Hello,
Hoping someone can help me, full disclosure, I haven't done any research yet, just looking for a quick yes/no answer. I currently have a P2XL, going to be upgrading to the pixel 6 soon. I know when I got my current phone in 2017, in order to root it, it had to come from Google and not Verizon. I'm going to be switching to Xfinity when I get my new phone, as far as rooting goes does it matter who I buy it from?
Appreciate the help,
Dan
I would highly recommend getting an unlocked phone but I would also highly recommend you get it from Amazon instead of Google. The customer service from Google is horrible if anything goes wrong. You can get an unlocked phone from Amazon the next day in many cases.
rrrrrrredbelly said:
Hello,
Hoping someone can help me, full disclosure, I haven't done any research yet, just looking for a quick yes/no answer. I currently have a P2XL, going to be upgrading to the pixel 6 soon. I know when I got my current phone in 2017, in order to root it, it had to come from Google and not Verizon. I'm going to be switching to Xfinity when I get my new phone, as far as rooting goes does it matter who I buy it from?
Appreciate the help,
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came from a 2XL. The same restrictions that applied to the 2XL apply with the 6, i.e. do NOT purchase from Verizon or Best Buy. Both only sell units with locked bootloaders, leaving you high and dry.
Stick with Amazon or Google and you should be fine. However, you do want to make sure the device you buy from Amazon is not a Verizon model.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I came from a 2XL. The same restrictions that applied to the 2XL apply with the 6, i.e. do NOT purchase from Verizon or Best Buy. Both only sell units with locked bootloaders, leaving you high and dry.
Stick with Amazon or Google and you should be fine. However, you do want to make sure the device you buy from Amazon is not a Verizon model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, appreciate both responses. Google is appealing because of monthly payments, but I'll definitely check out prices from Amazon.
Thanks for the help.
Made an account just to say YES! Xfinity is very similar to Verizon in the way that every phone you buy from them is locked and is difficult to unlock. Amazon or google store is what I'd recommend.
Phones are illegal lock to network carriers now, at least in Uk, but im sure its global
boe323 said:
Phones are illegal lock to network carriers now, at least in Uk, but im sure its global
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but we are not talking about carrier locking, but bootloader locking. The two are mutually exclusive: carrier locks (which are legal in the US) aren't predicated on a bootloader lock (also legal in the US).
We tell people to stay away from Verizon and AT&T-branded devices because the bootloaders cannot be unlocked. Verizon and AT&T will remove the carrier lock after 90 days of service have elapsed, but they flat out refuse to ever unlock the bootloader.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Yes, but we are not talking about carrier locking, but bootloader locking. The two are mutually exclusive: carrier locks (which are legal in the US) aren't predicated on a bootloader lock (also legal in the US).
We tell people to stay away from Verizon and AT&T-branded devices because the bootloaders cannot be unlocked. Verizon and AT&T will remove the carrier lock after 90 days of service have elapsed, but they flat out refuse to ever unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier branded phones have one benefit and that's you can roll the cost into your monthly plan and not be subject to either another credit check or large one time bill. However, it's playing with fire as you mentioned. Carrier unlock yes, but being allowed to bootloader unlock is quite another. Verizon is completely locked down not 100% on ATT. But one other reason to buy from Google if you can afford it is that if something goes wrong with the device they will replace it (refurb natch) on a cross ship. Meaning once you get the replacement you have 30 days to send back the old one so you're never out a phone. I've availed myself of that option numerous times. It only took one time for me to get caught out on that to vow never again.
Related
I will be in the US for vacation in about six weeks and planning to buy The One.
Can you please help me with some questions:
1. Assuming that by then stock would be plenty and they don't refuse off contract sales. My question is: will A&TT or T-Mobile sell me the phone without me getting any phone service. I have my SIM with international roaming and do not need any kind of US phone service. I just need the Hardware. Is it possible?
2. Because I would be paying the phone without any contract or subsidy (full price). Can you confirm it will be unlocked to use with a SIM from any operator? Is it something automatically or I have to request it in the store?
3. I'm ok if they can only be unlocked. But have to ask if The One bough from operators can also be customized with other ROMS.
3. Which carrier is prefered to do this (if can be done) AT&T or T-Mobile.
Thanks you!
Antiflash said:
I will be in the US for vacation in about six weeks and planning to buy The One.
Can you please help me with some questions:
1. Assuming that by then stock would be plenty and they don't refuse off contract sales. My question is: will A&TT or T-Mobile sell me the phone without me getting any phone service. I have my SIM with international roaming and do not need any kind of US phone service. I just need the Hardware. Is it possible?
2. Because I would be paying the phone without any contract or subsidy (full price). Can you confirm it will be unlocked to use with a SIM from any operator? Is it something automatically or I have to request it in the store?
3. I'm ok if they can only be unlocked. But have to ask if The One bough from operators can also be customized with other ROMS.
3. Which carrier is prefered to do this (if can be done) AT&T or T-Mobile.
Thanks you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably want to buy the unlocked version. It is cheaper, unlocked, and will be able to use custom roms after unlocking the bootloader http://shopamerica.htc.com/brands/HTC-mobile/homebrands/index.htm
If not to answer those questions
1. Yes you can buy off contract
2. It will not be unlocked. You probably can unlock it easily with something like cellular unlocker service
3. Right now the bootloader is unlockable. We do not know if they will lock in the future
3(again). AT&T has earlier release but it doesnt really matter
joshuadjohnson22 said:
You probably want to buy the unlocked version. It is cheaper, unlocked, and will be able to use custom roms after unlocking the bootloader http://shopamerica.htc.com/brands/HTC-mobile/homebrands/index.htm
If not to answer those questions
1. Yes you can buy off contract
2. It will not be unlocked. You probably can unlock it easily with something like cellular unlocker service
3. Right now the bootloader is unlockable. We do not know if they will lock in the future
3(again). AT&T has earlier release but it doesnt really matter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the prompt response. I would like to buy it from HTC directly but what I planning is a road trip and won't be staying more than a couple of days in any place. It is difficult to time processing and delivery times from HTC and I don't know how strict they are with billing address differing from shipping address.
Bummer they would not unlocked it even after paying it in full. What "unlocker" services do you recommend. I have never used one.
Antiflash said:
Thanks for the prompt response. I would like to buy it from HTC directly but what I planning is a road trip and won't be staying more than a couple of days in any place. It is difficult to time processing and delivery times from HTC and I don't know how strict they are with billing address differing from shipping address.
Bummer they would not unlocked it even after paying it in full. What "unlocker" services do you recommend. I have never used one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot out there like http://www.cellunlocker.net/ they will just send you a code that you can enter after putting a none AT&T sim in it. Now a disclaimer from me. I have heard of a lot of phones being unlocked by them but the HTC One has not been unlocked on AT&T yet as far as I know.
I just bought one from a employee on craigslist and trying to get it unlocked
Sent from my HTC One
If any carrier sells you a phone for off contract pricing you're eligible/entitled to have it unlocked when you walk out the door. Just call them.
Can anyone explain why AT&T won’t allow Motorola to unlock the bootloader for the Moto E? I just picked one up for $50 from Walmart (it’s branded for Cricket - had it sim unlocked for $2.68). Thought I’d have a nice, cheap toy to play with but since the bootloader can’t be unlocked I can’t do much to it.
Any insight is appreciated.
mn1968 said:
Can anyone explain why AT&T won’t allow Motorola to unlock the bootloader for the Moto E? I just picked one up for $50 from Walmart (it’s branded for Cricket - had it sim unlocked for $2.68). Thought I’d have a nice, cheap toy to play with but since the bootloader can’t be unlocked I can’t do much to it.
Any insight is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup after my xt1022 smashed,I picked up this toy.?.I think sunshine app can help us.but it is pretty expensive.
no
ashwin007 said:
Yup after my xt1022 smashed,I picked up this toy..I think sunshine app can help us.but it is pretty expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sunshine does not work on cricket xt1021 from Walmart, at the present time. I just tried. Maybe later.
Also discussed here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-e/help/help-moto-e-xt1021-cricket-unlock-t2942093
mn1968 said:
Thought I’d have a nice, cheap toy to play with but since the bootloader can’t be unlocked I can’t do much to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that's the reason it's locked.
The only way it can sell for $50 (or $10 on Cyber Monday for the Tracfone XT830C variant) is if the carrier subsidizes it--at those prices, they're selling at a loss. So they need a way to discourage people from buying it with no intention of actually using it on their service. And one way to do that is to lock down the bootloader. You can get it with no carrier SIM lock and no bootloader lock if you buy from Motorola, but you'll be paying the full price, without the benefit of the carrier's subsidy.
@ code65536
I understand the point you are trying to make but I disagree. The locked bootloader only prevents me from rooting it. I got the phone sim unlocked for $2 and my wife is using it on a different network. Hence, they took a loss selling it for $50 AND now they don’t even get my monthly business. The locked bootloader does not keep me on their network. If that is their reason, it is flawed logic and not doing what they intended. At this point, why prevent me (us) from unlocking the bootloader.
mn1968 said:
@ code65536
I understand the point you are trying to make but I disagree. The locked bootloader only prevents me from rooting it. I got the phone sim unlocked for $2 and my wife is using it on a different network. Hence, they took a loss selling it for $50 AND now they don’t even get my monthly business. The locked bootloader does not keep me on their network. If that is their reason, it is flawed logic and not doing what they intended. At this point, why prevent me (us) from unlocking the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I said a locked bootloader was only one of the means. Carrier SIM locking discourages use on another carrier (the Motos are easy to unlock but many other phones are harder), and bootloader locking discourages people who have no intention of using it on any carrier and just want a device for the hardware.
Obviously these are imperfect since I bought a XT830C with no intention of using it as a phone at all, but limited deterrent is better than zero deterrent for them. For example, Consumer Cellular offers a 2nd gen Moto G for a substantial discount from the vanilla XT1064. With an easy to defeat SIM and an unlocked bootloader, it's easy for people to just convert it to a regular XT1064, and everyone at SlickDeals who buys it is not planning to use it on CC. People would still do that if they can't remove CC's customizations, but not as many.
Also, bootloader locking protects Cricket's “features” like their crippled tethering. Again, not perfect since you can use a non-Cricket phone for that...
Anyway, I am not saying that I agree with this practice (I was hoping to do more with my XT830C, but can't). Just offering the “insight” that the first post asked for.
SIM unlocked
mn1968 said:
@ code65536
I understand the point you are trying to make but I disagree. The locked bootloader only prevents me from rooting it. I got the phone sim unlocked for $2 and my wife is using it on a different network. Hence, they took a loss selling it for $50 AND now they don’t even get my monthly business. The locked bootloader does not keep me on their network. If that is their reason, it is flawed logic and not doing what they intended. At this point, why prevent me (us) from unlocking the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me, where did you unlock it for 2 dollars?
code65536 said:
And that's the reason it's locked.
The only way it can sell for $50 (or $10 on Cyber Monday for the Tracfone XT830C variant) is if the carrier subsidizes it--at those prices, they're selling at a loss. So they need a way to discourage people from buying it with no intention of actually using it on their service. And one way to do that is to lock down the bootloader. You can get it with no carrier SIM lock and no bootloader lock if you buy from Motorola, but you'll be paying the full price, without the benefit of the carrier's subsidy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That has nothing to do with it. Bootloader unlocking isn't sim unlocking, so I don't see your point. In fact, they've failed (based on what you said), since I AM using it on a different carrier other than Cricket, since I was able to sim unlock it.
ATT is just making sure most of their phones get locked now. They likely want to force people to use their worthless software and preventing bricking phones. The only recent one that hasn't been shut down is the HTC m8 as far as I know.
edit: saw you're second post " bootloader locking discourages people who have no intention of using it on any carrier and just want a device for the hardware."
Still, bootloader locking only discourages small niche of people. You don't need to root to make this a useful $50 small tablet. I can't imagine that is the main thought that goes through their heads when they decide to lock it.
lolwatpear said:
That has nothing to do with it. Bootloader unlocking isn't sim unlocking, so I don't see your point. In fact, they've failed (based on what you said), since I AM using it on a different carrier other than Cricket, since I was able to sim unlock it.
ATT is just making sure most of their phones get locked now. They likely want to force people to use their worthless software and preventing bricking phones. The only recent one that hasn't been shut down is the HTC m8 as far as I know.
edit: saw you're second post " bootloader locking discourages people who have no intention of using it on any carrier and just want a device for the hardware."
Still, bootloader locking only discourages small niche of people. You don't need to root to make this a useful $50 small tablet. I can't imagine that is the main thought that goes through their heads when they decide to lock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also no lollipop update until now, criket raped us, i hate them.
unlock bootloader
Has anyone found a workaround for this yet? Have a Moto E XT1021 for Cricket and am not able to root because of this ... help!
Hello Pixel-ers! Just wanted to throw this out there to see where we end up (forgive me, mods, if I have sinned).
I just received my Pixel 3 from Sprint, and, unsurprisingly, the option to OEM Unlock is greyed out. I mostly expected this so I'm not super worried about it, but I was reading other forums and some users suggested that unlocking the SIM through Sprint might allow the bootloader to unlock as well. (I'm admittedly confused by this as I don't understand fully the relationship between the SIM and bootloader, but I digress...)
I contacted Sprint advanced tech support to see if they had any insight. They seemed to end up where I did, presuming that the bootloader can be unlocked if the SIM is unlocked. But I'm left with a couple of questions.
1) Has anyone already purchased the phone outright from Sprint and able to confirm if SIM unlocking allows bootloader unlocking?
2) Anyone tried the previous for unlocking the bootloader, like those for the OG Pixels (deleting the android phone apk?) or similar?
Thanks in advance!
natenins said:
Hello Pixel-ers! Just wanted to throw this out there to see where we end up (forgive me, mods, if I have sinned).
I just received my Pixel 3 from Sprint, and, unsurprisingly, the option to OEM Unlock is greyed out. I mostly expected this so I'm not super worried about it, but I was reading other forums and some users suggested that unlocking the SIM through Sprint might allow the bootloader to unlock as well. (I'm admittedly confused by this as I don't understand fully the relationship between the SIM and bootloader, but I digress...)
I contacted Sprint advanced tech support to see if they had any insight. They seemed to end up where I did, presuming that the bootloader can be unlocked if the SIM is unlocked. But I'm left with a couple of questions.
1) Has anyone already purchased the phone outright from Sprint and able to confirm if SIM unlocking allows bootloader unlocking?
2) Anyone tried the previous for unlocking the bootloader, like those for the OG Pixels (deleting the android phone apk?) or similar?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn that sucks, guess that's the price of going carrier. I fell victim of unlockable bootloader when I sent in my pixel 2 and got back a refurbished one. I tried the old tricks and nothing worked. I sent it in as rma. The 2nd rma still could not be unlocked. Only options are to return it, deal with it, or sell it and buy one directly from Google or other route.
Sure there maybe a way down the line but it's not likely going to be soon.
Pretty certain it just requires a unlock from Sprint first. Knowing the Verizon variant has a locked bootloader and looking on Google's own factory flashable image site we can see there are only 2 different images to download, the stock unlockable image and a separate Verizon labeled image which is obviously separate since it has a locked bootloader in the image. So the Sprint model has to be using the same os as the straight from Google model but the unlock option is still greyed out, leaving the only other possible lock being the sim/carrier lock put in place u til the device is paid for.
It's also the same situation for my Nexus 6 I financed from Sprint on release, running Crdroid and the system images on Google's site list a stock release and a separate Verizon release as well as a T-Mobile release but the only difference being the T-Mobile image contains a different radio img. I cannot think of any cross carrier device that is unlockable on one model while the Sprint model being locked, Sprint being the smallest of the major carriers they tend not to go out of their way to restrict customers, been a customer for over 10 years, they may have incompetent, poorly speaking, slow phone reps but they still allow 1000x more compared to Verizon lol. I use around 800gb - 1tb a month for years and they just laugh when I talk to them, try that with Verizon lol.
LaGgY_42o said:
Pretty certain it just requires a unlock from Sprint first. Knowing the Verizon variant has a locked bootloader and looking on Google's own factory flashable image site we can see there are only 2 different images to download, the stock unlockable image and a separate Verizon labeled image which is obviously separate since it has a locked bootloader in the image. So the Sprint model has to be using the same os as the straight from Google model but the unlock option is still greyed out, leaving the only other possible lock being the sim/carrier lock put in place u til the device is paid for.
It's also the same situation for my Nexus 6 I financed from Sprint on release, running Crdroid and the system images on Google's site list a stock release and a separate Verizon release as well as a T-Mobile release but the only difference being the T-Mobile image contains a different radio img. I cannot think of any cross carrier device that is unlockable on one model while the Sprint model being locked, Sprint being the smallest of the major carriers they tend not to go out of their way to restrict customers, been a customer for over 10 years, they may have incompetent, poorly speaking, slow phone reps but they still allow 1000x more compared to Verizon lol. I use around 800gb - 1tb a month for years and they just laugh when I talk to them, try that with Verizon lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right?! I've been with sprint for like 10 years too and they are absolutely incompetent when it comes to pretty much anything and have been since day 1. I usually have to walk them through most things I've asked them to do, but they have been pretty chill about lots of stuff. Anyway, I guess my biggest worry was that I'd pay off the device and it still wouldn't be OEM unlockable, but this at least gives me hope that my pain and suffering with them won't be for nothing. Thanks for the insight!
LaGgY_42o said:
Pretty certain it just requires a unlock from Sprint first. Knowing the Verizon variant has a locked bootloader and looking on Google's own factory flashable image site we can see there are only 2 different images to download, the stock unlockable image and a separate Verizon labeled image which is obviously separate since it has a locked bootloader in the image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two images will merge into one in the next month or so and the only difference is radio and network. That has been what has happened with all of the Pixels on release. There is no difference in the image that locks it, they all run exactly the same software. The Google ones ship locked and only unlock when they are connected and phone home for permission to unlock.
That said, I agree that Sprint will be able to unlock them. That is exactly what EE in Europe does. They come SIM and bootloader locked. As soon as you fulfill your contract they flip the switch and you are SIM and bootloader unlocked.
So we know Google has a system set up for this, and that it works. The only question is will Sprint participate in it. My gut says yes they will.
yep...got my Pixel 3xl today from Sprint, and low and behold its locked up...i was honestly shocked, whats worse is my current phone is a Essential....from sprint...thats been unlocked since first boot....FML
I think what is happening is that Google has now declared the Pixel 3 line and above (the a series) enterprise ready. Meaning security and thus being able to keep the bootloader locked thus no root. That will allow businesses to purchase a Sprint, Verizon or TM device plan and make sure the bootloader remains locked no matter who pays off what. They tested it with Verizon the past 2 years and they now have it down. At some point in the near future, IMO, all bootloaders will be locked except the Google (or Fi) bought device.
I also believe the refurbishment channel on Google store replacement devices will be as Pixel 2. I had a unlocked Google store Project Fi that when device was exchanged through store four times were not unlockable. Finally gave up and received credit. From a restocking point of view lock, unlock is important to us, but the previous statement on business needs makes sense.
Can someone with a non Sprint version check this in Mobile network>advanced. I think this is how it knows to be greyed out for oem unlock.
Double post
If I buy a G power that's locked to say, Tracfone, US Cellular, or Straight Talk, how would I get it unlocked so I can use it on TMobile?
Is this one of those deals where I can call Motorola and they give me the magic codes?
What if the ESN is locked? Is it hopeless? Is it only locked by a given carrier? How would I check that?
Quantumstate said:
If I buy a G power that's locked to say, Tracfone, US Cellular, or Straight Talk, how would I get it unlocked so I can use it on TMobile?
Is this one of those deals where I can call Motorola and they give me the magic codes?
What if the ESN is locked? Is it hopeless? Is it only locked by a given carrier? How would I check that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually on US carriers, you can't unlock the phones. I know buying it on Verizon or AT&T definitely locks it. I'd talk to your specific carrier to find out if they lock it or not. If they do lock it, as far as I know you're SoL. Buy unlocked if you plan on switching carriers or installing a custom ROM.
Quantumstate said:
If I buy a G power that's locked to say, Tracfone, US Cellular, or Straight Talk, how would I get it unlocked so I can use it on TMobile?
Is this one of those deals where I can call Motorola and they give me the magic codes?
What if the ESN is locked? Is it hopeless? Is it only locked by a given carrier? How would I check that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd probably have to contact the original provider for an unlock code. I know AT&T will give you the unlock code for your device after 60 days of purchase, but I can't comment on any others.
Thanks, just bought one after I confirmed it has a compass.
Does anyone have wifi calling working on this phone?
Quantumstate said:
Thanks, just bought one after I confirmed it has a compass.
Does anyone have wifi calling working on this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked variant has WiFi calling on T-Mobile. I can't comment on other models.
If I may be allowed to piggyback off of this question, my Straight Talk variant should be allowed to be network unlocked after a year in service, which is great and I've been with Straight Talk for probably close to 10 years, but what I really need is the bootloader unlocked.
I'm grown accustomed to BYOP using an unlocked HTC Inspire phone, then an unlocked Nexus 5, then a Oneplus 3 Always doing a little bit in the way of unlocking and occasionally installing custom Roms. My Oneplus 3 was seeming a little unstable. Kept it up to date with a custom rom after it stopped receiving official updates (Although I had been quite happy with stock Rom up until then). Battery wasn't holding up. Being a new home owner, I sought out a value buy and thought I did my homework. I saw bootloader unlock instructions for the Moto G Power and did not read through them. Presuming that since there is a guide for unlocking the bootloader, I presumed I could unlock my bootloader no problem.
Now that I've brought my phone home and its now quite a bit past the 2 week return window, I now see that Bootloader unlocking requires a code that my phone is not likely to be eligible for. My question is, will this phone ever be allowed to have its bootloader unlocked? Will it be eligible for a bootloader unlock once Straight Talk has allowed me to do the Network unlock? Its hard to believe I just tossed $150 into the toilet for a phone I don't get to own. My phone is currently holding my Wifi Hotspot functionality hostage because Straight Talk deems it a feature I'm not entitled to (I am because its a hardware feature and I supposedly own the hardware but until there is a legal precedent I don't have a say in the matter). That is an absolute requirement of mine because I had to work 2 days at home on hotspot when my ISP fubar'd my home connection for 2 days. I lived off of that hotspot and got through.
Is my only hope to resell my Moto G Power, take a hit on whatever value I lost on resale, and go off and get an unlocked phone? I'm seriously considering popping the sim back into my Oneplus 3 and making it my daily driver again, but once again, the phone does show its age. It's about a 10% bump down in processing power and its heard to keep charged at this point. I really only need wifi hotspot and I'd be fine riding this phone for 2 years or so.
As a side note, will it matter if I activate the Sim that was preinstalled on the phone as far as accumulating time towards network unlock eligibility? I didn't want to risk being moved to a different Carrier so I just popped in my BYOP Sim.
tmsmith616 said:
If I may be allowed to piggyback off of this question, my Straight Talk variant should be allowed to be network unlocked after a year in service, which is great and I've been with Straight Talk for probably close to 10 years, but what I really need is the bootloader unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just out of curiosity did you try to unlock the bootloader? What does it say under? "about phone/software channel"?
On the 24th I bought one at Amazon for $219. On the 29th they went on sale for $174 on Amazon's deal of the day so I bought one again, got it yesterday and did the return thing at Amazon with no problem. I have until the 31st of January (extended return time on all items) to return it... So I'm using it now to test custom ROMs and I'll send it back in a month or so.
If you're serious about selling it maybe you should buy one from Amazon (current price $179) so you can unlock the bootloader and do your thing.
I bought a Pixel 6 specifically to run GrapheneOS, and also because I figured it would have top tier ROM and hacking support in general. I didn't realize T-Mobile carrier locked their phones (this is my 2nd smart-phone, and it's been 9 years since I got my 1st one), so I bought a carrier locked Pixel 6. They say they can unlock it after it's been on the network for 40 days and it's paid off. I am trying to figure out if I should return it, and find one that is factory unlocked.
If I wait it out and get it unlocked, will there be any drawbacks compared to a factory unlocked phone?
Is there any risk that the phone somehow won't be able to be unlocked?
Thanks
co_60 said:
I bought a Pixel 6 specifically to run GrapheneOS, and also because I figured it would have top tier ROM and hacking support in general. I didn't realize T-Mobile carrier locked their phones (this is my 2nd smart-phone, and it's been 9 years since I got my 1st one), so I bought a carrier locked Pixel 6. They say they can unlock it after it's been on the network for 40 days and it's paid off. I am trying to figure out if I should return it, and find one that is factory unlocked.
If I wait it out and get it unlocked, will there be any drawbacks compared to a factory unlocked phone?
Is there any risk that the phone somehow won't be able to be unlocked?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a TMobile customer with carrier sim unlocked and the bootloader can be unlocked once the sim is unlocked. You can try to chat with a TMobile rep and request to have sim unlocked. Just be courteous, but persistent.
co_60 said:
If I wait it out and get it unlocked, will there be any drawbacks compared to a factory unlocked phone?
Is there any risk that the phone somehow won't be able to be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No drawbacks, they will be the same.
T Mobile could change it's mind between now and then, but I really doubt that. The CEO has been very vocal that they support bootloader unlocking.
I don't really see any difference between the pixel 5 and 6 reception. They both are not great. I was hoping 5he January update would improve it some but it just fixed the complete disaster that was December update.
As far as mmwave it is not worth it. The reception on mmwave is so poor and it would cost so much money to deploy. Right now I think it is really only in sports stadiums and malls places where there's alot of people in a small area and also in areas where there is no Verizon FiOS access. Eventually it will grow but I think it's going to be years before it's good enough. They basically have to have a cell tower on every corner and that will take years. And sub 6 5g is basically LTE++
co_60 said:
I bought a Pixel 6 specifically to run GrapheneOS, and also because I figured it would have top tier ROM and hacking support in general. I didn't realize T-Mobile carrier locked their phones (this is my 2nd smart-phone, and it's been 9 years since I got my 1st one), so I bought a carrier locked Pixel 6. They say they can unlock it after it's been on the network for 40 days and it's paid off. I am trying to figure out if I should return it, and find one that is factory unlocked.
If I wait it out and get it unlocked, will there be any drawbacks compared to a factory unlocked phone?
Is there any risk that the phone somehow won't be able to be unlocked?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard some people have success by telling them that they had to travel outside the country and therefore needed their Sim unlocked.
Lughnasadh said:
I've heard some people have success by telling them that they had to travel outside the country and therefore needed their Sim unlocked.
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They claimed they did the permanent unlock for me on the phone (twice), but it turns out they did a temporary (30 day) unlock. There is a T-Mobile unlock app which launches to a "check eligibility" button, which when pressed brings you to a screen with 2 buttons, "permanent unlock" and "temporary unlock". Before I called, both were grayed out saying "ineligible", but after, I was able to do the temp unlock.
However, this does not allow me to toggle "OEM unlock" in the developer menu, which is really what I need to do.
co_60 said:
They claimed they did the permanent unlock for me on the phone (twice), but it turns out they did a temporary (30 day) unlock. There is a T-Mobile unlock app which launches to a "check eligibility" button, which when pressed brings you to a screen with 2 buttons, "permanent unlock" and "temporary unlock". Before I called, both were grayed out saying "ineligible", but after, I was able to do the temp unlock.
However, this does not allow me to toggle "OEM unlock" in the developer menu, which is really what I need to do.
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Just return the device and be done with it. Get a Google device and never worry that some jackass support person doesn't like your tone of voice and permanently locks it. How much of a hit will you take money wise?
I'm in the same position as OP and it sucks. the whole reason I went back to pixel after a Galaxy s20 was for modding and development :/
bobby janow said:
Just return the device and be done with it. Get a Google device and never worry that some jackass support person doesn't like your tone of voice and permanently locks it. How much of a hit will you take money wise?
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Things like this is what scares me. Aren't U.S. carriers legally required to provide a way to unlock their phones? Is a permanent lock something that can happen?
As far as money, I would only be out $40 for a restock fee, but that isn't what deters me, it is the sheer hassle of returning the device, going somewhere else to get one, going back to my carrier to activate it, etc.
If waiting 40 days from purchase to unlock the phone is effectively the same as starting with an unlocked phone, then that is what I would prefer to do.
co_60 said:
Things like this is what scares me. Aren't U.S. carriers legally required to provide a way to unlock their phones? Is a permanent lock something that can happen?
As far as money, I would only be out $40 for a restock fee, but that isn't what deters me, it is the sheer hassle of returning the device, going somewhere else to get one, going back to my carrier to activate it, etc.
If waiting 40 days from purchase to unlock the phone is effectively the same as starting with an unlocked phone, then that is what I would prefer to do.
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A couple of things here stand out. Yes, they are required to carrier unlock not necessarily allow bl unlock. But obviously they have found a loop hole if you say you're carrier locked for 40 days. As for activation, don't you just pop the SIM in and done? It should auto register your new IMEI. eSim is slightly different.
The thing about spending 40 bucks and an hour or so in travel and effort will pay off in spades should you encounter any issues. Even for piece of mind alone. But I have never bought a carrier device since the Pixel 3 and it took me a month for Verizon and Google to finally say this guy is making us crazy let's just give him what he wants. I'm talking an hour a day on the phone when support was live. I will not go down that road ever again. So now it's your call. Others can jump in and I do know there are some success stories. Good luck.