Build number: TQ1A.221205.011
IMEI: 359379544449346
When attempting to unlock my carrier unlocked pixel in developer options the OEM Unlock setting is grayed out with a caption that says "Connect to the internet or contact your carrier". I purchased the phone unlocked and refurbished from Amazon. I have migrated my cell provider from ATT to Google FI on this same phone so I am confident it's carrier unlocked. I've already attempted a factory reset both from the settings and from the recovery neither attempt has been fruitful. Any ideas?
Lokiuy87 said:
The list of issues Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners faced is too long, and something similar is playing out with the recently-launched Pixel 6A. Soon after it was released, users reported that the device was unlocked with any fingerprint. Whether or not the fingerprint was registered on the device, they were able to unlock the device easily.
This was a serious issue which was fixed in Android 13 Beta 4.1. Now, the Pixel 6A owners looking to customize their phones are dealing with the OEM unlocking problem. In this article, we’ll see the possible fixes to Pixel 6A cannot unlock bootloader or OEM Unlock grayed out problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you mean to link an article? I don't understand what it is you are trying to say.
HopelessPencil said:
Build number: TQ1A.221205.011
IMEI: 359379544449346
When attempting to unlock my carrier unlocked pixel in developer options the OEM Unlock setting is grayed out with a caption that says "Connect to the internet or contact your carrier". I purchased the phone unlocked and refurbished from Amazon. I have migrated my cell provider from ATT to Google FI on this same phone so I am confident it's carrier unlocked. I've already attempted a factory reset both from the settings and from the recovery neither attempt has been fruitful. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've now discovered by putting my IMEI number into https://store.google.com/repair that it is a "verizon" phone. I'm not sure how this is possible as I have never used verizon as my cell carrier.
I had my suspicions that you had purchased a Verizon device despite the advertising on Amazon saying otherwise. We had a user a couple of months ago with the same issue and the same end result.
Unfortunately, you have discovered why purchasing a refurbished Pixel device from Amazon is not a good idea. The previous purchaser either purchased a Verizon model (G9S9B) thinking he could unlock it or else put his Verizon sim into the device prior to trying to unlock it.
As to how you could possibly have a Verizon device despite never having used Verizon as a carrier, Verizon units have their own model number in Google's inventory. These units, unlike the unlocked device, have both sub-6 and mmWave 5G capabilities: the unlocked devices lack mmWave 5G. Unfortunately, to avoid getting burned you have to do a bit of research beforehand. Regardless of the circumstances that got you to this point, now your best option is to return the device and seek out the unlocked model (GB7N6).
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I had my suspicions that you had purchased a Verizon device despite the advertising on Amazon saying otherwise. We had a user a couple of months ago with the same issue and the same end result.
Unfortunately, you have discovered why purchasing a refurbished Pixel device from Amazon is not a good idea. The previous purchaser either purchased a Verizon model (G9S9B) thinking he could unlock it or else put his Verizon sim into the device prior to trying to unlock it.
As to how you could possibly have a Verizon device despite never having used Verizon as a carrier, Verizon units have their own model number in Google's inventory. These units, unlike the unlocked device, have both sub-6 and mmWave 5G capabilities: the unlocked devices lack mmWave 5G. Unfortunately, to avoid getting burned you have to do a bit of research beforehand. Regardless of the circumstances that got you to this point, now your best option is to return the device and seek out the unlocked model (GB7N6).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had it for a while so no ability to return, but it's not a massive deal I don't mind the stock rom. I'll buy a pixel 7 when they are cheaper on the used market. I'm just completely shocked that a carrier unlocked phone does not support oem unlocking.
Locked bootloaders for carrier devices are the norm in the US. Which is why people have to do their homework before risking a purchase from Amazon. Your reaction is a tell that you are not from the US.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Locked bootloaders for carrier devices are the norm in the US. Which is why people have to do their homework before risking a purchase from Amazon. Your reaction is a tell that you are not from the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually am from the US (I lived abroad most of my life though) I've just always bought unlocked phones from the OEM. I've never bought from a carrier and have never financed a phone. So I was not aware that there was such things as unlocked carrier phones on the used market.
Related
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
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
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.
I have seen on eBay, USB Unlocking services for the S23 Ultra for around $200. What are these services doing? Surely its some sort of flash or hack that we could replicate? I bought what I thought was an unlocked S23 Ultra. I actually Traded my M1 Mac for it. It works a few minutes with a SIM, but then the signal goes away and it says invalid sim, this phone is locked to verizon. And when they say Verizon, it seems that they mean it. I tried a Verizon MVNO, US Mobile, and it treated it like a forbidden carrier. I was hoping maybe someone here could help me get this thing unlocked without paying $200 to some eBay guy to do what obviously anyone with the right knowledge could do.
Most likely a scam or just putting malware on your device
There really is no way anyone here can help you with a SIM Unlock. If the carrier cannot/will not unlock it for whatever reason, then you are stuck. Unfortunately, most of the Unlocking Services out there are scams. The few legit ones that are out there (no, I don't know of any), could not unlock your device untilt he Primary IMIE Shared Database is updated with S23 IMEI's and Unlock Codes. In the past, it takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months after a new device is released to get these into the database and for those that pay to access it, to be able to unlock your device.
This is because it takes a combination of Samsung and Carriers to update/release these.
There are several reasons an IMIE won't appear in the Unlock Database:
Phone is still financed
Phone has been reported Stolen (IMIE Blacklist)
Phone was never meant to be retail released (Test/Demo phones)
... and many other reasons
Sorry about this, but this is just the way it is.
jpolster2012 said:
I have seen on eBay, USB Unlocking services for the S23 Ultra for around $200. What are these services doing? Surely its some sort of flash or hack that we could replicate? I bought what I thought was an unlocked S23 Ultra. I actually Traded my M1 Mac for it. It works a few minutes with a SIM, but then the signal goes away and it says invalid sim, this phone is locked to verizon. And when they say Verizon, it seems that they mean it. I tried a Verizon MVNO, US Mobile, and it treated it like a forbidden carrier. I was hoping maybe someone here could help me get this thing unlocked without paying $200 to some eBay guy to do what obviously anyone with the right knowledge could do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does your phone boot up Verizon and have all the Verizon apps?
it did until I installed the U1 ROM
jpolster2012 said:
it did until I installed the U1 ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone will never unlock unless it has the Verizon software on it. Even if Verizon sends out the unlock signal, it will never process on the device unless you have the U package flashed.
Adding to that not only the Verizon Rom but you have to activate it with a Verizon Sim and it will unlock after 60 days automatically
I guess I don't understand. it works with a mint sim for like 5 min then says locked to Verizon. this has to be a software thing right? and if its software we should be able to just modify something
jpolster2012 said:
I guess I don't understand. it works with a mint sim for like 5 min then says locked to Verizon. this has to be a software thing right? and if its software we should be able to just modify something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not just software. On the server side of things whenever a phone connects to a network the phone sends the sim info and imei and that network verifies if it's an unlocked phone or not.
Nm
jpolster2012 said:
I guess I don't understand. it works with a mint sim for like 5 min then says locked to Verizon. this has to be a software thing right? and if its software we should be able to just modify something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
call Verizon and tell them you are travelling and need to unlock it so you can install a temporary sim card while you are travelling. This may or may not work for you.
spart0n said:
It's not just software. On the server side of things whenever a phone connects to a network the phone sends the sim info and imei and that network verifies if it's an unlocked phone or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought only iPhone did this, during its activation process. I was under the impression that SIM locks on android devices were all contained in the software and hardware of the device itself; hence the ability of the eBay sellers to use USB redirection to hack your device and unlock it.
jpolster2012 said:
I thought only iPhone did this, during its activation process. I was under the impression that SIM locks on android devices were all contained in the software and hardware of the device itself; hence the ability of the eBay sellers to use USB redirection to hack your device and unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that even works, most if not all of those services are scams to steal your money or install Spyware or malware. But no all phones and all networks in the US do this
Try calling Verizon as another poster said and telling them you are traveling internationally and need to use another sim temporarily. That is the only way you will ever get it unlocked. I have gone through this before and that is the only solution other than fulfilling the unlock requirements from Verizon.
It is best to buy unlocked phone. There is a reason locked phones are cheaper. Because the carrier makes up the cost in monthly charges.
Your options are limited.
1) Sell it as a locked phone on Swappa/ebay or other. Buy another unlocked s23 ultra.
Return it to Verizon.
Use Verizon.
I recently bought a pixel 6 from amazon, after verify the IMEI via pixel repair i find out that it is carrier lock by T-Mobile.
The main goal is to unlock the OEM to install GraphenOS, but the option is greyed out, is there any way to enable it?
Like paid servives or whatever... I tried contacting T-Mobile on twitter and they asked me to log in with my credentials, i never had t-mobile as a carrier service, so thats a rip
PS: I dont care if the SIM doesn't work i just need to unlock OEM
This may help:-
Unlock Pixel 6a (greyed out "OEM unlocking") - GrapheneOS Discussion Forum
GrapheneOS discussion forum
discuss.grapheneos.org
From Graphene OS element / Matrix channel:-
'due to phones locked by carriers, OEM unlocking needs internet access on models that are sold to carriers to be locked phones
for example, T-Mobile Pixels are standard Pixels but are locked until you pay off your subsidized phone by having your plan for a certain number of months (not a high amount), and then you can request to lift the locking
this approach is taken to have standard hardware, firmware and software across all of them despite having locked carrier ones, and without needing to statically provision them as locked in the factory'