yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 6a] yeenbean:
I was able to unlock the global variant of the Pixel 6a by sideloading the Verizon OTA update. If you don't trust me, GrapheneOS devs wrote about this on their website. It's as simple as doing the following:

Download the Verizon OTA update from here.

Shut down your Pixel 6a.

Boot into the bootloader.

From the bootloader, go into Recovery Mode.

When the green Android with the text "No Command" loads, press both the power button and volume up button at the same time.

Select "Apply update from ADB" then connect your phone to your PC.

On your PC, use adb to sideload the OTA update you downloaded. adb sideload path/to/bluejay-ota-sd2a.220601.004-a53caf37.

Once sideloaded, factory reset the phone from the recovery menu. You cannot skip this.

Reboot the phone and walk through OOBE. You can setup the phone offline to get through it quickly.

Connect to the Internet.

Unlock the developer settings menu.

Unlock the phone. If it's still grayed out, close the settings app, wait 1-2 minutes, then check again.
[Google Pixel 6a] bobby janow:
Did you buy it unlocked or the T-Mobile branded?
[Google Pixel 6a] 96carboard:
I can't speak for any other device, but Pixel 6 Pro *cannot* be unlocked without connected to the internet.
[Google Pixel 6a] bobby janow:
Same with my P6. I'm wondering if after you do the update on an unlocked version with a Verizon sim in you can unlock the bl. I did on my P6 but that was from the get go none of this nonsense.
[Google Pixel 6a] cabegol78:
Just tried this method with my Google store-bought device (unlocked) and it worked!!! Thank you!
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
I'm having trouble getting the "Apply Update from ADB" option. Device is not recognized in recovery mode.
[Google Pixel 6a] cabegol78:
I had no issues at all. If you're using Windows, have you installed the Google drivers (USB)?
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Using Linux.

Had to use

adb reboot fastboot

to get it.
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Well, no dice on this method either.
[Google Pixel 6a] piperx:
always unlocked, straight from google, still have my grandfathered t-mobile account $30 a month

i've never and will never buy a "branded" phone ;)
[Google Pixel 6a] piperx:
yep same here, linux user since 1994, debian 1997
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
Yes - the presence of a Verizon SIM shouldn't affect your ability to unlock the bootloader.
[Google Pixel 6a] ilpolpi65:
I suppose they r going to fix it with the new update
[Google Pixel 6a] soundgarden104:
I used this method on the Unbranded Unlocked Variant from the Google Store, it worked for Unlocking my bootloader. Now not only is my bootloader unlocked but I also have Magisk installed and working! yeenbean you're the real MVP!

EDIT: Can we pin yeenbean's comment? Seriously if you follow the instructions verbatim it should work!
[Google Pixel 6a] fl3xtra:
I had the same problem. Saw somewhere else you'll need to factory reset your phone and don't install the sim card. After which, start phone and connec to wifi. It came up for me after a few minutes. I bought a 6a from Google and I have verizon.
[Google Pixel 6a] chopt51:
This must be my problem. I feel like the esim card is blocking oem unlock. I am in SD2A.220601.004 which came OTA when I set up the phone. I factory reset once in settings and once in recovery. Both didn't work. I will probably try going through without activating the esim card again.
[Google Pixel 6a] bobby janow:
You are correct. I bit the bullet and after spending an hour or so setting up the device last night I factory reset and held my breath. I left the physical Verizon sim in and left the eSim alone as well. On the factory reset last step asks if you want to erase your downloaded sim. It's unchecked by default and I left it that way. Went through the whole setup, attached to wifi too and restored from Google backup (restoring all apps now) checked OEM switch and it's active now! Phew... didn't want to do that again. Interesting thing is that dev options was still enabled even after factory reset but I wasn't complaining.

When I went into network settings my eSim was still there but needed to be "allowed" to be used as a dual sim. I said ok and both lines are now active. I did get the June 40mb update after setup last night which is why I gave it a shot. The phone was bought from Best Buy unlocked. Google wouldn't allow my P6 (cracked back) as a trade-in. Highest they went was the 5a.
[Google Pixel 6a] DaCeige:
Is it safe to apply the VZ update if I'm planning on using a TMobile sim on it? I'd hate to apply the update, wipe it, all so I can start using the phone just to find out that I killed access to the TMobile network.
[Google Pixel 6a] bobby janow:
It shouldn't matter. Where did you buy the phone? You can call Verizon and ask if your device shows as unlocked. Mine did I checked earlier.
[Google Pixel 6a] chopt51:
It's unlocked from Google.
[Google Pixel 6a] bobby janow:
I'm not sure but I don't think you will kill access to the network. The only thing might be a radio issue but perhaps you should wait until others chime in to make sure. I'm sure by Monday you'll have a global update for TM. But ask around, check on Reddit too.
[Google Pixel 6a] bobby janow:
Call Verizon make sure it's labeled as unlocked on your eSim.
[Google Pixel 6a] chopt51:
I just confirmed with Verizon, the esim is unlocked. All good. Will eventually get it.
[Google Pixel 6a] piperx:
You don't need the verizon update, I didn't use it, just did a

adb sideload ota_file.zip

rebooted and was good to go, checked oem unlocking and then did a real install to root, etc ..

Full OTA Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices | Google Play services | Google for Developers

developers.google.com
[Google Pixel 6a] DaCeige:
That page only has for "bluejay" for Pixel 6a

12.1.0 (SD2A.220601.001.A1, Jun 2022, JP carriers)

12.1.0 (SD2A.220601.004, Jun 2022, Verizon, Verizon MVNOs)

Question was if it was safe to use the one marked Verizon MVNOs, if you have a Tmobile sim (on the Global Unlocked / non-carrier 6a Google Store version that can't unlock the bootloader that we've all been talking about)
[Google Pixel 6a] eevanskiteboards:
Got my phone today to find oem greyed out. Followed all the steps and recommendations here and still no luck. What a pain

Ordered from Google unlocked

Build number ending .051.A3
[Google Pixel 6a] yeenbean:
You need to be on build sd2a.220601.004-a53caf37. Follow the directions in this post and you should be able to unlock your 6a. Be sure to factory reset after sideloading the OTA update.
[Google Pixel 6a] Mustkeg:
Wow, that's wild. Mine is a global variant - what will happen with future updates? Can I flash future global updates without losing data? I might disable automatic updates anyway because of Magisk.
[Google Pixel 6a] jejemc:
Hi I have the same rom as you 051.A3 for the moment I prefer to wait a little longer than to flash a us rom, on the google community he has just said that they had launched the updates so be patient for a little longer it will come .
[Google Pixel 6a] eevanskiteboards:
I couldn't even sideload the ota Verizon update as mentioned. Computer says cannot read ......ota sda2.

Strange
[Google Pixel 6a] adigo:
I was able to unlock the bootloader with the instruction in this thread without any sim card. I would rather wait for the generic rom cause I do not know how to root it without a boot.img anyways.
[Google Pixel 6a] JRJ442:
Download the factory image and extract the boot img. Patch it with the Magisk app. Fastboot flash it. It's pretty easy to do.
[Google Pixel 6a] eevanskiteboards:
So I figured out why I couldn't sideload the update. Long story short. I had to use the command line(cmd) instead of PowerShell or adb etc and also changed the file name to update.zip. Maybe this helps someone else out.

OEM Unlock greyed out in Pixel 6A | Cannot Unlock Bootloader [Fix]

This guide will help you fix the issue of being unable to unlock the bootloader on Google Pixel 6A as the OEM Unlock option is greyed out.

www.droidwin.com
[Google Pixel 6a] deepseaturtle:
Can confirm what you guys all said. International P6a owner here, I'm still on SD2A.220123.051.A3, no OTA update available and the OEM unlock option is greyed out. I think I'll wait before trying to put anything on it because there's like no image for international devices...
[Google Pixel 6a] oblib__:
I tried these steps exactly as well with a phone that had seen a T-Mobile SIM card (but I didn't have the SIM in since the sideband OTA update) and it's not working. I have two phones, one stock (220123.051.A3) and one sideloaded to Verizon's version (220601.004), and neither are working for update. I've left them connected to wifi and have occasionally rebooted and factory wiped them, with no luck.

Hoping Google releases something on Monday :(

(edit for anyone wondering: T-Mobile SIM works just fine after the Verizon sideload update 220601.004)
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Good to know I'm not the only one for whom the workaround isn't working
[Google Pixel 6a] DaCeige:
Updates just dropped.

Full OTA Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices | Google Play services | Google for Developers

developers.google.com
[Google Pixel 6a] Keeiva:
Updated to 12.1.0 (SD2A.220601.003, Jun 2022) and OEM Unlocking was greyed out but after a few minutes it let me unlock.
[Google Pixel 6a] DaCeige:
F:\android\Pixel 6a>adb sideload bluejay-ota-sd2a.220601.003-ddfde1f7.zip

serving: 'bluejay-ota-sd2a.220601.003-ddfde1f7.zip' (~92%)

...

Total xfer: 2.00x

By the time I finished the initial setup again, OEM unlock was available.
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
I can't "downgrade" from the Verizon carrier version of the update to the global update.

This is ridiculous. AND they still haven't pushed the August update.
[Google Pixel 6a] tlxxxsracer:
First time coming across this.. downloaded OTA and went to sideload and it just sits at "serving: 'filename.zip' 2%"

Phone just sits at verifying update package...

Never finishes the flash.

Using CMD and using latest platform tools. Using included c-c cable.

I've flashed many otas to other pixels and unlocked BLs and rooted a lot. Never seen this before.
[Google Pixel 6a] oblib__:
It did that for me with the Verizon update, but finished within an hour. How long did you wait?

The first try I did CTRL-C on the terminal, and the phone displayed a lot of update failing messages which made me think it was actually working. Second try with lots of patience worked fine.
[Google Pixel 6a] oblib__:
Any ideas on which update to use?

t-mo: bluejay-ota-sd2a.220601.002-344f1ec9.zip

general?: bluejay-ota-sd2a.220601.003-ddfde1f7.zip
[Google Pixel 6a] tlxxxsracer:
Thanks. Good to know. I'm used to a progression of %. Waited about 5 minute. I'll wait longer and see.

At least it boots when I did ctrl+c
[Google Pixel 6a] jawiler:
thanks, I was wondering the same thing, I'll let it be
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Couldn't tell you, but whichever one is "later" will not let you "downgrade" to the other, as I just learned the hard way.
[Google Pixel 6a] Dopamin3:
I sideloaded SD2A.220601.003 (I'm using the unlocked model, not tied to any carrier) and it still doesn't let me unlock bootloader.
[Google Pixel 6a] oblib__:
Does that mean you did 003 and it didn't work, now you want to try 002?
[Google Pixel 6a] tlxxxsracer:
~40 minutes now and no change :( *crossing fingers*
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
I did 004 and wouldn't let me go to 003.

I'm not sure if that necessarily means that 003 is a "later" build than 002, though. I guess I would try 002 first if I were you, but it's a dice roll.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
So I updated to the June release, got the 13 beta notification and updated.

Still no option to OEM unlock. How long has this been taking for people?

Do I need to clean flash?
[Google Pixel 6a] bartolo5:
Same here. Any way to get OEM unlock for those who upgraded to A13 beta?
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
I'll probably try a clean flash of 12 tomorrow if something doesn't magically change
[Google Pixel 6a] oblib__:
Well, I got one of my two 6a's to unlock. I left one on release firmware until it updated itself. That one finally allowed unlock after a factory reset, connect to wifi, and waiting for a bit.

The other phone was updated to Verizon OTA and is now sideloading to sd2a.220601.003. Hopefully it finishes (it's been over a 1.5 hrs :( ).
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Wow, wouldn't even let me sideload from SD2A.220601.004 to SD2A.220601.003 because it considered the global update to be "older". What the hell is with the inconsistency here?
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
So is a factory reset necessary?
[Google Pixel 6a] oblib__:
Well, I'm not sure it's letting me yet. I finally gave up and hit CTRL-C. I'm trying again, because that's what worked last time, but I haven't successfully gone from 004 to 003.

Did you actually get a "failed because it's older" sort of message using adb sideload?
[Google Pixel 6a] oblib__:
I would guess so -- it won't hurt because you definitely need to factory reset after unlocking! Unless of course it doesn't work, then you did it for nothing...
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Yeah, just trying to avoid doing it twice..... I'm getting lazy in my old age. In my ROM building hey day I was clean flashing daily, often multiple times a day. Not sure I've wiped a phone in over a year now..... Lol
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Yep. Fails at 47%. Message comes up on the phone, not the computer.
[Google Pixel 6a] oblib__:
Well, mine doesn't show past 0%, so yay? This is how it worked when I sideloaded 004 though...
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Just tried to downgrade the Android 13 beta and got the same message.

Well, I just installed and uninstalled the Android 13 beta, we'll see which version firmware I get!
[Google Pixel 6a] Keeiva:
If you bought from the Google Store did you choose Unlocked? Because if you did you weren't supposed to sideload the Verizon update. Your impatience is on you and not Google. If you have the Unlocked version you need to flash the factory image(not the OTA) 12.1.0 (SD2A.220601.003, Jun 2022)
[Google Pixel 6a] mariojohn:
Hi all. I updated to the June version and OEM was greyed out like mentioned above. Then I noticed in Graphene's instructions that I need to factory reset after updating to June. I did so, connected to wifi and OEM is no longer greyed out. I use Google Fi and am on .003
[Google Pixel 6a] Keeiva:
I sideloaded the Android 12 June update and then factory reset and Unlocking was available.
[Google Pixel 6a] DaCeige:
I had the non carrier branded one, so I did bluejay-ota-sd2a.220601.003-ddfde1f7.zip

I did put a TMobile sim in it after and it appears to be working well thus far.
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
The Verizon update gets pushed to you if you have Verizon as a carrier.
[Google Pixel 6a] Keeiva:
If you chose Verizon when ordering from Google yes. My wife has an Unlocked 6a on Verizon and she got the Global update today. If you have a Verizon 6a then why are you trying to flash the global update?
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
No, I did not choose a Verizon branded device. I have Verizon as a carrier.
[Google Pixel 6a] Keeiva:
I'm not sure why you were pushed the Verizon update while my Wife was pushed the Global update then.
[Google Pixel 6a] stormcrank:
I was pushed the AT&T update today and I purchased the unlocked variant from Google. I don't know why, but it happened.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
So factory resetting it did the trick, even on the beta.
[Google Pixel 6a] chopt51:
i just wanted to share my path to unlock the bootloader. I got on the beta. Got off the beta through the opt out. it installed 12 again. then i factory reset in settings. oem unlocking was finally ungrayed and I was able to enable it. then since im lazy like that i plugged the phone into my computer, went to the android flash tool on chrome with my usb cable. from there i was able to reinstall android beta, untick lock bootloader on the same screen and then we are unlocked. install complete.
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
I just did the rollback from Android 13 and No luck there either. Just beginning to think they sent me a Verizon phone or something.
[Google Pixel 6a] oblib__:
Do you have any tips for flashing full images without an unlocked bootloader? I've only done it unlocked before, and I'm getting this:

Sending 'bootloader_b' (11498 KB) OKAY [ 0.448s]
Writing 'bootloader_b' FAILED (remote: 'command (flash:) is not allowed when locked')

and finally

Device version-baseband is 'g5123b-99903-220531-B-8662185'.
Update requires 'g5123b-99903-220701-B-8791866'.

fastboot: error: requirements not met!
[Google Pixel 6a] anonymous-bot:
You need an unlocked bootloader to flash images. Without that you are limited to just sideloading the OTA zip files.
[Google Pixel 6a] Zaxx32:
Successful unlock!

I have have a regular unlocked 6a from the Goggle store. With no sim in I did the system updates to June security patch but was still grayed out. Did a factory reset and initial setup w/reboot AND play store update from 'Security' tab in settings. It then requested another reboot. After last reboot I let it 'finish setup' in notifs. then got dev access and bootloader was unlockable.

No sideloads, no sim, no nothing...just updated to June, did a factory reset. Updated play store, one final reboot and unlocked. Playstore update and reboot prolly not needed. But I do rec. letting it finish the setup each time.

So magisk here I come. After root I'll post up the boot.img...save some time/effort for others with the 'Unlocked' version...;)
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
What is everyone's model under About Phone > Regulatory Labels?
[Google Pixel 6a] eevanskiteboards:
GX7AS
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Same
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Completely at a loss. Also have GX7AS. NO UNLOCK.
[Google Pixel 6a] eevanskiteboards:
The only way I got mine to work was by this guide

OEM Unlock greyed out in Pixel 6A | Cannot Unlock Bootloader [Fix]

This guide will help you fix the issue of being unable to unlock the bootloader on Google Pixel 6A as the OEM Unlock option is greyed out.

www.droidwin.com

with their links/commands while phone was plugged in on their website. I couldn't unlock bootloader with normal adb commands, so whatever they created worked in my situation. Maybe give it a try if you haven't?

I bought the unlocked version and I am on TMobile but sideloaded the Verizon software. I did try to sideload T-Mobile ota and factory version last night but it failed due to a downgrade lol. I guess I'm staying on Verizon until another up date. I'm rooted finally and got my beloved AdAway and YouTube vanced thankfully
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Thanks, but I've tried this. I've also tried the Android 13 beta and the global firmware June update. If there are no more patches this week, I'm going to have to return it.

I also feel like I'm hogging this thread now.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
So factory reset after either June update or 13 beta didnt allow it? That worked immediately for me.
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Nope
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Yeah, you may definitely want to look at replacing it then.
[Google Pixel 6a] jejemc:
Hello everyone managed to do it just now with a version buy on the French stores of google and the June path update
[Google Pixel 6a] stormcrank:
We're in the same boat. I contacted Google support just now and they weren't particularly helpful. This was the response.

"I would like to inform you that I need to check this issue with the specialist and will get back to you via email within 24-48 hours."
[Google Pixel 6a] chopt51:
After the first start I skipped esim, only connected wifi.

Wait. I think there's a pattern you have to follow. After you get the update side loaded, or downgraded from beta. Start the phone. If you use esim skip it in the first start up. Let it connect to wifi only. Someone said to not go in developers options. Don't look at it grayed out, but go in and factory reset right after side load. I hope you get it.
[Google Pixel 6a] bartolo5:
I was able to OEM unlock.

I have the unlocked model from Google store in USA. I was on Android 13 beta. De-enrolled device that forced factory reset with full wipe to 'last released version'. This put me back to SDA2.220601.003 which is the unbranded factory image for June (I had an ATT sim in). To test, I skipped all setups and went into dev settings, and OEM option was now enabled.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Finally clean flashed A12, unlocked, setup, and rooted.....was a bit time consuming but all is working exactly as it was on my 3a XL

Not that it's hard to do, but if anyone wants a patched A12 boot image....
[Google Pixel 6a] stormcrank:
Didn't work.
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
I've tried every permutation I can think of. This kills me
[Google Pixel 6a] stormcrank:
Same. 002, 003, A13 beta... factory resetting immediately, resetting without a SIM card, resetting with a SIM card. I don't think we're at fault here, lol.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
You try going into recovery, wiping everything, and sideloading the OTA fresh?
[Google Pixel 6a] stormcrank:
Yes. Full reset including wiping downloaded sim data.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
But doing that before sideloading, not after setup?
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
One more thing that I have tried is dialing *#*#2432546#*#* before going to unlock the developer options.

It should do a "check-in" with Google's play services. This is the advice they give on the Android Flash Tool page for trying to trigger OEM unlock.

Obviously, this still didn't work for me.
[Google Pixel 6a] adrman:
My saga:

Purchased an unlocked 6a from Google, no oem unlock. I initially took the ota update with my physical T-Mobile sim and Fi esim activated. No luck and the OTA put me on the 002 ATT/T-Mobile build. I then side-loaded the 003 full image and still no oem unlock. At that point, I wiped the esim, removed the physical T-Mobile sim and did a full factory reset. I skipped any copying or data restore and just connected via wifi for the initial setup. I now have oem unlock available. I've yet to reinstall the sim or restore the esim as I went back to my 4a for a day or so. After using the 6a for a few days before going through the above, I'm considering just returning it and waiting until next year, but that's a topic for another thread.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Yeah, updating and factory resetting it are the 2 main things that need to be done.
[Google Pixel 6a] trita629:
My 6a refuses to oem unlock as well. Have tried it on 002, 003, 004 and 13 beta with factory resets and sim card out. It is still grayed out unfortunately.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Weird, there must be some commonality between these devices.
[Google Pixel 6a] TechX1991:
Here's how I did it

Run the OTA, Log out of Google Account on device, Factory Reset the Device, Go through setup WITHOUT connecting to WIFI (sim out for no cellular connection), connect to wifi at the end of setup, wait for preparing your device to finish, then enable dev options. OEM Unlock will be selectable.

OTA did not work from google's website, OTA on device was the only update that worked
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
With or without SIM?
[Google Pixel 6a] TechX1991:
without SIM
[Google Pixel 6a] Cj719:
Unlocked bootloader on both my Google store bought 6a's. At 1st both were greyed out, I side loaded the Japan ota instead of Verizon and nothing changed. When 13 beta dropped, I side loaded that and factory reset while in recovery. Completed setup without a sim, only wifi and it was no longer greyed out.
[Google Pixel 6a] greeneyez15o:
Anyone not near a computer can try this.

Update once, and factory reset . No sim needed, opened up developer options ....closed it , and then reopened. Unlock oem was available
[Google Pixel 6a] tcat007:
I really don't want to factory reset, do you think the August update will remove the grayed out unlock? I'm in no hurry to root, but it would be nice to use Swift BU again. Don't know why Google doesn't backup data on most apps!
[Google Pixel 6a] Lughnasadh:
When you unlock the bootloader it will wipe your data anyway, so if that's what you're worried about might as well do it now rather than later.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Pretty sure you're not getting around wiping everything if you want root.