Help with new install please

bretttayl78

Hi there,

I'm confused and a little frustrated, I'm really hoping someone can help educate me.

I have a Pixel 7 that I bought from Verizon a couple years ago. I tried installing Graphene and soon learned that since it was a Verizon phone that I was locked out of toggling OEM unlocking so it was impossible to install GrapheneOS. Live and learn.

But I really want it, so I went on Amazon and bought another Pixel 7. The listing says this phone is unlocked, but when I tried to toggle OEM unlocking it is still grayed out on the new phone that was advertised as being unlocked. I tried without a sim card and with my old sim card (the phone worked with my old sim, but unable to toggle.) I did all this with it connected to my wifi.

Here is the Amazon link to the phone I purchased:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL5FMCRW?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

I really thought getting an unlocked phone was the solution, but I seem to be stuck in the exact same rut. Can anyone advise?

Thanks in advance!
--Brett

nandohyphen1

bretttayl78

bretttayl78 I really thought getting an unlocked phone was the solution

Unfortunately it looks like you bought a 'carrier unlocked' phone. It has to be carrier unlockable and OEM unlockable to unlock the bootloader. The only place where you can get a fully unlocked phone for sure would be the Google Store (www.store.google.com). Usually what Amazon defines as 'unlocked' is carrier unlocked and not OEM unlocked.

bretttayl78

Ugh. This process has frustrated me just about to the point of giving up. "Unlocked" should mean unlocked.

Thanks for the tip nandohyphen1, I appreciate it. Hopefully I can at least return this new phone.

--Brett

nandohyphen1

bretttayl78 sorry its been frustrating. Yeah, I'd recommend seeing if you can return that one to Amazon and getting one from the Google Store, because it will for sure work. I wish you all the best in your journey to GrapheneOS. If you have any other questions I'll do my best to help. :)

nandohyphen1

bretttayl78 Google Store for sure will be the best choice but I have also asked if devices from Best Buy are OEM unlockable and it looks like they are ( note, I can't guarantee it). I started this thread
https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/24299-best-place-to-buy-a-pixel-phone-to-flash-gos/13

about buying a Pixel phone from Best Buy (keep in mind I have not purchased from Best Buy before, so I do not know for sure if it is OEM unlockable)

bretttayl78

Looking around on Google store and Best Buy hasn't been fruitful. I'm trying to do this on a budget with an older Pixel 7, mostly because I have a working phone and can't justify dropping $800 on a Pixel 9 when I have a perfectly fine working phone already. This is more of an experiment than an "I need a new phone" situation. 7's aren't even available at retailers anymore. I have taken to eBay, and messaged two sellers. I found one that looks particularly encouraging.. When you click on the selections for "carrier" it has options like "Verizon unlocked," and also "Factory unlocked." I feel like Factory unlocked should get me what I need, right?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/176616064661

MineralWater

bretttayl78

The seller says "Factory Unlocked: Phone is Fully unlocked to work with ANY carrier (OEM Unlocking is enabled and is eligible to install custom operating software)"

So yes, that should work. It also says they offer 30 days money back guarantee.

You probably can get money from Google for the phone if it is one of those that devices Google had problems with the battery. But not sure of that. Depends on the IMEI.

nandohyphen1

bretttayl78 yes! It does look promising that GrapheneOS can be installed on that one from eBay. Didn't realize you were looking for a 7. That definitely isn't available anymore on the Google Store. Especially if you just want a phone to try it out, eBay should be fine, just carefully read everything! And like @MineralWater said, this one looks good. ;)

Hill_Sphere

bretttayl78 If you're US based swappa.com (no affiliation) may fit your needs for a used Pixel 7. I've purchased a couple phones via the site years ago.

Swappa has a dedicated "unlocked" section -

"On Swappa, our unlocked device categories are for factory unlocked devices that are not and were not previously restricted to a single carrier."

https://swappa.com/buy/unlocked/google

ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swappa

bretttayl78

MineralWater Thanks for the clarification. I just wanted to be sure to avoid making the same mistake a second time. Appreciate it!

bretttayl78

I ended up buying a refurbished Pixel 8 off ebay that was factory unlocked. I figured if I'm going to to this, I might as well spend a few extra dollars and upgrade a generation.

The phone arrived this morning and I now have GrapheneOS installed! I have the day off work tomorrow, so hopefully I'll be able to spend some time with it to learn the ins and outs.

Thanks to all for the advice on getting a new device!