Can a locked phone be unlocked?

Yes. Under FCC rules finalized in 2024, all U.S. carriers are required to unlock phones free of charge within 60 days of activation, provided the device is fully paid off and the account is in good standing. The process is straightforward: contact your carrier, submit an unlock request with your IMEI number, and wait for confirmation.

Can I unlock a phone that is still being financed?

In most cases, you need to pay off the remaining balance before the carrier will process an unlock request. Some carriers may allow an early unlock if you pay the device in full, but the standard requirement is that all installment payments are complete.

Does unlocking a phone void the warranty?

No. Unlocking a phone through your carrier is an officially supported process and does not affect your manufacturer warranty or any AppleCare coverage.

Will an unlocked phone work with any carrier?

An unlocked phone will work with any carrier whose network bands are compatible with the device's hardware. Nearly all modern iPhones and flagship Android phones support all major U.S. carriers (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) as well as most international networks.

What is the difference between a locked phone and a blacklisted phone?

A locked phone is tied to a specific carrier but is otherwise in good standing. A blacklisted phone has been reported as lost or stolen, which means carriers will refuse to activate it on their networks regardless of its lock status. Always verify a phone's IMEI status before purchasing a used device.

Can I unlock my phone myself without contacting the carrier?

The official and recommended method is always through your carrier. Third-party unlocking services exist, but they carry risks including potential scams, voided warranties, or temporary unlocks that revert after a software update. The safest route is to contact your carrier directly, especially since the unlock is free once you are eligible.

How do I know if a refurbished phone is unlocked?

Reputable refurbished phone sellers list lock status in the product details. Look for 'unlocked' or 'carrier unlocked' in the listing. You can also verify by inserting a SIM from a different carrier or checking Settings > General > About > Network Provider Lock on iPhone.

What Is a Locked Phone? How To Unlock It in 2026

Q: What is a locked phone?

A locked phone is a smartphone tied to a single carrier, such as T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon. It will reject SIM cards from other networks at the software level, even if the hardware is physically compatible. Unlocking removes this restriction so the phone can work with any compatible carrier.

A locked phone is a device restricted to a single carrier. It will reject any SIM card from another network, even if the hardware is perfectly compatible. An unlocked phone removes that restriction and works with any carrier worldwide.

If you are switching networks, traveling abroad, or shopping for a refurbished iPhone, knowing whether your device is locked matters. This guide explains what locking means, covers step-by-step unlocking instructions for every major U.S. carrier, and answers the most common questions about the process.

What is a locked phone?
Locked vs. unlocked phone: key differences
How to unlock a phone
- T-Mobile
- Verizon
- AT&T
How to unlock an iPhone
How to unlock an Android phone
How to check if your phone is unlocked
How long does it take to unlock a phone?
Why do carriers lock phones?
What are eSIMs?
Is it legal to unlock a phone?
Should I unlock my iPhone?
Save money with a refurbished unlocked iPhone
FAQ

What is a locked phone?

A locked phone is a device tied to a single carrier or network provider (such as T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T). When a phone is locked, it will reject SIM cards from other networks, even if the hardware is technically compatible. An unlocked phone removes that restriction, letting you use it on any carrier that supports the device's radio bands.

Most modern smartphones, including every iPhone sold since the iPhone 12, support all major U.S. carriers as well as a wide range of international networks. That means once your phone is unlocked, you are free to use it anywhere.

In 2024, the FCC finalized a rule requiring all carriers to unlock phones within 60 days of activation, free of charge. The process must be simple and consistent across providers. Many carriers will unlock sooner if you meet their eligibility criteria. Under this rule, carriers cannot charge a fee for the unlock, cannot require you to call in, and must process requests within two business days of confirming eligibility.

Locked vs. unlocked phone: key differences

The distinction affects more than just which SIM card your phone accepts. Here is a quick comparison:

Feature	Locked phone	Unlocked phone
Compatible carriers	One carrier only	Any compatible carrier
International use	Requires carrier's roaming plan	Insert a local SIM or eSIM abroad
Resale value	Lower (limited audience)	Higher (works for any buyer)
Plan flexibility	Tied to one provider's plans	Switch plans or carriers freely
Purchase price	Often subsidized or discounted	Usually full retail price
MVNO compatibility	May be restricted	Works with any MVNO

A locked phone can make sense if you are buying on an installment plan and intend to stay with one carrier long-term. An unlocked device is almost always better if you travel internationally, want the freedom to switch carriers, or plan to resell. Unlocked iPhones consistently command 10 to 20 percent higher resale prices than their carrier-locked counterparts.

How to unlock a phone

Unlocking a phone is not the same as unlocking the lock screen. It involves removing the carrier restriction so the device can accept SIM cards from other networks.

The fastest approach is to go directly to your carrier's official website or app. Most providers handle unlock requests through an online form where you enter the phone's IMEI number (dial *#06# on any phone to find it) along with a few account details. The carrier then processes the request and sends a confirmation.

Below is a step-by-step guide for the three largest U.S. carriers.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile requires that the device has been active on the network for at least 40 days and is fully paid off. Once eligible:

On Android:

Open Settings on your phone.
Navigate to the network or connections section. On Samsung devices, the path is: Settings > Connections > More Connection Settings > Network Unlock.
Tap Permanent Unlock and wait for the process to complete.

On iPhone:

Contact T-Mobile through chat, phone, or the T-Mobile app to submit an unlock request. T-Mobile will process the request and notify you once the unlock is applied, typically within two business days.

Verizon

Verizon automatically unlocks most devices 60 days after purchase, provided:

The device is fully paid off or the installment agreement is current.
The phone has not been reported lost, stolen, or flagged for fraud.

No action is required on your part. If 60 days have passed and the phone still appears locked, contact Verizon support to resolve the issue. Verizon prepaid devices have a separate 12-month lock period before becoming eligible.

AT&T

Visit the AT&T device unlock page.
Confirm that you meet AT&T's eligibility requirements (device paid off, active for at least 60 days, no past-due balance).
Select Unlock your device and enter your IMEI number. If you do not know it, dial *#06# on your phone.
Provide your AT&T phone number and follow the remaining prompts.
AT&T will process the request and send a confirmation, usually within one to three business days.

How to unlock an iPhone

Unlocking an iPhone follows a carrier-driven process rather than anything you do inside iOS itself. Apple does not provide a standalone unlock tool; the carrier must submit the unlock to Apple, which then updates the device's status on Apple's servers.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility. Your iPhone must be fully paid off, past the carrier's required lock period (40 to 60 days depending on the carrier), and your account must have no past-due balance. If you purchased the iPhone outright at full retail price, it is typically unlocked from the start.

Step 2: Submit the unlock request. Contact your carrier directly through their website, app, or customer support. For AT&T, use the online unlock portal. For T-Mobile, you can use the app or chat. Verizon unlocks automatically at 60 days with no request needed.

Step 3: Wait for carrier confirmation. You will receive an email or text confirming the unlock has been processed. This typically takes one to three business days.

Step 4: Restore or reset to apply the unlock. For most iPhones, the unlock applies automatically once the carrier submits it. To confirm it has taken effect, connect to Wi-Fi, back up your iPhone, and either insert a different carrier's SIM or go to Settings > General > About > Network Provider Lock. If the unlock has not registered, connect to iTunes or Finder and restore the device; this forces iOS to check Apple's activation servers and apply the updated lock status.

Step 5: Verify the unlock. Insert a SIM card from a different carrier. If the phone connects to that network, the unlock was successful. On iPhone, you can also confirm by checking Settings > General > About and looking for "No SIM restrictions" under Network Provider Lock.

One common source of confusion: if you bought a U.S. iPhone 14 or later, it is eSIM-only and has no physical SIM tray. The unlock process is identical, but you verify it by activating an eSIM from a different carrier rather than swapping a physical card.

How to unlock an Android phone

The steps for unlocking an Android phone vary by manufacturer, but the general process is the same across carriers.

Step 1: Check eligibility. Your device must be fully paid off, past the carrier's lock period (typically 40 to 60 days), and in good standing on your account.

Step 2: Find your IMEI number. Dial *#06# or go to Settings > About Phone > IMEI. You will need this number when submitting the unlock request.

Step 3: Submit the unlock request. Go to your carrier's website or app and look for the device unlock section. Enter your IMEI and account details. Some Android phones, particularly Samsung devices on T-Mobile, can be unlocked directly through the device settings under Connections > Network Unlock.

Step 4: Restart and verify. After the carrier confirms the unlock, restart your phone. Insert a SIM card from a different carrier to verify the unlock worked.

If your Android phone was purchased unlocked directly from Google (Pixel), Samsung, or another manufacturer, it is already carrier-free and requires no additional steps. Google Fi phones and phones purchased from the Google Store are sold unlocked by default.

How to check if your phone is unlocked

Checking your phone's lock status takes less than a minute and can save you from a frustrating surprise when you swap SIM cards.

On iPhone:

Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Tap About.
Scroll down to Network Provider Lock (on older iOS versions, this may appear as Carrier Lock).

If you see No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier worldwide. If the field shows a carrier name, the device is still locked to that network.

On Android:

The menu path varies by manufacturer, but the most reliable method is:

Go to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet on Pixel).
Tap SIM card manager or Mobile network.
Look for a Network unlock or SIM lock option. If it is not present, insert a SIM from a different carrier. If the phone asks for an unlock code or displays an error, it is locked. If it connects normally, it is unlocked.

Universal method (works on any phone): Insert a SIM card from a carrier different from the one the phone was purchased through. If the phone registers on the new network, it is unlocked. If it shows "SIM not supported," "Invalid SIM," or a similar error, it is locked.

Via IMEI check: You can also verify lock status by entering your IMEI number at your carrier's website or through a third-party IMEI check service. This is especially useful when buying a used phone and you want to confirm the status before paying.

How long does it take to unlock a phone?

The timeline depends on your carrier. Under the FCC's 60-day rule, every carrier must offer unlocking no later than 60 days after the device is activated. In practice, the actual processing time once you submit a request ranges from a few hours to several business days:

T-Mobile: typically one to two business days
AT&T: typically one to three business days
Verizon: automatically at 60 days, no request needed
MVNOs (Mint Mobile, Cricket, Visible): follow the policies of their parent carrier; most unlock within 60 to 90 days

If your phone is already past the 60-day mark and you have met all payment obligations, the carrier is required to process the unlock promptly. If they refuse without cause, you can file a complaint with the FCC. Processing delays beyond two business days after confirmed eligibility are a violation of FCC rules.

Why do carriers lock phones?

Carriers lock phones for a simple financial reason: high-end smartphones cost hundreds of dollars, and carriers often subsidize part of that cost through installment plans or promotional credits. Locking the phone discourages customers from taking the subsidy and immediately switching to a competitor.

In practice, the installment contract already binds you financially, and the FCC's 60-day unlock requirement has significantly reduced the lock-in period. Locking has become less relevant than it once was, though carriers continue the practice as a safeguard against fraud and early termination. A phone that was purchased fraudulently and then quickly unlocked for resale is a real pattern carriers have to manage.

The good news for consumers is that the 2024 FCC rule standardized and shortened unlock timelines across the industry, making it faster and easier than ever to get your device unlocked once you have met the basic requirements.

What are eSIMs?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) lets you activate a cellular plan without inserting a physical SIM card. The chip is built directly into the phone, and you activate it by scanning a QR code or entering a carrier's activation details in your device settings.

eSIMs offer several practical advantages:

Dual-line capability: Run two phone numbers on one device, which is useful for separating work and personal lines or adding a local data plan while traveling abroad.
Faster carrier switching: Activate a new plan in minutes without waiting for a physical SIM to arrive.
More space for hardware: By removing the SIM tray, manufacturers can use that space for a larger battery or improved components.

Apple moved to an eSIM-only design for all U.S. models starting with the iPhone 14 in 2022. International models still include a physical SIM slot alongside the eSIM. Android flagship phones from Samsung, Google Pixel, and others have also adopted eSIM support widely.

One important note: an eSIM-only phone can still be carrier-locked. The lock applies at the software level, not to the physical SIM card itself. If you buy an eSIM-only iPhone from a carrier on an installment plan, you will still need to unlock it after 60 days using the same process described above.

Is it legal to unlock a phone?

Yes, unlocking your phone is completely legal in the United States. The FCC requires carriers to unlock devices free of charge once the phone is paid off and the 60-day activation period has passed. This rule applies to all major carriers and MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators such as Mint Mobile, Cricket, and Visible).

The Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act, signed into law in 2014, made it explicitly legal for consumers to unlock their phones. The 2024 FCC rule strengthened enforcement and standardized timelines across carriers.

That said, if you are still under a contract or installment plan, leaving your carrier early may trigger early termination fees or require you to pay off the remaining device balance. The unlock itself is free; any cost comes from breaking the service agreement, not the unlocking action.

Should I unlock my iPhone?

Unlocking your iPhone is one of the easiest ways to get more value from the device. Here is why it matters:

Travel freedom. An unlocked iPhone works with carriers worldwide. Pick up a local SIM card or activate an eSIM plan when you land in another country, and avoid expensive roaming charges altogether.
Carrier flexibility. An unlocked device lets you switch to a better plan whenever one becomes available, whether that means moving to a cheaper MVNO or a carrier with stronger coverage in your area. MVNOs like Mint Mobile often offer plans at 40 to 60 percent lower monthly cost than the major carriers.
Higher resale value. When it comes time to sell or trade in, unlocked iPhones consistently sell for more than their locked equivalents because they appeal to a broader pool of buyers.
No cost involved. Unlocking is free once your phone is eligible. There is no downside, and you lose nothing by requesting it.

You can also check Apple's official unlocking guide for additional details on the process.

Save money with a refurbished unlocked iPhone

One of the smartest ways to get an unlocked iPhone at a lower price is to buy refurbished. A refurbished iPhone has been professionally inspected, tested, and restored to full working condition, delivering the same performance as a brand-new model at a significant discount. Savings typically range from 20 to 40 percent compared to buying new.

Most refurbished iPhones from reputable sellers come already unlocked, which means you can use them with any carrier from day one, including international carriers and MVNOs. On RefurbMe, you can compare prices across multiple trusted refurbishers, all of which offer a warranty, and find the best deal on the exact model you want.

For a broader look at where to shop, see our guide to the best places to buy refurbished iPhones and our roundup of the best refurbished iPhones by model.

Browse unlocked iPhones and start comparing prices:

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