Verizon, for example, states that it will automatically unlock phones 60 days after the purchase. In many cases, you may need to do nothing at all. This might take a little time depending on your device, so be patient if it doesn't unlock immediately. You can also download the T-Mobile Device Unlocker app (opens in new tab) if your phone doesn't have the option.ĪT&T also has an unlocker app (opens in new tab) as well as a website to request unlocks (opens in new tab). T-Mobile has a help page (opens in new tab) dedicated specifically to showing customers how to request an unlock. You may be able to request an unlock directly from your phone's settings. Each carrier has slightly different rules regarding how long you have to own the phone and how long your account has to be open. Carriers are required to SIM unlock your phone provided it has been paid for in full, and your account is in good standing. They should be able to help you put in a SIM card and check. Don't feel bad about telling a little white lie to a carrier - they tell them to us all of the time and the employees won't mind talking to someone polite every once in a while. If you don't have access to another SIM card, you can also take your phone to a carrier store and tell them you're thinking of switching carriers and want to check if it's unlocked. Having a wholly incompatible phone with another network is unlikely nowadays, but it's worth checking. You can jot down the code and check online to see why the call can't be completed, so you know if it's because of a SIM lock, or because of incompatible hardware. If you can't call using the new SIM card, you'll probably get a recorded message with some error code. (Mom won't mind two calls on the same day.) Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the phone to configure to a new network so have a bit of patience. If you do, your phone is probably unlocked. If you don't see an unlock code prompt, check that it says you have service if you used a valid SIM card.If you're greeted with a dialog box telling you to enter a SIM unlock code, your phone is SIM locked to the carrier it was originally purchased from.Put the new SIM card in your phone and power it back on.You may also want to give it a SIM PIN code first, so no one can steal and use your old SIM card. A small paper clip may also work if you can't find the tool. Look in the manual or online if you're not sure how to do this, and if you need a SIM card removal tool, there's usually one stuck to the paperwork in your phone's box. Shut off the phone and remove the SIM card.(Call your mom and tell her "hello" she'll appreciate it.) This is to check that the phone is working properly. Make a phone call using your current SIM card, if possible.(Image credit: Ara Wagoner / Android Central) Some carriers like Google Fi will even send you a SIM for free, and you aren't charged anything until you activate the card. It doesn't have to be a SIM card connected to an active account - the phone will try to initiate a connection with any SIM card in place. Skipping all of that, the easiest way to find out if your phone is unlocked is to just put in a SIM card from another carrier. It's worth a try if you don't have access to a SIM card from a different company, though. You might not have any luck here, though, because the person answering the phone might not be able to give you that information - they either don't have access to it, or aren't allowed to tell you over the phone. Companies keep a database of IMEI numbers that says which phones are compatible, unlocked, or blacklisted. Instead, you can call your carrier, or the carrier/MVNO you're thinking of switching to. I'll come right out and say it: Don't bother. While that might be true, these services cost money and are often incorrect. You'll see websites that claim you can check if your phone is unlocked online. (Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)
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