Can i use Verizon StraightTalk with unlocked Pixel 3 cell phone?

[Android Central Question]

I purchased a Pixel 3 from Google and it came unlocked. StraightTalk says I can't use Verizon plan on this phone. Can that be right? Is there any way around that?

 

[klau25]

I purchased a Pixel 3 from Google and it came unlocked. StraightTalk says I can't use Verizon plan on this phone. Can that be right? Is there any way around that?

Pretty sure it's not true, but I don't use straighttalk so I can't say I'm 100% certain.

Side note, straighttalk still had horrible customer service? I used them years ago, they constantly throttle me for no reason. Had to call them almosf daily to fix. Each time the hold time was at least an hour.

 

[vzwuser76]

I purchased a Pixel 3 from Google and it came unlocked. StraightTalk says I can't use Verizon plan on this phone. Can that be right? Is there any way around that?

Both the so called unlocked and Verizon Pixels are the same in terms of the networks they'll connect to. The only difference AFAIK between the two models is that the Verizon model's bootloader is locked. It sounds like he wanted to sell you a phone.

As for the networks StraightTalk uses, from what I've heard, they use Verizon, AT&T, & T-Mobile's networks. But it dependent on the region you're using it in. In my state, it's mostly Verizon. In other areas it might be AT&T or T-Mobile. Which carrier has the best coverage for the region probably determines the network they partner with in that particular area.

If the salesman has a phone on StraightTalk, ask him to insert his SIM card into your Pixel 3 to see if it will work. Then just do a factory reset and put your own ST SIM card in.

 

[Rukbat]

Considering that the Pixels work on Fi, and Fi uses Sprint, you can add them to the list of carriers that Pixels probably work on.

 

[vzwuser76]

Considering that the Pixels work on Fi, and Fi uses Sprint, you can add them to the list of carriers that Pixels probably work on.

I don't think there's a domestic carrier that the Pixel doesn't support, for sure it'll do the big 4 carriers. I was just mentioning the carriers that StraightTalk uses for their network, which varies by region from CDMA to GSM depending on their coverage. But I don't think there's any worry that the Pixel won't work on a US based carrier.