the latter happens.
Ohitstarik said:
I bought this v35 off of eBay and turns out it hasn't been paid off and I can't pay it off because I don't have the old account info.
Can I still go through the online carrier unlock methods to get this unlocked? Is there any way to unlock it myself or otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It definitely is bull****.
Can't say I'm the most responsible person, if I pushed hard enough I might have been able to get something out of this back in the day. It still hasn't been paid off, this all happened 2 years ago. It really surprised me since ebay pretty much always sides with the buyer no matter what.
I've been lazy and have been using the phone lightly for ground control stuff for drones, but it's been sitting around for most of the time. I have a OnePlus 6T but was still thinking of switching to the V35 and selling the 6T. 2gb less ram, but the screen and cameras from what I see are worth it.
Its not possible though? Through bootloader unlock and flashing a new ROM? I guess the network & software side are a different, and the IMEI points to the network stuff. I guess I'll just try to sell it to some At&t user.
Ohitstarik said:
It definitely is bull****.
Can't say I'm the most responsible person, if I pushed hard enough I might have been able to get something out of this back in the day. It still hasn't been paid off, this all happened 2 years ago. It really surprised me since ebay pretty much always sides with the buyer no matter what.
I've been lazy and have been using the phone lightly for ground control stuff for drones, but it's been sitting around for most of the time. I have a OnePlus 6T but was still thinking of switching to the V35 and selling the 6T. 2gb less ram, but the screen and cameras from what I see are worth it.
Its not possible though? Through bootloader unlock and flashing a new ROM? I guess the network & software side are a different, and the IMEI points to the network stuff. I guess I'll just try to sell it to some At&t user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I don't think crossflashed or boot unlocked will matter. It's the IMEI that will be recognized, no disguising it. And that's too bad, as they are good phones. How much is owed on it? Even on at&t that might be a problem?
That's the thing, they won't even let me pay it off/figure out how much is left on the account. The people at At&t I talked to said you can still use it on the at&t network, but you just can't unlock it (which doesn't make sense). I wonder if there's other forces at play, e.g. this was a store model phone or something like that..
Ohitstarik said:
That's the thing, they won't even let me pay it off/figure out how much is left on the account. The people at At&t I talked to said you can still use it on the at&t network, but you just can't unlock it (which doesn't make sense). I wonder if there's other forces at play, e.g. this was a store model phone or something like that..
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Here's how it makes sense...
AT&T can still make money by people using it on AT&T. If carrier unlocked then they don't. The person who didn't finish paying for it was probably reported for not paying a contracted debt. (Technically, it's still AT&T property.)
Probably one of those "buy one, get one free deals" -- but you have to maintain a new line for x number of months (6?, 12? 24?). That's the probably the "debt" they didn't pay, not the phone itself but probably the terms of the freebie deal where a new line is started and maintained.
We saw this a lot with T-Mobile V30. Tons sold on eBay that were "free" phones but with unpaid T-Mobile financial commitment attached.
AT&T have long since written this V35 off, but IF a rep let you pay off the deal:
1) Cost is probably more than the phone is worth. X number of monthly bills? What is X? Would you have to start a new line?
Is interest owed?
Too many questions.
2) It would supremely annoy AT&T's accountants, who have already reconciled 2018 books and would have to adjust their ledger.
3) The debt would no longer be outstanding and AT&T would have to go back and retract the black mark on the previous owner's credit reports. Because some stranger paid the bill? Easier for them to leave it just as it is.
I got you. It's definitely a bummer but that makes sense and at least gives some cleared up closure for me
I was just wondering how you know it has balance? Did AT&T rep said so? Have you run imei check on swappa and on imeipro.info? One of these sites would show if phone is still under obligation. There is a possibility that phone is paid off but just locked to AT&T. I feel this to be the case because too much time has passed for it to have not been paid off or it should have had bad imei by now. Let's assume that it was paid off but locked to AT&T, even then AT&T will not unlock it. I went through many V35 phones that AT&T wouldn't unlock because many of these AT&T branded phones were sold by third parties and mvnos where AT&T didn't have unlock info, or would just refuse to unlock the phone.
I am sure you can still get it unlocked. Go on eBay, search for "lg v35 unlock code". Look for $9.99 listing by seller uws-tech. He should be able to unlock this phone. In my case, over the years, AT&T refused to unlock 5 of lg v35 i tried, i even made complaint on BBB, but AT&T failed to unlock and third party unlock service like the above mentioned unlocked them for me. They worked fine on all carriers i tried them on afterwards.
I tried to unlock it through AT&Ts unlocking service online, and it said it wasn't paid off.
It's clean IMEI though, I ran it through some IMEI checkers online. I remember the seller online did say it was locked to AT&T but I just assumed that was because of the unpaid balance thing. I didn't realize phones would be forever locked to AT&T, even after 2 years. You think that's the case? I'll give a shot to the seller you're talking about if so.
Yes most carriers do not automatically unlock phones once the phone is paid off, although some carriers are starting to do that. Give the unlock service a try but make sure that you use the seller i suggested or the ones who offer premium service. When i quick searched ebay last night he seemed to be the only one but today found cheaper seller, universe.2018. Try this one if you haven't already ordered:. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Unlock-Cod...ium-Service-/283645621174?hash=item420a98b3b6
Just make sure the listing mentions premium service and that they support all imei because for V35 phones they have to look up special database that the cheaper services do not utilize.
Used the seller you noted last night, worked like a charm. V35 is now unlocked, thanks to everyone in the thread.
Ohitstarik said:
Used the seller you noted last night, worked like a charm. V35 is now unlocked, thanks to everyone in the thread.
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So I'm in the same situation as you except my phone is a cricket variant. Which seller did you use on Ebay? $7.50 one or $9.99 one? Thanks.
Ohitstarik said:
Used the seller you noted last night, worked like a charm. V35 is now unlocked, thanks to everyone in the thread.
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My phone isn't asking for an unlock code. It's just not connecting to any mobile network. It shows an error in "call services" app in the notification badge. Did your phone do this? Or did it ask for an unlock code?
intervalchange said:
My phone isn't asking for an unlock code. It's just not connecting to any mobile network. It shows an error in "call services" app in the notification badge. Did your phone do this? Or did it ask for an unlock code?
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Unlock procedure would be same for Cricket version and one of the sellers I pointed in my posts above will work for you. Is your phone on AT&T/Cricket firmware? (It will show AT&T logo on startup), if it has already been cross-flashed to another firmware such as ULM or Fi firmwares, it will not show the popup for unlock code. You can't reflash AT&T firmware back on V35 because AT&T don't release their firmwares.
You will need to use Dev patched LG UP that you can get from ChazzMatt's post here (make sure you thank the OP): https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76510671&postcount=168
to flash Mexican version of the software that you can get here: https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmv350awm-firmwares/
Then after phone setup, you can insert non-AT&T sim to enter the unlock code. After the phone is unlocked, you can flash any KDZ you like back and it will stay unlocked.
Android# said:
Unlock procedure would be same for Cricket version and one of the sellers I pointed in my posts above will work for you. Is your phone on AT&T/Cricket firmware? (It will show AT&T logo on startup), if it has already been cross-flashed to another firmware such as ULM or Fi firmwares, it will not show the popup for unlock code. You can't reflash AT&T firmware back on V35 because AT&T don't release their firmwares.
You will need to use Dev patched LG UP that you can get from ChazzMatt's post here (make sure you thank the OP): https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76510671&postcount=168
to flash Mexican version of the software that you can get here: https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmv350awm-firmwares/
Then after phone setup, you can insert non-AT&T sim to enter the unlock code. After the phone is unlocked, you can flash any KDZ you like back and it will stay unlocked.
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I have a non rooted V35 on Android 9. Will this method work on Pie?
intervalchange said:
I have a non rooted V35 on Android 9. Will this method work on Pie?
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Your phone is unrooted but again as I asked above you need to make sure whether it is on AT&T firmware or not? This part is very important because if you are on AT&T version of firmware and not getting unlock pop-up, the person who sold you the phone may have used up all the 10 tries to enter the unlock code. After 10 failed tries the phone is permanently locked and you cannot unlock it even if you have an unlock code so no point in buying a code if it is hardlocked.
So to make it less confusing, if the phone shows AT&T logo when you restart, don't bother buying unlock code it won't work.
If phone doesn't show AT&T logo when you restart it, use the directions to flash Mexico region KDZ, finish setup after phone starts up, enter non-AT&T sim card in phone, a popup should appear, enter unlock code and phone will restart and will be unlocked.
Yes as long as you still have unlock tries left, this will work regardless of which firmware you are on. I think they only have Oreo on LG firmwares website for Mexico region but that doesn't matter, once you unlock phone, you can use LG UP to go back to your original firmware as the unlock itself is permanent. By the way use the DL partition option in LG UP when downgrading to Mexico region Oreo and then DL partition or Upgrade option to go back to your original firmware.
Android# said:
Your phone is unrooted but again as I asked above you need to make sure whether it is on AT&T firmware or not? This part is very important because if you are on AT&T version of firmware and not getting unlock pop-up, the person who sold you the phone may have used up all the 10 tries to enter the unlock code. After 10 failed tries the phone is permanently locked and you cannot unlock it even if you have an unlock code so no point in buying a code if it is hardlocked.
So to make it less confusing, if the phone shows AT&T logo when you restart, don't bother buying unlock code it won't work.
If phone doesn't show AT&T logo when you restart it, use the directions to flash Mexico region KDZ, finish setup after phone starts up, enter non-AT&T sim card in phone, a popup should appear, enter unlock code and phone will restart and will be unlocked.
Yes as long as you still have unlock tries left, this will work regardless of which firmware you are on. I think they only have Oreo on LG firmwares website for Mexico region but that doesn't matter, once you unlock phone, you can use LG UP to go back to your original firmware as the unlock itself is permanent. By the way use the DL partition option in LG UP when downgrading to Mexico region Oreo and then DL partition or Upgrade option to go back to your original firmware.
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The phone is not on AT&T software. There's no logo of any carrier when it boots up. I have downloaded the LGUP software and am ready to go however I don't get the last part.
When flashing the KDZ, should I click on DL partition instead of the refurbish or upgrade option?