Verizon doesn’t place a lock on most of their devices. If for some reason there is a lock, you can usually request an unlock as early as six months into the contract. [1] X Research source Sprint will unlock your device for you if it has both been on the Sprint network for at least 50 days and been purchased in full. [2] X Research source AT&T requires you to submit your device’s information for review. If your device is eligible for an unlock, AT&T will let you know within five business days. T-Mobile will unlock your phone for you if you’ve paid the phone off and the phone has been on a T-Mobile network for at least 40 days.

Your carrier has a legal obligation to unlock your phone for you if you have entirely paid off your phone. Some carrier branches won’t have the means to unlock your phone, in which case you’ll have to visit a corporate branch.

Skip this step if you aren’t planning on switching to a new network immediately after unlocking. You’ll need to make sure that your selected network is compatible with your phone’s data network (CDMA, GSM, or LTE) before purchasing the SIM card. Your carrier can verify this information for you.

IMEI number - Your Android’s ID number. You can find this by dialing *#06#. Account holder information - This includes the account holder’s first and last name and the last four digits of their social security number. Device phone number - Your phone’s official phone number and area code.

If you must call your carrier, make sure you write down any information with which they provide you.

If you’re simply unlocking the phone for now, proceed to the next step.

Asking your carrier to install your SIM card and complete the unlock process for you may result in extra fees. Until you replace the SIM card, you won’t be able to enter the unlock code.

“Unlock Radar” is one such service that has generally positive reviews.

Never enter your phone or payment information on a website that doesn’t start with “HTTPS”, sites without the “HTTPS” prefix are not secure. Apps that claim to unlock your phone are scams. Don’t download unlocking software onto your phone.

Dial *#06# and your IMEI code will be displayed. You can also open your Android’s Settings, tap About Phone, tap Status, and look for the “IMEI” heading. Make sure you’re looking at the number below “IMEI” and not “IMEI SV”, etc.

Some unlock services will require you to enter your phone’s model (e. g. , “ZTE Axon”) as well.