Is there a risk that OEM unlocking cannot be activated on refurbished phones?

Vlack

Hi, I understand that for the installation to work properly, it's important to include details like having the phone with the latest update. I'm wondering two things: since the Google Pixel is expensive, getting it refurbished is a very attractive option, but I'm worried that if they've changed a component or if the operating system installation won't work just because it's been used. On the other hand, I'm wondering if it makes sense to buy a Pixel 7 these days. I don't know if it's an older model that's already obsolete for Grapheneos, or if it's possible but causes problems. I know people in this community generally know a lot about the nature of these systems, so I apologize if it's something obvious or absurd, but it's the first phone I'm going to buy, and I'd like to make the decision with some knowledge and/or confidence. TLDR: Can Grapheneos be installed on a refurbished phone? How do I know? And are there any problems with the installation on older Google Pixel models like the 7?

de0u

Vlack The 8 series has distinctly better security than the 7 series, and also has hardware support for displaying the screen over USB-C. They are more expensive but there is also genuine value.

If a refurbished Pixel is a refurbished Verizon Pixel, it just won't OEM-unlock ever. If it is a refurbished "factory unlocked" Pixel, it may well be fine. If it is "carrier unlocked", who knows?

Perhaps the seller is willing to put in writing that the device can be OEM unlocked? Or perhaps the sale will include a reasonable return period?

Vlack

de0u ok thanks i wasnt ever aware about the verizon thing, do you know why the oem-unloked doesnt work on those?

DeletedUser299

My P6a was a refurbished phone, I have currently used it for just over two years, GrapheneOS was simple to install, and the phone has worked impeccably ever since. It was listed as fully unlocked when purchased.

de0u

Vlack They don't want it to work. Maybe they think it supports some part of their business model.