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.
gramps28 wrote:
The Pixel will unlock after 30 days even if it not paid off.
Even if I do not activate it with T Mobile at all?
The Pixel will unlock after 30 days even if it not paid off.
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.
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
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.
HeavenM wrote:
FPenna wrote:
Hola @HeavenM , I am from Brazil and got an Unlocked Pixel 7 from Best Buy 15 days ago.
I got back to Brazil and, when tried to activate the Pixel on a local carrier it says it is T Mobile locked.
The phone was paid full, with no discounts, as unlocked. I questioned best buy and it looks it was a mistake on inventory. The problems is that I have no way to contact t mobile (I am not even a client), The app they say exists to unlock pixel phone is not compatible (says it is only compatible with older android systems when trying to download).
Do you know how could I get this phone unlocked?
We have a great tutorial on our Support page that shows you the steps for unlocking the device.
Desbloqueo del dispositivo móvil | Configuración | Pixel 7 | Asistencia de T-Mobile
If you have any problems with those steps, you will need to call 1-800-937-8997 to speak to one of our customer support representatives. They have resources available that tell them exactly what to do in the event that someone bought a device through a third party retailer like BestBuy.
Hey, thanks for the reply,
I saw this guide. But the step 2 tells me to download an APP. When trying to download it Google does not let and alert me the app is only compatible with older versions of android.
It is not possible to US call toll free phones from Brazil
FPenna wrote:
Hola @HeavenM , I am from Brazil and got an Unlocked Pixel 7 from Best Buy 15 days ago.
I got back to Brazil and, when tried to activate the Pixel on a local carrier it says it is T Mobile locked.
The phone was paid full, with no discounts, as unlocked. I questioned best buy and it looks it was a mistake on inventory. The problems is that I have no way to contact t mobile (I am not even a client), The app they say exists to unlock pixel phone is not compatible (says it is only compatible with older android systems when trying to download).
Do you know how could I get this phone unlocked?
We have a great tutorial on our Support page that shows you the steps for unlocking the device.
Desbloqueo del dispositivo móvil | Configuración | Pixel 7 | Asistencia de T-Mobile
If you have any problems with those steps, you will need to call 1-800-937-8997 to speak to one of our customer support representatives. They have resources available that tell them exactly what to do in the event that someone bought a device through a third party retailer like BestBuy.
fireguy_6364 wrote:
if its a carrier specific device then unfortunately it must be on said carrier for a certain amount of days (TMO is 40 days postpaid or 365 days prepaid and or $100 in refills and 14 days on their network <~also prepaid). if those are not met there is nothing that can be done.
if you bought a fully unlocked and carrier free phone and had it on TMO for a very short amount of time then same rules apply..every carrier locks a new device to them for a certain amount of days.
I got it unlocked and it was never conected to T Mobile network
It seams the vendor at BestBuy got the wrong unit for me
gramps28 wrote:
Best Buy sells an “unlocked” version that locks to the first carrier under Apple reseller flex policy.
It is not apple Iphone, is a Google Pixel phone
if its a carrier specific device then unfortunately it must be on said carrier for a certain amount of days (TMO is 40 days postpaid or 365 days prepaid and or $100 in refills and 14 days on their network <~also prepaid). if those are not met there is nothing that can be done.
if you bought a fully unlocked and carrier free phone and had it on TMO for a very short amount of time then same rules apply..every carrier locks a new device to them for a certain amount of days.
