OEM unlocking greyed out

ozymoondias

Hi. I'm trying to install GrapheneOS for the first time on a supposedly unlocked Pixel 6 (not 6a) I purchased from Amazon Renewed. I cannot seem to find a way to enable the OEM unlocking option in Developer Options. I've tried updating, multiple factory resets, and sideloading previous versions of Android (12) with adb (which errors with a message telling me it's a downgrade). I am indeed connected to the internet. The third-party who restored and sold the phone is adamant that it is "unlocked" and my carrier confirmed that they have no control over this whatsoever. Can anyone here help me with this? Thanks.

madduke

ozymoondias Yeah it sounds like you have a "carrier version" that has the bootloader unlock removed. I would return the phone and try to get a Google version.

itsjpb

probably need a different phone. there are two types of unlocked, carrier and OEM. flashing a new OS requires both, but most of the used "unlocked" phones for sale are only carrier unlocked and cannot be used for GOS. if the listing doesn't specifically list OEM/factory unlocked then it isn't truly unlocked.

i think i went through like 4 phones my first time trying to set up GOS, which is why the second time i bought direct from g**gle.

ozymoondias

That's what I feared. Alright, well I think I know what I have to do. Thanks both for your help.

roddyd

Sellers often lie about a phone being unlocked because unlocked phones are more valuable on the used market. Some sellers will conflate "unlocked" with the ability to use a sim card from any mobile provider (carrier unlocked), which is not the same thing. Factory/OEM Unlocked means you should be able to enable the OEM unlocked option to install a new ROM.

alex_herrero

You can try putting a SIM card. It could show if it's unlocked or not, and if the setting can be enabled. First time I tried to unlock the bootloader on my Pixel 7 factory unlocked from Google it was like that. I connected it to internet, upgraded and it worked.