While everyone else was focused on completing their two-year contracts and getting a new smartphone, there were a few brave souls who refused to sign up for a carrier deal. Everyone can do it today. Timing and courtesy appeared to make it possible for anyone to use an unlocked phone. You can unlock your T-Mobile phone easily and quickly.
An unlocked smartphone is almost the same as an unlocked smartphone. T-Mobile and the manufacturer of your device have worked together to make sure that you cannot use a device you purchased from them on another carrier until you pay off the debt you owe them. After doing that, T-Mobile can remove the software lock on your phone. Then you can use it on another carrier that supports it. For example, after T-Mobile unlocks your phone, you can go to AT&T and sign up for a network plan without paying them for a new smartphone.
You can unlock your T-Mobile phone pretty easily. Here’s how.
How to Unlock Your T-Mobile Phone: Before You Begin
Before you try to unlock your T-Mobile phone, there are some things you’ll need.
For starters, you need the phone you are trying to unlock. Make sure it’s turned on and has T-Mobile’s network or Wi-Fi connection. This is so that the phone can communicate with T-Mobile during the unlocking process. Also make sure your T-Mobile SIM card is in your phone. If you removed it for some reason, put it back on your phone. This card helps T-Mobile identify your account on its network.
If you plan to permanently switch to another carrier, you need a permanent unlock. Temporary unlocks may be requested for trips in foreign countries. You should already know what type of unlock you need before you start the process. If travel is for unlocking, remember that T-Mobile offers add-ons that make international travel with your smartphone less effortless.
Requirements Before Unlocking Your T-Mobile Phone
T-Mobile and other wireless networks will unlock your phone, but they don’t have to do so unconditionally. This means that there are cases where they may refuse to unlock your device. T-Mobile’s requirements depend on the type of account you signed up for when you bought the phone.
Regardless of plan type, no one can report your device lost or stolen to successfully unlock your T-Mobile phone. Your account also needs to be active, still no unpaid late payments. Finally, the carrier says it will only unlock two devices for a single account in a 12-month period. These are just the rules everyone has to follow.
Now for specific rules by plan type.
Monthly Postage Paid Plans
When you have a monthly, postpaid plan, your device should be active on T-Mobile for approximately 40 days. If your account is being cancelled, you must also have paid all pending charges.
Postpaid customers at T-Mobile often have a payment setup plan or lease their devices through Jump On-Demand. Either way, these devices must be fully paid for. You can see how much time you have left on your device in the My T-Mobile area on the company’s website. It’s in your billing details.
Prepaid Plans
To unlock your T-Mobile phone on a prepaid plan, you’ll need to spend more than $100 to refill the account associated with the device. This price does not include your activation cost. You may exceed this requirement if you have used the device for more than a year.
How to Unlock Your T-Mobile Phone: Using the Unlock App
Android has an authority T-Mobile Device Unlock App. This means that anyone running Android can request their phone be unlocked without having to contact customer support. All you need is your account information. Currently this app only works for Samsung Galaxy Avant.
How to Unlock Your T-Mobile Phone: Contacting Support
iPhone, Android and Windows phone users can contact T-Mobile directly to receive unlock requests. Live Chats and calls to customer service work. The carrier’s phone number is 1-877-746-0909. If you’re on your T-Mobile phone, simply call 611.
The support person on T-Mobile’s end will ask you questions about your account and what type of unlock you want to perform. Again, if you want to leave T-Mobile for AT&T or any other carrier, you’ll need a permanent unlock. They will take some time to verify that your account is in good standing and your device has not been reported as lost or stolen. They will also guide you through the process of redeeming the code on your phone.
We’re here to hope you can unlock your T-Mobile phone quickly and with as little pain as possible.
