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Anyone unlock one of these? I seem to remember reading somewhere a few months back Bell (who now owns virgin) saying they will never unlock it.
However I see that there are "WWE" branded unlocks for my version, wtf?
Here is the url of the exact phone I have - http://www.virginmobile.ca/en/phones/phone-details.html?model=HTCWILD&colour=White
Please no "I unlocked my DerpCellular wfs, you can too!!" stupidity that most of these threads digress into, either you have the exact phone or not. Anyone who lives in Canada and deals with Bell will understand why this needs to be asked
Hey, another virgin canada user.
i have that exact phone (same colour too) with virgin. Mine unlocked just fine via the htcdev unlock. You just need to select the "Bell Mobility WWE" RUU when unlocking it.
unlocked and rooted. bye bye useless bell apps.
be sure to notice that the unlock does a factory reset. back your stuff (contacts!) up before you start on it.
So when you say unlocked using the DEV tool, does that mean its network and sim unlocked? Also just curious, I have a Bell SIM card, can I use this in this phone without unlocking the network/sim?
jhong88 said:
So when you say unlocked using the DEV tool, does that mean its network and sim unlocked? Also just curious, I have a Bell SIM card, can I use this in this phone without unlocking the network/sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, the htcdev bit only unlocks the bootloader. the sim lock and all the other bits of s-on remain in place. you'll need an xtc clip or an unlock code if you want the ditch the network shackles.
as for the virgin->bell, no idea. there seems to be conflicting information on whether bell/virgin sims are interchangeable or not. some people report it works, other report it doesn't.
compro01 said:
Hey, another virgin canada user.
i have that exact phone (same colour too) with virgin. Mine unlocked just fine via the htcdev unlock. You just need to select the "Bell Mobility WWE" RUU when unlocking it.
unlocked and rooted. bye bye useless bell apps.
be sure to notice that the unlock does a factory reset. back your stuff (contacts!) up before you start on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent, I was NOT expecting to be able to do this.
And now for a stupid question, what is a good way to back everything up for a quick reinstall?
AFAIK, There isn't one really, other than exporting your contacts and writing down all your apps names, as all the real useful backup methods require root.
OTOH, unless you like customizing extensively, it should only take a day or two to get things back to normal.
sent from my rooted wildfire s
I bought the T889 on release to unlock and use on straight talk, with the straight talk AT&T micro sim. (I'm not cutting down a straight talk T-mobile sim) I rooted my phone using these steps. (galaxynote2root.com/galaxy-note-2-root/how-to-root-galaxy-note-2-easiest-method/) ((I'm too new to post links)) The phone rooted like a charm. I tried a sim unlock app that needed root to use, but apparently the app only works with certain chipsets. Contacted support for the sim unlock app and they told me I'd have to pay a service to unlock the phone for me. T-mobile only gives you the unlock if you've been a customer for over 60 days. Playing with the CWM I was able to unroot the phone. I am unable to figure out how to get rid of CWM to have the phone get OTA updates. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Mr. or Mrs. moderator, I apologize if i put this in the wrong place, I'm new to the forum scene.
This is interesting.
Does this mean I can take my note 2 and unlock it, then give it to my cousin on at&t and she can use Lte?
konceptz said:
This is interesting.
Does this mean I can take my note 2 and unlock it, then give it to my cousin on at&t and she can use Lte?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my understanding is that the t-mobile version was made with LTE locked, but I'm clearly not an expert. I've read that the phone includes the radio to pick up LTE bands, but that you would have to do something to unlock the feature. However, the phone should work exactly the same as it would on T-mobile, with no other changes, aside from unlocking the sim.
bigg6987 said:
my understanding is that the t-mobile version was made with LTE locked, but I'm clearly not an expert. I've read that the phone includes the radio to pick up LTE bands, but that you would have to do something to unlock the feature. However, the phone should work exactly the same as it would on T-mobile, with no other changes, aside from unlocking the sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does have a radio for the LTE bands. It is locked upon purchase. I am not certain, but perharps using the USSD codes to get into radio choices may be simple enough... but I am by no means an expert. Try *#*#4636#*#* to change cellular radios
bigg6987 said:
I bought the T889 on release to unlock and use on straight talk, with the straight talk AT&T micro sim. (I'm not cutting down a straight talk T-mobile sim) I rooted my phone using these steps. (galaxynote2root.com/galaxy-note-2-root/how-to-root-galaxy-note-2-easiest-method/) ((I'm too new to post links)) The phone rooted like a charm. I tried a sim unlock app that needed root to use, but apparently the app only works with certain chipsets. Contacted support for the sim unlock app and they told me I'd have to pay a service to unlock the phone for me. T-mobile only gives you the unlock if you've been a customer for over 60 days. Playing with the CWM I was able to unroot the phone. I am unable to figure out how to get rid of CWM to have the phone get OTA updates. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Mr. or Mrs. moderator, I apologize if i put this in the wrong place, I'm new to the forum scene.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash Chainfire's CF-Auto-Root. It installs SuperSU and stock recovery. Then you can just use the Superuser app to unroot.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33390392&postcount=1
Everything I've read implies it would take a serious firmware update to enable LTE, so I don't think I'd count on a solution soon. That sure would be cool though.
So I just bought a Verizon Pixel XL off ebay with the intention of using it on T-Mobile because I was under the impression that taking it to T-Mobile was no issue and would be no different than using a google store one on T-Mobile. Although I am reading some concerning threads about the bootloader issue. If this phone happens to have 7.11 will I be unable to flash the T-Mobile factory image onto it? Or is there really no benefit in doing this anyway? Do I and will I be able to flash at least the T-Mobile radio over to it?
Then if it is before 7.11 and I unlock the bootloader right away can I keep it unlocked even if I play around with images and stuff such as trying out the O beta? or do I have to avoid Factory images once its unlocked and only use custom roms?
Thanks in advanced!
tuxdreamerx said:
So I just bought a Verizon Pixel XL off ebay with the intention of using it on T-Mobile because I was under the impression that taking it to T-Mobile was no issue and would be no different than using a google store one on T-Mobile. Although I am reading some concerning threads about the bootloader issue. If this phone happens to have 7.11 will I be unable to flash the T-Mobile factory image onto it? Or is there really no benefit in doing this anyway? Do I and will I be able to flash at least the T-Mobile radio over to it?
Then if it is before 7.11 and I unlock the bootloader right away can I keep it unlocked even if I play around with images and stuff such as trying out the O beta? or do I have to avoid Factory images once its unlocked and only use custom roms?
Thanks in advanced!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only thing that matters is if the origin of the phone is Verizon or Google.
If the origin is Google you can install the Google factory image and use it on anywhere, unlock the bootloader, root and have a grand old time.
If the origin is Verizon you are relegated to the Verizon image regardless of where you use the phone, no flashing for you.
Compare the build code of your phone to the build codes on google factory image website and you will know what you have.
good luck
parakleet said:
Only thing that matters is if the origin of the phone is Verizon or Google.
If the origin is Google you can install the Google factory image and use it on anywhere, unlock the bootloader, root and have a grand old time.
If the origin is Verizon you are relegated to the Verizon image regardless of where you use the phone, no flashing for you.
Compare the build code of your phone to the build codes on google factory image website and you will know what you have.
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this was a display model I guess, no specifics on what kind of store but its listed as being a Verizon model. So I may be SOL. As far as working on T-Mobile if that is the case are there any downsides to using the Verizon model aside from flashing?
tuxdreamerx said:
Well this was a display model I guess, no specifics on what kind of store but its listed as being a Verizon model. So I may be SOL. As far as working on T-Mobile if that is the case are there any downsides to using the Verizon model aside from flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon model is fine for what the phone is.
You shouldn't have any issues using it on T-Mobile USA . Verizon phones are sim unlocked . The only thing with the Verizon version is that if it had the update where they don't let the bootloader unlock then you can't unlock it and root. Besides that you can use it on TMobile as a regular Google phone.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
parakleet said:
Only thing that matters is if the origin of the phone is Verizon or Google.
If the origin is Google you can install the Google factory image and use it on anywhere, unlock the bootloader, root and have a grand old time.
If the origin is Verizon you are relegated to the Verizon image regardless of where you use the phone, no flashing for you.
Compare the build code of your phone to the build codes on google factory image website and you will know what you have.
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is partially false, I'm using a Verizon pixel XL on TMO and when I dropped out of beta, Google rolled out the TMO branch to my phone.
If you can depixl8 it and unlock the bootloader, you can flash custom Roms or the factory images to your heart's desire with no issues. Just never relock the bootloader, since it won't be able to be unlocked again(if it truly is a Verizon pixel XL)
parakleet said:
Only thing that matters is if the origin of the phone is Verizon or Google.
If the origin is Google you can install the Google factory image and use it on anywhere, unlock the bootloader, root and have a grand old time.
If the origin is Verizon you are relegated to the Verizon image regardless of where you use the phone, no flashing for you.
Compare the build code of your phone to the build codes on google factory image website and you will know what you have.
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sideload updates to a locked device so OP could sideload a current ota from tmobile. It can in fact beneficial to run the tmobile software on tmo because of optimizations for network connectivity
If you haven't updated it yet and its version is older than last November, you should be able to unlock the bootloader. Once it's been updated to a newer version, it can't be unlocked.
JimSmith94 said:
If you haven't updated it yet and its version is older than last November, you should be able to unlock the bootloader. Once it's been updated to a newer version, it can't be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a BL unlocked, Verizon rooted Pixel XL. Can I put an ATT sim card in it and use it on the ATT network? Would I need to flash a different rom?
STraver said:
I have a BL unlocked, Verizon rooted Pixel XL. Can I put an ATT sim card in it and use it on the ATT network? Would I need to flash a different rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be able to just pop in the ATT sim
JimSmith94 said:
If you haven't updated it yet and its version is older than last November, you should be able to unlock the bootloader. Once it's been updated to a newer version, it can't be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that'll be the big question. If the phone was only a display model since it was released. I wonder if the display models get the updates pushed automatically... I will find out tomorrow.
Well the phone came with 7.1.2 so no fun for me. Thanks for the info from everyone.
Very interesting, I stuck a T-mobile SIM in it and I can now switch on OEM unlocking. It was greyed out before I put the SIM in.
tuxdreamerx said:
Very interesting, I stuck a T-mobile SIM in it and I can now switch on OEM unlocking. It was greyed out before I put the SIM in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious, have you tried unlocking the BL now that you can toggle OEM unlocking?
Grubling said:
I'm curious, have you tried unlocking the BL now that you can toggle OEM unlocking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not I will this evening or tomorrow though. I was just under the impression that all Verizon Editions had that switch disabled no matter what SIM card went it. As I stated before this was a display model, I got it for next to nothing due to very minor screen burn from the demo mode, I can barely see it so i'm good with what I paid. So I wonder if display models weren't Verizon models? Or maybe this was a third party Verizon store and not corporate. Either way is there anyway to tell which one it is? The SKU on the back is G-2PW2100-021-B and it has build number N2G47E on it, which is not the verizon build I don't think.
tuxdreamerx said:
I have not I will this evening or tomorrow though. I was just under the impression that all Verizon Editions had that switch disabled no matter what SIM card went it. As I stated before this was a display model, I got it for next to nothing due to very minor screen burn from the demo mode, I can barely see it so i'm good with what I paid. So I wonder if display models weren't Verizon models? Or maybe this was a third party Verizon store and not corporate. Either way is there anyway to tell which one it is? The SKU on the back is G-2PW2100-021-B and it has build number N2G47E on it, which is not the verizon build I don't think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google points to that being a Verizon SKU. But with the build number being non-Verizon, you might be able to unlock it.
There may be some relevant information here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/help/bootloader-unlock-verizon-pixels-t3616101
tuxdreamerx said:
Very interesting, I stuck a T-mobile SIM in it and I can now switch on OEM unlocking. It was greyed out before I put the SIM in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Count your blessings, most of us with Verizon models are still locked on other carriers.
parakleet said:
Only thing that matters is if the origin of the phone is Verizon or Google.
If the origin is Google you can install the Google factory image and use it on anywhere, unlock the bootloader, root and have a grand old time.
If the origin is Verizon you are relegated to the Verizon image regardless of where you use the phone, no flashing for you.
Compare the build code of your phone to the build codes on google factory image website and you will know what you have.
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I was about to buy Google Pixel XL off the eBay how can I tell if its Verizon phone or Google phone? I asked two sellers, they didn't know if it was Verizon on Google phone, they are just selling as Unlocked GSM , I never bought Google phone so I'm very new to it, per my understanding Verizon phones wont able to have unlock bootloaders? and Google phones will do? also Google phones can work with Verizon and GSM phones without any issues or they are only good with GSM?
you were saying something about build id to check
https://developers.google.com/android/images
I went to this webpage but I dont see any differences in model # for both ver?
zfk110 said:
Hi, I was about to buy Google Pixel XL off the eBay how can I tell if its Verizon phone or Google phone? I asked two sellers, they didn't know if it was Verizon on Google phone, they are just selling as Unlocked GSM , I never bought Google phone so I'm very new to it, per my understanding Verizon phones wont able to have unlock bootloaders? and Google phones will do? also Google phones can work with Verizon and GSM phones without any issues or they are only good with GSM?
you were saying something about build id to check
https://developers.google.com/android/images
I went to this webpage but I dont see any differences in model # for both ver?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock the bootloader on Verizon.
tuxdreamerx said:
So I just bought a Verizon Pixel XL off ebay with the intention of using it on T-Mobile because I was under the impression that taking it to T-Mobile was no issue and would be no different than using a google store one on T-Mobile. Although I am reading some concerning threads about the bootloader issue. If this phone happens to have 7.11 will I be unable to flash the T-Mobile factory image onto it? Or is there really no benefit in doing this anyway? Do I and will I be able to flash at least the T-Mobile radio over to it?
Then if it is before 7.11 and I unlock the bootloader right away can I keep it unlocked even if I play around with images and stuff such as trying out the O beta? or do I have to avoid Factory images once its unlocked and only use custom roms?
Thanks in advanced!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I literally just did this 2 months ago. Got a pixel xl and it was a verizon phone but I have Tmobile. The phone can be unlocked, it can be rooted, it can be rommed, yes it can! Mine came with 711 or 712 cant remember but whatever doesnt matter. Just follow the guide in the other thread by @Homeboy76, it's a GREAT read and tutorial. It will put you from stock nougat to stock pie, but afterwards you can go to nougat, oreo, or pie. I know because after I did it, i went to an custom rom, then to a custom oreo rom, back to stock pie, back to custom pie lol. I would put a link up to the thread but idk how to do hyperlinks lmao, i skipped that day of school.
Hello,
I recently purchased a used Sprint version of the Pixel 3a XL and after receiving it, I see that the bootloader is locked. My plan was to root this device and install a custom ROM to bring over to Verizon since all Verizon phone lock down the bootloader. Apparently I didn't do enough research as I assumed this bootloader would be unlocked.
After checking with Sprint this afternoon and confirming that there is no SIM lock, does anyone know if it is possible to unlock the bootloader? As mentioned, my goal is mostly to root the phone... then 'maybe' install a custom ROM.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
In dev options what does it say under oem unlocking? Is oem unlocking greyed out?
41rw4lk said:
In dev options what does it say under oem unlocking? Is oem unlocking greyed out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, unfortunately it is grayed out :-/
I would say that it is in fact sim locked. I have a TMO version and oem unlocking was greyed out for me. I had to hit up TMO and request a sim unlock to enable oem unlocking. You should persist and see if you can't get someone to sim unlock it. Might be worth popping the sim out and doing a factory reset, then boot it and see if oem unlocking is still greyed out, though it was for me. That was TMO though, but I doubt there is any difference as far as carrier locking is concerned. Does it say contact your carrier under oem unlocking? Another sign that it is sim locked.
41rw4lk said:
I would say that it is in fact sim locked. I have a TMO version and oem unlocking was greyed out for me. I had to hit up TMO and request a sim unlock to enable oem unlocking. You should persist and see if you can't get someone to sim unlock it. Might be worth popping the sim out and doing a factory reset, then boot it and see if oem unlocking is still greyed out, though it was for me. That was TMO though, but I doubt there is any difference as far as carrier locking is concerned. Does it say contact your carrier under oem unlocking? Another sign that it is sim locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this... once I noticed that OEM locking was grayed out (and after doing some reading), I called up Sprint and provided them the IMEI number and they indicated that it should already be unlocked and I can take it to Verizon (I assume all this means the phone is paid off and it is carrier unlocked).
I purchased this device online and there was not any kind of SIM card shipped with it. Also, I have not yet tried activating it on Verizon as I wanted to see if I could unlock the bootloader first.
gil_happy said:
Thanks for this... once I noticed that OEM locking was grayed out (and after doing some reading), I called up Sprint and provided them the IMEI number and they indicated that it should already be unlocked and I can take it to Verizon (I assume all this means the phone is paid off and it is carrier unlocked).
I purchased this device online and there was not any kind of SIM card shipped with it. Also, I have not yet tried activating it on Verizon as I wanted to see if I could unlock the bootloader first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious what Sprint number you called? They keep giving me the run around about needing the old account owners information and pin/password.
pyroboarder said:
Curious what Sprint number you called? They keep giving me the run around about needing the old account owners information and pin/password.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't remember exactly which number I called, but I think during the automated prompts, I stated 'IMEI'. Once I was connected, I told them that I was looking to purchase a second hand phone and I needed to verify some info and they told me (not sure if it sounded like I knew what I was doing and made it sound like I was calling for a good reason, etc). I'm sure you've been here as well:
https://www.sprint.com/en/shop/bring-your-phone-to-sprint.html
Apologies for thread necromancy...
The short answer is yes, you can unlock the bootloader of a Sprint Pixel 3a. There are some caveats:
Only the original owner of the phone can ask Sprint to unlock the device.
You must have paid off the device, it can't be carrier subsidized.
You have to be running the stock ROM for Sprint.
I just went through this with two pixel 3a's I bought from the sprint store. I paid full price, but they came locked anyway. Won't make that mistake again, I'll buy the unlocked variants from google direct or best buy or whatever.
Sprint customer service was very friendly when asking to unlock them since I'm still a customer. All they needed was the IMEI numbers after I'd authenticated myself to the agent. If they ask for the MEID instead, give them the IMEI regardless. That's the difference between a 5 minute and 35 minute call and a transfer to "advanced tech support." From the stock rom phone app, dial *#06# will bring them up.
Once the phone is carrier unlocked, the option to unlock the bootloader will work as you expect.
HTH.
Hi, I think you are referring to carrier lock vs bootloader lock.
Correct, I am. However, you can't unlock the bootloader on a stock pixel 3a without first carrier unlocking it. The installed version of android won't let you. That was discussed much earlier in the thread.
I should also add that the 3A has an e-SIM. In the past on CDMA carriers, running the stock ROM was a requirement to reactivate the device on a new carrier. Haven't tried that on a newer device, but I wouldn't bring a phone running LineageOS to Verizon and expect it to properly activate.
Junkeon said:
I should also add that the 3A has an e-SIM. In the past on CDMA carriers, running the stock ROM was a requirement to reactivate the device on a new carrier. Haven't tried that on a newer device, but I wouldn't bring a phone running LineageOS to Verizon and expect it to properly activate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried reactivating my old 3A and lo, the lineageos 18.1 carrier sim activation tool gave me no joy after waiting hours for it to try. Reflashed to stock, and it activated within moments.
Hi all,
I've always had carrier locked phones on Verizon/Verizon models (S3, Note 4, Note 8 - all rooted, only Note 8 with locked bootloader) and I will be getting the 6 pro in the carrier unlocked variant from the Google store. I plan to root when available. As mentioned, I plan to use this on Verizon networks.
I've read some conflicting information regarding bootloader unlocking for carrier unlocked devices to be used on Verizon so just wanted to clarify:
If I buy a carrier unlocked 6 pro, insert my Verizon sim card and set up the phone, will I be able to unlock the bootloader at a later point? Or do I need to unlock the bootloader before inserting the Verizon sim card for the first time?
I realize obviously we don't have the phones yet, but I am presuming this is more of a general question/use case. I've read in multiple spots (here on XDA and other android forums) stating that you need to unlock bootloader before inserting the sim card, but also read that you can do it at any point since the sim card doesn't deny access to those operations. So just looking for what is actually the correct answer.
Carousser said:
Hi all,
I've always had carrier locked phones on Verizon/Verizon models (S3, Note 4, Note 8 - all rooted, only Note 8 with locked bootloader) and I will be getting the 6 pro in the carrier unlocked variant from the Google store. I plan to root when available. As mentioned, I plan to use this on Verizon networks.
I've read some conflicting information regarding bootloader unlocking for carrier unlocked devices to be used on Verizon so just wanted to clarify:
If I buy a carrier unlocked 6 pro, insert my Verizon sim card and set up the phone, will I be able to unlock the bootloader at a later point? Or do I need to unlock the bootloader before inserting the Verizon sim card for the first time?
I realize obviously we don't have the phones yet, but I am presuming this is more of a general question/use case. I've read in multiple spots (here on XDA and other android forums) stating that you need to unlock bootloader before inserting the sim card, but also read that you can do it at any point since the sim card doesn't deny access to those operations. So just looking for what is actually the correct answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My last several devices have been carrier unlocked, and rooted, while on the Verizon network.
Unless the p6/p6 pro is different than my previous carrier unlocked Google phones, there should be no problem using a Verizon sim in a carrier unlocked device that's rooted.
The only issue I've had with Verizon with a carrier unlocked device is if it is a device they (VZW) do not offer, you cannot use VZW warranty, and you cannot get the free cloud account that comes with a Verizon device.
Of course that may have changed as well, but I've never had an issue with a carrier unlocked Google phone being rooted while using a Verizon sim card.
Hope this helps.
Az Biker said:
My last several devices have been unlocked carrier, and rooted on Verizon network.
Unless the p6/p6 pro is different than my previous carrier unlocked Google phones, there should be no problem using a Verizon sim in a carrier unlocked device.
The only issue I've had with Verizon with a carrier unlocked device is if it is a device they do not offer they will not warranty and you cannot get the free cloud account that comes with a Verizon device.
Of course that may have changed as well, but I've never had an issue with a carrier unlocked Google phone being rooted while using a Verizon sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. So just to clarify:
Unless the 6/6 pro is different, a carrier unlocked variant can have its bootloader unlocked at any point - whether it be right away or after the sim card is initially inserted/phone gets activated?
Carousser said:
Thanks for the response. So just to clarify:
Unless the 6/6 pro is different, a carrier unlocked variant can have its bootloader unlocked at any point - whether it be right away or after the sim card is initially inserted/phone gets activated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That is my experience with all my previous carrier unlocked Google devices that were on the Verizon network.
IIRC, all were rooted AFTER activation on VZW network via sim.
Az Biker said:
Yes. That is my experience with all my previous carrier unlocked Google devices that were on the Verizon network.
IIRC, all were rooted AFTER activation on VZW network via sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. Thanks for the clarification!
Hopefully anyone who has the same question sees this thread.
To clarify, you are referring to buying the Verizon variant directly from the Google online store?