Telus Pixel XL Bootloader unlock status? - Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers

Does anyone know if the Telus sold Pixel XL is bootloader unlocked? Not that I want to start messing around right away, but I consider this a 2 year + investment, and once the 1 year warranty is up, I like having options.
I checked the Model number of the demo phone at the local Telus store this morning and it is: G-2PW2100 . I'm not sure that helps directly as from what I can find, that is the US play store and Verizon specific model number.
Is anyone on Telus and been able to unlock the bootloader the "easy" way? I am worried about a future OS update disabling the Verizon bootloader unlocks if they are also required for the Telus model.
Thanks in advance.

Hy bro,
I unlocked mine with the dePixel8 tool. It worked like a charm and i rooted with chainfire boot to root img and it worked.
If you have questions just ask me!

I have the Verizon model and used the dePixel8 tool as soon as I got it. The OTA that is expected to block it isn't expected until Nov 7 or so. So why not use the verizon method if the easy way doesn't work?

Also i tested and i was able to lock it back and unlocked it After with the command oem unlock no need for dePixel8 so i assume that when you relock it it lock with Google lock not telus lock

Marghost said:
Hy bro,
I unlocked mine with the dePixel8 tool. It worked like a charm and i rooted with chainfire boot to root img and it worked.
If you have questions just ask me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you have a Telus phone and it did require the dePixel8 method?
This is going to be a corporate phone so I don't know that I can get it ahead of the Nov 7th OTA with the red tape involved. Also, I don't necessarily want to unlock it now, I just want to know my options going forward.
Thanks for the reply!

I also have a telus corpo pixel XL and i needed dePixel8. If you dont unlock it before the ota i think you Will need another way to unlock the bootloader.

Marghost said:
I also have a telus corpo pixel XL and i needed dePixel8. If you dont unlock it before the ota i think you Will need another way to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming, this is exactly what I wanted to know, and also exactly what I feared.
I'll have to wait it out a bit and see if dePixel8 unlock, or some variation, still works after the November update.
All the best, I'm off to the Moto Z forums to see what is up over there as a possible alternative

Would the Nov 7 OTA be applied automatically to a new phone? Wouldn't you still have to accept the OTA once the phone is activated? I am just wondering, I am in the exact same corporate situation as you (wanting to replace my LG G5, which has sadly gone unrooted thus far).

yosifcuervo said:
Would the Nov 7 OTA be applied automatically to a new phone? Wouldn't you still have to accept the OTA once the phone is activated? I am just wondering, I am in the exact same corporate situation as you (wanting to replace my LG G5, which has sadly gone unrooted thus far).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question. I'm worried that by the time I got my Pixel XL it might come with the update pre-applied (it could take a while around here). Then I'd be waiting/wondering if there would be another unlock available and how persistent that would be etc. I guess I was hoping for the play store version from Telus, where I could run it stock for a while, possibly until the warranty is up, and then easily unlock and start messing.
After exploring all the options available from Telus I am genuinely disappointed that nothing they offer has reasonable aftermarket ROM support. The Pixel line was my last hope, but with this bootloader lock thing I'm not sure I want to fight that battle.
Maybe I can convince work to get me a ZTE Axon 7 or Oneplus 3.
Good luck

I can say from my experience with the G5, that with the current versions of Android, being able to bypass the protections to root/TWRP is not guaranteed by any means. The problem with the G5 was that people gave up - the scene died fairly quickly, and anyone out there who might have the skills to crack it has moved on. For the Pixel, I am fairly certain that there will always be people who are ready (and able) to take on the challenge of bypassing the protections... or, maybe I just haven't learned my lesson yet.

chrispayne said:
Good question. I'm worried that by the time I got my Pixel XL it might come with the update pre-applied (it could take a while around here). Then I'd be waiting/wondering if there would be another unlock available and how persistent that would be etc. I guess I was hoping for the play store version from Telus, where I could run it stock for a while, possibly until the warranty is up, and then easily unlock and start messing.
After exploring all the options available from Telus I am genuinely disappointed that nothing they offer has reasonable aftermarket ROM support. The Pixel line was my last hope, but with this bootloader lock thing I'm not sure I want to fight that battle.
Maybe I can convince work to get me a ZTE Axon 7 or Oneplus 3.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any ETA on when you think you might get the phone? I doubt even if you got it in December, if it would have the OTA pre-applied.

death2all110 said:
Any ETA on when you think you might get the phone? I doubt even if you got it in December, if it would have the OTA pre-applied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, possibly depending on their stock levels it might still be the older OS I suppose.
Regardless, I'm just tired of fighting every step of the way for a device that presumably we (me or the company) owns. It's frustrating, and I'm not even sure what they are protecting? It's not like bootloader unlock would carrier unlock it, or even un-obligate us from the device subsidy given that Canada has a device blacklist they could put it on if we bailed.
If I were a personal customer, I would be getting an unlocked device and exercising my right to change carriers, that's for sure.
Thanks

The carriers don't want you to be able to break the phone, and then try to have it repaired on warranty. Considering that their recommended solution to pretty much every problem is a factory reset, they can't have you messing with the system partition.

Marghost said:
I also have a telus corpo pixel XL and i needed dePixel8. If you dont unlock it before the ota i think you Will need another way to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so there is an OTA coming from Telus that'll make it harder to unlock the bootloader?

Not from telus but from google. The exploit used un depixel8 Will surely be fixed in the next update

That is crappy news, I am currently waiting for my Telus Pixel XL to arrive through the ambassador program and was NOT expecting it to be the Verizon style one with the locked bootloader. Sure hope it arrives without the update or else I might have to go through the Google store. Can't take the chance of having a locked bootloader as it defeats the whole purpose for me and my love of custom roms.

Reechings said:
That is crappy news, I am currently waiting for my Telus Pixel XL to arrive through the ambassador program and was NOT expecting it to be the Verizon style one with the locked bootloader. Sure hope it arrives without the update or else I might have to go through the Google store. Can't take the chance of having a locked bootloader as it defeats the whole purpose for me and my love of custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Please let us know which version you get, and if it is updated or not.
Thanks

chrispayne said:
Exactly. Please let us know which version you get, and if it is updated or not.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. I might just go straight to bootloader mode and depixel8 when I get it to make sure I don't accidentally get an update (it better not be updated already)

Reechings said:
Will do. I might just go straight to bootloader mode and depixel8 when I get it to make sure I don't accidentally get an update (it better not be updated already)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome plan - I will have my Pixel XL in 2-3 days and will likely try the same, and will post my specs here after I do. I'm sure any nefarious OTA could easily be blocked at first boot if necessary though, just start the phone with no SIM and don't connect to wifi.
Seriously guys, I don't know much about Google's supply lines, but there has to be at least a couple weeks before a phone with the latest OS preloaded can make it into your hands - keep in mind that you are buying this phone from a Telus distributor, which only compounds that time. That's why I am buying my phone now.

Good news from depixel8 developers - it still works after update
https://twitter.com/TheRootNinja/status/795745576801292288

Related

Perhaps a dumb Question, but I'm a Bit New

I'm getting a VZ Pixel XL (hold the "you're buying it from where" comments, please) because I need to move rather quickly from a Note 7 to a less hostile phone. I'm paying full price, so I can avoid VZ's 2-year lockdown via contract. I'm hearing that, even for those that ordered right away from Google, their deliveries are extending into November, and I need a new phone before then (even assuming the reordering process reopened).
Is it possible to put the Stock Google Pixel software on this phone (assuming, if I understand this correctly, that either someone figures out how to unlock the bootloader, or VZ lets me do it, since I own the whole phone)?
I don't fully understand this 'locked bootloader' thing, even though I've been reading XDA for quite a while, so I don't even know if I'll attempt to do this - for now my question is academic. "Can it be done?"
Verizon locked the bootloader and I am not sure if @jcase or @beaups will try to unlock the bootloader. The phone has yet to be released. It has HTC drivers and we will in the near future find out if it can be unlocked or not. Jcase mentioned to buy the google phone from google if you want unlocked bootloader.
Right now, if you want a solid unlockable/rootable Verizon phone get a HTC 10, either unlocked do s-off and convert or buy Verizon and s-off it.
Verizon Pixel will NOT be unlockable, odds of it getting unlocked is unknown.
You won't be able to flash teh Google edition firmware without s-off/unlock, which it is unkown if we will see that.
Thanks for the information. It's not crucial that I put the Google software in it - more of a curious question for me. The few times I rooted a phone was to install BusyBox or Titanium; I really didn't fully exploit what root can do, lest I create a brick.
Given that I need to get into something *right now*, I can put up with VZW's, er, 'idiosyncrasies' to get what I want right away, and out of the Note 7.
n4ogl said:
Thanks for the information. It's not crucial that I put the Google software in it - more of a curious question for me. The few times I rooted a phone was to install BusyBox or Titanium; I really didn't fully exploit what root can do, lest I create a brick.
Given that I need to get into something *right now*, I can put up with VZW's, er, 'idiosyncrasies' to get what I want right away, and out of the Note 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pixel you buy from Verizon has the "google software" . The only two differences it has from the one sold directly from Google is a locked bootloader and several Verizon apps that can be uninstalled. The locked bootloader will prevent you from installing custom software or rooting.
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
neyenlives said:
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
perhaps this.
neyenlives said:
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All bootloaders are locked when shipped. The difference is the Verizon bootloader will be encrypted, rendering it unlockable without the key.
It was all just an illusion
jcase said:
Right now, if you want a solid unlockable/rootable Verizon phone get a HTC 10, either unlocked do s-off and convert or buy Verizon and s-off it.
Verizon Pixel will NOT be unlockable, odds of it getting unlocked is unknown.
You won't be able to flash teh Google edition firmware without s-off/unlock, which it is unkown if we will see that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@jcase what are the odds of both the Google sold Pixel and VZW sold Pixel having the exact same hardware and software out of the box and then the process of activating either phone on VZW is what renders the bootloader not unlockable (not sure if this is even possible), pushes the bloat from the play store (that can be done) and controls the software update process (this can be done as well)?
If this is true, then buying a Pixel from VZW and activating it on a non-VZW network would be the equivalent of buying it from Google.
uicnren said:
perhaps this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I don't see that as evidence until it's in hand. We all know nobody at Verizon that we have ever talked to has ever understood the difference between carrier lock and bootloader lock. At this point it's all speculation because a Verizon rep isn't a reliable source.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
neyenlives said:
Yeah I don't see that as evidence until it's in hand. We all know nobody at Verizon that we have ever talked to has ever understood the difference between carrier lock and bootloader lock. At this point it's all speculation because a Verizon rep isn't a reliable source.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the evidence in hand, I've been studying the firmware for weeks
Does anybody think that vzw will block features in their phones that will not be in a Google bought phone?
Sent from my SGP771 using Tapatalk

Buy from Verizon or Google?

I bought an XL from Verizon outright (paying full retail) because I use straightalk. My question is did I hurt myself by getting it through Verizon? Does Verizon somehow lock down the device or cause OTA updates to come from Verizon? Are there other pitfalls like rooting or unlocking the bootloader?
I don't think you can unlock the bootloader from Verizon
Read around. You can unlock the bootloader from Verizon.
...yup they figured how to unlock the Verizon phones now. So other than that I don't know of any other differences
nbhadusia said:
Read around. You can unlock the bootloader from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did see that but if I understood it correctly that may change after the next update.
I have had nothing but Nexus phones since the Galaxy so I got used to cutting edge ROMs without having to jump through hoops.
I think, to be safe, I am returning it to Verizon and buy one from Google. I will have to eat a $30ish restocking fee.
Riley Martin said:
I did see that but if I understood it correctly that may change after the next update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But since your bootloader is unlocked you can flash whatever you want... Therefore you will have to manually update the phone monthly to stay up to date, but you can and that's the big plus. As for SIM unlock, Verizon doesn't lock any of there LTE phones
TechBSwift said:
But since your bootloader is unlocked you can flash whatever you want... Therefore you will have to manually update the phone monthly to stay up to date, but you can and that's the big plus. As for SIM unlock, Verizon doesn't lock any of there LTE phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, correct me if I am wrong, once I unlock the bootloader I have the same abilities with the Pixel as I had with the other Nexus phones (5, 6, 6p, etc...)? I am used to having it unlocked, rooted, and install updates manually so I am very comfortable with that process. My only reason for rooting is Xposed.
Very small window we got for unlocking Verizon Pixels. Now that they are all back-ordered, if you order from Verizon, you have to hope that they don't ship with November updates. If they do, those of us that are waiting are all out of luck, unless another method is found.
spotmark said:
Very small window we got for unlocking Verizon Pixels. Now that they are all back-ordered, if you order from Verizon, you have to hope that they don't ship with November updates. If they do, those of us that are waiting are all out of luck, unless another method is found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine will be here Tuesday so I should be safe
What Spotmark said.
If you want an unlocked bootloader then buy from Google or T-Mobile.
You can unlock the Verizon Bootloader *today* but don't ever take an OTA update in the future without first checking the boards to see if unlocked bootloader gets lost somehow.
CZ Eddie said:
What Spotmark said.
If you want an unlocked bootloader then buy from Google or T-Mobile.
You can unlock the Verizon Bootloader *today* but don't ever take an OTA update in the future without first checking the boards to see if unlocked bootloader gets lost somehow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
since when can you buy a Pixel from T-Mobile?
wase4711 said:
since when can you buy a Pixel from T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically you buy it from Google and bring it to T-Mobile who gives you a huge money incentive, something like half your payments.
https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/pixel-offer.htm
13 dollars a month for 24 months; not that "huge" of a money incentive..
plus, you arent buying it from T mobile, its from Google..
The way I understand it (and I could be wrong) is that once you apply depixel8 to a verizon model, it breaks whatever verizon implemented preventing a bootloader unlock. After that, you can unlock the bootloader just like a GS version. There are no guarantees verizon won't be able to reengage the lock, but it seemed like Jcase and Firewaterdevs made it sound like once you run depixel 8 before the next update, the bootloader should remain unlockable. If that November patch is applied before depixel8 is, then it's locked. I don't think the November update will be able to reengage the lockout. So like the above, always check the boards first to find out what's safe and not.

Will it be safe to buy the Verizon variant over the google store?

I haven't completely thought this through, so I'm not sure if this will make sense or not, so bear with me.
I've been looking around the internet and getting mixed responses about the verizon variant of the pixel. I want to be able to have an unlocked BL (which I'm pretty sure is possible with depixel8) and root. I normally would be all for the Google model, but they're out of stock and I could get the verizon model within a few hours rather than waiting for a restock. My main concern is if the verizon model will cause some annoyances in the future, because Verizon might pull something out of nowhere that would make having the verizon model dreadful. Basically, does anyone think that there will be any issues (especially in the future) if I just got the verizon model and unlocked the bootloader and just flashed the stock software, sort of de-verizoning it, or would I honestly just be better off waiting for Google to get more stock
Epsilon827 said:
I haven't completely thought this through, so I'm not sure if this will make sense or not, so bear with me.
I've been looking around the internet and getting mixed responses about the verizon variant of the pixel. I want to be able to have an unlocked BL (which I'm pretty sure is possible with depixel8) and root. I normally would be all for the Google model, but they're out of stock and I could get the verizon model within a few hours rather than waiting for a restock. My main concern is if the verizon model will cause some annoyances in the future, because Verizon might pull something out of nowhere that would make having the verizon model dreadful. Basically, does anyone think that there will be any issues (especially in the future) if I just got the verizon model and unlocked the bootloader and just flashed the stock software, sort of de-verizoning it, or would I honestly just be better off waiting for Google to get more stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no, no. Patience is your friend.
Epsilon827 said:
I haven't completely thought this through, so I'm not sure if this will make sense or not, so bear with me.
I've been looking around the internet and getting mixed responses about the verizon variant of the pixel. I want to be able to have an unlocked BL (which I'm pretty sure is possible with depixel8) and root. I normally would be all for the Google model, but they're out of stock and I could get the verizon model within a few hours rather than waiting for a restock. My main concern is if the verizon model will cause some annoyances in the future, because Verizon might pull something out of nowhere that would make having the verizon model dreadful. Basically, does anyone think that there will be any issues (especially in the future) if I just got the verizon model and unlocked the bootloader and just flashed the stock software, sort of de-verizoning it, or would I honestly just be better off waiting for Google to get more stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do get it from Verizon, unlock the bootloader immediately, and NEVER re-lock it. You can't really "de-verizon" it. Once you boot with a Verizon sim, the next update will push you to the Verizon version of the firmware, which is not a big deal, just different radios optimized to Verizons network. Any Verizon apps can be uninstalled.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA Premium HD app
I was in the same boat as you. I went with the verizon version. Unlocked the bootloader, and popped my sim in. It downloaded the latest non verizion ota. I say go for it.
Project Fi had all variants in stock as of a few days ago. My XL is due next week from them. I'm already a Fi customer and expect to be for the foreseeable future, so their finance option at zero interest was an easy sell. You could probably start service and cancel it after you receive your phone if you have another carrier.
Dude, I bought mine from Google store and vzw still pushed 63X on mine :crying:
Good thing I unlocked it before taking in the update.
n3far1us said:
Dude, I bought mine from Google store and vzw still pushed 63X on mine :crying:
Good thing I unlocked it before taking in the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait you should still be able to unlock no matter what update they push correct? It is just radios not a new bootloader
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Is it possible to downgrade and unlock bootloader?

Hello all,
first off, i apologize as i made a mistake when i purchase a used unit of Pixel XL and only checked that it is unlocked and that no other usual problems (microphone working, camera working etc). so, i happily paid for it since it is unlocked (network) and working good. Went home, i tried the unlock and it did not allow me to proceed. Then i need to enable OEM unlock, only then i did my research and the used unit i purchased is a Best Buy unit, (basically Verizon unit?). so, i ended up unable to unlock my bootloader to perform root to do some volume tweak and kernel change
I am not from the US and Pixels here is usually imported in by resellers or people who have friends in US and they ship it here.
Is it possible i downgrade my factory image to a 7.1 version and perform the bootloader unlock? Was hoping this will work before i proceed as I have already setup my Pixel
The exploit used to toggle the OEM unlock in dev settings was patched.
And I'm pretty sure that the locked bootloader won't accept a downgrade, so if that is a Verizon pixel your basically stuck. But, I could be wrong, sadly, I don't think I am.
Hope you find a solution, but not likely to happen.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
wyrdtrtle said:
The exploit used to toggle the OEM unlock in dev settings was patched.
And I'm pretty sure that the locked bootloader won't accept a downgrade, so if that is a Verizon pixel your basically stuck. But, I could be wrong, sadly, I don't think I am.
Hope you find a solution, but not likely to happen.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, this is a bit tough, i am considering to sell off this unit (might have to wait a bit) and get another unit that is from google store I am so far happy with the phone, except for the phone volume and some tweaks
It's not exactly Verizon unit from my own assumption. I believe it is Best Buy unit (which is technically Verizon unit with locked bootloader but faster update?)
tornado6 said:
I see, this is a bit tough, i am considering to sell off this unit (might have to wait a bit) and get another unit that is from google store I am so far happy with the phone, except for the phone volume and some tweaks
It's not exactly Verizon unit from my own assumption. I believe it is Best Buy unit (which is technically Verizon unit with locked bootloader but faster update?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best Buy sells only Verizon units (Pixel and XL).
Does Google warranty the Verizon phones? You might be able to get them to swap the device? They also might only swap it with another Verizon model though. Just a thought
I remember someone saying they had rma'd a VZW pixel to Google, but I don't recall any ending. Think I read that in here, or XDA, or G+
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
southernstyle said:
Does Google warranty the Verizon phones? You might be able to get them to swap the device? They also might only swap it with another Verizon model though. Just a thought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I can do that, but I am not from the US and there won't be anyone to assist me with the device swapping
Just wish that there is an exploit out of the blue to enable me to unlock the bootloader
I just need to tweak the audio volume, use Franco's kernel and tweak the screen display a bit. the rest, I am good with the phone
hey
well im in the us if you wanna ship it to me i can get you rma up to you i am supposdly getting one from google since its a google phone

EE Pixel XL - Let me get this right

As I have an EE bootloader locked pixel xl I will never be able to root it or put custom firmware on it?
MrWolfman said:
As I have an EE bootloader locked pixel xl I will never be able to root it or put custom firmware on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's still on 7.1 I believe you can use pixel8 method, if 7.1.1 then game over!
That's how I believe it is at present
make that 7.1.2 for me so yep no fun or games for me until someone manages to get around it bloody good job its already a great phone ay
Gotta be someone working on this hasn't there?
memphisuklf said:
Gotta be someone working on this hasn't there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was people here and there but don't think there is anyone with experience actively committed to it. They just say buy Google version.
well to buy google version would be like £700+ when my upgrade was free of charge so buying the google version is not really a good option from my point of view
at the end of the day when I root its usually to flash my phone to an android version not available via ota at the end of life, im sure by then with this phone being great anyway someone will have fixed this issue
Always buy from 3rd party sites or CFW never direct with carriers
No carrier software or bs
ye CFW completely forgot about that i was lucky tbh got the really blue from ee they said only had 3 left but its a great phone and i only usually rooted to be on the latest software. by the time they stop updating the software for this it will be upgrade time which would bring me to the pixel 3 lol oh im so far ahead of myself lol
MrWolfman said:
As I have an EE bootloader locked pixel xl I will never be able to root it or put custom firmware on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey,
Someone confirmed that after he sim unlocked his Pixel XL, he was also able to unlock the bootloader:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71930780&postcount=28
So you'll have to wait at least six months as per EE rules, but once you sim unlock and unlock bootloader, you'll be free to flash/install whatever you like... :good:
Cheers...
well thats good to know it only costs like £8 or something thanks for the info
MrWolfman said:
As I have an EE bootloader locked pixel xl I will never be able to root it or put custom firmware on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was struggling with this issue so I thought I'd let you know if you pay to get the phone SIM unlocked the option in developer options to allow bootloader unlocking stops being greyed out. Have not flashed yet but I see no reason why I won't be able to as the option is available. I was also able to get it unlocked online not through EE themselves. You must be six months into your contract though.
As per above, (and search functions to play the *****y poster)
I've posted on many occasions about EE lock being network related and when your 6 months is up they will unlock for about £8.
fast, legit, and you can flash
though saying that, I'm back on full stock currently

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