yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] deesugar:
Alright so I guess the remaining question is can you flash the stock Google firmware and receive OTA updates from Google? Thereby turning your Verizon phone into a Google Store version with no issues?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] JustusIV:
They are backorder for me until the 12/9 :( wonder what version they will ship with.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] dbrohrer:
It will almost certainly ship with the October security patch. The kicker is the phone will check for updates as soon as you sign in and connect to the internet. I don't know if it will force the update or if it will just notify you that there is one.... And I don't think you can boot the phone up without a sim on the first boot to get around this. I think it requires and internet connection to get through the setup. :eek:

---------- Post added at 02:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:48 PM ----------

Negative. You cannot turn a Verizon phone into a Google phone.

They are the same phone. The difference is a server side switch that is being made. Maybe there is an IMEI database with all of the Verizon phones or something similar. As soon as your phone connects to the internet, it will check and confirm that its in that database and the "OEM unlocking" toggle will be grayed out, no matter what Google factory image you are on.

The beginning and the end is the OEM unlock toggle. dePixel8 is just forcing the switch so that you can unlock the bootloader. If you flash a new image or just reboot you will see that the toggle will be flipped, but it was still be grayed out.

If you want an unlocked bootloader, unlock it and leave it unlocked. If you don't care or want to stay stock, leave it alone.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] cambunch:
Where are you getting this information?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] dbrohrer:
Jcase comments on the Pixel XL forum, other Pixel XL forum comments, my own device / experience. I have a Pixel 128gb from Verizon.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] cambunch:
Thank you, it wasn't a question of doubt, just more of an inquiry to where I could do some reading on this new process :good:
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] dbrohrer:
No worries. This forum has blown up since this morning because no one knows how to update their sdk tools, but there is some good info if you're willing to sift through it.

http://xdaforums.com/pixel-xl/how-to/verizon-pixel-xl-unlocking-discussions-t3484497
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] deesugar:
That's not what people are reporting in the Android Police comments:

http://disq.us/p/1d63wz9
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] dbrohrer:
Not sure what you're referring to. I don't see conflicting info there. Maybe I wasn't clear.

If you unlock the bootloader with dePixel8, you can flash the factory images without issue. However if you go into developer options the OEM unlock toggle will be grayed out. You won't be able to toggle it back on or off. If you just used dePixel8 to unlock the bootloader it will be enabled but grayed out. Make sense?

So, dePixel8, unlock bootloader, fastboot flash new factory image. If you decide to relock your bootloader, you will have to use the tool to unlock it again. You will not be able to switch the toggle back and forth and then reboot and unlock the bootloader like the devices bought from the Google Store.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] dbrohrer:
Thanks for confirming. I don't think its going to make a difference between the 3 builds. I would be happy if you proved me wrong though!
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] deesugar:
Are you able to use Android Pay?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] ecetim:
Hey peeps - I've read through the Pixel XL thread on this, but am still not 100% clear on something. I can type commands as well as the next guy, but am not quite so keen on unlocking vs rooting, etc. It's been a while since I tinkered with my Moto X Dev Edition.

I have zero interest in flashing custom ROMs. Losing automatic updates is a deal breaker. The only thing I might want at some point is root for doing some customizing.

Will unlocking and flashing Google system images allow me to ensure root whenever a method comes out while keeping automatic updates? Is root even possible without an unlocked bootloader? Just weighing my options here. TIA!
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] TCPDump:
Yes and probably. I will try stock later and let you know.

---------- Post added at 02:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:30 AM ----------

It actually gets its permissions from the OMA (Open Mobile Alliance) Server. Think of an OMA server as a domain policy server, of sorts.

Here's an article to get you started if you're curious: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OMA_Device_Management

The VZW Pixels stock image supports three servers:

VZW LTE - Default

VZW MOTIVE

VZW MOTIVE-Test3.11.1

Depending on which you use you get different policies, and can even get pre-release or soak test system images.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] TCPDump:
Pic related.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] JohnnyMcG:
I have tried over and over to no avail.

(EDIT) IT WORKED OMFG i was thinking it wasn't going to work after the 30th or so time it actually worked when i ran the commands as android was loading. idk that probably makes no difference but just in case.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] social-design-concepts:
In the name of learning could you tell me how to access that screen? Also which Build did you flash?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] TCPDump:
I'm using the stock VZW image. Let me think about it. Long story short, the second your device registers with to one of them VZW knows.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] social-design-concepts:
Do you know what the difference between the 3 build's are :

7.1.0 (NDE63H, Oct 2016)

7.1.0 (NDE63L, Oct 2016)

7.1.0 (NDE63P, Oct 2016)
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] TCPDump:
Not off the top of my head, but I can look later.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] Tucky Toes:
Anybody have any tips for getting this to complete? I get as far as ADB running dePixel8, but it returns a failure and says to try again. I've tried in both Windows and Linux.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] ecetim:
http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=69369941&postcount=700
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] nigilv:
Is this true? Has anyone tried unlocking, flashing Google's image, and then relocking?

http://disq.us/p/1d6recl
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] social-design-concepts:
I tested all three builds and no you can not unlock without first running dePixel8 again.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] sd_shadow:
anyone having trouble with dePixel8?

adb commands seem to work fine, but when it's supposed to reboot to bootloader dePixel8

just says unsuccessful (or something like that)

and just reboot back to system

Will and screenshots later...
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] herandy:
Make sure you have the lastest adb and fastboot and also have the correct usb drivers installed. And play a little with your phone and keep the screen turned on before attempting the depixel8 method.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] sd_shadow:
Thanks finally got it unlocked

Updated from

Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.35

Revision fc2a139a55f5-android

to

Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.36

Revision 84e3321d5db3-android

didn't change

C:\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>adb push dePixel8 /data/local/tmp
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *
[100%] /data/local/tmp/dePixel8

C:\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>adb shell chmod 755 /data/local/tmp/dePixel8

C:\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>adb shell /data/local/tmp/dePixel8

*** welcome to dePixel8 v0.2, by beaups! ***
*** if you paid for this, shame on you! ***
*** let's get started ***

[+] starting
[+] getting there, about 20 more seconds please
[-] it didn't work out this time :(
[-] after your device reboots, please try again

tried removing/updating drivers, several different ways

with little success

although adb devices always gave a good response

C:\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>adb devices
List of devices attached
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *
FA68R0307090 device

finally tried using [TOOL] [WINDOWS] ADB, Fastboot and Drivers - 15 seconds ADB Installer v1.4.3 by Snoop05

rebooted pc

reran dePixel8 steps

plus a tip I saw, when you see

"[+] getting there, about 20 more seconds please"

open the chrome app on the phone

[+] done
[+] rebooting your device to bootloader mode
[+] run "fastboot oem unlock" to unlock your bootloader
[+] P.S. Pixel is made by HTC, and dePixel8 was made by beaups
[+] cheers jcase - copyright Streamlined Mobile Solutions, LLC

could be 20th time is the charm, finally got drivers correct, or the chrome step did it

don't really know
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] Quadman:
Ok just got my pixel in. Debating on wether to unlock now or after the update roles out. Does the update install automatically or can I cancel it? I also want to root but it still seems kind of buggy so I'll put that on hold. Can someone recommend the best kernel to install or should I wait until after the update? Thx all.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] sd_shadow:
You need to unlock the bootloader before flashing a kernel
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] Taebom:
For me the chrome browsing worked too. It failed the fist 3 times as i was just scrolling through my home screens thinking that would be active enough, but it wasn't. Then the last time i tried i opening chrome and started browsing and profit. Thanks again the the community for all the great help!
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] Quadman:
Do I need to unplug and replug the usb cord after each attempt at unlocking the vz bootloader?

Ok after seeing the above post I can confirm that this works. When you see this

[+] getting there, about 20 more seconds please"

open the chrome app on the phone

worked the first try. Thx sd_shadow
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] cadcamaro:
Strange, I tried everything as well and then I read your post. I started the command, opened Chrome and it worked fine for me after multiple failed attempts.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] jmartin72:
The new update did not break this!!!
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] tim k:
I can get the Verizon version cheaply as I am on Verizon, but I don't want to deal with Verizon's update schedule. I don't trust them no matter what they claim now about simultaneous updates. In addition, I want to be able to use Android pay.

Can anyone confirm whether...

A) Flashing the stock firmware gets you direct-from-Google updates?

B) Android Pay works unlocked?

C) Flashing the stock firmware and re-locking (if needed for Android Pay) will allow Google updates and Android pay to work?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] farfromovin:
If be interested in knowing those answers as well. I'd love to turn my VZW pixel into a play store version.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
Not a chance. But I'd love to as well. Be careful unlocking the vzw device and I do not believe AP will work reliably rooted or unlocked. Just research it really well so you don't screw up this $240 device. ;)
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] don_alberto:
So just to make things clear as someone who doesn't want to brick his 240$ pixel:

If I unlock bootloader I shouldn't relock it - meaning I will have to manually install OTA (even if I flash the google factory image).

Also, I will not have Android Pay in a normal way (maybe with magisk).

If I don't however - I might never be able to unlock it. I might get late updates from Verizon (although they mentioned it should come with google), I'll have a little bit of bloat (is this true?) and I might experience problem with hotspot (is this true?).

Any other downsides for not unlocking?

So:

unlock:

* no OTA

* no AP

keep lock:

* no future unlocking

* bit of bloat

* hotspot issues?

* verizon has more control...
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
You are making a lot of assumptions. It seems to me that you really want unlocked bootloader and root. You should not get the Verizon phone if that is truly what you want. Either suck up the $650 or forget it. We all want our cake.. not gonna happen this time. For $240 you might want to try with a stock system, locked bootloader, unrooted. Why not? What are you missing by not rooting the device? Bit of bloat maybe. Hotspot issues.. if you really need it then find that out. Sorry, I don't use that. Bottom line you will not get a better device for the money. Android Pay is amazing and will probably not work in the future with any unlocked bootloader. So there are your choices. I made mine and this device is incredible and I'm only out $10 / month for 2 years.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] BakedTator:
I have the Verizon pixel and its worth it...unlock the phone, screw Android pay and fastboot flash the system images from Google or sideloaded the OTA's!

It's rather simple and the deal is great right now...just ask yourself two questions...do you really use Android pay a lot? Do you not have your credit/debit card in your wallet?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
What's a credit card?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] farfromovin:
I get my $360 Pixel tomorrow and have a question. If I installed google version software and rooted, then sideloaded OTA's would the video calling out of the stock dialer still work? I'm with you on Android pay, I think adaware is more useful to me, but I do use stock video calling with the other vzw lines in my family quite often.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] BakedTator:
I don't see why not but I don't use the stock dialer for video chatting...I use hangouts or duo...I'm using the stock Verizon software because you will keep getting an update notification with a Verizon sim in the phone...I tried running V but that damn notification got on my nerves
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] defconoi:
After unlock does OTA still work if non-modified system?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] BakedTator:
As far as I know yes
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] drocny87:
Can we flash the firmware for the play store version or we have to use the verizon? Im currently running nde63x. I dont have any of the new features such as double tap to wake, etc
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] BakedTator:
When the phone has its Verizon sim in it, it will constantly prompt you to take an OTA to the build ending in X... Might as well stay with it
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] pumm3l:
I'll be using a verizon pixel on AT&T. I do not have easy access to a verizon sim, will I not be able to install OTA updates at all or can I manually install them?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] defconoi:
I just cancelled Verizon and out in my straight talk sim, should I flash Google image and radio?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] jumaaneface:
Unlock the bootloader and flash the p build. I got the v update after I did that
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] pumm3l:
was it an automatic thing or did you have to manually side load the update?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] Ravenryan:
So with me being on Verizon wireless, am i screwed? No custom roms no fun? :(
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] sd_shadow:
why would you think that?

unlock the bootloader while it's still available
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] joshw0000:
Have you tried this? I'd switch to get video calling. I have it provisioned in Phone Info but no option when I make calls.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] pumm3l:
I went ahead and flashed the p build as you suggested and the v update came through automatically. Thanks again.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] mrcdsouza:
If I am on "V" system image, does it make sense to lock BL or no. Seems to be conflicting information in various threads. TIA.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] sd_shadow:
If device is on the Verizon network, unlock the bootloader if you think you will want to do something that requires root or a custom recovery
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] fink.nottle:
I just received my verizon pixel, and the Dec image is already out. If I turn it on, I think it asks for wifi and updates automatically. I'm guessing it's patched in Dec's image. Any way to stop it from updating ? Does the setup complete if the wifi has no internet ?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] spudsmac:
Turn it on without a sim card or internet and don't set it up before you can get into developer settings and turn off auto updates.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] jjlangen:
Pull the SIM card before you turn it on, and skip everything through the setup process. Then you can unlock the bootloader, factory reset the phone, and setup and update OTA as usual. Or just flash the new image while you're at it.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] fink.nottle:
I think it doesn't let you through unless you sign in to a wifi network. Or that's what I read. Do you have any experience with that ?
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] spudsmac:
Just keep pressing skip or continue without setup.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] PaperbagPanda:
System updates doesn't come through unless your SIM is in there. From my experience, even with a T-Mobile SIM, I won't get update until I plug my Verizon SIM in.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] Droid1019:
I have a Vzw Pixel and I've unlocked the bootloader (no other modifications). I was going to adb the new image but there's no Vzw specific version so far (only NMF26O). Is it ok to flash that one? And, I just checked settings and I can still get the OTA. If I go this way is it going to lock my bootloader? tia
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] fink.nottle:
No. Nothing will lock your bootloader unless you lock it yourself. You can flash anything you want while the bootloader is unlocked since there is no checking.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] fink.nottle:
Didn't work. Doesn't go past the wifi screen.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] jjlangen:
Oops, sorry. Just went through this a week ago with the VZW Pixel I bought on sale, I thought I just skipped it all since I didn't want to set anything up yet... But later I was working on re-locking my old 5X and I know for sure you can skip it all on that. They must have changed it in 7.0.

If it were my phone, I would give it a try since the OTA probably isn't live yet, just posted today. If it starts downloading, you can always hold down power to shut it off until there's a solution.

---------- Post added at 09:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:09 PM ----------

Unlocked VZW Pixel here, loaded NMF26O today, no problem.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] fink.nottle:
I managed to unlock it. It didn't auto-update. I showed the update notification though. Another experiment worth trying for those who have a locked bootloader is to check if you can flash the old (Oct/Nov) image after the Dec image. If they haven't changed the keys, that would still work.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] dr3:
system update works after dePixel8 and device is still unlocked

About a week ago I dePixel8'd a new vzw 128g.

Tonight I went to system updates, checked for a new one and downloaded it.

I was on 7.1 now I am on 7.1.1 with Dec 5th patch level, build number NMF26O kernel 3.18.31-gbd96fbf android-build@wpix12.hot.corp.google.com #1

The bootloader warning still appears telling me that it cannot verify the system image and that I should relock the bootloader.

I am lazy and compulsive so I went to the vzw store and picked up this before I learned how bad that is if you want to load custom roms.

So now I am debating whether I should go pay restocking fee and buy a proper device.

Or keep on with this little gem and wait for some interesting reason to further explore fun things I can do with my bootloader unlocked.

Android Pay--not too important--I have no idea how it is funded by and I doubt it is ethically superior or less risky alternative to a credit card with a major bank.

More importantly, the first time I tried to sign into Skype for Business on the device, I was greeted by this lovely request to accept a very scary looking certificate (image attached).

I don't have any apps remotely shady on this device yet.

I'm not sure who to report this to or how to identify the source of the attempted/possibly successful hack.

My common sense tells me it was most likely that I actually have some other bad app on my phone.

Or that the Microsoft apk in the Google store was hacked.

Or there was something bad in the dePixel8 unknown code I injected into my device.

Or that my router is hacked and someone is targettedly trying to MITM me.

I haven't seen any more weird things pop up but getting a dangerous certificate warning right after I tried to login to Lync/Skype has left me thinking there are too many actors with too much remote control of my new device.

I would appreciate your thoughts.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] fink.nottle:
All your conclusions are unrelated.

1) All dePixel does is toggle the unlock bootloader flag.

2) Your device isn't rooted at this point. So depixel cannot really do any system level changes. Even if it does something fishy, you can flash the stock images after the bootloader is unlocked. Nothing persists after a complete flash

3) No idea about your certificate issues, but it's quite likely that there is something wrong at Microsoft's end, and not an MITM attempt. In any case, after a clean flash, if you still get that, the problem is not related to your device.

4) You can get the google store version instead, but all that buys you is the ability to repeatedly unlock and relock your bootloader. If you want to leave it locked, or leave it unlocked, your current phone does that fine. In fact, if you use any other AOSP based rom, you can still unlock and relock your bootloader as many times as you want AFAIK. It's just that google's official images will not allow unlocking after they patch depixel.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] dr3:
But I can't verify that is all it does, although I do have an incredible amount of trust in this community so much that I ran it literally as soon as I could after I purchased the phone.

I would like the ability to set and verify what is the expected signature of my kernel on every boot, but I suspect I will not be able to do that with either either variant of the device unless I stay with the stock rom.

Thanks for your comments about the certificate issue. I did not accept it but I wanted to share that someone is abusing *.mighty-site.com for a certificate.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] fink.nottle:
You don't need to trust what depixel does. After you unlock the bootloader, flash the images from google's website.

You can sign your own images, and lock the bootloader so that it only accepts that signature. That's what copperheadOS does.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] fix-this!:
well this is concerning considering i need to replace my pixel today at verizon. i hope the new one doesnt have the new update.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] dr3:
If you ask the vzw person to keep the new phone turned off so you can activate it when you get home, then you can remove the sim card before you turn it on and prevent it connecting to the Internet.

I am not sure if you can make it completely login into Android enough to enable adb usb debug without Internet access but it seems reasonable.

At that point you could dePixel8 before it takes any system update.
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] kulwinder baidwan:
thank you
[Google Pixel Guides, News, & Discussion] Bytetheft:
I have the verizon pixel.

If I unlock my bootloader and flash the new 7.1.1 update does that update me to the Google build?