Pixel XL 2: Unlocked and Verizon Variants in Google Store - Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers

This may be premature since the phones haven't shipped yet but when I go to order the phone on Google's website they give an option for a Verizon version with a sim card or an unlocked version. If both phones are the same except one has a locked bootloader then why bother to do this? Why not let Verizon sell their own variant with a locked bootloader? Are there any disadvantages or missing features when using the unlocked version on Verizon???
If both phones were the same and acted the same when on Verizon then I'd be royally pissed if I bought the Verizon pixel from Google's site only to find it had a locked bootloader. I'll bet that a lot of people will buy the Verizon version from the Google store thinking that the bootloader can still be unlocked because they bought it from Google and not at the Verizon store. I'm surprised more people aren't discussing this and warning others. In the past if you bought a gen. 1 pixel from the Google store it was guaranteed to be unlockable but now it doesn't seem to be the case and Verizon probably convinced Google to con purchasers into doing this since they get such a hard-on about locking bootloaders.
Now if the unlocked version doesn't work the same on the Verizon network (I.e. Volte does not work or signal strength isn't as good then I don't feel too bad about Google selling both variants directly from their store.
Thoughts??

I don't believe the Gen 1 Verizon pixel was ever intended to have an unlockable bootloader.

No it wasn't but there was no way to purchase a Verizon Gen 1 pixel from Google like there is for the Gen 2. If you wanted an unlocked bootloader you just bought the only pixel offered on the Google store. Now there is two options from the same store. I'm just worried that people will get the Verizon version from the Google store (not Verizon store) thinking that it's unlocked because they bought it from Google, not Verizon.
Do both phones (Verizon and unlocked versions) operate on the same bands with same features when activated on Verizon network?

The option for the version states that a SIM is included. My only guess is that they toss a SIM card in the box for you if you select Verizon.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I was wondering the same thing, I plan on activating on Verizon when I receive my unlocked XL 2. But decided to buy the unlocked version just in case there was something stupid like a locked down bootloader or something weird.

I ordered mine so fast I'm worried I selected the Verizon version by accident. In order status it shows nothing about whether you ordered the unlocked or the Verizon version. Can someone that ordered a Verizon version check and see if their order status says Verizon or anything? Mine just says Pixel 2 XL (128 GB, Just Black). No mention of unlocked or Verizon anywhere.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

sabbotage said:
I ordered mine so fast I'm worried I selected the Verizon version by accident. In order status it shows nothing about whether you ordered the unlocked or the Verizon version. Can someone that ordered a Verizon version check and see if their order status says Verizon or anything? Mine just says Pixel 2 XL (128 GB, Just Black). No mention of unlocked or Verizon anywhere.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go in and reorder it, I switched from a Panda Verizon XL 2 128gb that was gonna get delivered Nov7-9th to just black 128gb xl 2 unlocked which said Oct 25th. The shipping dates havent really changed much.

sabbotage said:
I ordered mine so fast I'm worried I selected the Verizon version by accident. In order status it shows nothing about whether you ordered the unlocked or the Verizon version. Can someone that ordered a Verizon version check and see if their order status says Verizon or anything? Mine just says Pixel 2 XL (128 GB, Just Black). No mention of unlocked or Verizon anywhere.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me: no mention of Unlocked or Verizon on order acknowledgment...
If you are unsure, the advice to cancel and reorder is good, just with penalty of
later shipping.

I ordered mine while *slightly inebriated" last night. This morning I simply canceled my order and reordered it while 100% sober so that I knew 100% that I ordered an unlocked version and not the Verizon model. The order history didn't state unlocked or Verizon so I just wasn't sure... You can't be too sure of these types of things lol =)

Thanks for the post. I made the mistake of ordering the Verizon version. It does say this in the description on the order confirmation. Reordered and delivery date was reduced to October 27 from Nov 20.
(64 GB, Just Black, Verizon SIM-enabled
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

It would be the first time for me to order a google (pixel) phone.
Im am from Germany, will the pixel from "Deutsche Telekom" (T-Mobile) be different than the one straight from the google store? :/
@EDIT: Asked the Support from Telekom Deutschland and tehy told me, that there isnt a difference between the Telekom Device and the Google Store Device in relation to Bootloader, updates or bloatware.

Can anyone verify if the unlocked version works the same as the Verizon version when on the Verizon network? Does volte and vvm work the same? Does the unlocked version have access to the same cell towers and lte bands? Or does Verizon cripple some features on the unlocked variant?

mattd860 said:
Can anyone verify if the unlocked version works the same as the Verizon version when on the Verizon network? Does volte and vvm work the same? Does the unlocked version have access to the same cell towers and lte bands? Or does Verizon cripple some features on the unlocked variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the old Pixel XL it worked the same on either model. I had an unlocked Pixel XL and a Verizon Pixel and they both worked the same with features. VoLTE and VVM both worked fine. The only difference was the unlocked model showed as "other" Pixel device with a generic picture in my Verizon account and the Verizon pixel showed as "Verizon Pixel" with an actual picture of the phone.
---------- Post added at 08:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 AM ----------
greencat2 said:
Thanks for the post. I made the mistake of ordering the Verizon version. It does say this in the description on the order confirmation. Reordered and delivery date was reduced to October 27 from Nov 20.
(64 GB, Just Black, Verizon SIM-enabled
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming. I think I'm ok then since it looks like the Verizon version actually states it in the order status.

sabbotage said:
On the old Pixel XL it worked the same on either model. I had an unlocked Pixel XL and a Verizon Pixel and they both worked the same with features. VoLTE and VVM both worked fine. The only difference was the unlocked model showed as "other" Pixel device with a generic picture in my Verizon account and the Verizon pixel showed as "Verizon Pixel" with an actual picture of the phone.
---------- Post added at 08:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 AM ----------
Thanks for confirming. I think I'm ok then since it looks like the Verizon version actually states it in the order status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would this also apply if you order the Pixel 2 XL from Verizon directly?

This is happening exactly as I predicted. People are being duped into buying the Verizon pixel 2 from the Google store thinking that the bootloader can be unlocked because they purchased from the Google store instead of the Verizon store.

mattd860 said:
This is happening exactly as I predicted. People are being duped into buying the Verizon pixel 2 from the Google store thinking that the bootloader can be unlocked because they purchased from the Google store instead of the Verizon store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can get the Verizon version directly from them through my work for $350, that is why I was wondering.

Can someone who ordered the Verizon Pixel show a snippet of the confirmation page?

If VZW version is the same as the unlocked one, and Google is simply throwing in the SIM card, insert the VZW SIM card after turn on the phone and unlock the bootloader.

Google Customer service confirmed to me on the phone that bootloader for Verizon version is locked but should get OS and security patch updates directly from Google if bought from Google Store. He wasn't sure about OS updates if phone is bought from Verizon.

nomifm said:
Google Customer service confirmed to me on the phone that bootloader for Verizon version is locked but should get OS and security patch updates directly from Google if bought from Google Store. He wasn't sure about OS updates if phone is bought from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well last year was the Pixel different when ordering directly from Verizon with updates?
The boot loader unlocked really is not necessary in my case because I would be happy just to be on stock Android with regular updates.

Related

Pixel from USA in Poland

Hello guys. I want to buy new Pixel 2 XL, and best offer I have found is brand new from USA. Price is much lower then in regular polish shops, so I want to ask, is there any possibility that the phone will not work right in Poland? Maybe some options will be locked? Or there will be problem with updates?
I have Samsung Galaxy Note 4 from USA now and I can't update it cause it's from AT&T (worst mistake i could do), and I don't want to be dissapointed again.
Also, second thing, is the screen really that bad as they write in reviews? How is it compared to Galaxy Note 4, worse? There are so many mixed reviews, some praise the screen, some say that it is crap. Are there different versions of this phone or what?
Thank you very much for help.
pixel updates are not regulated by carrier, however make sure the bands supported on the american pixel are same as the bands used in poland. as far as i know america uses different bands compared to europe and rest of the world.
some screens are worse than others, but there is now way of confirming as some people with newer batches have also had complaints with the screen. and if pixel is not officially available in your country, you wont be able to rma also and i'm not sure how the warranty would work there in poland.
I would think as long as it's an unlocked USA phone and not from Verizon it should be fine if your country's bands are listed.
As for the screen, the blue shift and black crushing is there but it's not that bad. My wife had the Note 4 and it was a good screen for the time of release but I would say it's worse than that.
waxjan said:
Hello guys. I want to buy new Pixel 2 XL, and best offer I have found is brand new from USA. Price is much lower then in regular polish shops, so I want to ask, is there any possibility that the phone will not work right in Poland? Maybe some options will be locked? Or there will be problem with updates?
I have Samsung Galaxy Note 4 from USA now and I can't update it cause it's from AT&T (worst mistake i could do), and I don't want to be dissapointed again.
Also, second thing, is the screen really that bad as they write in reviews? How is it compared to Galaxy Note 4, worse? There are so many mixed reviews, some praise the screen, some say that it is crap. Are there different versions of this phone or what?
Thank you very much for help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Ok, seller says that it works in Poland. I just make sure that it is not from Verizon.
About screen, if it is better than Note 4, than it is just fine for me. I've made my decision, I will be Pixel 2 XL owner thank you very much for help.
Hey there! Neighbor here, I'm Lithuanian. 3 days ago I bought mine from USA as well. Works fine, just buy a USA to EU charger adapter beforehand
By the way, switched from Note 4. Screen is a bit more dull compared to Note 4 but I kinda dig it and you can always use Saturated mode, so that's not a problem.
Also, camera, I'm shooting everything everywhere, can't get enough of it.
waxjan said:
Ok, seller says that it works in Poland. I just make sure that it is not from Verizon.
About screen, if it is better than Note 4, than it is just fine for me. I've made my decision, I will be Pixel 2 XL owner thank you very much for help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why Verizon one is not recommended?
Pixel 2 XL| Tapatalk
If you want to unlock the bootloader one day, you can't with Verizon. If that doesn't matter, then go ahead. The Verizon phone will work with the same SIM cards the carrier free US one does.
mniedziel said:
Why Verizon one is not recommended?
Pixel 2 XL| Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
mniedziel said:
Why Verizon one is not recommended?
Pixel 2 XL| Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's because phones sold by carriers are locked to only that carrier. If you were to get the one from Verizon and put in your SIM card you'd get something like "Invalid SIM". Phones can be unlocked but Verizon would have to give you the needed info.
---------- Post added at 02:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------
nikhil.agrawal said:
pixel updates are not regulated by carrier, however make sure the bands supported on the american pixel are same as the bands used in poland. as far as i know america uses different bands compared to europe and rest of the world.
some screens are worse than others, but there is now way of confirming as some people with newer batches have also had complaints with the screen. and if pixel is not officially available in your country, you wont be able to rma also and i'm not sure how the warranty would work there in poland.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "American" Pixel 2. It's the same phone sold everywhere. Either the phone supports the bands used in Poland or it doesn't. The original post did say the phone is sold in stores in Poland so I'm guessing the Pixel 2 supports bands used in Poland or stores wouldn't sell it.
jimv1983 said:
It's because phones sold by carriers are locked to only that carrier. If you were to get the one from Verizon and put in your SIM card you'd get something like "Invalid SIM". Phones can be unlocked but Verizon would have to give you the needed info.
---------- Post added at 02:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------
There is no "American" Pixel 2. It's the same phone sold everywhere. Either the phone supports the bands used in Poland or it doesn't. The original post did say the phone is sold in stores in Poland so I'm guessing the Pixel 2 supports bands used in Poland or stores wouldn't sell it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, my bad. I totally missed how the new phones support all bands. The band thing I said earlier used to be a thing of past. A few years back American phones didn't used to work in India or other countries due to the bands supported in states were different.
jimv1983 said:
It's because phones sold by carriers are locked to only that carrier. If you were to get the one from Verizon and put in your SIM card you'd get something like "Invalid SIM". Phones can be unlocked but Verizon would have to give you the needed info.
---------- Post added at 02:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 AM ----------
There is no "American" Pixel 2. It's the same phone sold everywhere. Either the phone supports the bands used in Poland or it doesn't. The original post did say the phone is sold in stores in Poland so I'm guessing the Pixel 2 supports bands used in Poland or stores wouldn't sell it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon LTE phones are carrier unlocked from the get go.
fiffan86 said:
Verizon LTE phones are carrier unlocked from the get go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's true it's a very recent change. A co-worker of mine is on T-Mobile. He bought a used Pixel XL last November. He tried to put in his T-Mobile SIM card and it didn't work. He discovered that it was originally bought from Verizon. He put in a family member's Verizon SIM card and it worked fine.
I've also never heard of ANY carrier selling a phone that is carrier unlocked.
jimv1983 said:
If that's true it's a very recent change. A co-worker of mine is on T-Mobile. He bought a used Pixel XL last November. He tried to put in his T-Mobile SIM card and it didn't work. He discovered that it was originally bought from Verizon. He put in a family member's Verizon SIM card and it worked fine.
I've also never heard of ANY carrier selling a phone that is carrier unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon has had to sell LTE phones unlocked since their won the 700 mhz block c in 2008. They are actually about to lock the new ones down this year. I bought a pixel XL in Nov 2016 and switched to TMobile in June 2017 and didn't have a single issue. I know have a pixel 2 xl on TMobile with no issues. Interesting that he had issues with it.
https://www.droid-life.com/2017/10/09/which-google-pixel-2-verizon-or-unlocked/
Start reading at "Both versions work everywhere"
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
EeZeEpEe said:
https://www.droid-life.com/2017/10/09/which-google-pixel-2-verizon-or-unlocked/
Start reading at "Both versions work everywhere"
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange. I only have the experience of one single phone so I can't really make a general statement. All I can say is that for that one phone what is said in that Droid Life article isn't true. The phone worked with a Verizon SIM but not a T-Mobile SIM. If the phone was unlocked then maybe something else could cause that?
The reason not to get a Verizon P2XL is they lock the bootloader so it can't be rooted. As noted above they don't SIM lock devices, and haven't done so for years. Prepaid may be the exception to that, but I stay away from Verizon.
fiffan86 said:
Verizon has had to sell LTE phones unlocked since their won the 700 mhz block c in 2008. They are actually about to lock the new ones down this year. I bought a pixel XL in Nov 2016 and switched to TMobile in June 2017 and didn't have a single issue. I know have a pixel 2 xl on TMobile with no issues. Interesting that he had issues with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say "They are actually about to lock the new ones down this year."
What do you mean? There is a policy change on SIM locking?
Edit: Found my own answer.
https://www.cnet.com/news/verizon-will-lock-its-smartphones-to-combat-theft/
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
The reason not to get a Verizon P2XL is they lock the bootloader so it can't be rooted. As noted above they don't SIM lock devices, and haven't done so for years. Prepaid may be the exception to that, but I stay away from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that is universally true. As I said in a previous comment the original Pixel XL, or at least one of them, was locked to Verizon. Did Verizon sell the Pixel XL as a prepaid phone? Maybe the Verizon Pixel XL my co-worker bought was originally sold as a prepaid device and that's why it was locked?
Maybe. I don't know and don't care to know as I don't do silly crap like buy Verizon or AT&T devices.
jimv1983 said:
I don't think that is universally true. As I said in a previous comment the original Pixel XL, or at least one of them, was locked to Verizon. Did Verizon sell the Pixel XL as a prepaid phone? Maybe the Verizon Pixel XL my co-worker bought was originally sold as a prepaid device and that's why it was locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google locks them all, theirs and VZs when they are first sold.. When they first start up they phone home and check a database on a server at Google to see if it has permission to unlock.
On the OG Pixel and OG XL there were quite a few errors in that system and VZ phones got permission to unlock. Still happens on the 2's but not as often.
That's it, a simple error in a database at Google.
TonikJDK said:
Google locks them all, theirs and VZs when they are first sold.. When they first start up they phone home and check a database on a server at Google to see if it has permission to unlock.
On the OG Pixel and OG XL there were quite a few errors in that system and VZ phones got permission to unlock. Still happens on the 2's but not as often.
That's it, a simple error in a database at Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that would cause a used Pixel XL that was already used on Verizon to work for ONLY Verizon but not for any other carrier? So when it was first activated on Verizon it was only unlocked for Verizon?

Do I have Verizon's Pixel XL?

Hello folks,
I am sorry for adding one more question to this dilemma?
I just got a refurb Pixel XL from ebay. I specifically told the seller that I am looking for a google version and not verizon but it seems, they sent me Verizon version as OEM Unlocking is grayed out in Developer options. Is that the only test there is to figure out if its Verizon or Unlocked google phone?
One of the threads linked http://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html but it doesn't recognize IMEI of the phone I received.
Finally, I found this thread, https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 Can these instructions be used for a Verizon device running Android Pie/9.0? If yes, I will keep the device as its in pristine condition.
Thanks in advance, for all helpful comments.
You can unlock the bootloader on Verizon yes.
fuzzychicken said:
Hello folks,
I am sorry for adding one more question to this dilemma?
I just got a refurb Pixel XL from ebay. I specifically told the seller that I am looking for a google version and not verizon but it seems, they sent me Verizon version as OEM Unlocking is grayed out in Developer options. Is that the only test there is to figure out if its Verizon or Unlocked google phone?
One of the threads linked http://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html but it doesn't recognize IMEI of the phone I received.
Finally, I found this thread, https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 Can these instructions be used for a Verizon device running Android Pie/9.0? If yes, I will keep the device as its in pristine condition.
Thanks in advance, for all helpful comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually bought an XL off eBay and sent it back as it was a Verizon, confirmed with a Google rep, and didn't know I could unlock the bootloader.
I bought another one and it was also a Verizon, but I did follow the guide after updating to Pie and it still works great. Now I'm fully rooted nad bootloader is unlocked.
Would unlocking the bootloader on a Verizon version essentially make it a normal Google Pixel XL? Any other differences? I want to use a Verizon Pixel for AT&T.
bobjohnson1221 said:
Would unlocking the bootloader on a Verizon version essentially make it a normal Google Pixel XL? Any other differences? I want to use a Verizon Pixel for AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No device difference. You would just use a GSM SIM for AT&T of course.
I just bought a pixel xl of 128gb, what is the exact way to know if it is a verizon version?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
So if I'm shopping for a used Pixel XL, how can I tell with models have an unlockable bootloader?
I had previously read that only Play Store editions are unlockable, so I was surprised to see this thread say Verizon is unlockable.
Th3DaRk_Vampire said:
I just bought a pixel xl of 128gb, what is the exact way to know if it is a verizon version?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To see if your phone is Verizon, go here ( https://www.verizonwireless.com/od/prepaid/bring-your-own-device/?imei=352630085164358#/checkDevice) and enter your IMEI. You'll get one of two responses:
If it's a Verizon phone, it will say "Awesome, your Google Pixel XL, Phone by Google is a perfect match for our network.."
If it's not Verizon, it will say "Awesome, your Google PIXEL XL NON-VZW is a perfect match for our network."

If I buy refurbished Verizon Pixel 2 XL will it be sim locked?

I plan to buy a good price refurb pixel 2 xl from ebay. Just googled and found back-and-forth sim lock policy about Verizon phone (saw that from some time in 2018, they sim locked all phone and require staying on the network for some amount of days but doesnt apply to Pixel3???).
I know that Pixel2 XL was not affected when it first came out, but im not sure if this policy has been applied backwardly to unsold device in-stock or not.
I believe it has to do with which Android version and which bootloader the device is running.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
romeokk said:
I plan to buy a good price refurb pixel 2 xl from ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's a Verizon P2XL, unless you don't care about root or customization it's best to stay away. Verizon models have a locked bootloader and no one has yet been able to bypass the bootloader lock.
Confirm with the seller which P2XL this is before taking the plunge.
I'm not sure how it happened for me but I bought my 2XL October of 2017 and I could unlock the bootloader via OEM Unlocking. I got it from a Verizon store. Not sure how that is possible but it worked. Everything I've read says they're locked though
ird0 said:
I'm not sure how it happened for me but I bought my 2XL October of 2017 and I could unlock the bootloader via OEM Unlocking. I got it from a Verizon store. Not sure how that is possible but it worked. Everything I've read says they're locked though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plain and simple.....you got lucky and likely got a google variant phone by mistake. Just be thankful
No it will be Sim unlocked but will be bootloader locked which won't affect your ability to use the phone on another GSM carrier.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Pixel 3 xl verizon version

I was wondering how to tell from an unopened box what version a pixel 3 xl is? Is the model number different? From searching on Google I only see G013C mentioned but it's not clear if that's a designation for either the play store or Verizon version
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for. If you by it directly from Verizon, the phone will locked. If you buy it from google, you can get an unlocked verizon version and insert the verizon sim card. That is the version I bought for my wife.
jlokos said:
I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for. If you by it directly from Verizon, the phone will locked. If you buy it from google, you can get an unlocked verizon version and insert the verizon sim card. That is the version I bought for my wife.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless he's buying it online and the seller is saying it's a Google version and wants confirmation.
Just got my unlocked pixel 3 xl just black 128gb from the google store and it has a sku of GA00472-US. However the same phone from verizon has a sku of GA00478-US. So they are different. You can get the skus on verizons site, and by googling the different models as if you were buying them.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
samklee said:
I was wondering how to tell from an unopened box what version a pixel 3 xl is? Is the model number different? From searching on Google I only see G013C mentioned but it's not clear if that's a designation for either the play store or Verizon version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can get the IMEI number you can run it through this Verizon Website and it will return whether the device is VRZ or Non-VRZ
cmlusco said:
Just got my unlocked pixel 3 xl just black 128gb from the google store and it has a sku of GA00472-US. However the same phone from verizon has a sku of GA00478-US. So they are different. You can get the skus on verizons site, and by googling the different models as if you were buying them.
This is very helpful information as good searches have come up almost completely empty for me. I'm trying to find a used or refreshed google store variant and it seems impossible to find the info from the sellers. they all list the same model number as being GA00475-US. some advertise it as a Verizon unlocked phone, and some as a GSM unlocked phone. I'm looking for the 64GB version in black but they all just list the same aforementioned model number regardless. only info I'm finding is from best buy with that 475 number also listing it as a version unlocked phone. So I have no clue what I'm getting basically.
google runs a solid game... If anyone can offer further incite to me or feature searchers that would be much appreciated. what is the GA00475-US model number, is it just the 64GB version, and how can we be sure we're avoiding the Verizon garbage?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
samklee said:
I was wondering how to tell from an unopened box what version a pixel 3 xl is? Is the model number different? From searching on Google I only see G013C mentioned but it's not clear if that's a designation for either the play store or Verizon version. Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe this post will help? The unopened box clearly states the IMEI. I would insist on knowing that IMEI anyway before purchase in order to check it is not blacklisted in the U.S.
If the imei starts with 35 it's Verizon and 99 it's Google. Also Verizon models will have a Sim Id or iccid and the Google model will have the EID or esim id
It's different now my IMEI starts with 99 and it's not only bootloader locked it's network locked to sprint.... i used this 99 IMEI thing to buy a pixel 3 xl from a third party and ya fool me once shame on me? Fool me twice ...... Ya
well it sucks to be me I bought a verizon 3 xl. damb! i thought for sure someone had figured out an exploit by now

Pixel 3a XL - Bestbuy bootloader Unlocked?

Hi,
Anyone with the Best-buy Unlocked version can confirm if the bootloader is Unlocked? Perviously only the Verizon version was available with Bootloader locked, now with this models looks like all the devices will be bootloader unlockeable.
Thanks,
I guess a better question would be what pixel 3a XL have an unlocked bootloader? I am interested in buying one from t-mobile. I would assume the one sold at the google store has an unlocked bootloader.
Thanks for any information.
alphahere said:
I guess a better question would be what pixel 3a XL have an unlocked bootloader? I am interested in buying one from t-mobile. I would assume the one sold at the google store has an unlocked bootloader.
Thanks for any information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the unlocked Pixel 3a XL at Best Buy today. The OEM unlock toggle in developer options is not greyed out. The bootloader is unlockable....
droidnew said:
I bought the unlocked Pixel 3a XL at Best Buy today. The OEM unlock toggle in developer options is not greyed out. The bootloader is unlockable....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Sr.
alphahere said:
I guess a better question would be what pixel 3a XL have an unlocked bootloader? I am interested in buying one from t-mobile. I would assume the one sold at the google store has an unlocked bootloader.
Thanks for any information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Per google all pixels are sold at carriers, except Verizon, are the same exact one sold from google store. They only include a sim for the carrier. Meaning they are sim unlocked, bootloader unlockable et ESIM ready. Verizon even on Pixel 3a had the ESIM removed or disabled. again. Do not buy from Verizon.
Best buy Unlocked, B&H video....are OK I will find out as soon as I pick mine from tmobile and will update this post.
nashi20002003 said:
Per google all pixels are sold at carriers, except Verizon, are the same exact one sold from google store. They only include a sim for the carrier. Meaning they are sim unlocked, bootloader unlockable et ESIM ready. Verizon even on Pixel 3a had the ESIM removed or disabled. again. Do not buy from Verizon.
Best buy Unlocked, B&H video....are OK I will find out as soon as I pick mine from tmobile and will update this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do. I'm anxious to pull the trigger today on a couple of Pixels from T-Mobile but won't if the bootloader is locked.
I purchased the 3a XL at Best Buy and was able to unlock the bootloader. Works fine on T-Mobile. Plus, BB gave me a $100 gift card with the purchase.
Phariex said:
Hi,
Anyone with the Best-buy Unlocked version can confirm if the bootloader is Unlocked? Perviously only the Verizon version was available with Bootloader locked, now with this models looks like all the devices will be bootloader unlockeable.
Thanks,
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Yes it's unlock-able just buy the carrier unlocked model not the Verizon one. Best Buy now sells all 4 models in the unlocked version.
TechOut said:
Yes it's unlock-able just buy the carrier unlocked model not the Verizon one. Best Buy now sells all 4 models in the unlocked version.
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Also... Verizon Wi-Fi calling is working on my unlocked 3a XL. Just FYI stuff
droidnew said:
Also... Verizon Wi-Fi calling is working on my unlocked 3a XL. Just FYI stuff
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Each carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint) all have a Pixel variant now so as long as the carrier supports Wi-Fi calling on a BYOD phone it should work for the major carriers.
I'm wondering if the AT&t T-Mobile Sprint very in school out for bootloader unlock or if they're going the same way as Verizon with it not being unlockable I prefer just to buy it from the Google store and get the unlocked one but Best buy has it for $100 cheaper if you activate it through them Even the unlocked one so I don't know how that works.
I have the Tmo one. I see that damn unlock app in my drawer and sure enough, it's locked to the network. :/
nashi20002003 said:
Per google all pixels are sold at carriers, except Verizon, are the same exact one sold from google store. They only include a sim for the carrier. Meaning they are sim unlocked, bootloader unlockable et ESIM ready. Verizon even on Pixel 3a had the ESIM removed or disabled. again. Do not buy from Verizon.
Best buy Unlocked, B&H video....are OK I will find out as soon as I pick mine from tmobile and will update this post.
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I just asked B&H about their listing and according to the B&H rep.. LTE Band 71 is missing on the B&H model. Does not make sense but that is what they told me and it is on the question and answer page. So if you are going to use T-Mobile avoid this model.
---------- Post added at 12:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:47 PM ----------
CHH2 said:
I have the Tmo one. I see that damn unlock app in my drawer and sure enough, it's locked to the network. :/
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That it for me, I need a unlocked phone. Thanks! I am going to get the bestbuy version. Is the bootloader unlockable on the t-mobile version?
alphahere said:
I just asked B&H about their listing and according to the B&H rep.. LTE Band 71 is missing on the B&H model. Does not make sense but that is what they told me and it is on the question and answer page. So if you are going to use T-Mobile avoid this model.
---------- Post added at 12:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:47 PM ----------
That it for me, I need a unlocked phone. Thanks! I am going to get the bestbuy version. Is the bootloader unlockable on the t-mobile version?
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The specs over on the Google store site says that band 71 is there. And I have no idea if the bootloader in unlockable? How do I check?
GokuSSJgod said:
I'm wondering if the AT&t T-Mobile Sprint very in school out for bootloader unlock or if they're going the same way as Verizon with it not being unlockable I prefer just to buy it from the Google store and get the unlocked one but Best buy has it for $100 cheaper if you activate it through them Even the unlocked one so I don't know how that works.
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That would be a BB gift card. Google Store has the same $100 credit for the Google Store so I don't think that I'd say it was $100 cheaper at BB.
bobby janow said:
That would be a BB gift card. Google Store has the same $100 credit for the Google Store so I don't think that I'd say it was $100 cheaper at BB.
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My main query was about the bootloader status if it's going to be like Verizon on the other carriers or if it's going to be like the unlocked from Google Which Best buy selling and yeah.
GokuSSJgod said:
My main query was about the bootloader status if it's going to be like Verizon on the other carriers or if it's going to be like the unlocked from Google Which Best buy selling and yeah.
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Yes, I know that. I think that has been answered in that only the Verizon model will be bl locked. But I'd still like to see a few more confirmations of it.
CHH2 said:
The specs over on the Google store site says that band 71 is there. And I have no idea if the bootloader in unlockable? How do I check?
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https://www.techmesto.com/how-to-check-android-bootloader-lock-status-from-fastboot/
bobby janow said:
Yes, I know that. I think that has been answered in that only the Verizon model will be bl locked. But I'd still like to see a few more confirmations of it.
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Of course the Verizon is locked. I'm wondering if someone can answer the variants for T-Mobile, Sprint and at&t. Unless those models are just the Google store unlocked models which would be amazing!
CHH2 said:
I have the Tmo one. I see that damn unlock app in my drawer and sure enough, it's locked to the network. :/
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But is the allow oem Unlocking toggle in dev options grayed out?

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