Coan You Unlock Your Phone and Continue With the Same Carrier

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Before You Unlock

Unlocking Instructions by Carrier

Using an Unlock Code

Are you ready to switch wireless providers? Unlocking your contract phone is easier than ever! While paying for unlock codes used to be a popular way to switch your mobile provider, nearly all global mobile providers will now unlock your phone for free so you can use it with any mobile provider. As long as you've fulfilled your contract obligations and your account is in good standing, you can easily unlock your phone without paying a dime. This wikiHow article will teach you everything you need to know about unlocking your phone to use with any compatible carrier.

1
Check your contract details. If you bought a phone that's locked to a carrier, you're usually obligated to keep your phone with that carrier for a predetermined amount of time. Contact your carrier to find out how long you must use the phone on their network before you can unlock it.
- Depending on your provider, you may be able to terminate your contract early by paying an early termination fee.
- US Military personnel: If you're deployed before your contract ends, most providers will unlock your phone if you supply proof of deployment.^[1]
2
Make sure your account is in good standing. For postpaid (contract) phone plans, carriers in the US (and many other regions) are required to unlock phones for customers who have fulfilled their contracts if their accounts are in good standing.^[2]
- If you're late on payments or have not yet finished paying off a phone you've financed through the carrier, you'll usually need to take care of these obligations before your carrier will unlock your phone.
3
Get your phone's IMEI code. The IMEI (international mobile equipment identity) is a unique 15-digit code used to identify your phone. To unlock a phone for any carrier, you'll need your IMEI. There are many ways to find it:
- On many phones, including iPhones and Androids, you get the IMEI by dialing *#06# using your phone's keypad.
- On an iPhone, your IMEI is easy to find. Just go to Settings > General > About.^[3]
- If your phone has a SIM tray, you can usually pop out the tray and find the IMEI printed on the back.
- If your phone has a removable battery, you'll usually find the IMEI underneath the battery cover or the battery itself.
4
Find a new carrier that is compatible with your phone. While there are many carriers to choose from, not all carriers support all phone models. Before terminating your service with your current provider, make sure you've settled on a provider that supports your phone.
- Many carriers offer a "Bring Your Own Device" feature on their websites. You can use this feature to enter your IMEI, which can tell you if you can bring your unlocked device to their service.
- If the carrier you're interested in doesn't have an online BYOD feature, just give them a call. They'll ask for your IMEI to confirm eligibility.
- In most cases, you'll be able to port your current phone number to your new phone upon transferring to a new mobile provider.
5
Find out your carrier's unlocking instructions. There are many wireless providers all over the world, and they all have their own unlocking instructions. The best way to find out how to unlock your phone is to call or visit your carrier to ask for their specific unlocking steps.
- Some providers will provide you a special PIN and instructions over the phone, while others have unlocking apps or websites.^[4]
- If you have an iPhone, the carrier must unlock the phone for you.^[5]

1

Get an unlock code. If your provider allows you to unlock your own phone with an unlock code, the process is easy. Just call your provider and let them know you'd like to unlock your phone. Once you provide your IMEI and other requested information, they'll provide you with a special key that you can enter to unlock your phone.
2

Purchase a SIM card from a new provider. You won't be able to enter your phone's unlock code until you swap out your current provider's SIM card for your new provider's SIM.
3

Switch off your phone. Press and hold the Power button located either at the top or along the sides of the phone. The Power button's location depends on the make and model of your phone, but is commonly placed on these parts
4
Replace your old provider's SIM card with your new provider's card. The steps to remove and insert the SIM varies by phone make and model.
- iPhones (and many Androids) have SIM trays. Look for a slot around the sides of your phone—there's usually a small hole on the slit. Gently insert the end of a SIM tool (or extend a paperclip and insert the long end) into the hole until the tray comes loose. Then, slowly pull out the tray and take out the SIM card, replacing it with the new card.
- Some Androids and feature phones have SIM cards underneath the battery cover. Check your manufacturer's instructions to find the location of your SIM card.
5

Switch on your phone. Press and hold the Power button on your phone. After a few moments, you'll be prompted to enter a code or key.
6
Enter the unlock key. Using your phone's keypad, type in the 8-digit unlock key. Press the "Enter" or "OK" button to enter the code.
- A confirmation message will appear on the screen notifying you that the key has been accepted.
- Your contract phone is now unlocked and ready to use on any compatible service carrier.

Add New Question

Question

Can you use two phones on one contract?

Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions.

wikiHow Technology Writer

Expert Answer

Your contract is tied to your SIM card. If you haven't added two lines to your contract, you can only use your service in the phone in which you've installed the SIM. However, you can move the SIM card between phones if you'd like to use the same phone number and service with another phone. You just can't use both phones at the same time unless you add a separate line to your account.
Question

I followed all of the steps but when I turned the phone back on the screen did not ask for a code. It said to contact Sprint to unlock it. Why?

It is likely the SIM is permanently locked. Yes, you will need to contact Sprint but if your wondering what the cause is, it's when you or your phone have entered the wrong PIN too many times. Or the SIM card you have inserted is invalid, if you used to use AT&T, you can only use GSM, Sprint is CGSM.

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Some sites that offer unlock keys require payment. Do a little review first about the website you're going to use to make sure it's legitimate to avoid wasting money.

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Unlocking phones that are still within the lock-in period violates the contract set by the service carrier. It may also violate your phone's warranty.

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