Verizon's Pixel 3 will be carrier locked out of the box

For those hoping to score a shiny new Pixel 3 to use on your carrier plan, think again. While you can certainly pick up an unlocked one directly from Google, any Pixel 3 purchased from Verizon or Best Buy will be locked, and you may need to recruit a Verizon friend to help you unlock it.

Due to a policy change reported by CNET in February, Verizon phones will be carrier locked initially to avoid retail theft; after it has been activated for a brief period on the Verizon network, it will be unlocked to use on another carrier's network. While the policy may seems anti-consumer (and it kind of can be), it is important to note that AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint have similar (and harsher) policies in place.

According to The Verge, a Verizon representative has confirmed the policy will affect the Pixel 3, but the phone would only need initially activated on the network before becoming unlocked. Verizon states that the device, after activation, will be unlocked the same day. This may not be a very long period in perspective, but many individuals may not have a way to get the initial activation to unlock the device. As of today, it has not been confirmed whether purchasing and activating a pre-paid SIM card in the device and then subsequently cancelling it will be enough to unlock the device.

It is important to note that the Pixel 3, like the Pixel 2, is a Verizon exclusive device. With the exclusivity of the carrier and the initial lock on the device, Google is not exactly making it easy to get these in to the hands of consumers. If you were thinking of strolling in to Best Buy to purchase this device for your AT&T or T-Mobile plan, you may want to think again.