Need to unlock a device? Here's some information to get you started.

I have an old iPhone 11 and I need it to be unlock and the phone is paid off since 3 years old. I called customer service and they are giving me a hard time to unlock it. They say it will take up to 24-72 hours to unlock it. Well it's over that time frame. I am still a customer with them but I want to give this phone to a family member. When I go on the site to check to see if my iPhone can be unlock its saying invaild IMEI number. What can I do to get unlock?

My mobile phone is a second-hand mobile phone. I'm on a business trip abroad and can't use the Internet. I'm very anxious. How can I unlock my device?

You would still need to meet the usage requirements even if you paid in full. The only place you can buy a new Apple phone truly unlocked is at an Apple store.

contact BB. they for sure gave you the incorrect phone. TMO wont be able to unlock it due to their rules..this is by far on BB to fix.

FPenna wrote:

fireguy_6364 wrote:

contact BB. they for sure gave you the incorrect phone. TMO wont be able to unlock it due to their rules..this is by far on BB to fix.

I agree with you 100% it is BB that should fix. I am twying T Mobile to help as the easy fix would be on their hands.

 

Mailing the phone to USA for a refund with BB would be expensive and I would be without phone. Unlocking the phone by software would be easier.  The phone was paid full, no montly payment or discount.

 

It was never activated on T Mobile, only tried to activate when I was already in Brazil

If you are not able to call T-Mobile, you can message us from Facebook or Twitter. If you click the icon for Facebook or Twitter at the bottom of this page, you will get to a page that allows you to direct message us. That team has the ability to further review unlock options just like they would if you called in. 

Since BestBuy gave you the wrong model, returning it is probably the best bet.  It may be possible for you to reach BestBuy customer support on their website and speak to them about return options.

I don't see the date that you received that email. It says specifically to wait 48 hours and then to follow the unlock steps. Now that it has been longer than 48 hours, have you master reset your device and set it up with your non T-Mobile SIM card in it again?

Blownaway wrote:

Well here is something for everyone to ponder on. Why in the hell do we as consumers are imposed on a set of rules that force us to wait so many days, or meet this requirement, or to simple be in good standing to unlock a phone. It shouldn't even be a issue. If myself(not speaking for the masses) spend my own money to outright buy the phone then I should be able to do whatever I want I want to. So what is con side of this idealogy. I bought and paid for right. This is just like everything else that we out up with on a daily basis but has come to be norm for us. Just another way to control. In short why should anyone care if you want to unlock your phone. I say stop regulating so stupid and find something more important to regulate. Here is one for them. Regulate the A.I. programs. That's more important and not me unlocking phone. This is strictly my opinion and not meant to offend anyone. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Replys are welcomed let's hear from y'all.

Much like a computers you own the hardware but the software is still under the End User License Agreement or Eula.

40 days of usage on Tmobile towers. Since Apple replaced the phone the imei# is not in Tmobile's data base to issue the request.

The new imei# needs to be entered into Tmobile's system.

All carriers have unlock requirements.

HeavenM wrote:

The magic of cell phones is that they are our companion wherever we go. They connect us to friends and family, work, entertainment, and everything in between. Cell phones have also been a convenient place for us to store our treasures like pictures and music. Changing phones can be a headache, which is why unlocking our devices is so important if we are traveling to other countries or changing wireless providers.

Let's take a look at the requirements and processes for unlocking your phone.

Requisitos de elegibilidad

To network unlock your device, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. Some of the requirements are different based on your account type, but some things don't change. El dispositivo debe ser vendido por T-Mobile. It mustn't be reported as lost, stolen, or broken. The account associated to the device must be in good standing. T-Mobile may need proof of purchase or some additional information, but most of the time the unlock process is seamless and easy.

If you are on a postpaid account, the unlock requirements are pretty straightforward. Make sure the device is paid off and it was used on your account for a minimum of 40 days. How easy is that?! :D

If you have a prepaid plan, your device will be eligible for unlock 365 days after the day it was initially activated on the account. One year can be a very long time to wait, but don't fret - there's another option available. Prepaid accounts that activated the device at least 14 days ago and placed $100 in refills per line are also eligible for unlock. Each line can only have two unlocks per year, though, so keep that in mind if you are trying to unlock a third device on the same phone number.

Process to unlock

So how does the unlock happen? As soon as your device is eligible, you will receive a text message notification letting you know that you can go through the unlock process. It only takes a couple of minutes as long as you are connected to the T-Mobile data network or reliable Wi-Fi.

Android devices are diverse, so the exact steps vary. Basically, you can go into settings and then to Red, Conexiones, o Acerca del teléfono. You want to find the option for Desbloqueo de red o Desbloqueo del dispositivo. Finally, select Desbloqueo permanente and let it load. It may restart itself, but if it doesn't, you'll want to restart the phone and then you are ready to roll.

If you use iPhone, you just insert the new SIM card and restart the phone. You can also follow the normal steps to activate the eSIM with the other service provider like normal. Easy peasy!

To sum it up

I love that we have reduced the effort that it takes to unlock devices by sending notifications proactively when the eligibility requirements are met and empowered device owners with the ability to complete the steps easily right from the phone. It saves so much time because there is no need to contact customer support or wait for a ticket to be filed to gain approval.

I hope this helps answer any questions about our unlock process. You can find more information about our unlocking devices on our Support page. I would love to hear any thoughts or other questions that y’all have about unlocking devices.

I am still waiting for my text, my phone was paid off and I never received a message after.