Unlocking your phone lets you use it with any wireless carrier, whether you are switching providers, traveling internationally, or selling your device. This guide explains what phone unlocking means, how to unlock phones from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and other carriers, and what to do if your carrier refuses to unlock your device.
What Does It Mean to Unlock a Phone?
When a carrier sells you a phone at a subsidized price or through a payment plan, they often lock the phone to their network using software restrictions. A locked phone will only work with SIM cards from the carrier that locked it. Unlocking removes this restriction so the phone can accept SIM cards from any compatible carrier worldwide.
When Can You Unlock Your Phone?
Under FCC guidelines, most US carriers are required to unlock phones under these conditions:
- You have completed your contract or paid off the device in full
- Your account is in good standing with no outstanding balances
- The device has been active on the carrier’s network for a minimum period (usually 40–60 days for prepaid, 60–90 days for postpaid)
- The phone is not reported as lost or stolen
How to Unlock an AT&T Phone
- Go to att.com/deviceunlock.
- Enter your phone’s IMEI number (dial *#06# to find it).
- Submit the unlock request.
- AT&T will review and send you an email with unlock instructions within 1–5 business days.
- Follow the instructions to complete the unlock (usually requires Wi-Fi connection and a restart).
How to Unlock a T-Mobile Phone
- Confirm your account is in good standing and the device has been active for at least 40 days (prepaid) or 40 days with billing in good standing (postpaid).
- Call T-Mobile at 1-800-937-8997 or use the T-Mobile app to request an unlock.
- T-Mobile will process the request and send instructions to your email.
- Insert a non-T-Mobile SIM card and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the unlock.
How to Unlock a Verizon Phone
Verizon automatically unlocks most postpaid devices after 60 days of service. For prepaid phones, the device must be active on the Verizon network for one year before unlocking. To unlock:
- Confirm your device meets Verizon’s unlock eligibility (60 days for postpaid, 12 months for prepaid).
- Verizon will automatically unlock eligible devices — no request is usually needed.
- If your device is not unlocking automatically, call Verizon at 1-800-922-0204 and request a manual unlock.
How to Unlock a Boost Mobile or Cricket Phone
Boost Mobile (now on AT&T’s network) and Cricket Wireless both require your account to be in good standing for a minimum period. Boost requires 12 months of active service. Cricket requires 6 months. Contact customer service or visit their website to submit an unlock request after meeting these requirements.
Third-Party Phone Unlocking Services
If your carrier will not unlock your phone (for example, if you are still under contract), third-party unlocking services can unlock most phones for a fee of $15–$80. Reputable services generate a legitimate IMEI unlock code directly from the carrier’s database. Look for services with verified positive reviews and a money-back guarantee.
Note: Phone unlocking is legal in the United States under the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act.
How to Tell If Your Phone Is Already Unlocked
- Insert a SIM card from a different carrier. If the phone shows signal and works normally, it is unlocked.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to Carrier Lock. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your phone is unlocked.
- On Android, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks and check for a network lock message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unlocking a phone void the warranty?
Carrier unlocking through the official carrier process does not void your warranty. Using third-party software or hardware unlocking methods could void the warranty, so always use the official carrier unlock process or a legitimate IMEI unlock service.
Can I unlock a phone that is still being paid off?
It depends on your carrier. Most carriers will not unlock a device that still has an outstanding balance on it. Verizon is an exception — they automatically unlock devices 60 days after purchase regardless of whether the device is paid off, as long as the account is in good standing.
Will my phone work on any carrier after unlocking?
Unlocking removes the carrier lock, but your phone also needs to be compatible with the frequency bands used by the new carrier. An AT&T phone may not support all T-Mobile 5G bands, for example. Check the phone’s band compatibility against the new carrier’s network bands before switching.