Google Unlocked Pixel 3a on Verizon

radensb

Senior Member
Oct 22, 2013
65
19
0
Hi all. I have been searching high and low for information on this specific question:

Will activating an unlocked Pixel 3a on Verizon disable the OEM Unlock and bootloader unlock capability?

I got a Verizon variant before I realized that there was not way to unlock the bootloader. Bummer. So, I returned it for an Unlocked version from Google, which I just received tonight. I breezed through the setup (without the SIM card) and noticed that OEM Unlock was disabled stating I needed to connect to the internet. So, I enabled WiFi and the OEM Unlock was then available. It would seem that I an now able to follow the unlocking procedure.

My goal is to unlock the bootloader and root, but do I have to do it immediately? My concern is that activating the phone with my Verizon SIM could:
1) Prevent unlocking the bootloader in the future if I don't unlock it before I activate with SIM (research seems to indicate that factory resets will undo disabling OEM Unlock if this can happen if I understand correctly)
2) Re-lock an unlocked bootloader - maybe this is not even possible?

I don't want to mess this up. All the info I am finding are discussions related to trying to unlock a Verizon variant and I cannot find good info on what happens to bootloader unlocking options on unlocked phones that are activated on Verizon. The only reason I may want to delay this process is because I dont have a lot of time at the moment and would rather not rush the bootloader unlock and root process. However, my HTC 10 is in bad shape and need a phone to get through the holidays. I was hoping that I could activate it on Verizon now, use it with its locked bootloader for a few weeks, and when things cool down after the holidays, implement the bootloader unlock and root.

If that is not advisable, what about unlocking the bootloader immediately (doesn't seem too hard and I have used ADB before), and activating without root. Then root later? Any possibility of concern #2?
Can OTA's re-lock a bootloader and prevent future unlocking?

I appreciate anyone's incite, experience, or links to the needed information for clearing this up. Thanks you!
 

jmtjr278

Senior Member
Mar 8, 2012
1,005
548
143
I would advise you to unlock the bootloader asap. If you wait it will be a pain later because unlocking causes loss of data. If you don't care about that, wait as long as you like.

As far as Verizon is concerned, if the phone is unlocked, I don't see how they could possibly lock the bootloader. They may restrict your services but they can't touch the lock status of a device you purchased.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk