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How can you tell if the phone you're buying is unlocked? (mander.xyz)

submitted 6 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

15 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Basically no sellers I’ve seen whether their Pixels can have their boot loader unlocked. So how did you get yours and how can I avoid getting a lemon?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but if I understand correctly, any Pixel that is carrier unlocked can have its bootloader unlocked via the "developer options" menu. I've bought two used "unlocked" Pixels on Swappa and had no trouble unlocking the bootloader on either.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Apparently that isn’t the case. Carriers can and will use signed boatloaders that prevent unlocking, regardless of whether you can port your device to another carrier or not. At least that’s what I could gather in my research. The two locks are independent.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

They are independent, but if it was originally carrier unlocked, you're definitely okay. The way I understand it, Swappa at least, only allows OEM unlocked phones to be sold as unlocked.

https://swappa.com/buy/unlocked

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 days ago

I'd suggest maybe either buy from the google store, or from sellers in countries where locking is illegal (like Australia)...

I've also had luck on eBay by confirming with the seller first.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

If you buy from big store, you just have to risk it: If it's locked you just return it. I've bought a couple of refurbished Pixel phones from large online retailers, they all say unlocked in the listing, but they mean carrier, not bootloader. It's been about 50/50 if I get one unlocked, or locked.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 days ago

Thank you. I’ll try my luck.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Buy from Google store

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 days ago (1 children)

I considered it, but it’s by far the most expensive option. I can save up to $200 if I buy from Best Buy.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/google-pixel-9-128gb-unlocked-obsidian/6587819.p?skuId=6587819

Pixel 9 unlocked on BestBuy.com You just have to make sure it says unlocked.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 days ago

Much appreciated!

[–] [email protected] -1 points 6 days ago (2 children)

Afaik the bootloader is always unlockable in developer options. I'm unsure if there might be a provider (Sim) lock.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 6 days ago (1 children)

If it's a Pixel from Verizon, the bootloader will be locked down, and no way around it.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago

My bad. I usually buy my phones separate from any contracts so shit like this does not happen.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 days ago

This contradicts what I learned here: https://mander.xyz/post/25596328