How To Unlock Any Contract Phone For Free The Ultimate Guide

If your contract is not fulfilled or your account is not in good standing, it’s very unlikely that a third-party unlocking service can unlock your phone—even if you pay them money to do so. If they do manage to unlock your phone, your IMEI may be blacklisted, which will make your phone unusable on any network.

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] X Research source

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.

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] X Research source 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.

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.

Some providers will provide you a special PIN and instructions over the phone, while others have unlocking apps or websites. [4] X Research source If you have an iPhone, the carrier must unlock the phone for you. [5] X Research source

Once your request is approved, AT&T will send you a text message or email containing unlocking instructions. Depending on your phone, they’ll either unlock the phone for you or provide you with an unlock code and instructions.

If you have an iPhone or any other phone that is not an Android, call T-Mobile by dialing 611 and ask them to unlock your phone. If your phone requires you to enter an unlock code, T-Mobile will provide you specific instructions. If you have an Android, you can unlock qualifying phones in the Settings app, which is the gear icon in your app drawer. Once you’re in the settings app, here’s how you can find the option to unlock your phone: Samsung: Connections > More Connection Settings > Network Unlock > Permanent Unlock. OnePlus: Wi-Fi & internet > SIM & network > Advanced or Network Unlock > Permanent Unlock. LG: Network & internet > Mobile networks > Network unlock > Continue > Permanent Unlock. Motorola: About phone > Device unlock > Continue > Permanent Unlock. REVVLRY: Network & Internet > Mobile network > Advanced > Network Unlock > Permanent Unlock.

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.

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.