GrouchyGrape

Thanks for the reply. That's what has me confused, on the Google repair page, the IMEI pulls up:

Pixel 7a Charcoal 128GB (Unlocked)

IMEIcheck.com gives me:

Model: Pixel 7a
Description: Pixel 7a Charcoal 128GB
IMEI: xxxxx
Serial: xxxxx
Model Number: GWKK3
Size: 128GB
Color: Charcoal
Year manufactured: 2023
Activation Status: Activated

GWKK3 appears to be an ATT/T-Mobile version, but I thought that wasn't normally a problem?

Just trying to figure out how to not have this happen again.

      jesse oh yeah, weird. This definitely looks like you should be able to unlock it..

          GrouchyGrape

          I am glad I am not the only one not seeing where the problem is... Heh

            Did you try updating the phone to the latest software?

              Overheat1859 I have not yet. I will give that a try. I figured I would ask around before running an update as options for rolling them back are limited.

                Overheat1859 I just updated the OS, let it sit for an hour (with wifi), rebooted, and let it sit for another 30 minutes on wifi. I also tried a reboot after the update.

                It reports that I am on the latest OS (Feb update).

                Still no ability to unlock it...

                • de0u replied to this.

                    jesse I think the standard recommendations include:

                    • Factory reset
                    • Dial *#*#CHECKIN#*#* (*#*#2432546#*#*)
                    • Send it back to the seller

                    Note that in order for the "Check-In" step to work the device needs genuine unfiltered access to the Internet, i.e., if the router has an ad blocker or a content filter or a built-in VPN, etc., those are all candidates for blocking the unlock.

                    jesse Just trying to figure out how to not have this happen again.

                    Buying from a seller who says "factory unlocked" (not just "unlocked") may help. Buying from a seller with a good return policy is probably prudent.

                          de0u Thanks for the info. The wifi network it is on has unfiltered internet access.

                          Checkin succeeded before a factory reset and after factory reset. I will keep an eye on it to see if it catches up (but not expecting anything).

                          The factory unlocked note is a good one as is the return policy. I would rather not buy and return a bunch of phones to get one that will work.

                            de0u Also, do you have places you can suggest for buying used phones? Thanks.

                            • de0u replied to this.

                                jesse Also, do you have places you can suggest for buying used phones?

                                That depends on which country you're in.

                                    de0u fair - I am in the US. I think Ebay has some good candidates.

                                    • de0u replied to this.

                                        jesse I recently bought two used 6a's on eBay (for a specific purpose -- I would generally recommend the 8 series due to MTE) from a large-count high-star seller, and both were fine. But I would look for "factory unlocked" and a solid return policy.

                                            de0u Thatks for the info. I have given up on this 7a and will return it.

                                            This device is mostly intended to test drive Graphene (and maybe other roms). The working plan is to move to a higher end/larger pixel with a custom ROM if everything goes smoothly. Having said that, I should look into the 8 options more before I decide.