Forum Discussion
Need to unlock a device? Here's some information to get you started.
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.
Hola,
Need your help,
Have just purchased used Iphone from ebay, and it is locked to T-mobile.
Please advice how can I request for unlock if Ii am not a T-mobile subscriber.
¡Gracias de antemano!
You need to contact the ebay seller.
Tmobile only unlocks phones for their customers.
I want to sell my phone but the buyer wants me to unlock before he even comes because he thinks it will take over 24hours. I called in and I read the message above. I just want to verify. I am already using my new phone with an e sim and I can't get back on tmobile network. But I can connect to wifi. If I pay my balance will the iPhone be able to be unlocked within minutes or hours. It's an iPhone 13 Pro Max I have 7 payments left and I don't feel like gambling $360 and having this guy either try to lowball me because he knows I just spent $360. He has nothing to lose by coming here and just looking at it and assuring me he is actually paying.
please verify that it is an instant unlock
SHUAIGGMM wrote:
I bought my iPhone 12 Pro at Sprint two years ago. T-Mobile acquired Sprint, and I have paid off all the money. Now I can't use this device abroad. Can T-Mobile unlock my device?
If you meet the requirements in the link below contact Tmobile support to iniate the unlock request.
https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/policies/sim-unlock-policy
best for all of us to write to representatives and consumer protection
if the t-mob gets away with this, other companies will do the same
the last t-mob rep I spoke to even said, that, “you will get the same from every company”
not true, this is the first time a company lied about unlocking the phone
now, have to wait 35 days for the refund on my “cell spot” months of complaining about BAD connections before they suggested the cell spot, it did NOTHING because the problem was our one local 5g tower doesn’t work… does it really exist?
I bet I’m going to have to fight for my refund… and, I was told I would not be charged for going over the payment period because they continue to not unlock the phone, something the last supervisors slipped up and admitted on speaker to all the workers and shoppers in the att store, he knew the phone was still locked, people listening turned and said “AH HAH!”
but, they charged me anyway
awful company of scam artists
ripping off seniors like myself
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.
My thoughts exactly, thank you!!
I called 611 finally and was told it had to be unlocked by calling them first. After two reboots it worked. Whew.
I was given an iPad Pro 3rd gen as a birthday gift, and I activated it on an old ex’s iCloud acct because I didn’t have one and we are no longer together so to be spiteful she reported it lost on find my app can I bypass the activation unlock somehow?
LB47 wrote:
I called 611 finally and was told it had to be unlocked by calling them first. After two reboots it worked. Whew.
Hmm Once you get the text message, the phone should be ready for those steps without having to call 611. Thanks for letting us know that they were able to help with that unlock for your device.
