Changing phone carriers and Pixel 3a is locked from new SIM card

[Android Central Question]

I bought my phone directly from Google through a trade-in program about a year ago and set it up immediately with Verizon. This month, I tried to switch my phone line to T Mobile, but when I put in the new T-mobile SIM card, I get an error message saying "SIM card isn't supported. Ask Verizon if this device can be unlocked."

I've spoken to T Mobile, Verizon, and Google. Here is what each said:

T mobile: When they put out the request for Verizon to transfer my phone line, it should automatically unlock my phone. If it's not working, I should contact Verizon.

Verizon Agent #1: When you get the phone from Google and set it up with Verizon, Verizon then locks the phone (something about after x number of days). Directed me to another Verizon help line.

Verizon Agent #2: Verizon doesn't lock phones unless it has been reported missing/stolen or if there's a payment due. Since neither of those were true, the agent said I should contact the retailer I bought my phone from, which is the Google Store.

Google: Help agent tried a couple different solutions: Solution 1 - turn on Developer option to enable "OEM unlocking." When I tried this, the OEM unlock option was disabled/grayed out with the message "Unavailable on carrier-locked devices". Solution 2 - Factory reset. This didn't work. He finally told me to contact Verizon because my phone says it is "carrier-locked".

Before I pull my hair out talking to another agent, does anyone have any idea what is going on and how I can unlock my phone? Appreciate any help. Thanks!

 

[hallux]

Verizon Agent #2: Verizon doesn't lock phones unless it has been reported missing/stolen or if there's a payment due. Since neither of those were true, the agent said I should contact the retailer I bought my phone from, which is the Google Store.

This agent misunderstood the issue. There's a difference between carrier-locking a device and blacklisting it. Blacklisting would be done if the device was stolen or payments weren't made.

Solution 1 - turn on Developer option to enable "OEM unlocking."

Another agent that doesn't really understand the issue. OEM unlock is not what's needed.

Try calling the second line back at Verizon, maybe you'll get an agent that understands the issue.

Everything I'm seeing on Verizon's page says they lock devices for 60 days, after which it's unlocked for good.

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[B. Diddy]

To add to hallux's excellent analysis, I would also point out to Verizon's customer service that their unlock policy specifically says that after 60 days, any phones purchased from Verizon should be automatically unlocked -- there's no mention of having to contact them to do it. www.verizon.com/about/consumer-safety/device-unlocking-policy

I wonder if this could be related to this issue people were having with the flagship 3 on Verizon: https://www.droid-life.com/2018/10/...ock-removal-message-pixel-3-devices-will-see/

What's the exact model number of the phone? Do you know if you ordered the Verizon variant from the Google Store, or was it the completely unlocked one?