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.
According to the prompt, I finished，Still not unlocked
Oh,Is that him?
Did not receive text messages and emails.
I know that you requested the unlock a couple times. Did you ever receive any email or text message about the status of your requests?
Have you attempted the unlock steps on your device? Insert non-T-Mobile SIM and restart the device or Factory reset the phone and then insert a non-T-Mobile SIM during the setup process
There is only one line on my account.Unlock the first mobile phone.Bought at tmobile store in 2022.
Do you only have one line on your account? The $100 refill amount has to be fulfilled per line. If you have 4 lines, you have to refill $400 even if you are not trying to unlock all 4 phones.
How many devices have you unlocked in the last 12 months? Each phone number can only unlock 2 devices within 12 months, so you will need to wait if you have exceeded that already. This is a rolling timeline, not calendar year, so if you unlocked devices late last year, they still count towards this limit.
When and where was the device purchased? If it was purchased through a third party retailer like BestBuy or Ebay, the unlock process is a bit different.
It's been 20 days。Contact them
at this point its been 20 days or at the point that you contacted them to get it unlocked?
Top-up 100 dollars, used for more than 20 days.
