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I already solved the issue, but was confused why I had to "unlock" my phone because I ordered it from google.com/phone
I would think retail would mean with a contract, with t-mobile.
I ordered the AT&T version.
I guess my question is what am i missing if anything and does somebody know what it is?
Well, this question has been asked and answered before... but here's the answer anyway...
There are 2 entirely different "unlocked" concepts...
1. Carrier unlocked - This allows you to use the phone on any GSM network.
2. OEM unlocked - This allows you to install custom ROMs on the phone.
If you paid $530+ for your phone without a contract, your phone is "carrier unlocked", but locked when it comes to the ROMs... it will only allow signed Google/HTC ROMs. When you "unlock" via fastboot, you override this and can install custom ROMs
fleebailey33 said:
I already solved the issue, but was confused why I had to "unlock" my phone because I ordered it from google.com/phone
I would think retail would mean with a contract, with t-mobile.
I ordered the AT&T version.
I guess my question is what am i missing if anything and does somebody know what it is?
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Click to collapse
No matter how many times I read this I can't entirely figure out what you are asking, sorry!
Are you saying you aren't sure why you had to "fastboot oem unlock" your phone? If you flashed a custom ROM or something then that is why you had to "unlock" it. It unlocks the bootloader to allow you to flash whatever you want on the phone. It has nothing to do with whether the phone is SIM Locked (locked to a specific carrier or not) if that's what you were thinking? No version of Nexus one to date is SIM Locked (subsidized or not).
craigacgomez said:
If you paid $530+ for your phone without a contract, your phone is "carrier unlocked", but locked when it comes to the ROMs...
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Click to collapse
Even with a contract, the Nexus one is not SIM Locked.
gIMpSTa said:
Even with a contract, the Nexus one is not SIM Locked.
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Exactly. There's is NO such thing as a carrier/SIM locked Nexus One.
whether you buy with a plan or unsubsidized the phone will ALWAYS be CARRIER UNLOCKED. Get it right already people.
In Canada, the Moto X Play will be sold exclusively through carriers, locked.
I know it won't really be a problem to have them unlocked, but my concern it with updates.
If I understand correctly, the updates will have to go through the carriers. Coming from a Nexus device, I'm worried that it can cause delays to the updates...
Am I right to be concerned, or will there be ways to bypass to carriers to get faster updates?
Thanks.
clgoh42 said:
In Canada, the Moto X Play will be sold exclusively through carriers, locked.
I know it won't really be a problem to have them unlocked, but my concern it with updates.
If I understand correctly, the updates will have to go through the carriers. Coming from a Nexus device, I'm worried that it can cause delays to the updates...
Am I right to be concerned, or will there be ways to bypass to carriers to get faster updates?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always update manually, no worries about that, go ahead.
Dude, you're buying an android, not an iPhone. You control the updates you want.
1. Root
2. Flash Recovery
3. Get whatever ROM you want with whatever updates you want.
You're not at the mercy of Google or Carriers. The Devs here got your back.
if you don't root the phone, then you'll have to wait for the carriers to push the updates. You are right the only way to get a Play in Canada is through the Carriers, and they are locked to that specific Carrier. I played with one yesterday, it's definitely locked to the selling Carrier, and the boot loader version matches said carrier.
convolution said:
Dude, you're buying an android, not an iPhone. You control the updates you want.
1. Root
2. Flash Recovery
3. Get whatever ROM you want with whatever updates you want.
You're not at the mercy of Google or Carriers. The Devs here got your back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... And void the warranty; though this is XDA, so we generally say "what warranty?"
Devhux said:
... And void the warranty; though this is XDA, so we generally say "what warranty?"
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Click to collapse
but if you need the warranty back, just unroot right?
convolution said:
but if you need the warranty back, just unroot right?
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Unroot, relock the bootloader if you can, and hopefully that's it. Never owned a Moto smartphone so I don't really know how these devices notify of modifications.
Don't you have to input a code generated from your IMEI to do the bootloader unlock on Moto phones? Wouldn't that result in your phone being flagged as unlocked by Motorola even if you are somehow able to completely undo everything you did to the phone because your IMEI/Serial was used to generate a bootloader unlock code?
Anyone from the UK with Vodafone and a recent Samsung device? Did Vodafone lock the bootloader of that Samsung device? I'm desperately trying to find out if the bootloader on my pre-ordered Vodafone UK S7 Edge will be locked, if it is and can't be easily unlocked I'm sending the phone back when I get it.
I spoke to someone at Vodafone and he claimed it did come locked, but I suspect he was confused with sim lock despite my best attempts to explain the difference. I've seen mention on the PingPong root thread of someone who rooted their Vodafone S6 (here), although I'm not sure that root method required an unlocked bootloader without reading up on it.
I'd really hate to return this phone when I get it, but no way in hell am I paying £40 a month for a phone I can't root.
Didn't really think about boot loader I went with EE but from buymobiles.net so I assume it won't have EE stuff on the phone so won't be locked
Carrier phones like vodafone are locked to the first sim inserted , better get one at carphone warehouse as thats an unlocked version
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
You're confusing sim lock and bootloader lock. I'm taking about the latter.
Tezray said:
Didn't really think about boot loader I went with EE but from buymobiles.net so I assume it won't have EE stuff on the phone so won't be locked
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Click to collapse
No yours won't be branded. It is only branded when ordered directly from EE. I wanted to avoid getting it directly from EE but being 90 days away from the end of my contract left me with that being the only option to upgrade. They're also very slow with updates which is the main reason I wanted to avoid getting it direct.
People keep telling me that at least I get wifi calling but that's not something I will ever use as the signal strength is fantastic in my area.
why not cancel and preorder through samsung
Because, unless I go directly through Vodafone, I don't get the 20% employer discount. And over the two lines I have that saves me £480 over 24 months.
Just in case someone manages to get hold of a Vodafone S7 today (I read at least one person on another forum has had theirs delivered) I would appreciate if someone can check this out and let me know. Apparently, if you go into the dev options and the OEM Lock toggle is there and usable, the phone has an unlocked bootloader. Cheers in advance.
I have a voda one turning up today.... Lets see what we get
Beefheart said:
Just in case someone manages to get hold of a Vodafone S7 today (I read at least one person on another forum has had theirs delivered) I would appreciate if someone can check this out and let me know. Apparently, if you go into the dev options and the OEM Lock toggle is there and usable, the phone has an unlocked bootloader. Cheers in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's just the SE Linux Permissive vs Restrictive toggle. Nothing to do with a locked/unlocked bootloader state.
mathieulh said:
No, that's just the SE Linux Permissive vs Restrictive toggle. Nothing to do with a locked/unlocked bootloader state.
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Incorrect.
http://android.wonderhowto.com/insp...ndroid-even-if-you-dont-plan-rooting-0167840/
I find it ridiculous there doesn't appear to be an east way to discover if a devices bootloader is locked or unlocked. Surely there is an app that can discover this?
Good news by the sounds of it. A few people I know who have the S7 edge from Vodafone have said the bootloader appears to be unlocked.
EE usually lock the load loader too but when I got mine it was unlocked. Result.
Any idea how they discovered this? And how did you know your phone is unlocked? The OEM Unlock toggle apparently isn't an indication it's definitely unlocked.
Beefheart said:
Any idea how they discovered this? And how did you know your phone is unlocked? The OEM Unlock toggle apparently isn't an indication it's definitely unlocked.
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure how they knew, they just told me it was unlocked so maybe (like me) they're assuming the OEM unlock toggle means it's unlocked.
Yeah, I don't believe that indicates a definite unlocked bootloader. I'm going to do more digging but I might end up having to keep the phone and hope for the best. The only sure way is to attempt a custom kernel flash or custom recovery, and there is no chance of one of them in the next couple of weeks.
Would be good to know for sure before the 14 day return runs out.
kradcliffe said:
Would be good to know for sure before the 14 day return runs out.
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A few Vodafone UK users on here have confirmed root has been successful. Therefore, it is unlocked.
CuBz90 said:
A few Vodafone UK users on here have confirmed root has been successful. Therefore, it is unlocked.
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Click to collapse
Source?
Great, thank you!
Just need to wait for a root that doesn't trip Knox and disables it as well.
CafeKampuchia said:
Source?
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Click to collapse
Sure.
Beefheart said:
Finally got round to rooting. Went without a hitch. Kudos to the OP.
Sent from my Vic 20 disguised as a Galaxy S7 Edge
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Click to collapse
if you look at his post history you will find he has a Vodafone UK Brandad S7E.
Also, this one too...
downesey said:
I know I'm not the first, but root has been achieved for me on a Vodafone UK phone
besides a nexus device, this has been the most pain free root I've ever done
now to go find those couple of preinstalled apps....
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Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 AM ----------
kradcliffe said:
Great, thank you!
Just need to wait for a root that doesn't trip Knox and disables it as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm waiting on that too. Although I am now insured so if it's not out soon I will be rooting and using my insurance for any claims if needed.
In my 8 years of owning Samsung Devices, I have only ever had to claim on my warranty once, so fingers crossed I won't need to this time round.
Hi I am wondering if i purchased a gs8 outright will tmobile unlock the bootloaded for me?
Lol no... They will unlock the sim at 45 days of service
Ah thanks. It seems pretty ****ty that even though you pay for a phone outright they do not want you to do what you want on it. That should be illegal lol
Sad but true. You could have had better luck if you got the Verizon or even the AT&T version instead. Spending 5 minutes by googling each carriers sim unlock policy could have given you all the answers beforehand. Our country and cell phone providers are extremely shady regarding sim unlocking our phones
kevkid said:
Hi I am wondering if i purchased a gs8 outright will tmobile unlock the bootloaded for me?
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You have to buy the Exynos version. I've imported phones in the past to do stuff like that. Got three Motorola phones from other countries, via eBay and other sources -- running them on AT&T, bootloader unlocked. $700 each for the first two.
He said unlock the bootloader not sim unlock big difference there.
Guessphx said:
He said unlock the bootloader not sim unlock big difference there.
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Click to collapse
Of course but anyone smart enough to post a thread all by themselves has to know these are never going to have the bootloader unlocked so its safe to assume he meant sim unlock instead. Who contacts the cell phone provider to unlock the bootloader? The carrier at best can sim unlock it they dont even know a bootloader. Samsung reps dont even have a clue if you asked them. Everybody who cares about the boot loaders already knows the status
Nah i know the difference. I just figured i'd ask about it lol
kevkid said:
Nah i know the difference. I just figured i'd ask about it lol
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Click to collapse
Good to know
If you're going to answer questions like a jerk don't answer them.
Of course but anyone smart enough to post a thread all by themselves has to know these are never going to have the bootloader unlocked so its safe to assume he meant sim unlock instead. Who contacts the cell phone provider to unlock the bootloader? The carrier at best can sim unlock it they dont even know a bootloader. Samsung reps dont even have a clue if you asked them. Everybody who cares about the boot loaders already knows the status
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everybody who knows anything learned it from an external source. There are that are bootloader locked until the phone is paid off then it is both SIM and bootloader and lot but only for selected phones. Not all but some. The Google Pixel is a good example of that. You can pay it off completely and in x days unlock the bootloader. The OP probably heard something along these lines and wondered if this courtesy was available for its phone. Unfortunately it's not for the T-Mobile variant and maybe others but I don't know about them. I also am waiting for a policy change that maybe we're allowed to get into the phones that we fully own. One last thing everyone is as smart as every teacher allowed them to be.
It says unlocked for CARRIER, but you think it will be unlockable bootloader too, like the one from Google?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1507485-REG/google_ga01184_us_pixel_4_xl_128gb.html
Comes with $100 gift card + 3 months free Mint + no tax in many states, so there is some reason to get it from here instead. Anyone have experience buying carrier-unlocked Pixels from B&H before, if they had unlockable bootloaders?
itiskonrad said:
It says unlocked for CARRIER, but you think it will be unlockable bootloader too, like the one from Google?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1507485-REG/google_ga01184_us_pixel_4_xl_128gb.html
Comes with $100 gift card + 3 months free Mint + no tax in many states, so there is some reason to get it from here instead. Anyone have experience buying carrier-unlocked Pixels from B&H before, if they had unlockable bootloaders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I know all devices should be bootloader unlocked, so you can choose any device, it just doesn't matter, so go for you choice.
riyan65 said:
As I know all devices should be bootloader unlocked, so you can choose any device, it just doesn't matter, so go for you choice.
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Click to collapse
That wasn't the case with the Pixel 3 at launch, though. Back then, to get unlockable bootloader, you had to order from Google directly. Is it different now?
itiskonrad said:
That wasn't the case with the Pixel 3 at launch, though. Back then, to get unlockable bootloader, you had to order from Google directly. Is it different now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After the release of pixel 3a it should be unlockable to all devices, like verizon, best-buy,......, So it should be unlockable.
riyan65 said:
As I know all devices should be bootloader unlocked, so you can choose any device, it just doesn't matter, so go for you choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
riyan65 said:
After the release of pixel 3a it should be unlockable to all devices, like verizon, best-buy,......, So it should be unlockable.
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Click to collapse
The OP is asking about bootloader unlock (developer and root friendly). Everything you've said screams carrier unlock.
The bootloader is the low level piece of software on your device that loads the OS (Android) and everything else. It comes locked on every device for security and prevents unauthorized OS code from loading. This is completely separate from being carrier unlocked which allows you to use the device on any cellular carrier. Being able to unlock it and load any OS code has meant purchasing the device directly from Google in the past. Verizon devices for example never allowed the bootloader to be unlocked.
For the OP, since very few people understand the difference between those two things (even Google support), it will likely be a case where people will need to buy the device from B&H to find out.
l7777 said:
The OP is asking about bootloader unlock (developer and root friendly). Everything you've said screams carrier unlock.
The bootloader is the low level piece of software on your device that loads the OS (Android) and everything else. It comes locked on every device for security and prevents unauthorized OS code from loading. This is completely separate from being carrier unlocked which allows you to use the device on any cellular carrier. Being able to unlock it and load any OS code has meant purchasing the device directly from Google in the past. Verizon devices for example never allowed the bootloader to be unlocked.
For the OP, since very few people understand the difference between those two things (even Google support), it will likely be a case where people will need to buy the device from B&H to find out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you search a little bit, you will able to unlock bootloader in verizon model too, verizon bootloader unlock is available for all pixel device and it going to be continued, so buying the device from Google is bootloader unlock for sure, buying from others buyers is just need a little time to get unlock the bootloader.
---------- Post added at 07:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:59 PM ----------
l7777 said:
The OP is asking about bootloader unlock (developer and root friendly). Everything you've said screams carrier unlock.
The bootloader is the low level piece of software on your device that loads the OS (Android) and everything else. It comes locked on every device for security and prevents unauthorized OS code from loading. This is completely separate from being carrier unlocked which allows you to use the device on any cellular carrier. Being able to unlock it and load any OS code has meant purchasing the device directly from Google in the past. Verizon devices for example never allowed the bootloader to be unlocked.
For the OP, since very few people understand the difference between those two things (even Google support), it will likely be a case where people will need to buy the device from B&H to find out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you search a little bit, you will able to unlock bootloader in verizon model too, verizon bootloader unlock is available for all pixel device and it going to be continued, so buying the device from Google is bootloader unlock for sure, buying from others buyers is just need a little time to get unlock the bootloader.
And I also mean bootloader unlock not carrier unlock.
riyan65 said:
If you search a little bit, you will able to unlock bootloader in verizon model too, verizon bootloader unlock is available for all pixel device and it going to be continued, so buying the device from Google is bootloader unlock for sure, buying from others buyers is just need a little time to get unlock the bootloader.
---------- Post added at 07:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:59 PM ----------
If you search a little bit, you will able to unlock bootloader in verizon model too, verizon bootloader unlock is available for all pixel device and it going to be continued, so buying the device from Google is bootloader unlock for sure, buying from others buyers is just need a little time to get unlock the bootloader.
And I also mean bootloader unlock not carrier unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon Pixel 3 XL still has a locked bootloader and is still not unlockable:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3-xl/how-to/bounty-unlock-bootloader-vzw-pixel-3-xl-t3856605
riyan65 said:
If you search a little bit, you will able to unlock bootloader in verizon model too, verizon bootloader unlock is available for all pixel device ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you're so sure this is true, please go help all of the Verizon device owners who post looking to unlock the bootloader. You could start with this recent Pixel 3XL post.
Of course, there is also the history that dates back to at least Nexus 6 days where the Verizon bootloader is locked.
Where people have really gotten bitten, is replacement devices that have come back after repairs with a unlockable bootloader like the Verizon devices have.
ktmom said:
Since you're so sure this is true, please go help all of the Verizon device owners who post looking to unlock the bootloader. You could start with this recent Pixel 3XL post.
Of course, there is also the history that dates back to at least Nexus 6 days where the Verizon bootloader is locked.
Where people have really gotten bitten, is replacement devices that have come back after repairs with a unlockable bootloader like the Verizon devices have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Verizon Pixel 2 official and any RMA Pixel 2 is not bootloader unlockable. As someone who has been through 4 until Google finally sent me a brand new Google-made Pixel 2, non Verizon, non RMA.
I haven't seen any reason to say Pixel 4 Verizon is easily unlockable.
riyan65 said:
If you search a little bit, you will able to unlock bootloader in verizon model too, verizon bootloader unlock is available for all pixel device and it going to be continued, so buying the device from Google is bootloader unlock for sure, buying from others buyers is just need a little time to get unlock the bootloader.
And I also mean bootloader unlock not carrier unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have clearly never tried to bootloader unlock a Verizon device or you have some significantly different tools to do so and should share them with the community.
As others have pointed out, plenty of devices across the Pixel generations remain bootloader locked to this day. There are certainly smatterings of success stories with specific firmware versions but these are quickly patched.
There was recently some people that were able to unlock their Verizon Pixel 3a/XL modes after getting Verizon to carrier unlock them. But it has been attributed to a batch of MEID# that were likely incorrectly made available to bootloader unlock. Those people basically won the lottery. It certainly does not signal a change in Verizon's policy.
The best strategy is to have this mentality - if you buy a phone from Verizon (or any Verizon model phone) plan on it being permanently bootloader locked.
l7777 said:
You have clearly never tried to bootloader unlock a Verizon device or you have some significantly different tools to do so and should share them with the community.
As others have pointed out, plenty of devices across the Pixel generations remain bootloader locked to this day. There are certainly smatterings of success stories with specific firmware versions but these are quickly patched.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just unlock the bootloader as the given guide and it got unlocked, I didn't done anything to get it unlocked, I just use the guide how to unlock the bootloader and it got unlocked.so I thought it is available for all devices to unlock the bootloader.
riyan65 said:
I just unlock the bootloader as the given guide and it got unlocked, I didn't done anything to get it unlocked, I just use the guide how to unlock the bootloader and it got unlocked.so I thought it is available for all devices to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On non carrier specific devices, it's easy. On Verizon Google devices, it's rarely possible, and any vulnerability that's found is patched fast.
An authoritative statement like your post was is a problem. It has the potential to confuse the issue for people who come here for information, find an erroneous post and think they can safely buy a carrier device, still getting the bootloader unlocked.
Verizon was always a **** regarding unlocking bootloaders, they still haven't changed unfortunately.
thesebastian said:
Verizon was always a **** regarding unlocking bootloaders, they still haven't changed unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. One does have to wonder what the bootloader unlock situation will look like now that the Pixel will be available from all carriers directly rather than just Verizon. Google still only lists Verizon as the only carrier specific option on their store. We will likely have to wait and see if the other carriers get unlockable bootloaders or not.