"I bought a smartphone, but it was locked by original carrier, how can I unlock the AT&T phone and use another network provider?" Although AT&T ranks among the largest mobile carriers, relying on a single network may not always be practical. According to the carrier, users can request to unlock their SIM card if they meet the eligibility requirements. This guide will explain how to do the job in a variety of situations.
- Part 1. Introduction to AT&T Unlocking
- Part 2. Benefits of Unlocking Your Device from AT&T
- Part 3. How to Unlock Your Device from AT&T
- Part 4. Unlocking Different Types of Devices
- Part 5. FAQs about Unlocking AT&T Phone
Part 1. Introduction to AT&T Unlocking
As long as you bought a smartphone through AT&T, it usually comes with an AT&T-specific SIM card, which is locked by the carrier. It means that your phone will automatically use AT&T's cell towers as its primary network when you make phone calls, send messages, or access the Internet. If you want to switch to a SIM card from other carriers, you have to unlock your AT&T phone. AT&T offers the unlocking service. Plus, you can use a reputable third-party service to get the freedom.
Part 2. Benefits of Unlocking Your Device from AT&T
More and more people hope to unlock their AT&T devices due to two main factors: switch to a global or travel SIM card for an upcoming trip, or use another cell phone network provider. Other benefits of unlocking an AT&T device include:
1. Save money by using a more personalized plan from other carriers.
2. Get flexibility. You can change your network carrier and SIM card at any time.
3. Reduce the investment in hardware. Unlocking an AT&T iPhone is worth more than purchasing a new device.
4. Get full control of your device, including the SIM card and network carrier.
5. Upscale resale value. A phone without AT&T lock is worth more money when selling.
Part 3. How to Unlock Your Device from AT&T
Way 1: Request an Unlock Code from AT&T
The best way to unlock an AT&T iPhone, iPad, or Android device is by requesting unlocking. If you meet the eligibility requirements, the carrier will unlock your device as soon as possible.
The AT&T Unlocking Eligibility Requirements
1. Your device is only active on your current AT&T account.
2. If you have a paid-off installment plan, pay through your monthly bill, and request unlocking at the start of the next bill period.
3. With a paid-off plan, your phone number must be active for at least 60 days when submitting a request.
4. You must wait at least 60 days after purchasing your phone.
5. Your SIM card has not been reported as lost, stolen, or fraud.
6. Don't have a past-due account balance.
If you meet all the requirements above, here are the steps to request unlocking code from AT&T:
Step 1 Navigate to www.att.com/deviceunlock in a web browser, and choose Unlock your device.
Step 2 Select Yes and input your AT&T phone number when asked whether you are an AT&T customer.
Step 3 Next, enter your name, and email address associated with your AT&T account.
Step 4 AT&T will send you a confirmation email. You need to read the email and click the link within 24 hours to continue the request. If you forget to click it within one day, you will have to repeat the process above.
Step 5 Then AT&T will respond to your request in 2 business days. If your request is accepted, you will get more instructions depending on your device model and an unlock code. If you are rejected, you can call AT&T directly at (800) 331-0500, or chat with them online.
Way 2: Unlock an AT&T Device with a Third-party Service
Besides, you can use a third-party unlocking service to unlock your AT&T iPhone or Android phone, such as CellUnlocker, DoctorSIM, UnlockBase, CellSpare, etc. We use CellUnlocker as an example to show you the workflow. The cost starts at $44.99.
Step 1 Visit the online unlocking service in a browser.
Step 2 Select your brand, phone model, carrier, and click Unlock Your Phone.
Step 3 Find the IMEI number on your device, input it into the field, and hit Check Unlock Now.
On an iPhone, open the Settings app, go to General, and About. Then you can find the IMEI number.
On an Android device, run the Settings app, go to About Phone, tap Status, and you will get it.
Step 4 Pay your bill and the service will start unlocking your AT&T phone. When it is done, you will get an email with the necessary information and instructions.
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Part 4. Unlocking Different Types of Devices
Unlock Postpaid vs. Prepaid vs. Business AT&T Devices
The workflows of unlocking a postpaid, prepaid, and business AT&T phone are similar, but the preconditions are different. We list the requirements for each plan below:
Postpaid devices:
1. Must be an active AT&T device on your account.
2. Must be paid off through monthly bill.
3. Must not be an outstanding account balance.
4. Must not be reported as stolen, lost, or involved in fraud.
Prepaid devices:
The requirements are the same with postpaid devices. Plus, your phone number must have been activated 6 months ago or earlier.
Business devices:
1. Your company has permitted you to unlock your AT&T phone.
2. Complete your contract or term agreement.
3. For a two-year contract, wait 30 days following an early upgrade.
How to Unlock an AT&T iPhone
Step 1 Remove your SIM card from your device.
Step 2 Insert a SIM card from another carrier.
Step 3 When prompted, input the unlocking code that you received from AT&T.
How to Unlock an AT&T Samsung Galaxy Phone
Step 1 Power off your phone, and insert another SIM card.
Step 2 Turn on your device, and enter the unlock code.
Step 3 Press OK to confirm unlocking your AT&T Android phone.
How to Unlock an AT&T Samsung Tablet
Step 1 Shut down your tablet, and switch to another SIM card.
Step 2 Power it on, and tap the AT&T AllAccess tile on the start screen.
Step 3 If prompted, input the unlock code, and select unlock device.
How to Unlock an LG Device
Step 1 Turn off your device, and insert a non-AT&T SIM card.
Step 2 Power on your phone, select Unlock, and tap Yes on the message.
Step 3 Input the unlock code and tap OK.
How to Unlock a Motorola Phone
Step 1 Insert a SIM card from another carrier.
Step 2 Turn on your phone, and enter your unlock code when prompted.
Step 3 Tap OK to confirm it.
Part 5. FAQs about Unlocking AT&T Phone
How to unlock an AT&T iPad?
The iPad and Apple Watch are unlocked. If your iPad is locked by AT&T, you can unlock it directly.
Can I get an unlocked phone from AT&T?
If you are not sure, you can check the status of your phone from AT&T at www.att.com/deviceunlock.
What is the free unlock code for AT&T?
The AT&T unlock code is different according to your device. You can request it for free on the AT&T unlocking website.
Conclusion
This guide has demonstrated how to unlock an AT&T iPhone or Android phone in detail. You can unlock your device by visiting the carrier's unlocking webpage. There are also third-party unlocking services available to AT&T customers. Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker can unlock your iPhone without a password. If you have other questions, please write them down below.
