Unlocked Bootloaders on Verizon - July 2017? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm on the LG V10, its my first locked bootloader and I hate it. I'm in the market for a new phone, but I'm stuck with verizon. What are the high end VZ phones that have unlocked bootloaders? Would love a pixel or S8, but only if I can do custom roms and kernels. I know verizon is trying to lock all their bootloaders, so what options do I have as of this moment?
Thanks for the help.

jdrake01 said:
I'm on the LG V10, its my first locked bootloader and I hate it. I'm in the market for a new phone, but I'm stuck with verizon. What are the high end VZ phones that have unlocked bootloaders? Would love a pixel or S8, but only if I can do custom roms and kernels. I know verizon is trying to lock all their bootloaders, so what options do I have as of this moment?
Thanks for the help.
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1 ditch Verizon lol
maybe find unlockable device that will work on Verizon
Verizon and att are worst at locking bootloaders with no end in sight.
i come from a long line of lgs ad unless u get internet unlockable ones basically no root in sight for them either

Related

[Q] Which OEM's offer official bootloader unlocks?

Other than HTC, which OEMs offer official bootloader unlocks,including their devices that are subsidized by AT&T? I'm hoping LG might, as the G2 looks really nice, and the price recently dropped because of the Flex.
trevorftard said:
Other than HTC, which OEMs offer official bootloader unlocks,including their devices that are subsidized by AT&T? I'm hoping LG might, as the G2 looks really nice, and the price recently dropped because of the Flex.
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Yea, ATT isn't real big on letting manufacturers have their phones get unlocked like that. If it is really that big of a concern, you would be best served to buy an international version of the phone you like or get a developer edition model. Alternatively, most Tmo versions of phones that ATT has locked down are not for their network and once unlocked, have all the bands to work on ATT properly with 2g/3g/4g/LTE where as many ATT phones have part of Tmo bands locked down.
trevorftard said:
Other than HTC, which OEMs offer official bootloader unlocks,including their devices that are subsidized by AT&T? I'm hoping LG might, as the G2 looks really nice, and the price recently dropped because of the Flex.
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Right now the G2 doesn't have a unlocked bootloader instead it uses Loki flash, LG has a up and down record of unlocked bootloaders. Sony devices the days usually always have the ability to unlock the bootloader. If you really want a great device for ATT with an easy official unlockable bootloader the Nexus 5 is an excellent choice. As previously mentioned ATT has ratcheted up it's stance on locking bootloader, so keep that in mind as well when buying devices, I second looking at developer edition or unlocked edition devices if you can swing it.
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shimp208 said:
Right now the G2 doesn't have a unlocked bootloader instead it uses Loki flash, LG has a up and down record of unlocked bootloaders. Sony devices the days usually always have the ability to unlock the bootloader. If you really want a great device for ATT with an easy official unlockable bootloader the Nexus 5 is an excellent choice. As previously mentioned ATT has ratcheted up it's stance on locking bootloader, so keep that in mind as well when buying devices, I second looking at developer edition or unlocked edition devices if you can swing it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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I know they have a terrible history with this. The thing is, I want to take advantage of the fact that I have 15 months left on my contract and I can upgrade already on Next and pay close to the same as what I'm paying now. I don't care much for HTC, but I can't stand OEM skins, and I already have a Moto X Dev Edition and a Nexus 4, and if HTC is the only one I can flash, that's the brand I'll be going with. Tell me more about Loki Flash...
trevorftard said:
I know they have a terrible history with this. The thing is, I want to take advantage of the fact that I have 15 months left on my contract and I can upgrade already on Next and pay close to the same as what I'm paying now. I don't care much for HTC, but I can't stand OEM skins, and I already have a Moto X Dev Edition and a Nexus 4, and if HTC is the only one I can flash, that's the brand I'll be going with. Tell me more about Loki Flash...
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Essentially Loki Flash is was of injecting boot, recovery.img's without tripping the secure boot of devices. More info on how it works and what it is can be found in the README for the Loki source code found here.
shimp208 said:
Essentially Loki Flash is was of injecting boot, recovery.img's without tripping the secure boot of devices. More info on how it works and what it is can be found in the README for the Loki source code found here.
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That sounds awesome. Has it been patched yet on the G2?
trevorftard said:
That sounds awesome. Has it been patched yet on the G2?
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Yes it has check out this thread for an example http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2449670
:thumbup:.
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Does the Verizon Moto E have root and roms?

Just bought the Verizon moto e at best buy and have it working on t mobile but want to install custom roms.
Sadly it does not. Just bought mine today as a secondary device.
I am just hoping that someone can do something to unlock that bootloader (could the stagefright vulnerability be used to do some things since it does have some root capabilities?) or at least get the device loki'd.
Christopher876 said:
Sadly it does not. Just bought mine today as a secondary device.
I am just hoping that someone can do something to unlock that bootloader (could the stagefright vulnerability be used to do some things since it does have some root capabilities?) or at least get the device loki'd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i bought it for the same reason at best buy to uses as a backup for myself or a friend of family member. Just like you i was curious about rooting and custom roms for it. Sadly i found out by trying to follow the tutorial to unlock the bootloader and when i went to Motorola website for the unlock code it said my device couldn't be unlocked :crying:
Before i picked up the Moto e i seen on XDA the Verizon variant could be used on any service so i didn't even think twice to see if it was unlock-able before trying.
Just now wile typing this it actually got me thinking and the thought of the Verizon variant being able to be used on. got me wondering.
Under the hood of the Verizon Moto e is the hardware exactly the same as the other variants or are there more radios for the Verizon network? I ask this because if its the same would there be someway to install the international variant bootloader on the Verizon variant and then unlock it?
if that sounds very stupid im sorry lol. I don't know very much about unlocking devices besides how to follow tutorials of how to unlock a device. But i do know how to flash and install things im kind of a flashaholic thats one reason i looked to unlock this device right away
Verizon as is already annoys me by how there devices have locked bootlaoders thankfully someone found a workaround for the G3, but seeing how this is a prepaid device that customers pay in full for i don't see why they have to lock it down...
$9.99 from bestbuy, it's the best budget phone. I made it work under t-mobile.
clapper66 said:
i bought it for the same reason at best buy to uses as a backup for myself or a friend of family member. Just like you i was curious about rooting and custom roms for it. Sadly i found out by trying to follow the tutorial to unlock the bootloader and when i went to Motorola website for the unlock code it said my device couldn't be unlocked :crying:
Before i picked up the Moto e i seen on XDA the Verizon variant could be used on any service so i didn't even think twice to see if it was unlock-able before trying.
Just now wile typing this it actually got me thinking and the thought of the Verizon variant being able to be used on. got me wondering.
Under the hood of the Verizon Moto e is the hardware exactly the same as the other variants or are there more radios for the Verizon network? I ask this because if its the same would there be someway to install the international variant bootloader on the Verizon variant and then unlock it?
if that sounds very stupid im sorry lol. I don't know very much about unlocking devices besides how to follow tutorials of how to unlock a device. But i do know how to flash and install things im kind of a flashaholic thats one reason i looked to unlock this device right away
Verizon as is already annoys me by how there devices have locked bootlaoders thankfully someone found a workaround for the G3, but seeing how this is a prepaid device that customers pay in full for i don't see why they have to lock it down...
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Can't overwrite the bootloader since it is locked, the partition is locked to read. However, I was thinking, since it has that 5.1 update, it must've written to the system partition and which case I wonder if a fake update of some kind be used. Kingoroot also somehow can mount and write to the system partition through their rooting process, if someone can figure how it does that, there is hope for this version.
There is also the possibility of someone developing loki for this phone too, which would bring at least some custom action to this.
Verizon does some weird things, both it and AT&T, I just don't understand them. AT&T locks down the device and sometimes they even get updates that were released for the phone. Verizon declines other phones which people want. Anyways, we only paid $10 for phone, couldn't say no to that, right? Unlocked SIM and if they do find a workaround, just cherry on top of the icing.
litan1106 said:
$9.99 from bestbuy, it's the best budget phone. I made it work under t-mobile.
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+1 - cant beat the price.
With so many of these out there now, I think its only a matter of time until someone figures out the bootloader and rom questions.
wogeboy said:
+1 - cant beat the price.
With so many of these out there now, I think its only a matter of time until someone figures out the bootloader and rom questions.
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I hope so, would really suck to stay on 5.1 and miss out on any security updates, etc.
But from the looks of scanning through part of the forum, no seems to be taking on the task of figuring out a way to do so. The one guy that was trying had school that took over his time and then there are no other threads about it.
Yeah, I hope that you are right that all these new devices out there will spark something.

Will the G5 have an unlocked bootloader?

Hi,
I've always been a Samsung guy but the LG G5 has sparked my interest since it has a removable battery and SD slot. I see that some versions of the G4 have an unlocked bootloader. I was wondering if there was any information on the G5 having an unlocked bootloader for the US version? I've tried looking around but couldn't find anything about it. If they haven't announced anything yet are they likely to have it unlocked? Having root is crucial for me but being able to use different ROMs is even better. Thanks!
It's not going to be unlocked out of the box, so no one will know until they come out and people start to get them. Looking at the past, going from the G2 > G3 > G4, the ability to unlock and root has gone down hill, especially with carrier versions. I've seen significantly less dev support for each phone, and I'd expect the G5 to be even more locked down.
W1nks said:
Hi,
I've always been a Samsung guy but the LG G5 has sparked my interest since it has a removable battery and SD slot. I see that some versions of the G4 have an unlocked bootloader. I was wondering if there was any information on the G5 having an unlocked bootloader for the US version? I've tried looking around but couldn't find anything about it. If they haven't announced anything yet are they likely to have it unlocked? Having root is crucial for me but being able to use different ROMs is even better. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Out of the box" there are no devices that come with the bootloader unlocked (any more). You need to go through steps to unlock. LG has been no different.
In terms of US BL unlockable, the only carrier quick to offer this has always been T-Mo. G2,3 & 4. That said, we won't know prior to release
TonyStark said:
"Out of the box" there are no devices that come with the bootloader unlocked (any more). You need to go through steps to unlock. LG has been no different.
In terms of US BL unlockable, the only carrier quick to offer this has always been T-Mo. G2,3 & 4. That said, we won't know prior to release
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Tmo generally DGAF about bootloaders being unlocked, so hopefully that continues here. I'm interested in this device but no Root would suck.
I also hope this device will have an unlocked bootloader. It seems like a pretty sick little phone. I am still on a S4 with AT&T, which was my first phone with a locked bootloader. I know you can load other ROMS on it via SafeStrap, but that just seems like such a gimpy way to go. My previous S2 (international version) was unlocked, and I loaded all sorts of ROMS. I hate the concept of a manufacturer locking down a phone you purchase.
Have the previous LG G phones been unlocked, or at least rooted? I know I could do the research, but I am feeling a bit lazy right now.
Thanks
G2 and G3 where unlockable. G4 was rootable but not unlockable. V10 was sealed up tight.
I want the G5 but if I can't at least root it on Verizon it's a no go for me. I'll give up new phones like the G5 and S7 and stick with my totally unlocked Moto X Pure until another manufacture makes something with a sd card and a unlockable bootloader with CDMA bands.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
That's so frustrating. I'd be furious if any computer I purchased was like that. I want to do what I want to the **** I own. Maybe I will just have to rethink my hesitations about the 6P's size.
yugotprblms said:
That's so frustrating. I'd be furious if any computer I purchased was like that. I want to do what I want to the **** I own. Maybe I will just have to rethink my hesitations about the 6P's size.
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The 6 p is the best phone I've ever owned. Had most samsung HTC and lg phones. I have a g4 that I gave to my son because the lack of unlock on the Sprint version. If there's a version of the g5 which is unlock able with Sprint radio capability I'll try one out. Looks really cool.
Mahapederdon said:
The 6 p is the best phone I've ever owned. Had most samsung HTC and lg phones. I have a g4 that I gave to my son because the lack of unlock on the Sprint version. If there's a version of the g5 which is unlock able with Sprint radio capability I'll try one out. Looks really cool.
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I really do want the 6p, but it is just such a large phone. That is my only hang up, and it is such a bummer.
I hope there will be a way around it. And being on Verizon doesn't help. I might have to skip it and go for something along the lines of joshw0000.
joshw0000 said:
G2 and G3 where unlockable. G4 was rootable but not unlockable. V10 was sealed up tight.
I want the G5 but if I can't at least root it on Verizon it's a no go for me. I'll give up new phones like the G5 and S7 and stick with my totally unlocked Moto D Pure until another manufacture makes something with a sd card and a unlockable bootloader with CDMA bands.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
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The V10 bootloader is fully unlockable - not sure what you are talking about.
ShermCraig said:
The V10 bootloader is fully unlockable - not sure what you are talking about.
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Not Verizon. XDA for the Verizon V10 is almost empty.
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joshw0000 said:
Not Verizon. XDA for the Verizon V10 is almost empty.
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People still get phones from telcos? Never do that. Its a loss loss loss, no matter where you look at it from.
devsk said:
People still get phones from telcos? Never do that. Its a loss loss loss, no matter where you look at it from.
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Do you know anything about Verizon? Or phones in general? I'll give you a hint. Google "CDMA".
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
Do you know anything about Verizon? Or phones in general? I'll give you a hint. Google "CDMA".
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
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LOL...there are a plenty good phones which work with CDMA. I can vouch for MXPE. Try it. Always buy unlocked outright, man!
PS: G4 unlocked works with CDMA. You can buy it from B&H. I can get you a link if you want. BTW, welcome to 2016....
devsk said:
LOL...there are a plenty good phones which work with CDMA. I can vouch for MXPE. Try it. Always buy unlocked outright, man!
PS: G4 unlocked works with CDMA. You can buy it from B&H. I can get you a link if you want. BTW, welcome to 2016....
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Dude, look at my signature. I'm on a MXPE. That's basically the newest unlockable bootloader phone that can be used on Verizon. I had a VZW M9 that I sent to a developer to be unlocked but got bored with it. The VZW G4 doesn't have an unlockable bootloader and an "unlocked" G4 will not work on Verizon. With exception to the Nexus line, that's it but I have to have an sd card. I've used the N6, N5X, and N6P. They're not for me.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
devsk said:
LOL...there are a plenty good phones which work with CDMA. I can vouch for MXPE. Try it. Always buy unlocked outright, man!
PS: G4 unlocked works with CDMA. You can buy it from B&H. I can get you a link if you want. BTW, welcome to 2016....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, 2016 is the year of locked down carrier restrictions. Unless you are on T-Mobile or AT&T, it's difficult to do what you're saying. I am considering jumping off Verizon when my contract ends in June so I can get something global.
xocomaox said:
Yes, 2016 is the year of locked down carrier restrictions. Unless you are on T-Mobile or AT&T, it's difficult to do what you're saying. I am considering jumping off Verizon when my contract ends in June so I can get something global.
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My father has verizon and I have talked with multiple verizon reps and it seems like most of then are pushy any not really intereted in the devices themselves. The latest rep I spoke with said that the s7 didn't have a good camera which seems to be completely off since the s7 has an amazing camera (tested it in stores as well as reputable reviews). I agree with you and was going to switch to Verizon but might not anymore, because of their restrictions and other limited information,
Let's quickly set the record straight on the G4: NONE of the carrier variants allowed for bootloader unlocking--only the H815 "international" model had this as an officially supported option (which btw, is not the model sold by t mobile--that was h815t and isn't the same). I agree with others here that NOT buying the carrier versions is always the best option. They're carrier unlocked out of the box and provide the greatest flexibility if you travel between countries. They also typically provide a few more cellular frequencies. However, while they may be compatible with AT&T's network, that doesn't mean they have all of the frequencies that AT&T uses (as was the case for the G4). Also for those who may be confused, carrier unlocked has no relation to bootloader unlocking.
Anyway, I would also like to know if there will be a G5 variant with official bootloader unlock support. I wish they would announce this soon!
devsk said:
People still get phones from telcos? Never do that. Its a loss loss loss, no matter where you look at it from.
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Question: what about carrier-specific features like T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling? The MXPE didn't support that, but the Nexus 6P and 5X do. Could an unlocked/unbranded LG G5 hypothetically do the same?

Wait for the factory unlocked version?

I'm still holding out for the factory unlocked version. Will I get faster updates with the unlocked version as opposed to buying the Verizon G6? Also, any insight as to when the unlocked versions village be available?
Bumpredd said:
I'm still holding out for the factory unlocked version. Will I get faster updates with the unlocked version as opposed to buying the Verizon G6? Also, any insight as to when the unlocked versions village be available?
Click to expand...
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If you're referring to the US unlocked version here:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1322814-REG/lg_g6_us997_32gb_smartphone.html
Then it will probably follow the RS988 version of the G5 (which was the unlocked version for the US G5) which got slow updates. On the flip side, it was allowed to be bootloader unlocked officially through LGs website, although it took about a year for them to allow. As far as when it will be available, the G5 unlocked version released start of May, so pretty sure it will be around the same time.
Sorry, reply below
jeffsga88 said:
If you're referring to the US unlocked version here:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1322814-REG/lg_g6_us997_32gb_smartphone.html
Then it will probably follow the RS988 version of the G5 (which was the unlocked version for the US G5) which got slow updates. On the flip side, it was allowed to be bootloader unlocked officially through LGs website, although it took about a year for them to allow. As far as when it will be available, the G5 unlocked version released start of May, so pretty sure it will be around the same time.
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Thanks for the information. I'm on the B&H wait list but maybe I just get one through Verizon. Any upside to paying in full up front and getting an unlock code if I'm planning on staying on Verizon. I also have a Pixel XL through Verizon (work phone) that gets quick updates. I'm trying to get Pixel like updates without the Pixel phone if that makes sense.
Bumpredd said:
Thanks for the information. I'm on the B&H wait list but maybe I just get one through Verizon. Any upside to paying in full up front and getting an unlock code if I'm planning on staying on Verizon. I also have a Pixel XL through Verizon (work phone) that gets quick updates. I'm trying to get Pixel like updates without the Pixel phone if that makes sense.
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Guess it really depends on if you want to ensure you get bootloader unlock and be able to do custom ROMs. Personally, I hate waiting on OEMs to push updates (plus I hate stock ROMs), so bootloader unlock and ROM development is important to me. If that's not important to you, probably okay to go with Verizon instead. My guess is you'll get quicker updates than the unlocked version (based on what happened with the G5), yet slower updates than if you're using custom ROMs. Verizon version most likely won't get unlocked and even the US unlocked may or may not (won't know until they release it and all).
jeffsga88 said:
Guess it really depends on if you want to ensure you get bootloader unlock and be able to do custom ROMs. Personally, I hate waiting on OEMs to push updates (plus I hate stock ROMs), so bootloader unlock and ROM development is important to me. If that's not important to you, probably okay to go with Verizon instead. My guess is you'll get quicker updates than the unlocked version (based on what happened with the G5), yet slower updates than if you're using custom ROMs. Verizon version most likely won't get unlocked and even the US unlocked may or may not (won't know until they release it and all).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom ROMs aren't yet my thing, this phone needs to work without fail (fingers crossed there won't be that bootloop issue). Besides, I'd probably brick the damn thing. I usually go only as far as a new launcher. I was hoping to avoid the carrier bloatware but it's probably better to play it safe. I'll be replacing my aging HTC One M8 which is still in like new condition, but it's time to move on. Maybe I practice screwing with that one before my new daily driver.
Great advice, thank you again.

Question Does Straight Talk/Tracfone lock bootloaders same as Verizon?

I'm wondering if my pixel 6a through straight talk in the US is permanently bootloader locked same as Verizon as in it can't be unlocked through exploits or anything no matter what?
illegalnature said:
I'm wondering if my pixel 6a through straight talk in the US is permanently bootloader locked same as Verizon as in it can't be unlocked through exploits or anything no matter what?
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Click to collapse
No. Verizon is the only carrier that I know of that encyrpts the bootloader. You can ask for a bootloader unlock when the device is paid off.
webhook said:
No. Verizon is the only carrier that I know of that encrypts the bootloader. You can ask for a bootloader unlock when the device is paid off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight Talk is owned by Verizon, so it wouldn't be a surprise to find Straight Talk phones with encrypted bootloaders.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Straight Talk is owned by Verizon, so it wouldn't be a surprise to find Straight Talk phones with encrypted bootloaders.
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Visible is also owned by Verizon, but the bootloaders are not encrypted though.

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