Unlocking a phone refers to the process of removing software restrictions that prevent the phone from being used on different carriers. Phone unlocking gives consumers more flexibility and freedom to switch between carriers while keeping their existing device. There are several ways to legally unlock a phone for free in the United States.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some common questions about unlocking phones for free:
- Can I unlock my phone for free? Yes, there are legal ways to unlock most modern smartphones for free through official carrier policies or third party unlocking services.
- Is it legal to unlock my phone for free? Yes, it is legal in the United States thanks to smartphone unlocking reforms passed in 2014.
- How do I unlock my Android phone for free? Most Android devices can be unlocked for free through the carrier or by obtaining the unlock code from the manufacturer.
- How do I unlock my iPhone for free? iPhones can be unlocked for free by requesting an unlock from your carrier after meeting eligibility requirements.
Benefits of Unlocking Your Phone
There are several benefits that come with unlocking your smartphone device:
- Switch carriers freely: Unlocking allows you to move between compatible cellular networks at will, rather than being stuck on one carrier.
- Use local SIMs when traveling: You can use a local SIM card to avoid high roaming fees when traveling internationally.
- Improve resale value: Unlocked phones have higher resale value because they are compatible with more networks.
- Fully utilize network technologies: Unlocked devices can access the full spectrum of network technologies, rather than being limited by carrier-imposed restrictions.
The ability to switch carriers freely is one of the biggest motivators for consumers wanting to unlock their devices. With an unlocked phone, you can take advantage of deals from other carriers or switch if you move or are unsatisfied with your current service.
Is Unlocking Your Phone Legal?
Yes, unlocking your phone to be used on other compatible wireless networks is 100% legal in the United States. However, this was not always the case.
Before 2014, unlocking phones without carrier permission was illegal under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). This controversial law made it a crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
In response to petitions from digital rights organizations, the Librarian of Congress instituted a series of exemptions to the DMCA starting in 2006 that temporarily made phone unlocking legal. However, the Library decided not to renew the unlocking exemption in 2012, once again making the practice illegal.
This move provoked massive public outrage from consumers and policymakers. Over 114,000 people signed a petition on the White House’s “We the People” site demanding that phone unlocking be legalized. As a result, in 2014 unlocking cell phones was permanently legalized when President Obama signed the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act into law.
Under current US law, locking and unlocking devices, whether phones, tablets or other electronics, is fully legal as long as proper authorization is obtained. The only limitation is that circumventing technological protection measures on copyrighted software may still incur DMCA penalties.
Carrier Unlocking Policies
Following the legalization of unlocking, most major wireless carriers instituted official unlocking policies for their customers. However, each company has their own specific eligibility requirements that must be met before they will provide the unlock code or approve the request.
Verizon
- Postpaid devices are automatically unlocked after 60 days on the network.
- Prepaid devices must be active for 12 months with the requesting line before unlocking.
- The device must be fully paid off and account in good standing.
- Verizon provides unlock codes for eligible devices through an online portal.
AT&T
- Postpaid devices are eligible after being active on AT&T for at least 60 days.
- Prepaid devices must be active for at least 6 months.
- Account must be in good standing with no past due balance.
- AT&T will automatically unlock devices when eligibility is met.
T-Mobile
- Postpaid devices are eligible after 40 days active on T-Mobile.
- Prepaid devices are eligible after 1 year active on network.
- Device must be paid in full and account in good standing.
- T-Mobile provides unlock codes through web portal or over the phone.
Sprint
- Postpaid domestic SIM unlock after 50 days active on Sprint.
- Prepaid international SIM unlock after 12 months of active service.
- Devices are automatically unlocked as eligibility requirements are met.
The major carriers unlock policies have become more generous over time, with the waiting period to unlock postpaid devices now being between 40-60 days. Prepaid devices still require a longer tenure of 6 to 12 months of active service. It’s important to verify if any outstanding device payments or account balances could impact unlock eligibility.
Unlocking Your Android Phone
There are a few different methods available to unlock most modern Android smartphones. The options include:
- Requesting an unlock code from your carrier
- Using a paid third party unlock service
- Obtaining the unlock code from the phone manufacturer
- Using unofficial software to unlock without a code
The best method is to go through your carrier directly if you meet their policy requirements. You can contact customer service or use the carrier’s unlock portal to get a unique code for your device. This factory unlocked code can then be entered on the device to complete the SIM unlock process.
However, if going through the carrier is not possible, the next best option is to contact the device manufacturer. Popular brands like Samsung, Motorola, and Google provide unlock codes for free directly to consumers for eligible devices.
Unofficial software unlocks do work but come with increased security risks to your device. Expert recommends avoiding “free unlock generator” websites and apps that claim they can unlock devices without codes because they often contain malware or spyware.
Unlock Code Services
There are many third party unlocking companies that provide unlock codes for a fee. They typically charge $10-$30 to research the lock status of a device and provide the code to unlock it. Some popular services include:
- DoctorSIM
- UnlockBase
- UnlockUnit
- CellUnlocker.net
These services can be helpful if your carrier refuses to unlock a paid off device that is outside the policy period. However, be cautious of very cheap offers which may not provide legitimate unlock codes.
Unlocking Your iPhone
Apple has standardized the unlocking process for iPhones across all major carriers. To unlock an iPhone, you simply need to request a SIM unlock from your current carrier. Here are the steps to get your iPhone unlocked:
- Make sure your iPhone is paid in full and meets carrier eligibility.
- Request an iPhone unlock from carrier customer service or online portal.
- Wait approximately 1-3 business days for carrier to approve request.
- You will receive confirmation once the iPhone has been unlocked.
As long as you are a customer in good standing who has had active service for 40-60+ days, the carrier is required to provide the iPhone unlock for free. Verizon iPhones come factory unlocked while Sprint unlocks after 50 days automatically.
If you meet eligibility, the entire unlocking process is handled behind the scenes between Apple and the carrier using dedicated servers that communicate the unlock status. You never need to worry about unlock codes with an iPhone!
What Happens When You Unlock Your Phone?
When you unlock your phone, you are essentially removing the SIM lock that is place by the carrier. This lock restricts the device to only work properly with SIM cards from that specific carrier.
Removing the lock allows the phone to accept any compatible SIM card, not just your current carrier’s. However, no other software or functionality is changed on the device when unlocking.
On Android phones specifically, unlocking also allows the bootloader to be unlocked which enables deeper modifications to the operating system through custom ROMs. But for the average user who just wants carrier freedom, SIM unlocking has no other impact.
Using Unlocked Phones on Networks
Once unlocked, your smartphone can then be used on alternative compatible carriers. For example, an unlocked iPhone can switch between AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, Metro, Cricket, Mint, and many other US networks.
However keep in mind that not every network is compatible with every phone due to hardware differences:
- CDMA vs GSM – Verizon/Sprint use CDMA while AT&T/T-Mobile use GSM.
- 4G LTE bands – Lower frequency bands have better coverage.
- 5G mmWave – Extremely fast but limited range, not all carriers have it.
To check compatibility, look at the network bands and technologies supported by the unlocked device and compare it to the target carrier. As long as there is overlap, switching networks after unlocking should work.
In addition, some carriers have bring your own device (BYOD) plans specifically for unlocked phones that include reduced pricing. These can offer savings versus purchasing a new phone at full price on an installment plan when you switch carriers.
Global Unlocked Phones
Another benefit of unlocked phones is the ability to purchase global versions that contain support for all major cellular bands used worldwide. Some examples include:
- iPhone XS Global
- Samsung Galaxy S10+ International
- OnePlus 7 Pro Global
These globally unlocked variants allow you to use your phone seamlessly while traveling abroad. Just purchase a local nano-SIM card in your destination country and enjoy cellular data connectivity. This avoids paying expensive international roaming fees to your regular carrier.
Globally unlocked phones also typically support multiple languages out of the box. And they receive software updates more quickly compared to carrier branded models. These benefits make them compelling options for frequent international travelers who want maximum flexibility.
Should I Unlock My Phone?
Here are some key considerations to help you decide if unlocking your smartphone makes sense:
- How soon do you plan to switch carriers or travel internationally?
- Do you have an outstanding balance or payment plan on the device?
- Does your phone meet the carrier’s minimum unlocking requirements?
- Will you use the device on a compatible network after unlocking?
In general, if you are on a month to month carrier contract and do not owe anything on your phone, unlocking is recommended. This gives you the flexibility to freely switch carriers any time you see a better deal or are dissatisfied with service.
But if you are still committed to a long term carrier contract or device payment plan, then there may be less urgency to unlock. In those cases waiting until you have completed the installments and met unlocking eligibility makes sense.
Steps to Unlock a Phone
If you’ve decided unlocking is right for you, follow these best practice steps:
- Check unlock eligibility – Confirm carrier tenure and payment requirements are met.
- Backup phone data – Preserve important info in case issues arise.
- Request unlock – Contact carrier via customer service or self-service portal.
- Confirm unlock status – Ensure the phone reports “SIM Unlocked” or similar.
- Insert new SIM – Try activating with your SIM card from a different carrier.
As long as you follow your carrier’s official unlocking policy, the process is straightforward. Typically within 1-3 days your request will be approved and your phone unlocked automatically or with an unlock code provided.
Unlock Your Phone Summary
Unlocking your phone provides more choice when selecting wireless carriers while traveling or in your home country. Every smartphone owner should consider it for maximum flexibility. Fortunately popular mobile platforms like iOS and Android make the process easy and free in most cases thanks to unlocking reforms.
Compare your carrier’s unlock eligibility requirements against your current device tenure and payment status. If you meet all the criteria, take the opportunity to unlock your phone and enjoy the freedom of switching between compatible carriers and plans at will.