yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 6a] Aqq123:
I bought this phone last week. Installed the latest OTA (sideloaded from recovery), reset it to factory settings (also from recovery), rebooted into system, connected to the Internet (through Wi-Fi), and OEM unlocking could be enabled afterwards.

I don't think inserting SIM card is necessary. It might even interfere. Basically, to unlock you should only have to (1) update to Android 13, (2) wipe the user data, (3) be connected to the Internet.
[Google Pixel 6a] taodan:
I bought my phone from Amazon on Google Store and got in Nov 2022. I was about the contact Google support to return the phone when I had tried all the steps that other members had listed but the "OEM Unlocking" option still greyed out, but out of desperation, I turned off the "Use developer options" and, voila, the "OEM Unlocking" popped out, I then just slide to turn it on.
[Google Pixel 6a] taodan:
After you had tried all the steps but the "OEM Unlocking" option still greyed out, turn the "Use developer options" off and then the "OEM Unlocking" will be enabled which you just need to slide to turn it on.
[Google Pixel 6a] gazhay:
Just direct via google support

Sign in - Google Accounts
[Google Pixel 6a] thebitjuggler:
Hey I didn't have a sim inserted into the phone. If you have any specific questions please let me know.
[Google Pixel 6a] ritchea:
Thanks for the suggestion. Didn't work for me. I had to try a reset for other issues so I just did 5 (because 1-4 didn't enable OEM unlocking--neither did #5) factory resets without my AT&T prepaid sim. First two were from within system, last 3 were from recovery. I have just reported the fails in another thread on similar topic.

It was worth the try. NO go. I'm on Oct update. Thanks for yet another suggestion.
[Google Pixel 6a] mixedupfiles:
Thank you very much. In your 11 step instructions, between which steps should I connect to wi-fi and at which point do you enable developer options?
[Google Pixel 6a] miui796:
Redmi 10 prime
[Google Pixel 6a] ritchea:
After receiving the Dec update with OEM unlocking still greyed out, I contacted Google. Note, every "OEM greyed out" thread on Google forums has been closed to further comments. This is part of the chat regarding the issue. While I still swear Google is doing absolutely nothing about it (I hope I am wrong), they are claiming to be "working on it." I will contact them each month after an update if necessary. Earlier, on one of the threads re OEM unlocking, I'd posted that I hadn't checked my son's phone (we ordered at the exact same time under the exactly same conditions shipped from the same location). I checked last week. His OEM unlocking is NOT grey out.
[Google Pixel 6a] schalacker:
If you haven't tried it already:
[Google Pixel 6a] ritchea:
This (hack) is a new one for me. I got the checkin succeeded, but OEM unlock is still grayed out. I will look into it. My 6a was ordered as unlocked not carrier connected.

I've tried the resets with/without sim/internet (at least a dozen) but not until I'd updated to 13.

Getprop gives me . I don't know if that means I don't have it toggled, or that I'm not allowed to have it toggled. I have also checked my IMEI at various phone service sites to see if the device qualifies for another service. It always shows as qualifying. Google knows what I ordered.

I've been ordering unlocked phones (and a few tablets) from Google since the Galaxy nexus (only Samsung phone I've ever had). This is the only one I've ever received with this issue.
[Google Pixel 6a] schalacker:
I had the same issue with my wife's Pixel 3. Google support was responsive as long as i was very clear on my error (OEM Unlocking greyed out, no BL unlock possible). It took a RMA via a chat session but the issue was resolved (after ~10 days of waiting and returning the original P3). Some phones just get released as bad units.

The same issue also cropped up with her 6a. I factory reset that unit and upgraded from sd2a.220601.003.b1 (A12, from factory) to tp1a.221105.002 (A13, factory image upgrade via adb). That cleared her error and i went through the "usual" BL-unlock & root process. No SIM, no internet, skip through all the setup steps, etc. Hopefully the support team can help you out or at least get you a new unit!
[Google Pixel 6a] ritchea:
Just posted here (https://xdaforums.com/t/pixel-6a-oe...-still-in-august-update.4480839/post-87891013) that I received a new phone which, after doing a factory reset and toggling Developer Options switch, did open up the OEM unlock toggle.
[Google Pixel 6a] ck.chunkeat:
Bought a new pixel 6a, was on september patch, updated it to december patch . Now when i wanted to attempt root, oem option is greyed out. Any help?
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
New from Google? Is it a carrier variant or unlocked? Did you check the OEM Unlocking toggle before updating?
[Google Pixel 6a] ck.chunkeat:
I am not sure if it is from google, bought it from hong kong reseller and they claim it is japan set.

I dont think it is carrier locked as I have tested with 2 sim card from different telco and both works.

I did not check the oem unlocking toggle before updating.
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
The only way I can think of to check whether it's a locked variant is via the model number, but I'm only familiar with US devices.

The only thing you can really do is connect to the Internet and see if OEM Unlocking becomes available after a bit of time.
[Google Pixel 6a] ck.chunkeat:
Thanks, I've also saw somewhere saying it will automatically allow us to unlock oem after using the phone for few days/ a week.

Guess that's what I'll do. Else, will have to just live with no root for this phone.
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
Once it's connected to the Internet, it should check the servers within a short time to see if the IMEI is whitelisted, and if so, will set sys.oem_unlock_allowed to 1, making the OEM Unlock toggle available.
[Google Pixel 6a] ck.chunkeat:
Any other way to set that flag ?

or is it controlled from google's server?
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
No. Google maintains the IMEI whitelist.
[Google Pixel 6a] KGBagentIvan:
I had the same issue on pixel 4a.. untill I removed a screen lock... remove finger print, lock pattern and try again
[Google Pixel 6a] alecxs:
consider you just buyed "carrier unlocked" device, not "bootloader unlocked" as all devices shipped on locked bootloader by default (regardless it's unlockable or not)
[Google Pixel 6a] alecxs:
that's more guesswork than confirmed fact?
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
It's pretty well established at this point - the only hardware difference between a locked carrier variant and a Google unlocked variant is the IMEI. Firmware is exactly the same, so the only way for a device to determine whether it's unlockable is via an Internet based IMEI whitelist. The properties that determine whether a device is unlockable are in the firmware, not the hardware.

The confusing thing is the fact that unlocked variants can be bootloader unlocked without connecting to the Internet, as far as I'm aware.
[Google Pixel 6a] alecxs:
depends on what exactly do you mean with "firmware" - you know there are multiple OS running on smartphones, not only android.
[Google Pixel 6a] ritchea:
All "unlocked" phones from Google have unlockable bootloaders (yes, BL comes locked but DevOptions should give you a toggle to be able to unlock the BL. The toggle was there but grey-out--not available as it should have been.) Google explains the unlock procedure on its update page. If you buy a carrier-connected device, then you have to get sim unlock before you can unlock the BL. That's one of the attractions of Google phones.

My replacement phone does have the ability to unlock the bootloader--as it should.
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
What's your point? Android is the only thing running on Pixels, and Google does not use carrier specific firmware. The only differences in some monthly updates are the baseband versions; bootloader, kernel, system, etc are all the same. The firmware on a Verizon locked Pixel 6a is exactly the same as that on a Google unlocked 6a.

Is there established history on this? AFAIK carrier variants are still not OEM unlockable even after SIM unlock. If what you are saying were true, then the general answer to anyone with a carrier locked device would be "pay off your account and request a SIM unlock" but even for people who have done this, OEM unlocking and therefore bootloader unlock are not possible.
[Google Pixel 6a] alecxs:
smartphones running three operating systems, at least

Spoiler content hidden.

If the ROM is identical but baseband is different, I would start digging in that direction.

If the ROM is responsible for decision, we may find it in source code. It could be the same identical code that behaves different on different baseband.
[Google Pixel 6a] crazykas:
Hi. I bought my Pixel 6a today. Prior to purchase I power up the device and tried to enable bootloader unlock option,. The first phone I tried was a Japanese variant one and I was not able to do it even after inserting a sim / doing a factory reset. Then I tried a different variant which is (G1AZG) and It was on 13.0.0 (TP1A.220624.021.A1, Aug 2022). However this time after I insert the sim, I just restart the phone and voila! Option is there. Didn't even have to factory reset too.
[Google Pixel 6a] harryspar:
op and @stormcrank did you ever get these resolved?
[Google Pixel 6a] stormcrank:
Nope.
[Google Pixel 6a] varoyzf:
Over here with the bootloader unlock option still grey-out. I bought my Pixel 6a from the official Spanish Google Store on September 2022, under the "Unlocked smartphone" tag. I tried every single post in this thread, but the button is still grey.

So far, my last option seems to be a device replacement.
[Google Pixel 6a] dei_mama_sei_gsicht:
thanks for the very informative graphs.

what I was always wondering about was how much of the phones memory (or OS) is being really overwritten when you flash it? let say with googles online flash thingy. or graphenOS webinstaller. Is EVERYTHING is rewritten/flashed?

OR is there a possibility that some of it is untouchable AND maybe accessible for malicous state actors and commerical spyware developers like NSO, GREY etc. to put indestructible malware?
[Google Pixel 6a] gameinn:
Will UK Pixel 6a phones have an unlocked bootloader? As you all probably know the Vodafone deal is making alot of people get the phone.
[Google Pixel 6a] zul8er:
Mine ungreyed itself with the February update!
[Google Pixel 6a] stormcrank:
I gave the February update a try, but it still didn't ungrey mine. To be honest I'd just forgotten about the issue and chalked it up to a bad purchase until someone tagged me here the other day and I realized I was still annoyed, lol. After I installed the February update and it didn't work, I contacted Google support again. Once I told them I had done all of the troubleshooting steps, they set up an RMA and sent me a new phone. I wish they had been this helpful over the summer when I bought the phone. So that's that. There was no fix they were willing/able to apply to my phone over the internet, just an exchange of devices.
[Google Pixel 6a] guru6969:
I have the verizon model and I can confirm that this update TTQ2A.230305.008.E1 does not ungrey it. I tried factory resetting, putting chips of different carriers, *#*#CHECKIN*#*# etc. In the meantime, I bought a non-verizon pixel 6a and it was trivial to OEM unlock. I contacted verizon tier 2 support and they said that when the carrier-lock gets removed it should also allow OEM unlocking and they could not find any extra step on their end to enable it.

They said the only way to escalate this further was to write them a letter at this address.

ATTN: Verizon Correspondence Team

PO Box 15069

Albany, NY 12212

This is a google phone, it should be able to be OEM unlocked if it's paid off. Seems like verizon is doing something somewhere intentionally or not to prevent it. I'm going to die on a hill for an answer to this one.

In my letter I'm going to request what verizon's policy is about OEM unlocking and if they allow it on google phones, if they do allow this then that will start a new bigger conversation about the how because it seems to me that no one has ever OEM unlocked a verizon pixel 6a(please correct me if I'm wrong).

Does anybody have anything they would like me to include in my letter to verizon?
[Google Pixel 6a] mike.s:
You won't be able to bootloader unlock it. Verizon Pixels have been that way for years. For some of the early Pixels, there were exploits to get around it, but by design they were not supposed to be unlockable. But, exploits no more. I'm not aware of any way to bootloader unlock any recent Verizon Pixel. It would be news around here if there were.

If you are on Verizon, and want a bootloader unlockable Pixel, you need to buy the "Unlocked - works with any carrier" version from Google. They work just fine with VZW SIMs. If you buy through Verizon, or buy the Verizon version from Google, it can't be unlocked.

When you talk to Verizon, they're almost certainly associating any mention of "unlock" to mean carrier unlock. Since none of their Android phones are bootloader unlockable, that's just not on their radar.
[Google Pixel 6a] guru6969:
Right, it's obviously not going to happen but I want a definitive answer from verizon. If they respond, I will post it here.

This is great except you won't get 2 of verizon's wide-band freqs(n260, n261) with the non-verizon model. This shouldn't matter to most people(or me 😅), but I kinda wanted it because I happen to get insane wide-band speeds where I live. Oh well ─ the losses I take to have a rooted phone. 😮‍💨 Even though realistically LTE is plenty fast.
[Google Pixel 6a] agraceful:
You will absolutely get the correct bands if it's carrier unlocked. They aren't special locked away bands. You will more than likely not get a detailed answer from Verizon as their customer reps are beyond ignorant on the matter. They are not legally required to unlock the bootloader but are legally required to carrier unlock it as long as you meet the requirements laid out in the federal guidelines.
[Google Pixel 6a] guru6969:
It's my understanding that the pixel 6a verizon model has different/additional physical antennas to support those bands that the factory unlocked version is not capable of. I'm assuming verizon gets its own version of baseband firmware installed as well(which might be where they block bootloader unlocking).
[Google Pixel 6a] mike.s:
No. Only the VZW version (GB62Z) supports mmWave.
[Google Pixel 6a] Gamefreak89:
I still can't get my bootloader to unlock. I outright payed for it from Bestbuy. It's not carrier locked neither, so I don't know what the problem is.

Edit: Nevermind, I seem to be wrong on this one. The device is eligible to have its bootloader unlocked.
[Google Pixel 6a] agraceful:
You're wrong, but you do you bud.
[Google Pixel 6a] mike.s:
LOL. I previously provided hard evidence from the FCC website that mmWave is only supported by the VZW version, in addition to documenting that other versions lack mmWave hardware.
[Google Pixel 6a] 971shep:
For those in the US, here are the FCC regulations source from this

FCC Cell phone unlocking

There does not seem to be a policy for Bootloader unlocking although I have been told by USCellular that my bootloader will unlock after 4 months (2weeks to go).

This likely is going to be governed by the Androiid GjPL/OpenSource license
[Google Pixel 6a] jejemc:
But wait, it will happen, don't be in a hurry.
[Google Pixel 6a] bobby janow:
Has Google acknowledged it yet? Hurry nothing. This is a missing feature and a problem from the get go on a device released just today. At least say.. oh oh we screwed up and it'll be fixed tonight or tomorrow.
[Google Pixel 6a] bartolo5:
Some Pixel 2s were in this situation (specially RMAed ones) and Google never bothered to fix.
[Google Pixel 6a] kkjb:
Link was updated today. At least a Goole answer... Was a flashback to Pixel 2 days ...BL unlock=grey.

Google releases first Pixel 6a 'bluejay' factory images

Ahead of the Pixel 6a officially launching on Thursday, Google has published the Android 12 factory images for customers that have...

9to5google.com

Edit 1.. build lottery winner for oldest?

SD2A.220123.051.A3
[Google Pixel 6a] LeoD:
I am yet another who received a pixel 6a yesterday. Bootloader in dev options is greyed out at well.

The reason for this post today is just to let you know to keep a eye on your return dates if you can't live without the bootloader unlocked.

I spent over a hour and a half on the phone with both google fi and google this morning. Google was not able to do anything. I was sent back to google fi and we both agreed the carrier would be responsible to unlock the phone.

Well once again when I spoke with the google fi rep I was informed of two things. First she tried to tell me cause I elected to use the upgrade plan it couldn't be unlocked for two years. I then informed her this is incorrect as first I already have a 5a on a upgrade plan and that has been unlocked from day one. Also I informed her I have 7 Pixel phones and everyone of them is bootloader unlockable and in fact are unlocked.

I got two responses from this rep, she informed me that they do not consider the unlocking of the bootloader either a hardware or software issue, and then she said she didn't want to argue with me. lol

She had me so heated that I asked for a return label to send the phone back. Didn't matter, she didn't care.

So anyway for me I'm ready to return my 6a if nothing happens by monday.

Again keep a eye on your return dates cause I have no idea what is going on with this.

P.S.: I could be wrong however I have a feeling they sent out a bunch of verizon carrier phones.
[Google Pixel 6a] LeoD:
Check out my post down below I spent a long time on the phone with them this morning. I can only hope the reps I spoke to are the normal don't know what the heck is going on folks.

I even asked to speak with a supervisor and was told one would call me back. I won't hold my breath for that one.
[Google Pixel 6a] sensui123:
My wife updated her 4a 5g to this via the trade in credit. Confirmed oem unlock is greyed out in Developer Settings.
[Google Pixel 6a] neo_lithic3K:
EDIT: I'm now thinking that my build # is only showing verizon's because my carrier is a verizon MVNO and it did a security update earlier today when I inserted my sim card.

I checked my phone's SKU # (GA03715-US) and it matches the unlocked version.

----------------------------------------------

you might be right about google sending out the wrong verizon carrier phones.

I received my non-carrier unlocked phone today, bought directly from the Google store. The build number shows: SD2A.220601.004, which matches the verizon build # listed here: https://9to5google.com/2022/07/28/pixel-6a-update/

(I don't know if the build # is the right way to determine which variant we have)
[Google Pixel 6a] Lughnasadh:
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1552775340711415808
[Google Pixel 6a] LeoD:
Might be right, however the words most likely and hopefully trouble me.
[Google Pixel 6a] LeoD:
Is there anyone that received the 6a that is able to unlock the bootloader?
[Google Pixel 6a] Cheesethief:
I ordered the unlocked version from Amazon and same deal, it's greyed out. Everything else about it seems to be correct. Way to go dropping the ball again Google...

And to reiterate, I did not have to wait with my 5A, so this is Google messing up.
[Google Pixel 6a] bartolo5:
It's pretty sad Google releases factory images for the device to bring it up to date but such images can't be installed on any of the devices.
[Google Pixel 6a] piperx:
same here
[Google Pixel 6a] adrman:
Same as above, rinse and repeat. Purchased "unlocked" phone, oem unlock greyed out.
[Google Pixel 6a] Alekos:
Everyone needs to wait until Google sends the appropriate update to the Generic/Global Unlocked devices. As you can see here, there are only two updates available - JP and VZ. Generic/Unlocked hasn't been released.

I know it sucks and Google dropped the ball but there's a ton of wrong information being posted here. Also, most of Google's customer service reps don't have a clue about Unlocking BL. Anybody who's purchased an unlocked device will be able to unlock their phone. This happened a few years ago with another Pixel model and users just had to wait for the first Unlocked update to be pushed out.
[Google Pixel 6a] JRJ442:
I was able to unlock mine. I bought the unlocked version on the Google store and Verizon is my carrier. It was greyed out at first too. After a few hours I had security update available. Around 40mb and the June patch I think. Reboot to finish the update and still greyed out. Then I decided to factory reset because I remember that happening on the Pixel 2 I think. Reboot and I was able to toggle it. I got Magisk and AOSP mods running now.
[Google Pixel 6a] neo_lithic3K:
Woohoo. Thanks for the tip. I just tried factory reset and it also worked for me. No longer greyed out.
[Google Pixel 6a] jejemc:
hi i just tried the reset and it didn't work for me. should the operator data also be deleted when resetting? thank you
[Google Pixel 6a] neo_lithic3K:
I didn't wipe operator data. I only did "erase all data (factory reset)" from settings-system-reset options.
[Google Pixel 6a] BHUSHAN7988:
Has the global 004 version file present on developer website
[Google Pixel 6a] jejemc:
very well thank you in this case I will wait.
[Google Pixel 6a] Llewiz82005:
Can confirm bootloader unlock is working If you have a verizon sim installed in the device. I ordered the pixel 6a from Google directly, installed a non activated verizon sim and checked system updates. Security update was available and installed, did a factory reset and bootloader unlock option no longer greyed out.
[Google Pixel 6a] jejemc:
thank you for the return I am in France so maybe later at home.
[Google Pixel 6a] Llewiz82005:
No problem, hope it works for you!
[Google Pixel 6a] jejemc:
it should be too late ;)

Google Pixel 6a – Première mise à jour - Communauté Google Pixel
[Google Pixel 6a] JRJ442:
I went to recovery and did a factory reset. I'm not sure what you mean by operator data.
[Google Pixel 6a] greatgoogly:
So what it seems is that Google has not yet actually released the updates for anything but the Verizon and Japanese variants. Maybe later today, but my guess is in typical Google half-assed fashion it will be Monday or later. What's really concerning is that by Google's own memo from yesterday "The rollout begins today and will continue over the next week in phases," meaning we may not see it until next Thursday. https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/172943026/google-pixel-6a-first-update?hl=en
[Google Pixel 6a] jejemc:
when I wanted to do it it asked me if reset operator data.
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Can I ask what the version number is at the bottom of the pulldown shade?I have 12 (SD2A.220601.004), but am having no luck triggering the OEM unlocking
[Google Pixel 6a] piperx:
I have a T-mobile sim, it's greyed out also
[Google Pixel 6a] hochoch:
Can confirm that it's now working. I'm on verizon, I updated yesterday but did not factory reset afterwards. I kept the sim in the phone, did the factory reset through settings, rebooted and skipped through all the setup options, unlocked developer options and the OEM unlocking option was no longer grayed out. Now to actually unlock and root this puppy!
[Google Pixel 6a] FWC9696:
Good to hear it's working. I guess I'll leave the SIM in.

It's really frustrating that we have to go through all these hoops just to use the feature of the device that we paid for.
[Google Pixel 6a] LeoD:
Interesting, thank you
[Google Pixel 6a] LeoD:
Thanks again, I can confirm it worked for me as well. I originally setup the phone using esim. I just put the Google Fi sim in and did a factory reset. The bootloader option now allowed me to unlock.