Database Users

Sprint Unlocking?

So I purchased my phone from Sprint and would like to do the domestic unlock. I have read around that if you insert another carriers sim card before turning the phone on initially it will be unlocked. I unfortunately did not do this.
My question is, if I were to re-flash the stock firmware (whenever that releases) would I be able to insert another carrier's sim card and reproduce the initial out of the box unlock process?

Just take it to Sprint and have them unlock it for all carpets. As I understand it, they are required by law to do so if asked.

mrcooter said:
Just take it to Sprint and have them unlock it for all carpets. As I understand it, they are required by law to do so if asked.
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Click to collapse
The problem is that I got the phone on the sprint lease and i'm paying it but would like to use it on a different carrier.

Droidz said:
The problem is that I got the phone on the sprint lease and i'm paying it but would like to use it on a different carrier.
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Click to collapse
That shouldn't matter as long as you don't cancel your Sprint service, otherwise then of course they would bill you for the remainder of the phone. If you look on your about phone settings, there is an option for UICC unlock where you would update the PRL etc. They put in a code which then allows other SIMs and activations, but you could switch back and forth after that even. Leased or not they should unlock this for you no questions asked if requested.

mrcooter said:
That shouldn't matter as long as you don't cancel your Sprint service, otherwise then of course they would bill you for the remainder of the phone. If you look on your about phone settings, there is an option for UICC unlock where you would update the PRL etc. They put in a code which then allows other SIMs and activations, but you could switch back and forth after that even. Leased or not they should unlock this for you no questions asked if requested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is the UICC option? I remember seeing it when I was playing around with the phone but now I don't see it anymore?
I bought one off of craigslist, sprint "locked" I took a gamble thinking it would be able to be used on a different network. Unfortunately, I am unable to make it work with AT&T.
Anyone with ideas on how to unlock a sprint phone (clean IMEI) for AT&T?

PlasticsDoc said:
Where is the UICC option? I remember seeing it when I was playing around with the phone but now I don't see it anymore?
I bought one off of craigslist, sprint "locked" I took a gamble thinking it would be able to be used on a different network. Unfortunately, I am unable to make it work with AT&T.
Anyone with ideas on how to unlock a sprint phone (clean IMEI) for AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About phone / OMADM updates / UICC unlock
Sprint will either need to put in the code for you, or they will give you the code. Haven't looked into it much since I'm staying with Sprint. Even if they aren't your carrier, probably would still do it when asked. Just go to local store front and try.

mrcooter said:
About phone / OMADM updates / UICC unlock
Sprint will either need to put in the code for you, or they will give you the code. Haven't looked into it much since I'm staying with Sprint. Even if they aren't your carrier, probably would still do it when asked. Just go to local store front and try.
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Click to collapse
Thank for your reply. Unfortunately, they won't unlock it. CSR said its common that people make fake accounts to get free phones and sell them. Is there any other possibilities?

PlasticsDoc said:
Thank for your reply. Unfortunately, they won't unlock it. CSR said its common that people make fake accounts to get free phones and sell them. Is there any other possibilities?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone else will know and comment. If it were me, I'd use the excuse of you travel and Sprint coverage isn't supported everywhere therefore you need to be able to swap SIMs. If it were me, I'd research the law requiring them to unlock it and see the best way getting this done, maybe a second tier rep over the phone would be another option to try, sometimes people in the store just say things thinking they know best. You could try a factory reset and put in the other SIM before 1st boot but not seeing that actually work in my opinion.

The only way I see working is flashing stock firmware and inserting another sim card at that point. A regular wipe wont work.
Also the international unlock doesn't allow it to work domestically, like with T-Mobile or Verizon.

Droidz said:
The only way I see working is flashing stock firmware and inserting another sim card at that point. A regular wipe wont work.
Also the international unlock doesn't allow it to work domestically, like with T-Mobile or Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still no way to flash stock firmware is there?

So if you purchase a phone direct from essential but put the Sprint sim in it the phone will be locked to Sprint?

Final-Mac said:
So if you purchase a phone direct from essential but put the Sprint sim in it the phone will be locked to Sprint?
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Click to collapse
Doubt it.
Sprint locks the batch of phones they lease out. Just like anything you lease, it's not yours until you pay for it.

PlasticsDoc said:
Still no way to flash stock firmware is there?
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Click to collapse
nope, that's what I've been waiting for as well.

Droidz said:
nope, that's what I've been waiting for as well.
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Click to collapse
I just flashed stock firmware (NMJ20D) over my sprint locked phone, still locked...

Only way Sprint will unlock the devices is after 50 days and it's paid off.
---------- Post added at 04:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:35 AM ----------
Sprint.com/unlock

There has to be a way to unlock the phone through software. If they come unlocked out of the box before being activated, then it must be some sort of software switch.
This means that there must be a way to get the phone back to its out of the box state and have it unlock.
If there is anybody who can chime in on this and let me know otherwise it would be very much appreciated.

networx2002 said:
Only way Sprint will unlock the devices is after 90 days and it's paid off.
---------- Post added at 04:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:35 AM ----------
Sprint.com/unlock
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Click to collapse
Actually, it's 50 days. The device needs to be active on the Sprint network for 50 days and also fully paid off. You can then request the unlock.
So if you got in on the Sprint flex lease deal and ended up with a Sprint locked phone, your options are:
1) Sell it as a Sprint locked device
2) Use it on Sprint for 50 days, then request the unlock
3) Keep haggling Sprint CS to try and get it unlocked before 50 days (some users have had success with this)

Sprint customer support says hell no. I spent all day trying. All DAY. I talked to over 12 reps with no solution

I originally have att... Went and signed up with Sprint to take advantage of their price... Paid my phone off... And got them to unlock it a day later... You do NOT need to have the phone on 50 day service to get it unlocked...
What I think may be happening with the different outcomes is how people talk to the support... I don't think it helps if you're aggressive or not friendly.... Or course, this is just my weak guess.... The support gave me no issues getting it unlocked but did ask if I was keeping the service still... Which I said yes, but to be honest, Sprint LTE is slow.... So now I dunno if I want to keep the service...

joewoo said:
I originally have att... Went and signed up with Sprint to take advantage of their price... Paid my phone off... And got them to unlock it a day later... You do NOT need to have the phone on 50 day service to get it unlocked...
What I think may be happening with the different outcomes is how people talk to the support... I don't think it helps if you're aggressive or not friendly.... Or course, this is just my weak guess.... The support gave me no issues getting it unlocked but did ask if I was keeping the service still... Which I said yes, but to be honest, Sprint LTE is slow.... So now I dunno if I want to keep the service...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have issues either. I had it unlocked within 12 hours of receiving the phone. I'm assertive and speak like I know the rules, because I do. But I ALWAYS say yes sir or no sir, please, thank you, and talk to them like they're actual human beings. I almost never have issues with customer service.

Testing performed: Factual information relating to Unlocked device and Verizon SIM

To figure out how everything works, I did some testing with several factory flashes, and OTA updates and whatnot.
If you bought the phone unlocked from Google Store: Your phone starts with an OPD1 Stock firmware. Doesn't make a difference what SIM card you have out of the gate, you get the stock firmware with the unlocked phone.
Popped my Verizon SIM in when I first got phone. I was on OPD1.170816.010, Sep 2017. My phone AUTOMATICALLY installed My Verizon and Verizon Message+ during activation, even though I was on OPD1. Not sure if this occured for everyone with a Verizon SIM, but occured for me.
Performing the OTA update which came out on Monday, 11/6 brought my device to OPD3.170816.023 (Nov 2017). This is technically the Verizon Variant. In Conclusion, Google at some point during the "check for updates" scans to see what carrier SIM card you have in.
Factory flashed one more time back down to the stock OPD1 September build, performed update one more time. Confirmed, it updated me to the Verizon "version" of OPD3.170816.023
Each time I did the Factory Reset/Full Factory Flash, the moment my phone activated and saw the Verizon SIM, it installed those two apps...
Fast forward, now to compare Factory Stock Images from the official factory image website.
I download two factory images to compare side by side radio/bootloader differences: OPD3.170816.023, Nov 2017 Verizon... as well as OPD1.170816.025, Nov 2017 Bootloaders are the same.
Radios ARE different, probably slight tuning differences for Verizon radio.
Agnostic Radio: radio-taimen-g8998-00122-1708311414.img
Verizon Radio: radio-taimen-g8998-00122-1708231715.img
And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances).
Hope this clears things up.
I do have an AT&T sim card, but I have everything set up the way I want it now and don't feel like doing anymore Factory Flashes or Resets

I have factory reset my xL2 twice now and haven't had any Verizon apps installed after putting in my SIM. I also haven't received the November update yet either.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

D1l777 said:
I have factory reset my xL2 twice now and haven't had any Verizon apps installed after putting in my SIM. I also haven't received the November update yet either.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
That's very odd. And you clicked the "check for updates" button two or three times in a row to "force" the update search?
And you are on Verizon Post paid?
How about a Legacy plan, as opposed to any of the "New Verizon Plans/Unlimited plan" . Are you on a Legacy plan?
I don't know if any of these factors affect anything, just trying to gather some more info

bigblueshock said:
That's very odd. And you clicked the "check for updates" button two or three times in a row to "force" the update search?
And you are on Verizon Post paid?
How about a Legacy plan, as opposed to any of the "New Verizon Plans/Unlimited plan" . Are you on a Legacy plan?
I don't know if any of these factors affect anything, just trying to gather some more info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine did the same thing installed those two Verizon apps as soon as I put in the SIM

@bigblueshock
Exactly what I've been trying to tell people about the Sim not being able to lock a bl, but one person *thinks* it happened that way and it spreads.
I too received about four vzw bloat apps when I first got in, easily enough they are removeable, vzw branded phones come with some garbage you need to root to remove.

If you restored your phone from a backup or from another physical phone, you installed all of the apps that you had on the previous phone (except for the ones you told it not to install or the ones that are not compatible with your new phone). If you had My Verizon and Message+ on a previous phone, that would be included in the restore. Mystery solved. It has nothing to do with your SIM.

My Google Store bought XL 2 running on Verizon auto-installed their go90 app in addition to the two mentioned in the first post.
Also, my phone still isn't seeing any update for the November patch even when hitting "check for updates".
---------- Post added at 06:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------
TheSt33v said:
If you restored your phone from a backup or from another physical phone, you installed all of the apps that you had on the previous phone (except for the ones you told it not to install or the ones that are not compatible with your new phone). If you had My Verizon and Message+ on a previous phone, that would be included in the restore. Mystery solved. It has nothing to do with your SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except it does have something to do with the SIM. My old phone didn't have Message+ or go90 installed, and yet they were installed on my XL 2 when I activated it with my Verizon SIM.

Herohtar said:
My Google Store bought XL 2 running on Verizon auto-installed their go90 app in addition to the two mentioned in the first post.
Also, my phone still isn't seeing any update for the November patch even when hitting "check for updates".
---------- Post added at 06:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------
Except it does have something to do with the SIM. My old phone didn't have Message+ or go90 installed, and yet they were installed on my XL 2 when I activated it with my Verizon SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh. I didn't realize that Go90 was a Verizon app. I saw that one when I set up the phone too. Interesting.

Mine is an unlocked model purchased from the Google Store. I'm coming from a 6P, similarly purchased, that started out on AT&T and recently switched to Verizon. I set up the P2XL completely before installing the Verizon SIM card. I put it in and it works fine and no Verizon apps were installed. When you guys say "activated," what exactly do you mean?

Pappy35 said:
Mine is an unlocked model purchased from the Google Store. I'm coming from a 6P, similarly purchased, that started out on AT&T and recently switched to Verizon. I set up the P2XL completely before installing the Verizon SIM card. I put it in and it works fine and no Verizon apps were installed. When you guys say "activated," what exactly do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case I put my SIM in before booting my phone the first time, so activation and setup all happened during that initial process.

Do you happen to have a link to one of the posts that explains why bootloader unlock status definitely has nothing to do with SIM? If the SIM can trigger apps to be unhidden without permission, I'm worried.

TheSt33v said:
Do you happen to have a link to one of the posts that explains why bootloader unlock status definitely has nothing to do with SIM? If the SIM can trigger apps to be unhidden without permission, I'm worried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the op? He specifically proved it doesn't happen from all the builds he was messing around with.
Where's the post that shows proof this has happened on the 2xl?
Or is it that you've seen none and your tin foil hat is on too tight ?

Lawlrus said:
Did you read the op? He specifically proved it doesn't happen from all the builds he was messing around with.
Where's the post that shows proof this has happened on the 2xl?
Or is it that you've seen none and your tin foil hat is on too tight ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool your jets , captain butthurt. Let me break it down step by step for you:
He doesn't prove anything relating to bootloader unlock in the OP. The only mention of bootloader unlock is this:
"And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances)."
He does absolutely no testing, and "as we all know" isn't good enough for me. Up until now, I thought we "all knew" that a SIM card can't affect anything related to phone software other than providing some preloaded APN settings. Turns out that's not the case. I was simply asking for a link to one of these "multiple threads" he mentioned so that I could gain a better understanding of why we're so certain that a SIM (or more specifically, the deals that Google may or may not have made with lock-happy carriers like Verizon) can absolutely not affect bootloader unlock ability.

TheSt33v said:
Cool your jets , captain butthurt. Let me break it down step by step for you:
He doesn't prove anything relating to bootloader unlock in the OP. The only mention of bootloader unlock is this:
"And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances)."
He does absolutely no testing, and "as we all know" isn't good enough for me. Up until now, I thought we "all knew" that a SIM card can't affect anything related to phone software other than providing some preloaded APN settings. Turns out that's not the case. I was simply asking for a link to one of these "multiple threads" he mentioned so that I could gain a better understanding of why we're so certain that a SIM (or more specifically, the deals that Google may or may not have made with lock-happy carriers like Verizon) can absolutely not affect bootloader unlock ability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the second paragraph of the op. Looks like he is stating it as a fact, that he did it to me.
"If you bought the phone unlocked from Google Store: Your phone starts with an OPD1 Stock firmware. Doesn't make a difference what SIM card you have out of the gate, you get the stock firmware with the unlocked phone."
Feel free to think a Sim can make system lvl changes though lol

I will always say to cover my butt/disclaimer, there's always a small chance Google can push an update out to any bootloader-unlockable phone and lock the bootloader permanently. Will it happen? Probably as good of chances as Apple going bankrupt...
In terms of testing; after all the flashing, locking and unlocking the bootloader, updating to OTA's, and whatever else testing I've done, I was 0% worried, nor did anything happen. On top of that, I popped my Verizon SIM in the phone before I even turned it on for the first time. Regardless, you have a 2 year warranty on the device, so I don't think it matters.
Was there ever a legitimate case of a BOOTLOADER-UNLOCKABLE Pixel 1... Purchased from the Google Store... bootloader permanently locking? No. I know this is a Pixel 2, but GENERALLY SPEAKING in terms of unlocking the device, carrier locks, and where you can purchase the phone, not much has changed.
In the USA, The only place you can truly get a BOOTLOADER-UNLOCKABLE Pixel 2 XL is the Google Store. Other stores which sell the phones can sell the Verizon version (Best Buy, some other name brands), which is still technically "unlocked" in terms of being able to use it on other carriers, but the BOOTLOADER has a permanent lock. Two different meanings of "unlocked".

TheSt33v said:
Cool your jets , captain butthurt. Let me break it down step by step for you:
He doesn't prove anything relating to bootloader unlock in the OP. The only mention of bootloader unlock is this:
"And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances)."
He does absolutely no testing, and "as we all know" isn't good enough for me. Up until now, I thought we "all knew" that a SIM card can't affect anything related to phone software other than providing some preloaded APN settings. Turns out that's not the case. I was simply asking for a link to one of these "multiple threads" he mentioned so that I could gain a better understanding of why we're so certain that a SIM (or more specifically, the deals that Google may or may not have made with lock-happy carriers like Verizon) can absolutely not affect bootloader unlock ability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He put a Verizon SIM in it and was still able to flash his phone, proving at least that the Verizon SIM doesn't lock down the bootloader.
It seems like a simple case of Google's software looking at your SIM and enabling/disabling certain components based on that. It wouldn't make sense for them to cripple your phone by locking down the bootloader just because you put in a Verizon SIM (if that's even possible).

Lawlrus said:
This is the second paragraph of the op. Looks like he is stating it as a fact, that he did it to me.
"If you bought the phone unlocked from Google Store: Your phone starts with an OPD1 Stock firmware. Doesn't make a difference what SIM card you have out of the gate, you get the stock firmware with the unlocked phone."
Feel free to think a Sim can make system lvl changes though lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to generally also add... Everything I am saying or speaking of is in regards to the American version of the phone. I'm not sure if there are any differences for any other countries.
For instance, if Google sells phones in China, I'm sure they will come completely locked down

bigblueshock said:
I'm going to generally also add... Everything I am saying or speaking of is in regards to the American version of the phone. I'm not sure if there are any differences for any other countries.
For instance, if Google sells phones in China, I'm sure they will come completely locked down
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YeaH, when it comes to a counties government, I'm sure they are able to pass some sort of regulations if it means Google.will.miss out on selling units

Herohtar said:
He put a Verizon SIM in it and was still able to flash his phone, proving at least that the Verizon SIM doesn't lock down the bootloader.
It seems like a simple case of Google's software looking at your SIM and enabling/disabling certain components based on that. It wouldn't make sense for them to cripple your phone by locking down the bootloader just because you put in a Verizon SIM (if that's even possible).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that. What he didn't do, or at least it wasn't stated in the OP, was re lock and unlock the phone post-Verizon update. That's what I was curious about.
Here's where I'm coming from. I passed up a $100 off deal on the Verizon model specifically for bootloader unlock ability, but I don't want to unlock the bootloader just yet. As of right now, I don't see a reason to. I just don't understand why everyone is so sure it isn't possible for Verizon to do this. I'm looking for a reason that is more detailed than "they've never done it before so they probably won't ever." I want to know what the explanation is at a software level. If such an explanation doesn't exist, fine. Just wondering if it did.
Tl:dr, if they Pixel software can say "that's a Verizon SIM, let's enable these apps," why is it so impossible for it to say "there's a Verizon SIM, let's disable bootloader unlock?"

Pappy35 said:
Mine is an unlocked model purchased from the Google Store. I'm coming from a 6P, similarly purchased, that started out on AT&T and recently switched to Verizon. I set up the P2XL completely before installing the Verizon SIM card. I put it in and it works fine and no Verizon apps were installed. When you guys say "activated," what exactly do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great to know! Adds more information to the pot.
The "Initial Activation" which occurs during the first boot after a full factory reset, or when you first get your phone turning it on for the first time.
Since you had the AT&T SIM in your phone and have been using the phone, then switched to a Verizon SIM afterwards, that "Initial Activation" process isn't done again unless you do a Full Factory Reset.
No problem really, though. The phone will activate on Verizon with no ill effects.

How do I know if mine is Sprint version ?

I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
No wonder their business is in trouble.

According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.

lchen5 said:
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
Now wonder their business is in trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the "easiest" way to tell if it was an original Sprint phone.
1. power off the phone
2. press the volume down button and the power button at the same time until the fastboot menu appears
you will see a screen that has Variant on it
What is written after Variant? usually it says sprint or OPENUS (openus being from essential directly or through a seller like best buy/amazon)
---------- Post added at 07:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:09 PM ----------
felipemendes said:
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a difference between the NMI81C and the NMJ32F (other than the 32F being a newer updated version with additional patches and security updates.). The only reason there are 2 of them, is that Sprint hasn't "certified" anything past the NMI81C version. (this is what I read, but I cannot be 100% sure of this, but I am 99% sure it is correct.).
If you have an unlocked Sprint phone, and put in a different carriers SIM, it will find the other firmware images available to be downloaded. You can also just follow the instructions to flash the 32F on your phone by overwriting the phones partition. It works on Sprint, and I have tested it. (I have installed the Orea beta, the 81C and the 32F, no issues.)

felipemendes said:
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.

kbonnel said:
Here is the "easiest" way to tell if it was an original Sprint phone.
1. power off the phone
2. press the volume down button and the power button at the same time until the fastboot menu appears
you will see a screen that has Variant on it
What is written after Variant? usually it says sprint or OPENUS (openus being from essential directly or through a seller like best buy/amazon)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.

lchen5 said:
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on that, your phone came from essential, or something like a bestbuy/amazon reseller. (e.g. not Sprint)

Does anyone know why VARIANT filed on my Essential could be empty? No OPENUS or SRPINT on it

tero2012 said:
Does anyone know why VARIANT filed on my Essential could be empty? No OPENUS or SRPINT on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a demo model.....had one like that and thats what essential said

Tech_Savvy said:
Thats a demo model.....had one like that and thats what essential said
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yeah, I contacted essential for another thing and when they asked for my serial number they told me it was a demo model. I hope this empty field doors not break anything in future updates. Until now everything works and I am receiving OTA update. But, I read that yesterday's update did lock down some Sprint models that were previously unlocked.
Who knows...

lchen5 said:
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint sims are device specific. Not sure where you got your sprint sims, or what type they are, but you need SIMOLW416Q

tero2012 said:
Thanks. Yeah, I contacted essential for another thing and when they asked for my serial number they told me it was a demo model. I hope this empty field doors not break anything in future updates. Until now everything works and I am receiving OTA update. But, I read that yesterday's update did lock down some Sprint models that were previously unlocked.
Who knows...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same VARIANT with u. So have u successfully update the September update?

X-Beta said:
I have the same VARIANT with u. So have u successfully update the September update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it did. No issues at all thru OTA

tero2012 said:
Yes it did. No issues at all thru OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated mine to september update and it locked , now i can't unlock it , Sprint said it's not locked to them .
does anyone has this isssue ..??
OPENUS VARIANT

Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.

xCasasx said:
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a sprint version that is what i can see in bootloader. Can you upload your modems1/2 partitions @Rwin01 can try on his phone if yours is working fine on October release

arjunv said:
I have a sprint version that is what i can see in bootloader. Can you upload your modems1/2 partitions @Rwin01 can try on his phone if yours is working fine on October release
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that's why my cellular signal sux here in Mexico
Pd. I don't know how to do that, I'm stock, locked bootloader and I don't want to change that.

xCasasx said:
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats an amazon model. do you have the halo grey model? if so that one is amazon exclusive.
---------- Post added at 09:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:14 AM ----------
lchen5 said:
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
No wonder their business is in trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Halo Grey amazon model, funny enough I also moved from T-mobile and had the same issue, the tmobile sim worked but no sprint sims would work.
I am on the free year with sprint and my phone did lock to sprint.
from what I understand this is a hit or miss problem, not everyones phone gets locked to sprint but when it does happen it can be a pain to unlock.
you are basically at the mercy of sprint to unlock it again.
generally they will unlock it for you but oddly make you wait the same period as someone who bought a phone from them and then you have to get someone who knows what they are doing to unlock it.
I havent tried myself since I still have about 6 months left.
the sim card is not only specific to the device but the one year free plan apparently has a specific sim as well.
I ended up having to call sprint and they located a store near me that had the right one.
normally when you sign up online they will ship you a sim but when I did it they were out of stock online and I had to get them locally.
I also activated a Moto G and a Moto X and they used a different sim than the essential (though they did use the same sim as eachother)
hopefully this helps.

Mine says
"Variant - (blank) "

Nickdroid86 said:
Mine says
"Variant - (blank) "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's a demo model

Yay. (Sarcasm)

could you recommend reliable sim unlock service for T-Mobile oneplus 6t?

Purchased mine on OfferUp. Was told paid off but two months later when I requested unlock from T-Mobile, Rep told me there is still balance on it. Could anyone recommend a reliable and safe unlock service for the T-Mobile 6t?
I already talked to TMobile on T-Mobile app and Tweeter for weeks. They only asked me to find the original seller....
I just wanted to get it sim unlocked... please help.
You could pm me if posting other websites is against xda rule... Much appreciate.

Did you see this ?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6t/how-to/t-mobile-6t-to-international-t3888307?nocache=1

laofan said:
Purchased mine on OfferUp. Was told paid off but two months later when I requested unlock from T-Mobile, Rep told me there is still balance on it. Could anyone recommend a reliable and safe unlock service for the T-Mobile 6t?
I already talked to TMobile on T-Mobile app and Tweeter for weeks. They only asked me to find the original seller....
I just wanted to get it sim unlocked... please help.
You could pm me if posting other websites is against xda rule... Much appreciate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to me your phone has been blacklist by Tmo for an unpaid account so I dont think any of the sim unlock services can do anything about it. Is your phone working with Tmo network now?

Caltinpla said:
It seems to me your phone has been blacklist by Tmo for an unpaid account so I dont think any of the sim unlock services can do anything about it. Is your phone working with Tmo network now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not blacklisted, just has balance. Still on T-Mobile network. Was talking to TMO with T-Mobile app on the phone

null0seven said:
Did you see this ?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6t/how-to/t-mobile-6t-to-international-t3888307?nocache=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did browse the thread but I am looking to sim unlocked my 6t.
The method could not sim unlock a T-Mobile 6t, if I am correct.

laofan said:
Yes I did browse the thread but I am looking to sim unlocked my 6t.
The method could not sim unlock a T-Mobile 6t, if I am correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, just to convert the TMO 6T variant to OOS without the required sim/bootloader unlock first, the normal way!
---------- Post added at 04:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:38 PM ----------
laofan said:
It is not blacklisted, just has balance. Still on T-Mobile network. Was talking to TMO with T-Mobile app on the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will if you don't pay off the balance and I'm surprised that TMO has it activated with an unpaid balance!

Caltinpla said:
Correct, just to convert the TMO 6T variant to OOS without the required sim/bootloader unlock first, the normal way!
---------- Post added at 04:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:38 PM ----------
It will if you don't pay off the balance and I'm surprised that TMO has it activated with an unpaid balance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the balance is not on my account, I can't do anything about it. T-Mobile don't even want me to pay it off since I don't know whose account it was belong to
My main carrier is ATT. I wish I could use the rebranding method to get it sim unlock but I guess I am out of luck

As long as the balance is not paid off, you don't own the phone, T-mobile does. If and when the original owner stops paying it, you're screwed. Btw, T-mobile has a tool to check the IMEI and balance status: https://www.t-mobile.com/verifyIMEI.aspx
I think you got scammed.

UnidH4x0r said:
As long as the balance is not paid off, you don't own the phone, T-mobile does. If and when the original owner stops paying it, you're screwed. Btw, T-mobile has a tool to check the IMEI and balance status: https://www.t-mobile.com/verifyIMEI.aspx
I think you got scammed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I met the seller at the T-Mobile store to check the IMEI when I purchased it. I am aware of the IMEI website.
Thank you for letting me know again that I am screwed, like T-Mobile has told me so.
Now, who knows a real solution for a paid unlock service?

laofan said:
Purchased mine on OfferUp. Was told paid off but two months later when I requested unlock from T-Mobile, Rep told me there is still balance on it. Could anyone recommend a reliable and safe unlock service for the T-Mobile 6t?
I already talked to TMobile on T-Mobile app and Tweeter for weeks. They only asked me to find the original seller....
I just wanted to get it sim unlocked... please help.
You could pm me if posting other websites is against xda rule... Much appreciate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To actually answer your question.
In the thread for converting a T-Mobile to International. Someone used cellunlocker and said it worked, here is the post. https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78691393&postcount=645
He made a couple of post after that one answering questions about the service.

Swiftunlocks.com
Use t-mobile app unlock. It works 100%

lordmusik said:
Swiftunlocks.com
Use t-mobile app unlock. It works 100%
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the site is down, any alternatives?

Unfortunately I got scammed (I'll tell you at the end why lol) as well. I knew the phone had a balanced on it because it was my cousins and he assured me he would pay it off. He was just a little tight with money right now so I went for it. I knew I couldn't get it unlocked since it had a balanced owed. There's a thread on here to sim unlock. Wasn't very difficult to do but you have to convert it to international rom first just like the previous post said. It took me less than 30 minutes to do it. After 8 months ..Welp, he didn't pay it off! The guy totally changed his number and blocked me on social media which I thought was funny. Moral of the story **** happens and never assume they will pay it off.

johnyrocker44 said:
the site is down, any alternatives?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dr8ven said:
Unfortunately I got scammed (I'll tell you at the end why lol) as well. I knew the phone had a balanced on it because it was my cousins and he assured me he would pay it off. He was just a little tight with money right now so I went for it. I knew I couldn't get it unlocked since it had a balanced owed. There's a thread on here to sim unlock. Wasn't very difficult to do but you have to convert it to international rom first just like the previous post said. It took me less than 30 minutes to do it. After 8 months ..Welp, he didn't pay it off! The guy totally changed his number and blocked me on social media which I thought was funny. Moral of the story **** happens and never assume they will pay it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to unlock your phone from this guide here https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6t/how-to/guide-sim-unlock-t-mobile-version-type-t3915269

B&H Pixel 4 unlocked bootloader?

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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.