Some Google Store-bought Pixel 2 devices seem to have locked-down bootloaders

Review: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Aside from getting stock Android, one of the major considerations people buy Pixel devices is the ability to unlock bootloaders. This is important for those who like to tinker with their devices and install different ROMs, kernels, and the like. For Google devices you can usually unlock bootloaders through the “OEM unlocking” toggle in developer options. The Verizon models sold in the US has this option blanked out. And now it seems some of the Pixel 2 units (not the Pixel 2 XL) sold through Google’s own Store don’t have the option either. Android Authority theorizes that Google might have accidentally sold Verizon models instead of unlocked ones.

If this has affected you and you want it remedied, there is already a Google Issue Tracker page for it. And apparently Google’s engineering teams are “investigating the issue.” To help bring more attention to it and to your specific case, you can report the problem and contact customer support.