Google Pixel 8 phones come with unlocked bootloader straight from the box, reports suggest

An Unusual Situation: Some Google Pixel 8 Phones Ship with Unlocked Bootloader

Several buyers of the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro have taken to Reddit to express their dissatisfaction with the devices arriving with an unlocked bootloader.

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The bootloader is unlocked and software integrity cannot be guaranteed. Any data stored on the device may be available to attackers. Do not store any sensitive data on the device

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This unexpected discovery raises concerns about data privacy and security. Having an unlocked bootloader on an Android device can lead to certain apps, including financial ones, refusing to work due to security reasons. For example, Android’s contactless payment service through Google Wallet is incompatible with an unlocked bootloader.❗

For those unfamiliar with the term, the bootloader is a software component responsible for the initial boot of a device and loading the operating system, in this case, Android. If users wish to customize their phones at an OS level, such as installing patches, mods, or even flashing a new ROM, an unlocked bootloader is necessary.

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Although the extent of this issue remains uncertain, it appears that users may be able to resolve it themselves by connecting their phones to a computer and using an ADB connection. However, it is impractical for Google to expect customers to undertake such steps. Reports suggest that Google is offering replacement units to affected customers, but this requires lengthy support conversations.⏰

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It remains intriguing how this situation arose. Google Pixel phones seem to encounter peculiar "quirks" every year, and it would be interesting to learn the exact cause behind such occurrences.

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