Buzz
Mobile service providers in the U.S. are obligated to unlock your phone for free if your account is in good standing and all necessary contractual obligations have been fulfilled. To unlock your device, you must contact your mobile service provider to obtain a unique code required for the unlocking process.
Steps
Unlocking Your Phone
Dial *#06# on the phone you wish to unlock. The unique IMEI number of the device will be displayed.
Note down the IMEI number. Your mobile service provider will ask for this IMEI code to unlock your phone.
- AT&T: Call 1-800-331-0500 or submit an online unlock request at https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/.
- Sprint: Call 1-888-211-4727 or visit https://sprintworldwide.custhelp.com/app/answers/list and click on the “Chat” tab.
- T-Mobile: Call 1-877-746-0909 or go to https://support.t-mobile.com/community/contact-us and select the online chat option.
- Verizon: Call 1-800-711-8300 and request a SIM unlock.
Provide the carrier with the necessary information to process your unlock request. You’ll need to share your phone’s unique IMEI number, your name, and contact details. The mobile carrier will coordinate with the phone manufacturer to obtain the unlock code for you. For example, if you’re using a Samsung Galaxy S4 on T-Mobile, T-Mobile will contact Samsung directly to retrieve the unlock code.
Wait for the carrier to provide your phone’s unlock code. Most major mobile service providers typically send the unlock code via email, while some regional carriers may require you to visit their retail store.
Follow the instructions provided by your carrier to unlock your phone. In most cases, the mobile service provider will guide you to insert a SIM card from another carrier and enter the unlock code when prompted. Once unlocked, you can use SIM cards from other compatible carriers.
Troubleshooting
Ask your mobile service provider what steps you need to take to bring your account into good standing if they refuse to unlock your phone. Mobile carriers are required to unlock phones for free if the account is in good standing and all contractual obligations are fulfilled.
Contact the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) if you encounter difficulties requesting a free phone unlock from your current carrier. The FCC enforces policies related to phone unlocking and will address your case thoroughly if necessary.
- File a complaint online at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us, or call the FCC at 1-888-225-5322.
If the unlock code doesn’t work, contact your mobile service provider to verify whether the IMEI number on record matches the one on your phone. This issue may arise if the carrier provided the wrong IMEI to the phone manufacturer.
Tips
- Request your carrier to unlock your phone immediately if you are serving in the military and are deployed overseas. By law, mobile service providers are required to unlock your device after verifying your information.
