Google Pixel 6a OEM locked even with other carriers

crogsbrugh
Enthusiast - Level 1

Hello!
I purchased a Pixel 6a directly from Verizon before eventually switching back to Google Fi after a year or two. For some reason, Verizon has remotely disabled OEM unlocking of my phone. Who can I get in contact to try to fix this? I no longer have Verizon service on this phone but it is still OEM locked and Google Fi support told me to reach out to Verizon to get this resolved.

Thanks.

1 Solution
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Thank you for the information, crogsbrugh. I understand you mentioned that you purchased your Pixel 6a directly from Verizon Wireless. Verizon sold Pixel devices will have a locked bootloader. In order to have an unlocked bootloader, the device would need to be purchased directly from Google. I'm afraid this is working as designed. We want to provide you with accurate information at all times, and hope this helps clarify your question. 👍

~Izzy

View solution in original post

4 Replies
Scott5337
Specialist - Level 1

There is a difference between SIM Locked and OEM Locked. OEM Locked means your bootloader is locked. As long as your phone is not SIM locked to Verizon it should work fine on Fi. Once the bootloader is locked and encrypted you are not going to get it unlocked. But the phone will work fine with an OEM Locked bootloader, you just can't root it. 

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep
@crogsbrugh  wrote: Hello! I purchased a Pixel 6a directly from Verizon before eventually switching back to Google Fi after a year or two. For some reason, Verizon has remotely disabled OEM unlocking of my phone. Who can I get in contact to try to fix this? I no longer have Verizon service on this phone but it is still OEM locked and Google Fi support told me to reach out to Verizon to get this resolved. Thanks.

Crogsburgh, I'll be happy to help answer your questions as best I can. To clarify what you're trying to unlock, is this related to the device an activating using it with another carrier? Or are you trying to unlock the bootloader on the device? 

-John

crogsbrugh
Enthusiast - Level 1

Thank you. Yes, I am trying to unlock the bootloader on the device.

0 Likes
Reply
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Thank you for the information, crogsbrugh. I understand you mentioned that you purchased your Pixel 6a directly from Verizon Wireless. Verizon sold Pixel devices will have a locked bootloader. In order to have an unlocked bootloader, the device would need to be purchased directly from Google. I'm afraid this is working as designed. We want to provide you with accurate information at all times, and hope this helps clarify your question. 👍

~Izzy