Unlock Verizon Pixel XL bootloader? - Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers

Alright, let's get right to it.
I am receiving a replacement Pixel XL after sending my original one back to Google. I purchased my original Pixel from Verizon and sent back to Google a Verizon Pixel with a locked bootloader (from 7.1.1 patch). Few questions....
1. Am I receiving a Google pixel XL with an unlocked bootloader?
I have read that I can unlock the bootloader and successfully root BEFORE I set up wifi and put the SIM card in... So
2. Will the device ship with 7.1.1 (Verizon), ending any chance of me unlocking the bootloader?
3. If the device ships with 7.1, can I prevent the update being installed in the background?
I put a screenshot with the email from google about the replacement device below.

Splatlame said:
Alright, let's get right to it.
I am receiving a replacement Pixel XL after sending my original one back to Google. I purchased my original Pixel from Verizon and sent back to Google a Verizon Pixel with a locked bootloader (from 7.1.1 patch). Few questions....
1. Am I receiving a Google pixel XL with an unlocked bootloader?
I have read that I can unlock the bootloader and successfully root BEFORE I set up wifi and put the SIM card in... So
2. Will the device ship with 7.1.1 (Verizon), ending any chance of me unlocking the bootloader?
3. If the device ships with 7.1, can I prevent the update being installed in the background?
I put a screenshot with the email from google about the replacement device below.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1a. It says Verizon but you won't really know til you get it.
1b. You can only do that if the phone comes with 7.1 to avoid it updating to 7.1.1
2. Verizon does seem to be updating some of the phones now and I would assume the refurbished will have a higher chance of it.
3. You can shut off automatic updates but it seems to ignore it at times, so you should unlock right away if you want to do anything in the future.

jjayzx said:
1a. It says Verizon but you won't really know til you get it.
1b. You can only do that if the phone comes with 7.1 to avoid it updating to 7.1.1
2. Verizon does seem to be updating some of the phones now and I would assume the refurbished will have a higher chance of it.
3. You can shut off automatic updates but it seems to ignore it at times, so you should unlock right away if you want to do anything in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent answers.
One more question though, I read that when you put in a Verizon sim card, that's what triggers the locking of the bootloader. So let's say I'm able to lock the bootloader, install TWRP, and SuperSU, and then I put in my sim card so I can actually use the phone, will putting in sim card have any affect on anything?

Splatlame said:
Excellent answers.
One more question though, I read that when you put in a Verizon sim card, that's what triggers the locking of the bootloader. So let's say I'm able to lock the bootloader, install TWRP, and SuperSU, and then I put in my sim card so I can actually use the phone, will putting in sim card have any affect on anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Pixel XL that I purchased directly from Google and I use it on Verizon. Powering up the phone the first time with the Verizon SIM gave me a message that the phone was activated but it did not re-lock my bootloader. That was my experience. Originally it would only connect to 3G and not LTE. I had previously used it on Fi. I had to delete the data(NOT Factory Reset) from the Fi app(with the Fi SIM still installed) and then power down, switch SIM's, then power up to get full 4G LTE connection on Verizon. After I deleted that Fi app data and powered up with the Verizon SIM it selected the normal VZWINTERNET APN and worked fine. Hope this helps. Again though the Verizon SIM did not re-lock my bootloader. This isn't to say they won't try to re-lock it in the future with an update.

Splatlame said:
I read that when you put in a Verizon sim card, that's what triggers the locking of the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. I have a VZW Pixel on Project Fi. My bootloader can not be unlocked.

Now does unlocking the bootloader with 7.1 before the update kicks in a confirmed solution? Has this been tested? Or this is a theory?
And if this is a real way of doing it can someone link me to a thread with a verified procedure or help me out here.
I want to be 100% sure by the time the device comes in.

Splatlame said:
Now does unlocking the bootloader with 7.1 before the update kicks in a confirmed solution? Has this been tested? Or this is a theory?
And if this is a real way of doing it can someone link me to a thread with a verified procedure or help me out here.
I want to be 100% sure by the time the device comes in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is what you need if it is on 7.1
http://theroot.ninja/depixel8.html

TonikJDK said:
Here is what you need if it is on 7.1
http://theroot.ninja/depixel8.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That method does not work anymore.

bradhoschar said:
That method does not work anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He said if it's on 7.1

jjayzx said:
He said if it's on 7.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right.
On a side note, if anybody has a TRULY defective device on Verizon and want a Google replacement, see my post here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pi...-buying-verizon-edition-t3581406/post71866381

Related

Possible to root the Pixel on 7.1.2?

Hi All,
I got a bestbuy/verizon pixel xl and am unable to unlock my bootloader to install TWRP and Root my pixel
So, while i was searching for methods to root without unlocking bootloader, i found articles on rooting without TWRP. Is this method still supported on 7.1.2 and Verizon set pixel?
tornado6 said:
Hi All,
I got a bestbuy/verizon pixel xl and am unable to unlock my bootloader to install TWRP and Root my pixel
So, while i was searching for methods to root without unlocking bootloader, i found articles on rooting without TWRP. Is this method still supported on 7.1.2 and Verizon set pixel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can not root it unless you unlock the bootloader. It has always been that way.
tornado6 said:
Hi All,
I got a bestbuy/verizon pixel xl and am unable to unlock my bootloader to install TWRP and Root my pixel
So, while i was searching for methods to root without unlocking bootloader, i found articles on rooting without TWRP. Is this method still supported on 7.1.2 and Verizon set pixel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a new one from Google but mine came from Google warehouse in Carol Illinois it's on October update tho so I can unlock mine if you ever get replacement device that's where it's coming from
Badazzmenc said:
I got a new one from Google but mine came from Google warehouse in Carol Illinois it's on October update tho so I can unlock mine if you ever get replacement device that's where it's coming from
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If yours is a Google version then it doesn't matter what update you are on, it will still be unlockable.
How do you know what version you have? I got my phone from Verizon but there is no bloat or Verizon anything on it. Could I possibly have a variant that can be unlocked?
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
lowvolt1 said:
How do you know what version you have? I got my phone from Verizon but there is no bloat or Verizon anything on it. Could I possibly have a variant that can be unlocked?
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple, go to Setting/About phone, and tab the Build number text 5 times. Go back to Setting and select Developer options. If the OEM unlocking option is grayed out, it's a Verizon Pixel/XL, if you can toggle the slidder on and off, it's a Google Pixel/XL and can be bootloader unlocked anytime you want, regardless of update.
Seeing as how you purchased it directly from Verizon, I'm fairly certain it's a Verizon Pixel/XL. Any phone purchased directly from Google's Online Store, will always have the option to unlock their bootloader whenever they want.
Thank you. Unfortunately it is gray.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
lowvolt1 said:
Thank you. Unfortunately it is gray.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version of Android are you on. If it's on 7.1 still then you can still unlock.

replacement device unlocking question

So, i broke my direct from google pixel xl, that was unlocked. I had insurance through verizon and they sent me a new one. Now, i know the verizon versions are locked, which is what i didn;t want, but i had no choice through asurion. The phone i received is on NHG47L which isn't the verizon version, but the OEM unlock is still grayed out. can anyone tell me why i can't unlock even though this seems to be a google fi/tmobile build?
i have no put a sim in it yet, i've only connected it to wifi. i'm waiting till i have a firm answer one way or the other.
@Legacystar,
See post #25 > https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/help/oem-unlocking-disabled-google-store-t3507209/page3
cam30era said:
@Legacystar,
See post #25 > https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/help/oem-unlocking-disabled-google-store-t3507209/page3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i did connect it to wifi, it did not change the OEM unlock option.
@Legacystar,
One can sideload any version of security update via ADB. If you've connected to internet and bootloader unlock is still grayed out, then it sounds like you do indeed have a VZW version.
cam30era said:
@Legacystar,
One can sideload any version of security update via ADB. If you've connected to internet and bootloader unlock is still grayed out, then it sounds like you do indeed have a VZW version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would flashing a factory image do anything, maybe a previous version?
Legacystar said:
Would flashing a factory image do anything, maybe a previous version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can't unlock your bootloader, then you can't flash a factory image. If this is a VZW version, there's nothing you can do.
cam30era said:
If you can't unlock your bootloader, then you can't flash a factory image. If this is a VZW version, there's nothing you can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so, if the bootloader was never unlockable, how would one change the software version?
Legacystar said:
so, if the bootloader was never unlockable, how would one change the software version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADB sideload. Or wait for OTA to be pushed.
cam30era said:
ADB sideload. Or wait for OTA to be pushed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i meant, how did this phone's software get changed?
Legacystar said:
i meant, how did this phone's software get changed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The firmware is downloaded based on the sim in the device. Not where it was purchased
pcriz said:
The firmware is downloaded based on the sim in the device. Not where it was purchased
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So theoretically, I could purchase a VZW pixel XL never connect to WiFi or data, and get home insert a T-Mobile sim and check the "OEM unlocking" then unlock the bootloader via fastboot. Then once I've flashed recovery and pure Nexus or any other rom install my VZW sim and profit?
mattwheat said:
So theoretically, I could purchase a VZW pixel XL never connect to WiFi or data, and get home insert a T-Mobile sim and check the "OEM unlocking" then unlock the bootloader via fastboot. Then once I've flashed recovery and pure Nexus or any other rom install my VZW sim and profit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You still need to use the bootloader exploit before the firmware updates to 7.1.1, can't just unlock via fastboot like a play store model.
pcriz said:
You still need to use the bootloader exploit before the firmware updates to 7.1.1, can't just unlock via fastboot like a play store model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I bought the 128gig pixel XL. Didn't let the sales person activate it for me or turn it on. I got it home and pulled the Sim and started it up with no Sim or wifi. My luck the freaking lcd doesn't work. It responds to touch and the phone boots but the screen would not light up a bit. So I took it back and exchanged for another. ....did the same with the Sim and no wifi.... Booted and straight to "About Phone" and of course it's on 7.1.1 already. This is the first phone I've had in 5-6 years that wasn't rooted and bootloader unlocked. What makes it even worse is it's a Google branded phone. I can't believe Google allows VZW to lock it down like this.
mattwheat said:
Well I bought the 128gig pixel XL. Didn't let the sales person activate it for me or turn it on. I got it home and pulled the Sim and started it up with no Sim or wifi. My luck the freaking lcd doesn't work. It responds to touch and the phone boots but the screen would not light up a bit. So I took it back and exchanged for another. ....did the same with the Sim and no wifi.... Booted and straight to "About Phone" and of course it's on 7.1.1 already. This is the first phone I've had in 5-6 years that wasn't rooted and bootloader unlocked. What makes it even worse is it's a Google branded phone. I can't believe Google allows VZW to lock it down like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon isn't the only carrier to lock it down. Google has never been implicitly root friendly, also I'm sure a partner ship with verizon is to their benefit. Like getting their foot in the door to a wider market. The trade off is the bootloader.

Verizon Pixel Bootloader

Okay so I just got a replacement on my Verizon Google pixel and after everything was setup I noticed that in the developer options it gave me the option to unlock my Bootloader. I know the Verizon models are locked and after 7.1 the exploit was patched. I have all the Verizon bloatware so is this just a bug or is it possible? I turned off all automatic updates just in case so should I go ahead and try?
youtu.be/yYbhMk4fnLM
The0nlyboss said:
Okay so I just got a replacement on my Verizon Google pixel and after everything was setup I noticed that in the developer options it gave me the option to unlock my Bootloader. I know the Verizon models are locked and after 7.1 the exploit was patched. I have all the Verizon bloatware so is this just a bug or is it possible? I turned off all automatic updates just in case so should I go ahead and try?
youtu.be/yYbhMk4fnLM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to try unlocking your bootloader go for it. But there's not much benefit to unlocking your bootloader unless you plan to root or flash a custom rom or custom kernel or something. Simply unlocking the bootloader but otherwise staying fully stock will not allow your phone to pass safety net so you won't be able to use Android Pay. There have been a few other posts from Verizon customers where they got phones with the option to unlock the bootloader enabled so you probably just got lucky.
The0nlyboss said:
Okay so I just got a replacement on my Verizon Google pixel and after everything was setup I noticed that in the developer options it gave me the option to unlock my Bootloader. I know the Verizon models are locked and after 7.1 the exploit was patched. I have all the Verizon bloatware so is this just a bug or is it possible? I turned off all automatic updates just in case so should I go ahead and try?
youtu.be/yYbhMk4fnLM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it was shipped from Carol Stream, Illinois and if you pop in your SIM and the Verizon website calls it a non-VZW phone., then you got a Google Edition. Since OEM unlocking is not grayed out on yours, it's almost for certain a Google Edition. Same happened to me, the bloatware came when the Verizon SIM was inserted.
I agree with the above jhs39 post, though, only do it if you have a reason. I wanted the Pure Nexus ROM and ViPER4Android so I did it.
jhs39 said:
If you want to try unlocking your bootloader go for it. But there's not much benefit to unlocking your bootloader unless you plan to root or flash a custom rom or custom kernel or something. Simply unlocking the bootloader but otherwise staying fully stock will not allow your phone to pass safety net so you won't be able to use Android Pay. There have been a few other posts from Verizon customers where they got phones with the option to unlock the bootloader enabled so you probably just got lucky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the need for it unlocked now but is it possible that an update can remove the option as I do want to flash a rom in the future.
3aucla1r3 said:
If it was shipped from Carol Stream, Illinois and if you pop in your SIM and the Verizon website calls it a non-VZW phone., then you got a Google Edition. Since OEM unlocking is not grayed out on yours, it's almost for certain a Google Edition. Same happened to me, the bloatware came when the Verizon SIM was inserted.
I agree with the above jhs39 post, though, only do it if you have a reason. I wanted the Pure Nexus ROM and ViPER4Android so I did it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I see. It was shipped from that location and I checked the IMEI on Verizon's website and it says it's not capable for some reason so I'm guessing it's a GE.
The0nlyboss said:
Ah I see. It was shipped from that location and I checked the IMEI on Verizon's website and it says it's not capable for some reason so I'm guessing it's a GE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but it really is capable, just put the SIM in
If you plan on flashing custom in the future then I would unlock now so you don't have to lose all you're data later. Rather wipe while it's new and doesn't have months of data on it.
You never know when you might get screwed over by an update and or want to flash back a version.
I say unlock to give yourself a few more exit strategies should anything go wrong and if you decide to root and rom at some point later you aren't gonna wipe your device.
If you want to pass safety net for android pay you just need to flash a custom kernel.
The0nlyboss said:
I don't have the need for it unlocked now but is it possible that an update can remove the option as I do want to flash a rom in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true. But if you use Android Pay or any other apps that require safety net they will stop working unless you flash a custom kernel. If that doesn't matter to you then you should unlock the bootloader while you can.

Is the Verizon Pixel XL currently rootable?

I'm going to buy a Pixel XL soon, and while I can order from Google, Verizon would be cheaper for me. Is the Verizon version rootable right now?
ShadowTechXTS said:
I'm going to buy a Pixel XL soon, and while I can order from Google, Verizon would be cheaper for me. Is the Verizon version rootable right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are going to get it from Verizon make sure you find one that is still on version 7.1. Currently bootloader can only be unlocked on this firmware. What I did is go to the Verizon store and asked them to look at all of their inventory of pixels. Look at the side of the boxes with all the barcodes try to find one that shows NDE63X H, L,P, or V should work too as those were 7.1. It will most likely be difficult to find one so you might have to visit a few Verizon stores. If you are lucky enough to find one make sure you tell them that you want to put in the Sim yourself. Take the phone home turn on usb debugging and then run depixel8 after that throw the Sim in.
So if I get a pixel xl from google, I can root it then put it on Verizon? Sorry about jacking the thread but I don't see the answer anywhere.
plisskenn said:
So if I get a pixel xl from google, I can root it then put it on Verizon? Sorry about jacking the thread but I don't see the answer anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their bootloader is already unlocked so you can out the Verizon sim and boot up and you'll still be okay.
alobear said:
Their bootloader is already unlocked so you can out the Verizon sim and boot up and you'll still be okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any risk of re-locking it somehow? Or am I free to flash and fiddle away?
plisskenn said:
Is there any risk of re-locking it somehow? Or am I free to flash and fiddle away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From Google you're fine flash and fiddle away. If you get it from Verizon unless you're able to get a 7.1.1 firmware from oct-nov2016 you cannot unlock and root it.
alobear said:
From Google you're fine flash and fiddle away. If you get it from Verizon unless you're able to get a 7.1.1 firmware from oct-nov2016 you cannot unlock and root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great thank you
0hfrankieboy said:
If you are going to get it from Verizon make sure you find one that is still on version 7.1. Currently bootloader can only be unlocked on this firmware. What I did is go to the Verizon store and asked them to look at all of their inventory of pixels. Look at the side of the boxes with all the barcodes try to find one that shows NDE63X H, L,P, or V should work too as those were 7.1. It will most likely be difficult to find one so you might have to visit a few Verizon stores. If you are lucky enough to find one make sure you tell them that you want to put in the Sim yourself. Take the phone home turn on usb debugging and then run depixel8 after that throw the Sim in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a question, could I get a normal Pixel XL from Verizon and flash the NDE63X software with ADB?
ShadowTechXTS said:
I have a question, could I get a normal Pixel XL from Verizon and flash the NDE63X software with ADB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately you need an unlocked bootloader in order to flash older firmware.

OnePlus 7T T-Mobile to International

Hi guys.
I just bought 7T from OnePlus website for T-Mobile version and it's paid off full. Is it able to flash international version?
Gnahznuy said:
Hi guys.
I just bought 7T from OnePlus website for T-Mobile version and it's paid off full. Is it able to flash international version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to have it active on TMobile in order to request a sim unlock
Gnahznuy said:
Hi guys.
I just bought 7T from OnePlus website for T-Mobile version and it's paid off full. Is it able to flash international version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you just try to search yourself and find this guide.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7t/how-to/guide-t-mobile-brand-conversion-to-t4019495
R800x_user said:
You have to have it active on TMobile in order to request a sim unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. My device has been unlocked by TMobile and currently waiting for OnePlus to unlock the bootloader, for what I know it will take 7 days.
Gnahznuy said:
Yes. My device has been unlocked by TMobile and currently waiting for OnePlus to unlock the bootloader, for what I know it will take 7 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, have fun with your device ?
R800x_user said:
Nice, have fun with your device ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I would like to know after unlocked the bootloader and what should I do? I wanna install to golbal version and I heard it able to use dul sim after it.
Gnahznuy said:
But I would like to know after unlocked the bootloader and what should I do? I wanna install to golbal version and I heard it able to use dul sim after it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use fastboot rom from the guide section and flash that in fastbootd. its pretty easy to do. my 7t used to be on global but i returned to tmobile stock rom just for the google feed on the left instead of shelf. Before asking questions, just read a couple of pages back to avoid spamming the same questions others have had.
R800x_user said:
you can use fastboot rom from the guide section and flash that in fastbootd. its pretty easy to do. my 7t used to be on global but i returned to tmobile stock rom just for the google feed on the left instead of shelf. Before asking questions, just read a couple of pages back to avoid spamming the same questions others have had.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should I back up some files in case some issues happen? Such as finger print doesn't work when the bootloader relocked? Because of I saw in other some pages in OnePlus 8 series.
Gnahznuy said:
Should I back up some files in case some issues happen? Such as finger print doesn't work when the bootloader relocked? Because of I saw in other some pages in OnePlus 8 series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i mean i havent backed up anything in relation to persist since ive also seen how to the fingerprint scanner is affected on the oneplus 8. i have relocked my bootloader on my 7t and the only thing not working is ota. i have no other issues besides that. fingerprint works fine after custom rom flashing and switching between global and tmobile stock rom. so id say you are fine since the msmtool does restore everything on the 7t. if you care about widevine level it'll return to stock if you go back to the locked bootloader state. also never re lock the bootloader when running anything custom to avoid issues(brick/bootloop).
R800x_user said:
i mean i havent backed up anything in relation to persist since ive also seen how to the fingerprint scanner is affected on the oneplus 8. i have relocked my bootloader on my 7t and the only thing not working is ota. i have no other issues besides that. fingerprint works fine after custom rom flashing and switching between global and tmobile stock rom. so id say you are fine since the msmtool does restore everything on the 7t. if you care about widevine level it'll return to stock if you go back to the locked bootloader state. also never re lock the bootloader when running anything custom to avoid issues(brick/bootloop).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got problem today, but I'm not sure what's going on. I got my sim card in oneplus 7T and the device has been unlocked, the reason I said unlocked because of advance option show this device has been unlocked and able to use any of carriers, but there's no signal at all in my device. I switched the sim card to other phone and it's working, so I put my friend's sim card in oneplus 7T and it's working. Now I don't real understand why it's not working. When I got home and the device is working again.
Do you know anything about it?
Gnahznuy said:
I got problem today, but I'm not sure what's going on. I got my sim card in oneplus 7T and the device has been unlocked, the reason I said unlocked because of advance option show this device has been unlocked and able to use any of carriers, but there's no signal at all in my device. I switched the sim card to other phone and it's working, so I put my friend's sim card in oneplus 7T and it's working. Now I don't real understand why it's not working. When I got home and the device is working again.
Do you know anything about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you checked the apn settings?
R800x_user said:
Have you checked the apn settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I checked. This problem when I got home is solved, so I was thinking might be there's problem with signal at company but when I use my sim card in other phone from my friend, it doesn't have any problem.

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