Can you imagine that you just landed in Paris and bought a local sim just to find out your phone is locked to your carrier? Having your phone locked to a carrier can be frustrating as it takes away the freedom to switch to another service whenever you can. Here is the ultimate guide on how to unlock your phone.
Free Unlock
Most carriers in the US offer device unlock for free provided that you meet their unlocking policies. While their policies may vary, the general rules are as follows:
- Your device is not reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraud.
- You purchased your device with an installment plan and have paid it off.
- Your days of usage meet their minimum requirement. (example: 90 days, 120 days)
- You don’t have any outstanding balance in your account.
Carriers also have different ways of unlocking your phone.
- T-Mobile unlock:
- Android: simply use the “Device Unlock” app that’s preinstalled onto your device and follow the prompt to unlock it. It will show either “successful” or “failed” as results.
- iPhone: Contact customer service by dialing 611 from your phone and speak to a representative. You will be asked to provide your account information. You will be contacted via email with your result.
- AT&T unlock
- AT&T has a dedicated site for you to unlock your device. Simply answer the questions such as your phone number and IMEI(*#06# from your phone) as well as your account information. Make sure to confirm your unlock request in your email within 24 hours. A result will be emailed to you as well.
- Verizon
- Verizon has the best straight-forward device unlock policy. As long as your phone is active for 60 days, they will automatically remove the lock. If your phone is still locked, simply call customer service at 1800-922-0204 to have your request sent manually.
- Sprint
- Contact customer service at 1888-211-4727 to speak with a representative.
- Android: Upon receiving notification the device is unlocked, then follow these steps: Go to Settings > System > System updates. UICC unlock or go to Settings and search for UICC Unlock. Tap UICC unlock for a settings refresh.
- Apple: Upon receiving notification the device is unlocked, simply just insert a sim card from a different carrier and follow the instruction. (device back-up is highly recommended)
- Contact customer service at 1888-211-4727 to speak with a representative.
Paid Unlock
If your phone doesn’t meet the minimum requirement to get a free device-unlock from your carrier or you simply don’t want to go through the hassles of contacting customer service, there are many paid device-unlock services for you to choose. Before submitting your request to a 3rd party unlocking service, make sure it’s trustworthy and it doesn’t cost more than your payoff amount from your carrier.
- DoctorSIM
- MobileUnlocked
- eBay(simply search your device name and model+unlock)
LetMe Mobile will continue updating more device-unlock information.