yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] krabman:
I think he is referring to OEM unlock, that slider not being accessible is most def a serious problem.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] MArtyChubbs:
Why? His phone is unlocked. Am I missing something?

Unless, he is referring to a non-vzw as unlocked (to a carrier?) and he can't unlock the bootloader cuz it's greyed out..? If so my bad and the answer posted already worked for me too.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] krabman:
Which unlock slider do you imagine he would be referring to when there is only the one? Lol Ya screwed up man. And no, I'm not busting your balls. It happens, done it myself.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] mostyle:
Done several resets and set up with and without SIM. Still Grayed out.

Correct... Sorry, I should have clarified. It is Play Store purchased, non-VZW, non-project FI device running on AT&T.

This isn't my first rodeo so I knew what should have happened (I have 6p, Pixel 1 and have been running customs long before that) when I fired it up. It just didn't behave as expected so I was polling to see if others had a similar experience.

Sorry for the confusion... I shoulda been more explanatory in the OP.

Several non-xl users have said they experienced the issue (posted there as well) so I'm thinking it isn't device specific but rather an OS issue. Found Google support threads that reference the exact same described issue that was resolved by an OS hotfix. We'll see. RMA arrives tomorrow.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] MArtyChubbs:
Same here with a Verizon sim. I had the greyed out OEM and reflashed stock image or reset like you (can't remember cuz my brain is old) and then I was able to toggle it. Well, cool beans on the RMA!

If someone else has the problem, post here and maybe a fix can be documented.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] XtazyMike:
Wait... You have a VZW pixel 3( or xl) and you managed to bypass the OEM unlock? how?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] spotmark:
I believe, "Verizon sim", are the key words there. I don't think he means he has a Verizon Pixel.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] MArtyChubbs:
No, from Google but I put my VZW sim I got with my Pixel XL in my P3XL. Sorry, like the OP, we had a weird problem unlocking BL with it being greyed out.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] mostyle:
Just to be clear, you didn't 'flash' anything originally, correct? Just a factory reset? Since the bootloader is locked, if you flashed something please share. I saw the or in your post. Just making sure that I read that correctly.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] MArtyChubbs:
I think I wanna say I DID flash leaving the -w in the bat file.

Locked bootloader means you can't flash non stock images, no? You can srill upgrade the bootloader even if it's still locked, right? What I mean is, I can still use the fastboot images on a locked phone or can't I?

I erased the data partition at least and then the OEM unlock was not greyed out. But I am in the habit of fastbooting (that's what I ment by flash) with or without -w so I am pretty sure that is what I did. Maybe not, I dunno...
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] superchilpil:
You can flash a factory image with a locked bootloader as long as it retains the signature, which would be broken the second it gets modified.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] MArtyChubbs:
Thanks for the confirmation I felt like I was inventing a memory for a moment there.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Are you sure about that? I don't believe you can flash anything other than sideload an OTA with a locked bl. But I could be mistaken, just like to confirm.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] ridobe:
This is correct. This is why you can't lock the bootloader while having non-stock firmware. You can't boot because it's "corrupt", you can't flash because you are BL locked and you can't boot to toggle "OEM unlocking".
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] superchilpil:
By firmware do you mean a ROM? Because if the rom is signed even if it's not Google's signature then you can lock the bootloader. All it looks for is that signature so it can perform checks to make sure that signature stays the same.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] mostyle:
You are not mistaken. Just tried.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Tehpdub:
I still have a RMAed phone im sending back today, i waited longer than i would like "keeping it" i was hoping they would push out a hotfix or something., guess ill wait after the holidays to RMA again
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] cswithxda:
I wanted to wait longer also but my return window is coming up on 11/27 and this is a perfect time to return and grab the BF deal I guess.

Contacted customer service with chat and after 10 min it was done. Originally she told me to wait, I said I couldn't wait since the return window is coming to an end and the device is just still there unused. Then they offered replacement, I said I would like to return instead and order another one when the issue is resolved. She agreed, too. Now I gotta return this phone with perfect display (P3).

I really don't know if I want to enter the double lottery draw for both a good screen and unlockable bootloader this time , but that $150 discount is surely enticing.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] jmcturnan:
I also have this issue. Received mine last Tuesday. Spoke with customer service. Rep said this was his first time with the issue, but he had heard of it. He said it is listed internally as a 'red flag' issue. He said they believe a software patch will be issued to resolve it. I made the rep note in the case that I expect my return period to be extended if it is not resolved. No guarantees, but couldn't hurt. I decided to hang on to it for another week.

I noticed several Android news sites now have articles on the issue (phonearena, etc). I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt for another week. I think this is a pretty embarrassing screwup and they could move quickly as word spreads.... We will see.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] _sky.captain_:
I just ordered the Pixel 3XL from the Google Store early Thursday morning to get the Black Friday discount, and was excited to see it arrive a quick two days later! However, I also have this issue - my bootloader cannot be unlocked. That pretty much offsets the ++ karma for quick delivery as there are a couple modifications I think are essential for any Android phone which still require root. I'm not talking about sexy mods, but functional ones. For example: installing Battery Charge Limit so that your battery capacity does not get vastly reduced over time from overcharging..

I hope this is resolved soon!
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] replica9000:
Ordered my P3XL from Google on the 18th. It came from Carol Steam, IL. I setup the phone without a SIM card, only Wi-Fi. OEM unlock option is greyed out. Verizon appears in the search string, yet nothing in the user-agent indicates Verizon. Nothing in the settings or boot loader indicates Verizon either. I've tried to factory reset several times without luck. Phone is on the November patch.

I was considering returning the phone. Google honored the black Friday deal and refunded $200.

I hadn't planned on upgrading, but my original Pixel XL completely died without warning after only 18 months. I looked into the Galaxy Note 9 or S9+. Despite not having expandable storage or as much ram, I chose this phone simply for the fact it could be rooted.

I'm seriously considering returning this phone for the OnePlus 6T.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
Your OG Pixel has a 2 year warranty I believe. They extended it when it launched due to it having so many issues. Not saying you shouldn't get a new phone but a free backup would be cool, or eBay it.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
Mine was also from Carol Stream. As well as a all of my Pixel 2 RMAs that also had locked bootloader. The Carol Stream warehouse does no QA testing I'd assume.

My plan is to take a month long break from dealing with locked bootloaders, and start dealing with Google again in the new year.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] replica9000:
Already talked to them about it. They said it only had a year warranty. I had also told them I had ubreakifix look at it and they couldn't help. So they transferred me to puls, which also couldn't help.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] janedoesmith:
This is disturbing. Anyone else had their unlockable devices shipped from Carol Steam? If not, which area was it shipped from? I would think these places the devices are being shipped from are just distribution points.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
My apologies, after searching I see the special 2 year warranty was for the 2's.

---------- Post added at 12:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 AM ----------

Google doesn't ship any of them. A company called Ingram Micro does all the shipping. Carol Stream is the most common shipping point because of its location and the huge Fed Ex hub there.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] janedoesmith:
Oic. So, I presume no QC procedures are performed at these locations.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] replica9000:
Added to the issuetracker. How long did it take Google to fix the issue for the Pixel 2?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
So, I've ran a IMEI checks on my phone, and it appears that it is in the Verzion IMEI database, but it's registered as "PIXEL3XL-NVZW". I assume the N stands for "Non" Verzion.

You can actually see this on Verzion's IMEI checker. (https://www.verizonwireless.com/prospect/bring-your-own-device#/checkDevice)

Does anyone have a real Verzion device we can check the IMEI of, so we can see if the N appears on it?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] replica9000:
I entered my IMEI, and the website shows my device isn't compatible with Verizon. (I've triple checked)
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
I'm sorry, that's not the right URL. Try this one. https://www.verizonwireless.com/prospect/bring-your-own-device#/checkDevice

(They look the same, so I thought I had it open in two tabs.)
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] replica9000:
That link does show PIXEL3XL-NVZW for my IMEI.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
Was this a unlocked one? Or a Verzion one?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] replica9000:
Unlocked, purchased straight from Google.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Rhymey:
I checked my unlockable 2xl and my currently locked 3xl:

Both through Fi. Only the 3xl has been RMA'd. Had no issues (screen tint w/e) with p2xl
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] chakra:
My own unlocking is not greyed out, but when I run the unlock with fastboot it doesn't work. I have the nvzw string
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
So, right now I'm assuming NVZW stands for "Non-Verzion Wireless" Although, this remains in the air until we can test this on a confirmed Verzion device. So, I'm left still asking? Do we actually have Verzion devices?

The IMEI says No. The Google Search client says Yes. System Firmware says No (Mine is running Google Firmware at least.). Behavior says Yes.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Tehpdub:
I did the exact same thing my original one you can unlock the bootloader typed in my iemi and said my sim is not valid and my new one said PIXEL3XL-NVZW
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] jmcturnan:
Mine was also from Carol Stream.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] hatdrc:
Ordered 2 of the 3xl. One was the not pink 64gb version that came from MIRA LOMA, CA. That one can be unlocked.

The 2nd one is the clearly white 64gb version from CAROL STREAM, IL US. This one can not be unlocked. I ran both the IMEI numbers and they both say NVZW.

I did talk to Google today but all they did was have me run a debug report and send it to them. I keep seeing people post about an update that suppose to fix it so I figure I'll wait till the December security patch and see if they get it figured out then. If not I'll have to get a hold of them and see if I can get them to RMA it and try again.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Rhymey:
All of my support contacts, RMA orders, etc. all say it's a Project Fi device. Some (not all) support agents say they're unsure if OEM unlocking is supposed to be enabled on Fi devices. Some (not all) say it's a known issue - some don't even mention it being a known issue and offer a FR and repair.

A singular agent offered a return since I'm not getting the unlocked device I expected (I made sure she sent me an email so I have a way to get back to her specifically).

I tried to look up a Japanese Pixel 3 IMEI (starts with 3) and Verizon said it couldn't be found. Not sure if by design.

As someone who worked tech support for a certain gaming company I feel like the support (or lack thereof) is pretty damn atrocious. Like if I provided this poor service I would have been termed.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
The only reason why I'm giving Google a second chance is because the one support guy I talked to over the phone was pretty nice, and clearly wanted to help me. But not only have people been rude to me over the chat support, but I've also been hearing awful stories from people on here.

It's amazing. Google back when I had a Pixel 2 with this issue, just threw a new RMA at me, like it was nothing. It sounds like they're more opposed to it this time. I mean, they took a huge lost on the RMAs, with me at at least, last time. They sent me like 6 RMAs just to end up giving me a refund. So I guess, it's understandable.

But it's not like they're really compensating with better support on the issue though. I mean, they can't even tell me what the client=ms-android-verzion string means. And they have no idea when a patch COULD come. (And, although they wouldn't admit it, if it CAN come, if you listen to how uncertain they are.)

What I'd really like to do, is manage to get on the phone with one of their engineers thats working on the issue. But I doubt that'll happen any time soon.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] janedoesmith:
So far, this issue has been found on all colors and on both memory sizes. Based on a few reports, devices from Carol Steam are having the issue while devices from Mira Loma are not. Any other data to refute the Carol Stream versus Mira Loma?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] masri1987:
after my whole dilemma i reordered and returned my original device.

original device 128gb black xl came from carol stream

New order shipped from carol steam

FROM

CAROL STREAM, IL US

TO

HONOLULU, HI US

one xl 128gb white

one pixel 3 128gb not pink

Both have oem unlock greyed out

Edit: I set up both phones connected to wifi but no sim
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] janedoesmith:
Did the new order ship from Carol Steam as well?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] masri1987:
both new ones shipped from Carol Steam

FROM

CAROL STREAM, IL US

TO

HONOLULU, HI US

From the fedex tracking
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] janedoesmith:
Where did this one ship from?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] masri1987:
carol steam, it's the same xl white 128gb that i mentioned in my previous post.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] janedoesmith:
Oh sorry, I got confused. So to confirm, you received device(s) from Carol Steam that didn't have this issue and you were able to successfully unlock the bootloader?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] zetsumeikuro:
Sadly this isn't true one replacement I had mailed to me on 10/24 came from Mira Loma and OEM unlock was greyed out. The string also said VZW vs Android-Google. My replacement that I am on now and I was able to toggle OEM unlock was sent to me from Carol Stream. It just seems to be luck of the draw at this point. My suggestion is if you don't want to wait and can afford the hold on your card just RMA till you get a device where you can unlock right out the box. It really just does seem that Google doesn't deem this as a high priority sadly at this point in time. I could be wrong and maybe the December security patch will resolve the issue. But if they haven't even given an ETA for the speaker issues other than a "we're working on it" makes me highly doubtful.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] masri1987:
Confirming the above
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] zsg1313:
Also received 2 regular pixel 3s in yesterday from Carol Stream and I have the greyed out issue as well. Mine also show as PIXEL3-NVZW

After talking with support they had me submit a bug report from each device and said someone would call me back yesterday. Still waiting as of today.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] AnierinB:
I know how to change the Verizon string to the Google one but it requires some adb shell commands and a factory reset with no sim.

Maybe it will help you guy's with your oem unlocking being grayed out unless your devices shipped with the Verizon variants software version.. I'm able to get the Google string on my Verizon variant by doing it. Idk just a thought

1.Remove Google account and turn on airplane mode

2. Eject sim and head to development settings to enable usb debugging

3. From a PC using adb shell, uninstall all Verizon applications for user 0. Also uninstall phone (similar to pixel 1 Verizon bootloader unlock)

4. ADB reboot recovery and factory reset from there

5. Set up device without sim, pin lock, fingerprint

6. Enable WiFi and you should no longer see the Verizon string as long as you don't put a sim in the device.

Step 3 may not be fully necessary but it was the steps I had taken to get the Google string on my device.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] 2Wires:
I ordered an unlocked Pixel 3 XL from Google. When I got it, I tried to OEM unlock it, but it's greyed out. Did a factory reset, activated Project Fi with eSIM but no luck. Talked to support and they're sending a new one.

Then I became creative and inserted the actual Project Fi sim card into the Pixel 3 to see if I can unlock. I couldn't. So, I put the sim card back into my old Nexus 6P, but it now wouldn't recognize the sim card anymore. I can't activate it with the Project Fi app. Spoke to Fi support, deleted all Google email accounts, restarted the phone, cleared the cache of the Fi app and so on. No chance, the sim is dead. They eventually asked me to factory reset my Nexus, which I didn't do. Seems crazy.

Now I have to wait a week or so for them to send me a new sim card or a new Pixel 3. No phone for a week, thanks Google....

Embarrassing for Google how things can go from bad to worse. I wasted so much precious time with it and nobody seems to care. Sad, sad.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] zopostyle:
I tried something like that, but the only application from verizon is the phone, didn't find any other on my device.

Anyone else tried that?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] AnierinB:
You may need to factory reset one more time after step 5 and set up the same way mentioned in my previous comment. I know it worked for me so I hope it works for you guys.

A good ADB shell command to list all system applications is:

adb shell pm list packages -s
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
Okay. Wow. I can confirm. This actually does work.

It doesn't unlock the bootloader, but this once again makes me question what the string means/is for?

Also, putting in my T-Mobile sim doesn't change it from "ms-android-google"

I did have to factory reset more then once.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] AnierinB:
I wonder if I keep my Verizon variant on the Google string if I'll get the ota that's supposed to fix this? I really doubt it (probably imei based) but you never know
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] replica9000:
When I bought my og PXL, I used the SIM card from my M8. My PXL recently died, so I'm on my old M8. It took about 4 days for my M8 to stop flipping out about the SIM. I'm afraid to put it in my P3XL until I know I won't need the M8 anymore.

This is essentially how I setup the phone. After multiple resets, I still get the string.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
Wait. You have Verzion? Can you do me a favor? Run your IMEI on this checker? https://www.verizonwireless.com/prospect/bring-your-own-device/#/checkDevice and tell me what model it claims to be? It would be much appreciated.

Did you try uninstalling the apps via ADB?

My steps where the same until the factory reset step.

I reset once, ran through, connected to wifi, and I still saw the VZW string. So I uninstalled all the apps again, and then I factory reset multiple times on the recovery screen.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] zopostyle:
So whats the point then ?

This all needs to be to unlock bootload otherwise I don't see any reason to do that.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] AnierinB:
There probably isn't any point to it now that someone has confirmed it doesn't change the grayed out oem unlocking. Nice to know that at least.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
It's useful to me because it help us to know the importance of this string. We know know that we can change it. But what triggers it in the first place? We also know that this string doesn't get it's value from the same place the bootloader switch does. Where does the switch get it?

It asks more questions then it answers for sure. But I'm glad to know this.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] zopostyle:
I agree with you. Maybe it's fixed in the system as said before .30 and .31, so if we find a way to discover what is the difference between them, we can figure out how to enable oem unlock.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] AnierinB:
[MENTION=6357565]Snorp09[/MENTION]

Yes, I have a Verizon model. Just says this? Does it need to be in desktop mode to show more information?
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
I've only seen it in desktop mode. My big text looks like this

.

Actually, when I tried doing the IMEI check on the phone, it wanted me to pick a model. You should do the whole process in desktop mode, as then it will ask for your IMEI.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] AnierinB:
Yeah it's a Verizon model for sure. I am able to get the Google chrome string if I follow the steps in my prior comment and leave my sim card out of the device which is interesting.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
Alright! So that means as far as concerned I, and most of the people in this fourm, do have unlocked Google Store Pixels.

Clearly the behavior is not acting like this. But, this gives me hope that they CAN fix the issue. As now they do have a way to tell the difference.

What they could do, at least in theory, I have no idea what the code for this may look like, is send out an update that checks your IMEI against a list of all the Non-Verzion Pixels (or at least the important part of the IMEI) and then tell it to ignore what is locking the bootloader.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Rhymey:
I'm on Fi, and it works fine on eSIM on my (unlocked) p2xl but god this whole experience with the 3xl is atrocious, and nobody wants to take ownership and help, however I can't even use my service (unless I roll back to p2xl). Support can't say why it's happening and only offers to send another. eSIM obv disabled.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] replica9000:
Mine is .A1, can't unlock.

Maybe unrelated, but I've noticed Device Policy is disabled out of the box.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] Snorp09:
I'm also running .A1. Although, if you run "getprop" you can see the update was built before the actual launch of the phone in October. So they probably didn't see this issue yet.
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] AnierinB:
The trigger for me of course is inserting my Verizon sim into my device. I obviously can't vouch for you non Verizon variant users though I'm glad I cleared this up somewhat
[Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers] offiiciallialngl:
When Google searching on Chrome I see this following string client=ms-android-verizon but when I Google search on Samsung browser I see client=ms-android-google