How To Unlock the Google Pixel 2 / 2 XL

Starting up a phone you just bought is usually a very straightforward process. You take it out of the box, admire how shiny and spotless everything is, then insert your SIM card. And in most cases, that’s all there is to it. However, your phone can sometimes have a network (or carrier) lock which can pose a problem.

The reason behind this is easy to understand. Mobile carriers offer phones to go with their monthly postpaid contracts. These devices are sold at a discount in order to incentivize you to use their services. However, such phones are frequently locked so you can only use them in the appropriate network. It is a simple way for the carrier to make sure it didn’t give you a good deal on the phone only for you to turn around and take your business elsewhere.

The Problem for You

However, this is not a foolproof solution. For one, you could simply decide to terminate your contract with the carrier. After you pay the appropriate fees, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to continue using the device.

Secondly, you might use more than one SIM card. Maybe you want the benefit of having multiple carriers. Or perhaps you frequently travel to another country and have a local SIM in order to avoid those hefty roaming charges.

Finally, it’s possible you bought your Google Pixel 2/2 XL without knowing about the lock. This can happen when you make your purchase online through sites like Amazon or eBay.

The Solution

Whatever the reason behind it, you could end up with an unusable phone. Once you turn it on, the device will only say that the SIM card is not supported. Now, most Pixel 2/2 XLs are unlocked. To our knowledge, EE, a UK provider, is the only one that locks these devices. However, other local providers might also do this as there’s no way to check them all.

If this happens to you, here are three solutions to try:

1. Contact the Carrier or the Seller

This is your best bet. After you explain your situation, the carrier might choose to give you the unlock code. Additionally, the seller could also provide this code.

Either way, they will ask for your phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). You can find the required code if you follow this procedure. Enter your phone’s Settings.

Now tap the following items: System > About phone > Status > IMEI information.

You can also get this number by dialing *#06# on your phone.

2. Look for a Third-party Service

There are many websites which offer to unlock your phone. This is less reliable than the first solution and also isn’t free. These sites tend to get taken down rather frequently so there’s no point in listing any specific examples. Therefore, just look around for a bit and try to find one with a money-back guarantee.

3. Ask your Local Phone Repair Shop

Lastly, your local phone repair shop might be able to help. They do charge for this, but they also have many tools you do not, both software and hardware. Just make sure they’re not affiliated with any mobile carrier.

Conclusion

These are the solutions you can try if your Pixel 2/2 XL is locked. The last two aren’t free but they’re still more affordable than buying a new phone. Still, your first stop should always be the place where you got the phone.