this post was submitted on 24 May 2025
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Privacy
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Please note: You must buy the "Unlocked - Works with any carrier" version of the Pixel via Googles website (or from a reputable source that ensures it is/was not carrier locked). Anything else will have a permanently locked boot loader and no way to install Graphene.
Depends on the carrier and the specific deal. I have a Pixel 7 Pro from T-Mobile. And it was able to be unlocked after one year of service in good standing. T-Mobile has traditionally been pretty good about that, though that kind of thing often shifts once companies have major mergers. And the Sprint merger screwed them up in a lot of ways that are still working their way down to customers losing services and features.
Oh my, that sounds difficult. What does "permanently locked bootloader" mean? I was just going to buy at local phone shop..
EDIT: Turns out, local phone shop does not sell Google Pixel. Gotta buy from official google store..
Actually, if you buy a Pixel, you need to get the "google edition" version, which google sells directly. If you're buying used, specifically search for the "google edition" version. I have a Pixel 6 Pro running Graphine OS and I love it. It's not difficult to install.
I usually just buy them used.
You have to look for the unlocked version though. They usually sell for a little bit more but it's worth paying the extra.
Where can the seller check if it is the unlocked one?
Setting --> About Phone --> Software information --> Tap Build Number 7 times, type pin if prompted. --> Back to Main Settings menu --> Developer Options --> Look for a "Allow Bootloader to be Unlocked" or similar wording. If you can check the box, it should be bootloader unlockable. (I've never tried it myself, I just dig around settings a lot through curiosity)
"Permanently locked bootloader" means you can't unlock the bootloader so you can flash a different OS. If you can't unlock the bootloader, you can't flash. A lot of phones are like this, like Samsung's galaxy series. I got really fucked by Samsung with the S10 because of this. You need to buy a specific type of phone and security patch if you want to flash. I went with the Pixel bought unlocked from Google so I could use GrapheneOS. It was very easy to unlock the bootloader and then relock it back. I noticed you said the pixel does not have good reception in your country, I would look more into this before going with it if this is the case.
I got my Pixel 7 from T-Mobile.. The OEM unlocking toggle shows up in developer settings. An internet search implies I have a unicorn.