Are you tired of being tied to a specific carrier with your Google Pixel phone? Do you want the freedom to switch carriers or use your phone abroad with a local SIM card? Unlocking your Pixel can give you that flexibility, but carriers don’t always make it easy. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through several methods to unlock your Google Pixel phone without carrier permission.
Key Takeaways
- Unlocking your Pixel allows you to switch carriers or use your phone internationally
- Online unlocking services can remotely carrier-unlock most Pixel models
- Older Pixels may be unlockable using ADB commands, but this isn’t guaranteed
- Google Support is another resource that may be able to help with the unlock process
Can I Unlock My Google Pixel Phone Without Carrier Permission?
Yes, you can unlock your Google Pixel phone without carrier permission using third-party services. Websites like TheUnlockingCompany, SafeUnlockCode, and CanadaUnlocking offer online unlocking services. You’ll need to provide your phone’s IMEI number, network, email, and sometimes the phone model. After payment, these services will send you an unlock code or further instructions to unlock your device.
Understanding Carrier Locks
Most phones purchased through carriers come locked to that specific network. This is done to ensure you fulfill your contract or payment plan obligations. However, once your phone is paid off, you have the right to unlock it and use it with other carriers.
Carriers are legally required to unlock your phone if you meet certain criteria, such as completing your contract or paying off your device. However, the unlock process varies by carrier and can often be time-consuming and confusing. That’s where third-party unlocking services come in.
Method 1: Use an Online Unlocking Service
Online unlocking services are a popular and convenient way to carrier-unlock your Google Pixel. These services remotely unlock your phone, allowing you to use it with any compatible carrier. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Visit a reputable online unlocking service like CarrierSwitcher.com.
- Enter your name, email address, and select your phone’s manufacturer (Google).
- Provide your phone’s IMEI number. You can find this by dialing
*#06#
on your Pixel. - Confirm that you own the device and agree to the terms of service.
- Complete the payment using a secure method like PayPal or credit card.
- Wait for the unlock confirmation email, which usually arrives within a few days.
- Follow the instructions in the email to confirm and activate the unlock.
Popular online unlocking services include CarrierSwitcher, DoctorSIM, and UnlockBase. Be sure to read reviews and check for money-back guarantees before choosing a service.
Service | Unlock Time | Success Rate | Price |
CarrierSwitcher | 1-2 days | 95% | $29.99 |
DoctorSIM | 1-5 days | 90% | $19.99 |
UnlockBase | 1-3 days | 92% | $24.99 |
Prices and data are for example purposes only and may not reflect actual service offerings.
Advantages of Online Unlocking
- Convenient and can be done from home
- Usually cheaper than unlocking through your carrier
- High success rates for most Pixel models
- Customer support available if you run into issues
Disadvantages of Online Unlocking
- Not always successful, especially for newer Pixels
- May void your phone’s warranty (check with Google)
- Turnaround time of a few days in most cases
Method 2: Use ADB Commands (Older Pixels)
For older Google Pixel models that haven’t received the latest security patches, it may be possible to carrier-unlock your phone using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands. This method requires some technical know-how and isn’t guaranteed to work on all Pixels. Here’s an overview of the steps:
- Remove the SIM card and perform a factory reset on your Pixel.
- During the setup process, choose to stay offline and skip setting a screen lock.
- Once setup is complete, enable USB debugging in the Developer options menu.
- Connect your Pixel to a computer that has the Android SDK platform-tools package installed.
- Open a command prompt or terminal, navigate to the platform-tools directory, and enter:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.work.oobconfig
- This command uninstalls the package responsible for SIM lock verification.
- Disconnect your phone, turn on Wi-Fi, and proceed through the rest of the setup.
- Insert your new carrier’s SIM card and you should now have service.
Keep in mind this method is hit-or-miss and won’t work on Pixels with the latest security patches. Google regularly closes the loopholes that allow these exploits. Only attempt this if you’re comfortable with using ADB and are willing to risk a failed unlock.
Contact Google Support
If the above methods don’t work for your Pixel, your next step should be contacting Google support. While they typically defer to carrier unlocking policies, support reps may have additional resources or advice for your specific situation.
You can reach Google support through the following channels:
- Google Store Help
- Pixel Phone Help
- Calling 1-855-836-3987 (US) or finding your country’s support number
When contacting support, have your phone’s IMEI number and details about your carrier and contract status ready. The more information you can provide, the better they’ll be able to assist you.
Carrier Unlocking Policies
If you’d rather unlock your Pixel through official carrier channels, here’s a quick overview of the unlocking policies for major US carriers as of August 2024:
Verizon
Verizon-purchased Pixels are unlocked out of the box, even if purchased on a payment plan. However, the phone must be used on the Verizon network for at least 60 days before it can be used with another carrier.
AT&T
AT&T requires that your Pixel is paid off and your account is in good standing. You must submit an unlock request online, which is typically processed within 2 business days. The phone must also have been active on AT&T’s network for at least 60 days.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile automatically unlocks your Pixel once it’s paid off and has been active on their network for at least 40 days. If your phone is paid off but doesn’t meet the 40-day requirement, you can contact support to request a temporary unlock for international travel.
Sprint
As part of the 2022 merger with T-Mobile, Sprint’s unlocking policy is now aligned with T-Mobile’s. Pixels purchased through Sprint are automatically unlocked once paid off and used on the network for 40 days.
For other US carriers or those in other countries, check the carrier’s website or contact support for their specific unlocking policies. Requirements and procedures can vary significantly.
The Importance of Unlocking
Unlocking your Google Pixel gives you the freedom to choose your carrier and take advantage of lower rates or better coverage. It’s especially useful for international travel, as you can avoid expensive roaming charges by using a local SIM card.
Additionally, unlocked phones typically have higher resale values, as buyers prefer the flexibility to choose their own carrier. So if you decide to upgrade to a newer Pixel model, you may get more money by selling your unlocked older device.
How to Unlock Google Pixel to Any Network for Free
There are a few ways to unlock your Google Pixel phone to work with any carrier for free:
1. Contact Your Carrier
If you’ve completed your contract terms, contact your current carrier and request an unlock. They will typically unlock your device for free if you meet their eligibility requirements.
2. Use an Online Unlocking Service
Websites like CanadaUnlocking and SafeUnlocks offer paid unlocking services for Google Pixel phones. While not free, they provide a convenient way to unlock your device if your carrier won’t.
3. Buy an Unlocked Pixel from the Google Store
Google Pixel phones purchased directly from the Google Store come unlocked and ready to use with any carrier. This is the easiest way to avoid carrier locks altogether.
Verifying if Your Pixel is Locked
To check if your Google Pixel is locked to a specific carrier, insert a SIM card from a different carrier and try making a call. If the call goes through, your device is unlocked.
Troubleshooting After Unlocking
If you still encounter issues after unlocking your Google Pixel, try these steps:
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Install any Android updates
- DialÂ
*#*#7465625#*#*
 in the Phone app and wait 2 minutes - Check for a mobile network connection
- Factory reset your device if needed
If problems persist, contact your new carrier for further assistance.
Google Pixel Unlock Code
Unlocking Your Google Pixel Phone
There are a few ways to unlock your Google Pixel phone:
1. Unlock with an Unlock Code
- Go to a reputable unlocking service like The Unlocking Company1
- Enter your phone model (e.g. Pixel 6 Pro) and IMEI number
- Pay a small fee (e.g. $27.99 for an AT&T Pixel 6 Pro)
- Receive an unlock code via email within 1-72 hours
- Follow the instructions to enter the code and unlock your phone
2. Unlock with Alternative Methods
If you set up fingerprint, pattern, or face unlock on your Pixel, you can use those instead of the passcode. Just scan your fingerprint, trace the pattern, or hold the phone to your face to unlock.
3. Factory Reset to Unlock
If you forget your passcode and don’t have an alternative unlock method set up, you’ll need to factory reset your phone. This will erase all data, so make sure to backup first. You can reset using the Pixel Repair Tool or the buttons on your phone.After resetting, set up your phone again and you’ll be able to unlock it without the forgotten passcode. Just be aware that all your data will be lost.
Unlocking for Any Carrier
To use your Pixel with any carrier, it needs to be SIM-unlocked. Pixels from the Google Store come unlocked, while carrier-bought phones may be locked for up to 2 years.If your phone is locked, contact your carrier to unlock it or wait until the contract ends. If you still have issues after unlocking, try refreshing the SIM status or factory resetting your phone.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has provided the information you need to confidently unlock your Google Pixel without carrier permission. While the process can seem daunting, unlocking is a fairly straightforward process, especially using reputable online services.
Always weigh your options, read the fine print, and be willing to contact support if needed. With persistence and the right approach, you can break free of carrier restrictions and enjoy your Pixel on your own terms.
FAQs
Can you still use a carrier locked phone?
Yes, a carrier-locked phone can still be used, but with limitations:
- It can only be used with the original carrier’s network and services
- You may be restricted in the types of apps you can download and use
- You cannot use the phone with another carrier unless it is unlocked
Can I unlock my phone network myself?
There are a couple ways to unlock a phone yourself:
- Obtain an unlock code from your carrier or a third-party service
- Use special software and a data cable to unlock the phone However, both methods require some technical knowledge. While not illegal, self-unlocking can be risky if done improperly.
Can you unlock a carrier-specific phone?
In most cases, yes. However, there are some conditions:
- Many carriers place time-based locks on phones (e.g. locked for 60 days after purchase)
- Only your original carrier can unlock the phone in an official capacity
- Third-party services may be able to unlock the phone, but this isn’t always guaranteed
Is it illegal to unlock a phone without carrier permission?
Technically, yes. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) prohibits unauthorized removal or modification of a phone’s access controls, which includes carrier locks. However, carriers must fulfill unlock requests for eligible devices upon request.
Can Google Pixels be carrier locked?
Yes, Google Pixel phones, including the Pixel XL, can have carrier locks. Carrier locking is a common practice across all major smartphone brands and models. The lock ensures the phone can only be used with the carrier’s network until certain conditions are met.
Can you unlock a locked Google Pixel?
If you forget your Google Pixel’s passcode, you can unlock it, but you must perform a factory reset first. This will erase all data on the phone, so it’s crucial to regularly back up your device. After resetting, you can restore your data and set up the phone as new.