https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/33727-swappacom-for-grapheneos-compatible-devices-stay-away

GrapheneOS Discussion Forum
Loading...
This site is best viewed in a modern browser with JavaScript enabled.
Something went wrong while trying to load the full version of this
site. Try hard-refreshing this page to fix the error.

Swappa.com for GrapheneOS compatible devices - STAY AWAY

dginovker

I'm writing this as a PSA to anyone who is thinking about getting a
used phone for GrapheneOS. I tried purchasing three used phones from
Swappa.com.

The first seller, Buyback Surgeon, listed a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL for
$404 titled "Unlocked". After receiving the device, OEM unlocking was
not possible. I requested a return and paid a total of $60 in fees to
get my money back (actually, I haven't been refunded yet, so I'm just
out $464).

The Swappa staff kindly informed me that "Factory unlocked pixels in
our unlocked section are required to be factory unlocked google
edition pixels, which allow bootloader unlocking", so I then
purchased a second device for $414 off of Sellworld - it too was not
bootloader unlockable, and I once again initiated the refund process
(another trip to the post office, more money lost).

After confirming for a second time with the Swappa staff that
"Unlocked" devices would be bootloader unlocked, I purchased a third,
"Unlocked" tagged phone from Supplytronics for $424. Before shipping,
I requested they confirm the bootloader was unlocked. They said "
[...] we are unfortunately not able to guarantee bootloader
unlocking, as it is not feasible for us to search through thousands
of devices in order to find one that is. [...]", and refunded me (but
not without Paypal taking their fee).

Note that all of these sellers were rated 5 stars (including the one
that ghosted me after I returned the phone). Once is fine. Twice is
suspicious. But three times represents a systematic issue with
Swappa.com.

The Swappa staff are unable to moderate their marketplace for proper
listings, and as a result, it simply cannot be trusted for anyone
looking to get a used Pixel for GrapheneOS. I'm very frustrated, so I
felt the need to share this post in hopes it stops someone else from
making a similar mistake.

If anyone knows a reliable place to get used, GrapheneOS compatible
devices, please let me know <3

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Johnnyloans

Sorry mate that's rough.

This thread has helpful answers.

https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/
33623-used-devices-security-and-finding-unlockable-bootloader/2

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Johnnyloans

For oem unlocking, it might take:
an internet connection, updating stockOS, dialing *#*#2432546#*#*
secret code in the phone call app, factory reset, getting the phone
off of beta stockOS tester builds, reboot, fiddling with find my
device to see if it's linked to a person's gmail account (google sees
this as stolen since it wasn't unlinked)

Might just take time.

---------------------------------------------------------------------