Recent cell phones typically come unlocked from the manufacturer. However, if you have owned the phone for sometime and is looking to buy a secondhand one, it is best to check first if it is locked.
What does an ‘Unlocked Phone’ Mean
The term “locked” refers to a mobile device that is restricted to use with a single cellular provider’s network, such as Verizon or AT&T. The phone will be “locked” to the carrier’s network through software.
To prevent customers from purchasing a subsidised phone from one carrier and switching to a different carrier for service, carriers have begun locking phones to their service. To avoid having a brand-new phone stolen, for example.
Before buying a used phone, it’s wise to make sure it’s not locked. In case it has been unlocked, then you will be able to use it with any GSM network provider. Buying a new phone that is already unlocked is preferable in case you ever decide to transfer service providers.
A locked phone only functions with the original network provider. That may be a deciding factor in your search for a pre-owned mobile device.
It’s important to remember, however, that due to differences in technology, even an unlocked device may not function properly on a different carrier’s network.
Why Do Carriers Lock Their Phones
The reason why phone companies lock their devices is because they want to protect their customers’ privacy.
It was understandable that carriers would want to limit access to features on their own models, but this made reselling or repairing handsets difficult for anyone who wasn’t also a tech whiz.
Buying phones from a carrier is usually possible through a leasing or installment plan. You can’t use it on any other carrier’s network until you’ve paid off your phone with that carrier. Because of their carrier-specific features, older phones were not always cross-compatible.
If you meet certain requirements, your carrier may unlock your phone for you, or you may choose to buy an unlocked model. These phones are cheaper on eBay and other third-party seller sites, but it’s better to purchase an unlocked smartphone straight from the manufacturer.
Knowing whether or not a phone is compatible with networks other than the one it is now locked to is crucial, as not all phones come unlocked from the OEM.
What do I Get From Unlocking My Phone
By unlocking your phone, you will be able to use a SIM card from any network. It’s a great method of getting more out of your gadget and spending less on service.
Consider these three benefits to an unlocked phone :
- Swap internet providers: Unlocking your handset can save you money over buying a new one in case you’re subscribing to a monthly payment plan or simply wish to transfer carriers at any moment.
- Put the phone up for sale: Unlocked phones can be sold to anyone without worrying about whether or not their network supports the device. In terms of resale value, unlocked phones arepreferable.
- Avoid spending a lot of money on unnecessary international roaming fees: When you travel internationally, certain phone companies demand excessive charges for calls and texts. Use a local SIM card instead of adding these costs to your bill, and you might save plenty of dollars a year just on international phone calls.
Unlocking your phone enables the user to use it along a different service provider, which is the primary benefit. There are a lot of factors that cause customers to look for a new provider, the most common of which are poor reception and coverage. Know that your cell phone provider might not be to fault for the patchy reception you’re experiencing at home and in the car. Poor cell signal can be caused by a number of factors, including signal-blocking materials, the nearest cell tower, and a crowded wireless network.
How do I Know If My Phone is Unlocked
The quickest and most convenient way to determine whether your iPhone, Android, or other smartphone is unlocked is to insert SIM cards from different networks or carriers.
In case the phone is not picking up any signal, try switching SIM cards to see if a different network works. If not, your phone is probably locked. A carrier-locked phone can also be identified by a prompt asking for a SIM unlock code.
It may be necessary to restart the phone before testing the SIM card, so please do so before making any assumptions.
Making a phone call is a good way to test if a SIM card is active once it has been inserted. The call probably won’t go through since you still need to unlock your phone yet.
You’ll have to ask and trust the seller to find out if they don’t have the phone yet and you’re the one buying it. If it turns out to be locked, you can usually get it unlocked without any trouble, so your new phone won’t be rendered worthless right away.
While there are apps that claim to be able to determine whether or not your device is indeed unlocked, we advise against using them. The best course of action is to try a few different SIM cards.
What do I do With a Locked Phone
Now that you know how to tell whether your phone is locked or not, what do you do should it turns out to be locked?
If the phone is no longer covered by a contract or if it was purchased outright, the carrier will unlock it. United States wireless carriers are required by the Federal Communications Commission to honor customer requests to unlock their customers’ phones after they’re no longer under contract.
Unlocking a phone is a breeze if you’re the original buyer. To have your device unlocked, simply contact your service provider’s support team. Get ready to receive details on how to initiate the unlocking of your phone.
If you’re planning to buy a phone from another person, then you should negotiate the unlocking of any used phone’s lock with its previous owner before making any payments.
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