Google’s new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones launched this week, but there’s only a handful of ways to buy one. While many users likely pre-ordered from Google or Verizon, Best Buy and Target are the other two big-name retailers currently selling the smartphones.
Because Verizon has carrier exclusivity, that means that buying a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL from anyone but Google will get you a Verizon version of the device. And this initially made life difficult for non-Verizon customers, as any models purchased from Verizon, Best Buy, or Target were initially locked to Verizon’s network. That’s changing now, but it’s unclear for how long.
Carrier exclusivity is annoying
Verizon Pixel phones being locked out of the box is seemingly at odds with Google’s philosophy behind its Pixel phones in the first place, but it’s not without precedent. In fact, this practice is true of all “unlocked” smartphones sold by Verizon.
According to a statement to The Verge, Verizon claims it enacted this policy to prevent its phones from being stolen or scalped by resellers. When the Pixels launched yesterday, as a number of reports indicated, Verizon automatically unlocked either smartphone somewhat quickly, but only if you inserted a Verizon SIM. Otherwise, you had to wait overnight, and possibly up to 24 hours, for Verizon to automatically unlock your new Pixel smartphone. You’d then be able to use it with any supported carrier you want.
Now, it seems that Verizon is automatically unlocking all Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices. Verizon’s statement on the matter, provided to Android Police, doesn’t do much to reduce confusion—or make us feel as if this is a permanent solution:
“At launch, there was an update related to an automatic overnight unlock on Pixel 3s, which also showed up on phones sold in Best Buy stores. We have temporarily removed it from Pixel 3 and are assessing where it will be implemented in the future.
As you may recall, earlier this year we began locking phones until they were initially activated on the Verizon network to prevent theft and protect employees.”
Our advice? Unless Verizon, Best Buy, or Target is offering a killer deal for a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL, or you have incredible patience, just order the phone from Google directly. It’ll always arrive unlocked and you’ll be able to use it immediately with your preferred carrier.
We can appreciate Verizon’s desire to prevent theft or scalping, but we don’t like Verizon dangling SIM locking over users’ heads given how annoying the practice is when all you want to do is play with your brand new device.
