Basically, I would like to know where to buy an OEM-unlocked pixel in the UK and purchase it in a private way (e.g. cash but I don't know which shops take it)
(UK) Where to buy a pixel with an unlocked OEM + private purchase
Most to all Phone network provider stores sell Pixels unlocked if you tell them you want handset only with no plan. If they get all pushy about phone plans then just say you are buying the phone for someone else, if they give a free SIM card just throw it away. These places take cash. This is likely a best bet to get the phone mint.
If you are concerned about buying straight from the mobile network then just get one refurbished/secondhand from a store like CeX or any other place, they always take cash.
final Nice, would a place like Currys take cash and sell unlocked?
user239423842 They probably will accept cash, I've bought a laptop with cash there. Currys mainly promote a mix of different mobile networks so they would probably be unlocked there too.
final Final question how long ago did you buy? Just in case their policies changed
user239423842 I got the laptop around the start of the year - most stores should accept cash I don't see why they shouldn't.
final at a carrier store I thought they will lock down their phones though, are you sure this is not a problem?
user239423842 Ofcom disallow (or are moving into disallowing) locking of phones in networks now: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2021/mobile-companies-now-banned-from-selling-locked-handsets
O2, Three and some others never locked handset only phones to begin with also
Argos and Currys both take cash and handsets are unlocked. My 7pro was bought from Argos with cash. My wife's privacy hating folding device was bought from Currys in Cribs Causeway with cash. The cashiers don't like it as it means they've got to do a bit a work counting it but pick a quite time in store and you won't have a problem. If they ask for an email address then say no or give a blatantly fake one and smile.
final stupid question but are vodafone also doing this? Their branch is nearest to me
user239423842 I doubt it? I know people on Vodafone who moved to Three with no issue
final Are these phones carrier locked or OEM-unlocked? I need to be sure?
user239423842 Neither, the carrier lock is being phased out (Ofcom article) and Vodafone + the others I mentioned don't do it. Only USA carriers block the OEM unlock to my knowledge. Sometimes I had issues with Pixels having the option grayed out, but updating the OS or connecting to the internet always fixed this.
final Nice man, thanks!
I tried Currys but before I could even pay in cash they asked for my Full name, phone number and postcode. They claimed they couldn't skip it, so I walked out.
Does Argos even take cash anymore? I think they banned it in the places near me, seems you can only buy online and collect in store though I haven't been into the store to check.
Any other ideas of places to buy new? I have barely any carrier shops near me and the one is doesn't have the pixel I want. I can only assume they will want all my details for the warranty too.