Hello,
I am in the process of doing some development work with my Google Pixel 3XL and am getting hung up at some stages due to the "OEM unlocking" feature being disabled. My understanding is that this is because the phone has been purchased from Verizon.
I am disappointed that after spending a sizable chunk of money on this phone, its capacity as a productivity tool is severely handicapped simply because of where it was purchased. Would a member from the Verizon team please direct me to the policy or agreement which enforces the prohibition of OEM unlocking?
Thank you!
Hello rabbitman, we want to make sure you get your money's worth. Exactly what are you trying to do?
Verizon Wireless does not make any alterations to the boot loader, nor do we restrict any developer options on devices. It is not recommended to make any changes to the boot loader as it may cause devices to behave abnormally.
UbaldoJ_VZW
If Verizon Wireless does not make any alterations to the boot loader or restrict any developer options on devices, why does Google sell the phones with the bootloader unlocked and without any developer options disabled, but when you buy that same! exact! phone! from Verizon those options are locked? I have written communications with the Google company that states they do not lock the bootloader or lock any developer options before selling them to other retailers.
lyonster89, we don't have a direct answer for that but also don't provide support for this and have no process to unlock the bootloader. You can decide to root the phone if you choose to take that risk.
AlanS_VZW
Hello Alan
Does anyone have a straight answer fro Verizon on this? Yes or No.
I understand that Verizon wants to protect their networks, but if I owned the phone 100%, it should be my decision of the software on it.
It makes not senses, if I can use an unlocked Pixel on your network, why does the boot-loader security is needed on the Verizon one?
you mentioned "root your phone". anything i read about it, there is no way to unlock the verizon boot-loader.
Thanks
CG
No strait answer has been received from Verizon regarding this issue to date.
I'm in the same boat 😞
What I don't understand is why do Verizon claim they unlock all devices after 60 days even though the bootloader's locked forever? What good does that do?
We'll be happy to assist you with information about unlocking devices. You can view our unlock policy at: https://www.verizon.com/about/consumer-safety/device-unlocking-policy , also, it is important to understand the difference between unlocking a device for carrier use outside of Verizon and the bootloader. The bootloader is a tool used by the manufacturer that allows interaction with the base programming or OS, we do not suggest anyone try to unlock that system, as doing so can damage the device and void any warranty from the manufacturer. There should be no reason to interact with that system. ChristopherS_VZW
"The bootloader is a tool used by the manufacturer that allows interaction with the base programming or OS, we do not suggest anyone try to unlock that system, as doing so can damage the device and void any warranty from the manufacturer. There should be no reason to interact with that system. ChristopherS_VZW"
Thank you, we understand that. You telling me there should be no reason to interact with that system is like telling someone that bought their car there should be no reason to change their own oil since the auto body shop can do that for them. You completely understand what we are asking and have once again avoided answering the question.
Is there a process we can go through in order to get the bootloader of our phones unlocked so we can have access to the bootloader? Yes or No
If the answer is yes, what is that process?
Lyonster89, we know you were hoping to get access to the bootloader but we have no process to support this.
StevenM_VZW
Then create a policy and process! There is one for every other action at vzw.
This is not true because we have learned that locked bootloaders from AT&T, Sprint, and TMobile can be unlocked. I know the Android carrier locking method, and they can do it.
Please stop lying and escalate.
Christopher,
I know for a fact when the device is purchased directly from the mfg unlocked, the bootloader's unlocked. Which means I can use a SIM card from any part of the country. But with a device purchased from Verizon the bootloader's locked forever which means I can't use a prepaid SIM card from overseas.
I had contacted Google & Verizon numerous times with no luck, both just blaming each other. I purchased the device last October & til this day I still cannot use a SIM from another carrier. Verizon had confirmed my device's already unlocked but I think it's bogus!
The OEM unlocking option should be active under developer options but mine's still grayed out. Are there any resolution to this?! I paid full retail for this & expects to be an unlocked world phone.
This is from the Verizon Rep in my last comment "we know you were hoping to get access to the bootloader but we have no process to support this".
Someone on Google forum stated that Verizon was able to fix this problem for him. He had to tweet @GD0405 to get the help. I tried it but haven't gotten a response yet.
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/23287873?hl=en&msgid=43517085
I'm sorry you're having issues using our device with a different carrier pkc415. We can not guarantee our phones will work with other carriers. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
KinquanaH_VZW
You mean an unlocked Verizon Pixel 4XL won't work with T-Mobile or AT&T? The 2 largest wireless carriers......
We want to help as much as possible, pkc415. You can review our device unlocking policy by clicking here: http://spr.ly/66011CwaL ChrisM_VZW
Why am I always given a vague answer? It's simply a yes or no question. If you don't know please ask a higher tier tech support. Thank you.
From a conversation I had on Twitter with @#VZWSupport
VZWSupport - "What exactly are you trying to do with the devices? *LXG"
Me - "I would like to load custom ROMs to the device."
VZWSupport - "Hello, (lyonster89). We do not have information on how to load ROM's on your device and do not advise doing this action as it voids the warranty of the device. Was there anything else I could help with? *TXH"
Me - "Can you give me access to unlock the bootloader from the phones I purchased from Verizon?"
VZWSupport - "No, we don't have the resources or information to this update to your phone. *TXH"
Their customer service knows they are unable to unlock the bootloader of phones and nobody is stepping up to figure this out.
Is it possible to use a SIM from another carrier without unlocking Verizon's bootloader?
Start a new topic or ask questions in the open forum.
