Perhaps you’re thinking of switching to a carrier that requires an unlocked phone (like Ultra Mobile) or maybe you’re just thinking of switching in general. Whatever the reason, you may be asking the question: how do you unlock a phone? Unlocking a phone is often as easy as calling up your current carrier and asking them to unlock it for you. Read on to find out more about unlocked phones and what you’ll need to unlock your device. 

What is an unlocked phone?

Unlocked phones are phones that aren’t tied to a specific carrier’s network, which means an unlocked phone can work with more than just one service provider. This is in contrast to a locked phone, which can only be used with one carrier. 

Having an unlocked phone means you have more choices when it comes to which carriers you can use for your wireless service, which data plans you can sign up for, and which phone models you can pick from since you won’t be limited to a single carriers’ phone models. All in all, an unlocked phone means more freedom when it comes to your wireless service.

a girl with a yellow shirt speaking on the phone while smiling on the right and titled is my phone unlocked on the left

Is my phone unlocked?

Here are a couple of quick ways to check depending on your plan or your device:

If you’re on a prepaid or pay-as-you-go plan, your phone is probably unlocked. 

That’s because the FCC requires prepaid phones to be unlocked within a year of activation.*

How to check if your phone is unlocked: check your settings, call your carrier, try to insert a different SIM card

How to check if your Android is unlocked:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Go to Connections
  3. Go to Networks (or Mobile Networks or Cellular Networks)
  4. Select Network Operators. If available networks appear, your phone is probably unlocked. If only one, or no networks, pop up, you most likely have a locked phone.

How to check if your Android is unlocked:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Go to Connections
  3. Go to Networks (or Mobile Networks or Cellular Networks)
  4. Select Network Operators. If available networks appear, your phone is probably unlocked. If only one, or no networks, pop up, you most likely have a locked phone.

Call your wireless carrier to ask if your phone is unlocked.

If your phone is locked and you want it unlocked, you can ask them to do that for you while checking the status of your phone. You’ll just need to provide your IMEI number, which you can find by dialing *#06# on your keypad for both Androids and iPhones. Alternatively, you can visit your carrier’s store and ask, or check if they have a website or app where you can check this information.

Check if your phone is unlocked by trying to swap out SIM cards. 

  1. Borrow a SIM card from a friend or request a new one, like the one that comes from a certain free trial.
  2. Power off your phone and take out the current SIM card. The location of your SIM card will vary by device, but you should be able to remove it by using a SIM ejector tool (or just a common paperclip). Press down on the SIM tray panel and it will open.
  3. Remove your current SIM card and put in the new one from a different carrier. Turn your phone back on.
  4. If your phone asks for a code to unlock your SIM, your phone is locked to your carrier. If you’re able to use your phone as normal, and calls go through, it’s unlocked. 

Is it legal to unlock a phone?

It is legal and free to unlock your phone through your carrier and your carrier will do it for you as long as you follow the instructions they provide. This usually includes making sure your current phone is paid off, for example. 

Do not use third-party software to unlock your phone. That is where legal issues could arise and void your phone’s warranty and violate your terms of service.

5 steps depicting what you'll need to unlock your phone: account name and account number, IMEI number, phone number, SSN or password, device paid off

What you’ll need to unlock your phone

To unlock your phone, you’ll need the following things:

  1. Account holder’s name and current account number
  2. Your device’s IMEI number (dial *#06# on your keypad to retrieve this number) or go to Settings > About
  3. Your current phone number
  4. The account holder’s Social Security Number and/or password
    • Typically, you’ll need your Social Security Number if you’re trying to unlock online. In other instances, such as when speaking with a representative, your account number or password will work.
  5. A completed contract and/or device payment plan

How to unlock iPhone

In addition to the requirements listed above, here’s what you’ll need to do to unlock your iPhone:

  1. Make sure you’re eligible to unlock your phone
    Haven’t paid off your phone or signed up for a long-term contract? You may not be able to unlock your phone just yet.
  1. Contact your carrier
    Either via phone, email or online request form. 
  1. Verify your identity with your current carrier

  2. Wait for confirmation that they’ve begun the unlocking process
    This process may take a few days to complete.
  1. Complete the unlocking process per their instructions
    Every carrier may have slightly different instructions for unlocking.
  1. Receive confirmation that your phone is unlocked
    You’re good to go ahead and switch carriers at this point!

How to unlock Android

In addition to the requirements listed above, here’s what you’ll need to do to unlock your Android. Like with an iPhone, only your current carrier can unlock your phone.

  1. Make sure you’re eligible to unlock your phone
    Haven’t paid off your phone or signed up for a long-term contract? You may not be able to unlock your phone just yet.
  1. Contact your carrier
    Either via phone, email or online request form. 
  1. Verify your identity with your current carrier

  2. Wait for confirmation that they’ve begun the unlocking process
    This process may take a few days to complete.
  1. Complete the unlocking process per their instructions
    Every carrier may have slightly different instructions for unlocking.
  1. Receive confirmation that your phone is unlocked
    You’re good to go ahead and switch carriers at this point!

Can I bring my unlocked phone to Ultra Mobile?

Ultra Mobile requires its users to have an unlocked phone, so we definitely encourage you to bring your own phone when you’re ready to switch (and after it’s been unlocked), especially if you’re still happy with your current device and it’s compatible with our service. 

Tap the button below to see if you can bring your phone over to Ultra Mobile.

* https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/cell-phone-unlocking-faqs

Check Phone Compatibility