yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Mrwirez:
I've read that you can RMA a locked Verizon Pixel 2/XL to the Google Store. You can inquire about getting the unlocked version as a replacement. Then you keep the Verizon payment plan with the unlocked phone... Win/Win.

I'm fairly certain, you'll NEVER get that bootloader unlocked. Any DEV that wants the Pixel 2 XL, would NEVER purchase the VZW version. VERIZON are a-holes in every way, and they'll never release the unlock/decryption key...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] xDMONEYx:
I am SERIOUSLY hoping my Pixel 2 XL has a defect that is worthy of an RMA because I am absolutely doing it to get an unlocked version from Google haha. Unfortunately for me, I was unable to get financing through Google, and I really want the stock experience after over half a year with the S8+. I was left with no choice but to get the phone through Verizon. Although I did go into it knowing that root/BL unlock were unlikely for it and am like 75% okay with it. Really just want to be able to use V4A hahaha.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] cjegan2008:
Yeah I chatted with Verizon's tech coach about having my device RMA'ed back to Google.

They apparently have an inside track to Google, and the representative emailed their internal Google contact about this very same issue. Google wants you to buy directly from them, and there's no way Google will support the unlocking of the bootloader officially. I even tried to get them to do a device swap for the Verizon variant to the Google variant, and was pretty much told to return mine and get a Google variant. I paid for mine full price, so I should be able to do what I want with my own phone. Apparently not. Hopefully we can start up a bounty for the devs to unlock the bootloader. I'm willing to throw in $100 off the top. So it's up to the devs if they want to devote time and resources to this. But there's the offer ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] dyingearth:
Hum, I have unlocked phone from Google, and I call via wifi just fine.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] tonyeltriton:
If i buy from bestbuy mobile a verizon unlocked pixel will i be able to unlock bootloader?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
Highly unlikely since it's still a Verizon variant. If BB got them from Google then yes. However, I doubt Google would do that.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] tonyeltriton:
When i was at best buy the man who spoke to me told me that these unlocked verizon came throught google but it's kinda weird to believe it...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] mackentosh:
Google has been swapping Verizon variants with Google variants lately so it might some truth to that.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] elliwigy:
i need someone to find the command to reboot into edl mode.. i did it once before but forgot how i did it

i have a way to potentially unlock vzw bl
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Nochis:
Have you tried adb reboot edl? Or fastboot reboot edl? I remember those worked on a xiaomi device. Worth a try.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] elliwigy:
yes of course.. i got in once but havin trouble now
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Watching this little thread VERY closely...oh please do tell ;)

---------- Post added at 09:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 PM ----------

BTW...was able to boot into EDL on my Pixel by using "adb reboot edl" while USB Debugging was enabled. Device Manager shows "QUSB_BULK"

---------- Post added at 09:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 PM ----------

Not sure if these will help as well... Watching closely still :)

https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=24591000424940129
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] elliwigy:
what adb version do you have?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] abuttino:
Wrong. I have a thread about using WiFi calling in the discussion forum and you don't have to be unlocked to use it.

Just need a PC and adb.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
I'd have to look at work tomorrow, but thinking the latest from Google.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] elliwigy:
r u on 8.0 or 8.1?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] elliwigy:
u dont even need that.. i unlocked, twrp, rooted and flashed acustom kernel n i just enable wifi calling in settings like any other phone with no pc or anything

y did u need a pc and adb to enable it?

does it not let u enable it in settings like normal if ur locked?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] elliwigy:
to add on my last one i enabled it on a locked p2xl just the same
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] abuttino:
I meant WiFi Preferred instead of Cellular Preferred. Sorry, should have clarified that.

You can do it from a terminal emulator or shell

settings put global wfc_ims_mode 2

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
sorry...probably should have mentioned haven't went up to 8 ..on PureNexus 7.1.2 ...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
7.1.2 sorry should have mentioned before
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] elliwigy:
u have a pixel 2 xl on 7.1.2??
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] elliwigy:
this is a pixel 2 XL thread.. if you are not on a pixel 2 or pixel 2 xl then im not working on your device lol.. youare in the wrong thread if so
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
yeah, I should have clarified... Although, I'm wondering if your method would work with the original Pixel. PM me if you would like to work through some testing on the original for proof of concept.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Xentradi:
I have a Pixel 2 XL VZW on 8.1 (Build # OPM1.171019.011).

I haven't used ADB in a while since I switched to iPhone a few years back. If you point me in the right direction I can work on finding that command you need.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] solid009:
The OG Pixel was manufactured by HTC, the 2XL is manufactured by LG, I believe there are different methods to each manufacturer.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] KyleK29:
Same here, if there's anything you need from mine I can provide it. I'm currently still running the 8.0 build.

I did read an article earlier about the Pixel 2 grayed-out OEM Unlocking "bug" that affected Google version phones last month. That was fixed remotely (backend) by Google without an OTA push, so I'd suspect that the theories this is database (IMEI) driven might be correct.

I can't find any distinguishing marks on the box that would indicate there's a separate SKU for Verizon phones. That's usually in the model number or serial. My phone was also not completely sealed as you could just open the box. So I'm curious if the "Verizon version" is being handled on Verizon's end (they take the phone, slap in the sim, scan the IMEI, and fire it up so it loads the lock).
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Ives314:
I got a Google variant pixel 2 xl today from Verizon in the mail. I was quite surprised. Can't wait to root it!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Decree:
As a warranty or insurance replacement?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] elliwigy:
there isnt a method yet.. just a theory, we have no way to write partitions as of now
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
Well get to it son! JK :laugh::laugh:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
I have 3 VZW original pix , 2 BL Unlocked,. 1 VZW on 8.0 BL Locked. Have 1 VZW P2 XL...

Now if we just had a VZW engineer leak some code and utils :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] CptnSpaulding71:
Verizon sucks!

I contacted the idiots at verizon asking why they sell a phone that is only partially able to be used and this is what they said to me:

We always want to answer our customers. We do not support unlocking boot-loaders, this is per manufacturer guidelines. I am sorry about that. Does this provide clarity?

I would love to know how it is the manufacturers guideline to not have an unlocked boot-loader when that is one part of the pixel phones that is most talked about. I foresee a class action lawsuit in the future against verizon since they're selling people phones that are locked which makes those phones unable to be used as they were intended and they of course don't tell you anywhere that the phone you are getting is basically a fake pixel phone.

I just got the pixel 2 xl through them because t is $300 off but if I am unable to get it unlocked then I will send it back to them. I hate how these companies can be so dishonest and keep getting away with it.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sn0warmy:
It's extremely unlikely that there will be a class action lawsuit. This is not the first time a carrier has done this with a Google Nexus/Pixel phone and it surely won't be the last. However, I do agree that it's obnoxious that they do this. My advice is to just do it right, return the phone, and pay to get an unlocked one directly from Google. $300 off is a good chunk to consider, but it still isn't worth the headache.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] jrbxx7:
Many carriers do this, and have for years now. There will never be a lawsuit for it, you don't have to buy from them. If any research was done they will tell you upfront they don't allow bootloader unlocking. Not like they lied to you about it.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] v12xke:
Hey Cap'n, you jumped the gun without doing the research. Verizon P2XL will never be unlocked. Good luck with sending it back. Dont' get me wrong... I do hope you get your money back and are able to apply it to an unlocked phone, but you took the Red Devil bait. Whenever you call Google they will direct you back to Verizon (your $300 discount). Best thing you could do is cut your losses and move to a bootloader AND carrier unlocked phone, so whenever you feel like you're getting screwed, you tell the carrier to go F themselves, toss their SIM and go to another carrier. Going overseas? No problem at all. Until every American does this, there will be carrier and boot locked phones. Google gave you a choice.. and you just made the wrong decision.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] CptnSpaulding71:
For this phone and my financial situation, this was the only choice I had unless you know where I can get one unlocked for $27 a month for 24 months. Returning it won't be any problem at all I am just mad that they lock a phone that is widely known for being unlocked. I didn't do enough research obviously or I guess I might have found that they are locked through this pathetic carrier. I looked up rooting the pixel 2 xl and found various sites showing how to do it very easy but none of them said anything about any versions being locked. I only found out it was locked after enabling developer mode and seeing that oem unlocking is greyed out. I searched verizon pixel 2 xl root and found that they locked it and as of now there isn't a way to unlock it but there are some people trying to figure it out. Not everybody has $900 to shell out for a phone.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sn0warmy:
For what it's worth, the Pixel 2 XL has dropped to $774, unlocked on the Google store.

Also...

OnePlus 5T ($499)

Essential Phone ($499)

These are both extremely good alternatives to the Pixel 2 / 2 XL for about 60% of the price. In fact, while I love my 2 XL, if I could do it over again I'd probably go with the OnePlus 5T instead. It's still a very solid phone with an above average camera. And the lower price means more developers are able to get their hands on it so the ROM/modding community is much more active over there. With just a quick glance I'm already seeing 4 stable ROMs available on the OnePlus 5T sub-forum. So your need to unlock the bootloader/root will go further on that phone than the Pixel line, at this point.

Just something to consider.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] mac796:
I'd be all for that phone but I don't think it works for Verizon correct. And I'm on the old school plan I'm not giving it up.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] stickperson:
Does the process for unlocking the Verizon pixel 2 also work for the 2xl?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
Nope :(
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] TheSt33v:
There is no process for unlocking the Verizon Pixel 2 or 2 XL.

Nevermind. Ignore me.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] RLShiftyDoggit:
Sadly I don't know much about bootloader's but it looks as though it's going to be very tough to crack this one with the way Google set the partitions although I'm wondering if the old Trustzone exploit would work considering it is a Qualcomm chip set device not sure though anyone who knows more about bootloaders may have more insight on it I'll keep researching in the mean time though when I have time due to work constraints I can't promise I'll find a damn thing also I've heard Google's servers tell it what devices are allowed to be unlocked how I'm not sure I think if I recall correctly it's something in the bootloader could be wrong I'll see if I can find where I saw that
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] TheSt33v:
Is this is exploit you're referring to? https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-6639. If so, it was patched years ago.

I've also read that Google's servers determine bootloader unlock eligibility, but I don't buy that due to the simple fact that as far as I know, bootloader unlock eligibility is accurate for devices that have never been connected to the internet. If you try to unlock a Verizon pixel 2 XL out of the box, it will tell you no. The opposite is true with a Google pixel 2 XL.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
The Google Pixel 2 XL I unboxed a week ago had the OEM unlocking grayed out and it said "connect to internet....” underneath it. A few minutes later after connection it was unlockable. Your post is the first I have seen that said anything different than the behavior I describe.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] TheSt33v:
Interesting. I could have sworn I unlocked my Google 2 XL before setting it up. I could be wrong.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] RLShiftyDoggit:
Well that particular exploit maybe patched but I'm still doing research maybe I'll find something interesting idk and please no one get your hopes up going "shifty is going to unlock the bootloader" because I highly doubt I'd be the one to get it even though if I did I'd be pretty cool lol.

Anyone know what apps exactly have Root permission in the stock Rom tho?

---------- Post added at 10:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:40 PM ----------

Shouldn't have been able to I tried it didn't work
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
You could also be right on yours. The whole Google unlock server system is really kludgy. Been lots of oddities and exceptions. Heck originally they wouldn't unlock at all. Google had to fix their servers and everyone had to wipe to get it to trigger.

Speaking of wiping to unlock. I mentioned mine was available shortly after it first started up. I checked it and slid it to be sure then put it back on lock. Set up the phone to try unrooted for awhile.

It was grayed out said connect to internet. I had to wipe it and let it connect again before it became available. No bug deal, it was gonna wipe on unlock anyway. Just another data point for the weirdness.

One thing I saw on the OG Pixel XL forums was a guy that set his up via wireless only, and being curious and an IT guy he sniffed the packets. He for sure captured packets going to a Google server that was one different than any we usually connect to. And it only did a small amount of traffic on first setup.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] TheSt33v:
Very interesting. Any mention of what was in those packets? Maybe we could trick the phone into talking to a different server which would always feed it an "unlock ok" answer.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] pimpmaneaton:
I would be interested to see a logcat of a device that first booted up and had that oem unlocked greyed out, then connected to WiFi and back in settings to see the option available. That whole process being in a log may get us some very valuable information.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
It was all encrypted. I do IT...mostly IT security. It would be a tall order to do that. We could certainly make a closed network....direct the traffic to wherever we want on our network but then we have to impersonate Google's certs. And we would have to decrypt a real unlock command from Google to know what to put in there. A real serious man in the middle attack.

If we could impersonate their certs we could just package our own ota with our own code and sideload it. I don't see that as a viable option either.

It's going to take a new vuln in the OS that allows privilege elevation to get root.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] hypermetuljason:
With this in mind, say I have a way to get a root adb shell session. (Browse /, 'whoami' returns 'root')

What are the next steps I need to take for on-device root or to investigate unlocking the BL?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] RLShiftyDoggit:
Well we need to take a system app with root permission and exploit that but chances are we'll only get temp root meaning it won't stay appon reboot then since these are Qcomm devices we'd have to attack the SoC now I've heard of a thing called trustlets I'm not 100% sure on what they are yet but I know it was on Nexus devices and the original pixels ik Google was trying to stop them from being a vulnerability and to attack the SoC we'll have to reverse enginer Qcomms propitiatary files that was my understanding from the old Trustzone attacks on the bootloader in theory it could work but it's my understanding that the CVE was patched but as far as I know that's only a kernel side thing now weather or not it corresponds with the bootloader I have no clue although I don't think it would some say Qualcomm patched it for the SoC and some say they didn't I do know that the files for Qualcomm will need to be converted to ELF please keep in mind that this info has been around for quite sometime and might be out dated or patched as I've stated I don't know much about bootloaders so even past info is a start and the trustlet that was found even on the original pixel was the widevine trustlet from my understanding Google has patched it but who knows considering the Nexus phones had it as well I'm still reading up on things and what not so I'll keep up w what I find
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] CptnSpaulding71:
I saw this and since it is mainly for the pixel 2 on verizon I bet it is something to shut down the way people are able to unlock them recently especially since they aren't saying what it is and it isn't going out to pixel 2 xl phones. If you have a pixel 2 on verizon and want to unlock it I would suggest not letting this ota go through until someone figures out what it does exactly.

On android headlines they posted an article headlined: Mysterious Android OTA Update Now Hitting Verizon’s Pixel 2. I can't post links yet apparently but it was posted today and written by Dominik Bosnjak so it should be pretty easy to find and maybe someone who can post links can do that for others to see if you think it is relevant.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] RLShiftyDoggit:
Well no one looking for a bootloader unlock should ever update unless specifically told to and obviously that means if you can turn off auto updates people are looking into unlocking this phones and basically what it's doing it isn't a "Mysterious OTA" it's Verizon patching the screw up they had basically the only reason the walleye (pixel 2) fastboot lock_critical flaw it's not even really a exploit or vulnerability it was legitimately a screw up and Verizon admitted it is because the pixel2 and XL 2 are two different boards meaning two different bootloader versions we have the tiamen version I believe that's the code name but there is a vulnerability some where I myself am screwing around for puzzle pieces but I don't think that I have the skills to crack it but that's all the OTA is doing
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] CrimsonToker:
I've read that with the Verizon version, some people were able to select "oem unlock" in Dev options before setting up the phone. Is there a chance that factory resetting will allow me to do that, if I do it before updating software?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Kyle_Pen:
Curious about this as well. Would be willing to test if there's a chance. I'm running 8.1 Jan 5 security patch.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] CrimsonToker:
Same here on the software version. I will test this when I'm off work tonight and report back.

---------- Post added at 07:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:24 PM ----------

Also, I called Verizon just for ****s and giggles. After a lengthy hold, the tech guy came back and said he talked to a "tier 2" specialist about the bootloader. He basically admitted that they potentially could unlock it, but even just talking about bootloader's will get them in trouble with Verizon. I knew I wouldn't get it unlocked when I called, but it was interesting to find out they have the ability to.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] RLShiftyDoggit:
It's no secret that they can they are the ones who lock it in the first place
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] RLShiftyDoggit:
Anyone had any luck getting even root sadly I've had no luck with anything yet
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] chambers3000:
OneClickRoot?

Do they actually work? Reported to me this morning the service could unlock the verizon Pixel XL 2. Has anyone had experience with this? I know it is a premium service not open source but still in desperation...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
Have you guys seen this? I personally wouldn't do it, but then again I already have an unlocked version.

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/temp-root-bounty-verizon-users-t3710652
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] chambers3000:
I did see that but the user has been suspended so I figure if the mods here have issue they probably do so for a reason. So mad at google for this. I bought the "Verizon" version from google foolishly. I should have bought the unlocked version but figured the "Verizon" was the unlocked phone for verizon. Still within the return window...Wondering if I should pull the trigger?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
If I were you, and could return it, and then get an unlocked one.....OH HECK YEAH!! ??
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] chambers3000:
What a hassel

OMG that is so crappy. I have to return the phone. It should be broadcast all over the store front. VERIZON MODELS ARE LOCKED. I seriously feel like it was under handed. Wonder if I can call and explain I will keep an unlocked boot loader if they can unlock it. This is really troubling - didnt the library of congress set some precedent you cant lock boot loaders?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
With all due respect, it has been widely known the Verizon locks the bootloaders on all their branded phones, as do others,for quite some time. There was plenty of information pertaining to this leading up to the release of the P2XL and P2 devices. Sometimes we just have to do a little research before we buy the products we like ?