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'
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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!
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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.
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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
ATT variant S21 purchased at retail from Samsung.com locked to carrier and ATT unlock does not recognize IMEI. Have already escalated to highest tier ATT and Samsung support offered to the public. In ATT's world, if a device is not in their IMEI database, it's not an ATT phone. Samsung claims that unlock codes were automatically shared with ATT when the phone was manufactured. They claim that after the codes are sent, they have no access to the data to provide an individual unlock code at a later date, even at ATT's request.
ATT claims they never received an unlock code for the phone which is why the IMEI is not in their unlock database. Their logic is that if the IMEI is not in their unlock database, it means they never received the unlock code. This logic leaves no room for the possibility of human error or a glitch in syncing data. Oddly, the IMEI is in ATT's warranty database. On ATT support tech suggested that only branded phones sold by ATT stores were supported with unlock codes. This raise the question as to why Samsung would sell a phone that cannot be unlocked and why they would lock it in the first place when it is not being sold on contract?
ATT has requested the unlock code from Samsung during one of my support calls and the request was denied. Samsung CS reiterated the position that they had already provided all codes and no longer had access to them. Third party unlocking services struck out with the IMEI. I can RMA the phone back to Samsung under warranty but likely face the same issue with the replacement. I could try to exchange it in an ATT store as it's in their warranty system but would like to not be setting up a new phone when all I am requesting is a code to remove a soft lock. Samsung's annual preorder trade up deal requires that phones be unlocked which is ironic since this one will likely remain locked indefinitely because the carrier and the manufacturer can't get on the same page. Most consumers with these phones will not realize they can't be unlocked during the Samsung warranty period.
Anyone else have this issue?
If you buy a carrier variant through samsung, you are going to get a locked device. Always buy unlocked if you want it unlocked.
That being said, I've been through this about a dozen times with AT&T. This is what needs to be done:
1- First, try the device unlock portal. This will inevitably fail, because the device isn't in their database. This is fine.
2 - Contact AT&T and be prepared to speak to people who have NO idea what you're talking about. If they say it can't be done, politely end the call and call back in. Ask to speak to *advanced* tech support. Explain that you got the device from Samsung, and you need the IMEI added to the database so you can get the device unlocked.
3 - Explain that you already tried the unlock portal, and they need to email the device unlock team to add the IMEI and get the device unlocked. This takes anywhere from 48 hours to a week, and might get rejected once or twice. If it does, go back to step 2.
4 - If you don't want to deal with that bull****, you can go on ebay and purchase a device unlock. You can either have them search the database for the code (PROBABLY won't work) or some sellers will remotely connect to your machine to unlock the device. I did it in the past for $30, looks like it's $60 these days.
I am seeking a high level contact at Samsung because this is a B2B policy issue which their technical support team, after multiple calls, has been unable and unwilling to help resolve. If anyone on XDA has a high level contact person at Samsung, please DM me. I will put them in direct contact with the AT&T Office of the Executive personnel attempting to resolve this issue and insure that it does not impact other customers.
Did you read my post? That is, step by step, exactly how to solve your issue. if you followed my instructions it would have been unlocked by now.
This has nothing to do with Samsung, this is an AT&T issue. And trying to find a "high level contact person" won't do you any good.
Follow. The. Instructions.
Is anyone here aware of how to get a Nord N200 5G by Metro sim/network unlocked so it can be used in Canada? I put my T-mobile sim in it out of the box and it's working on tmobile network without unlocking it, but I need to send it to my father in Canada so he can use it there on Canadian networks. Is boot unlocking same as network unlocking?
I googled it and some websites are charging $69 to unlock it? Anyone aware of any other online service which does it cheaper than $69? Thanks in advance.
Bootloader unlocking is not the same as SIM unlocking.
I'm unaware of any unlocking services for Metro phones.
I need unlock Nord N200 5G by Metro sim/network. I got bootloader unlock code.
help
If you go into a real Metro or T-Mobile store (cooperate store) say that you will be going out of the country for awhile they will unlock early device unlock your phone or if you know or are in the military and go in they will defiantly unlock your device . Just call your carrier to find out which store location is a corporate store they will tell you but be honest tell them why and they will send you to appropriate place .
[email protected] said:
If you go into a real Metro or T-Mobile store (cooperate store) say that you will be going out of the country for awhile they will unlock early device unlock your phone or if you know or are in the military and go in they will defiantly unlock your device . Just call your carrier to find out which store location is a corporate store they will tell you but be honest tell them why and they will send you to appropriate place .
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Click to collapse
Just a quick warning: DO NOT say you're in the military to get your SIM unlocked, unless you actually are. You could legitimately go to jail for that.
I live outside USA, since 29-Nov-2021,
There is a new Thing Called Temporary Unlock now with new Android Models , so you may not able to get it permanently get it unlock. You can request the temporary unlock 5 times in a year , 1 month for each time. So this Out of Country thing may not work any more
I find it hard to believe there aren't any reputable/ cheap sim unlock services for the n200 on metro. the only one I found is $70. if you don't own the device for 180 days metro refuses to unlock it for free.
Anyone tried the $70 unlock service I tried a 50 one called official sim unlock and they couldn't do it and refunded half my money
MOD ACTION:
Thread closed since it has deteriorated to paid unlocking services with links. This is not allowed on XDA.
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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
I just bought a second hand S21 5G. The phone was delivered to me, everything works fine but it is carrier locked (at least I think so).
Why I think so? Because it keeps telling me to install my carrier's apps (Vodafone apps) even though there was no SIM inside. Other than that, my SIM (Telekom aka T-Mobile) isn't being detected by the phone.
The seller is unreachable. I spoke to local police and they said there's no record of it being stolen or sold without permission (unpaid plan). It probably is a work phone that's permanently locked or something.
I searched for software to unlock it to no avail. I came across some websites but I don't know which to trust. I can't just try it out with the risk of being scammed because they're very pricey. What are some solution or, at least, trusted websites / methods to unlock it?
Also, when I look for the IMEI code, there are two codes. Does that mean I need to do two unlocks?
Does the device ask for an unlock code?
Carrier/SIM Unlock - Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G SM-G998U & U1 (QualComm SnapDragon) USA/CANADA! - NO ROOT- FREE
Here's a free How-To on how i successfully Carrier/Sim unlocked my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G running the NEWEST Android update on bootloader 5 (USQU5BULJ)released in January of 2022 that was carrier locked to Verizon and now fully Unlocked...
forum.xda-developers.com