How Do You Unlock a Phone?
Learn how to unlock your phone so you can switch carriers seamlessly.
Love your device? Bring yours over to Ultra for free.
Most phones are compatible with our network. We can help you make sure your phone is compatible in a few quick steps.
You'll want to make sure your phone is unlocked before making the switch. See below to learn more.
Shop our variety of plan options from Single-Month to Multi-Month and as low as $10/month.
Before activating, decide whether you want to keep your phone number or get a new one.
Tell us about your device to make sure it works on our network.
What is an Unlocked Phone?
An unlocked phone is one that is not tied to a specific carrier or phone plan, allowing you to move freely among multiple carriers to find the best phone plan for you.
What is a Locked Phone?
Locked phones have software that stops them from being used by different mobile networks and can only be used with that specific carrier for a certain period of time.
How do I Unlock my Phone?
The easiest way to unlock your phone is to give your service provider a call and ask for a "network unlock." You can typically begin the process by visiting their website, or their retail stores.
Note: If you've paid off your phone or bought it from a retailer without a plan, it's likely already unlocked.
Learn how to unlock your phone so you can switch carriers seamlessly.
See how easy it is to transfer your current number to Ultra Mobile with step-by-step instructions.
With our Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program, you can easily get Ultra Mobile service on your current device. Compatible BYOP devices include: Most unlocked, VoLTE compatible phones AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Simple Mobile, Straight Talk and MetroPCS phones Most phones with a SIM card You may need to ask your carrier to unlock your phone. If you’re still not sure if your phone will work with Ultra Mobile service, visit willmyphonework.net. Once there, enter your phone’s brand and model, U.S. for country and, under “Carrier,” choose Ultra Mobile. (This, however, does not guarantee if the device is unlocked or that the phone will work with our service).
An unlocked phone is a phone that is not tied to a carrier or a phone plan. It allows you to move freely to choose the best provider for you.
At Ultra Mobile, we do not charge an activation fee.
Yes, you can transfer your existing number from your current carrier. To authorize the release of your phone number to Ultra Mobile, you will need the following information from your current carrier: your account number, the corresponding PIN code, and your billing zip code. Your account number can generally be found on your billing statement, or acquired by contacting your provider’s customer service department.
Phone number transfers can take up to 24 hours to complete, but most transferred numbers are fully activated within 8 hours. Landline to mobile ports can take up to 10 business days to complete.
Please contact customer service at 1.888.777.0446 or chat with us on our website if you need any help.
Moreover, for a step-by-step guide, please see our How to Transfer Your Number to Ultra Mobile article.
Check your phone’s compatibility by clicking here.
Cell phones from nearly every manufacturer will work on our network as long as they are 4G VoLTE or 5G compatible and use a SIM card. If you already have a compatible phone, all you need to do is purchase an Ultra Mobile SIM kit.
If your 4G VoLTE or 5G compatible phone meets the following two criteria, your phone will work with Ultra Mobile:
Your phone requires a SIM card.
You have an unlocked phone.
If you begin your Ultra Mobile registration and your phone says, “Restricted” or “Contact Service Provider,” doesn’t allow you to make calls, or won’t grant access to your phone book, the phone is most likely locked. Contact your previous carrier to unlock your phone.
Check our 5G Coverage Map to find out if there is service in your area.
• Make sure your phone is unlocked
• Make sure your phone is compatible with Ultra; you can use our compatibility checker to confirm
• If you are planning on keeping your current phone number, have all the necessary information ready. Depending on your carrier, this typically includes the below:
• Account number
• Pin/Passcode or Number Transfer Pin
• Billing address associated with your account
For further information, please see our How to Activate Your Ultra Mobile Plan article.
If your device is not paid off, contact your current carrier so they can unlock your device. If it is paid off, the easiest way to check is by trying to swap SIM cards and checking for service.
If you are shopping around for a new device, look no further. You can shop for phones for sale or browse for Cellphone deals here. For in-person help, please visit a participating Ultra Mobile Retailer. To find a retailer near you, please check here.
Yes you can. You have up to 45 days from your plan purchase date to activate your SIM. We will notify you before we deactivate it. Should you need ore time, please call our Customer Care Team at 1-888-777-0446 or dial 611 from your Ultra Mobile phone.
Did you know that with Ultra Mobile, you can bring your own phone and enjoy essential wireless features like Wi-Fi Calling and Text, along with Unlimited Talk and Text, all on the nation’s largest 5G network? No contracts or commitments required. Whether you prefer to shop online or in-store, our prepaid mobile plans cater to BYOP customers like you. Plus, you can get additional features like a Free Mobile Hotspot, Free 3-in-1 SIM Card, and Free Unlimited Global Text. Need to stay connected internationally? We offer international calling plans to over 90 INTL countries. You can also choose from flexible data options including 250MB, 3GB, 10GB, or Unlimited prepaid plans. Ready to switch providers? We've got the perfect plan for you.