Swappa.com for GrapheneOS compatible devices – STAY AWAY

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