Straight from the shop, a mobile phone can be locked or unlocked. Whether you buy an unlocked phone depends on the kind of arrangement you have with the network carrier.
But what does an unlocked phone mean? What should information do you need to buy one? This article explains everything you should know about unlocked phones and how to get one.
Key Takeaways
- An unlocked phone means a device that isn’t tied to any network but can be used on an alternative network.
- Unlocked phones work on different networks, especially those utilizing the same technology, such as GSM or CDMA.
- 5G phones are primarily unlocked but network-specific. Therefore, they do not provide the freedom to move between networks.
- Buying an unlocked phone often means paying for it in one installment. The price is usually higher than the interest-free installments on network-locked phones.
What Is an Unlocked Phone
An unlocked phone is usable on multiple networks. You can swap one SIM card for another without much of a hassle.
If the phone were locked, it would be impossible for you to use a SIM card from a different network carrier. That means putting up with poor services and exorbitant prices.
There are several unlocked phones you can buy and use on any network. However, do you need to know your carrier’s policies and what to get an unlocked phone?
What If a Phone Is Locked
Buying a phone through a network carrier will most likely be locked to the network carrier. Such phones come at lower prices but have strict terms and conditions, which mean maintaining a contract for at least 12 months.
Luckily you may unlock the phone if you meet the terms and conditions established by the carrier. In Verizon’s case, an agreement with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) obligates it to unlock phones after 60 days.
Unlocking your phone means inputting an unlock code to make it usable with a SIM card from another network. Under normal circumstances, the carrier which sold the phone provides the code.
Otherwise, you can generate the unlock code from a dedicated website or software. This option works well if you do not meet the eligibility criteria for unlocking your phone.
However, you can avoid the headache of unlocking a phone if you buy one that’s opened straight out of the factory. You could buy it from a device maker or a retailer like Amazon. For example, a Galaxy S from a Samsung shop or Amazon comes unlocked.
Phone Unlock Policies from the Major Carriers
Every network carrier has a unique phone unlock policy. So, you should check with your carrier to know their requirements before unlocking a phone. Here are the unlock policies from four of the major network carriers in the U.S.:
1. AT&T
AT&T unlocks devices whose owners have maintained active accounts for 60 days or more on an installment purchase plan.
Besides, the user account shouldn’t have an overdue balance, installment plans paid off, and all contractual obligations completed.
If your device is flagged as having been involved in fraud, stolen, or lost, you wouldn’t be able to unlock it.
2. Sprint
On the Sprint network, you can request to unlock a phone at least 50 days after getting activated on the network.
Besides, you must fulfill all associated lease, installment, or service agreements. If not, Sprint will decline to unlock your phone.
Similarly, there shouldn’t be a report about the phone getting involved in fraud or having been lost or stolen. Such a report means the phone is blacklisted and cannot be unlocked.
3. T-Mobile
T-Mobile allows subscribers to unlock their phones after at least 40 days of active use. You must clear all your payments if you got your device on an installment plan.
For those with a device on a contract service plan, maintaining payments for 18 consecutive months is a must. If you default on your payments somewhere along the way, you may find it impossible to unlock your phone.
The network carrier will consider you ineligible for unlocking your phone if you get two or more unlock codes for one line in 12 months.
4. Verizon
Your phone gets unlocked automatically after 60 days of active use on the Verizon network. If you bought your device via a Verizon retail partner, it would be unlocked 60 days after activating it.
What Does Unlocked Phone Mean – Things to Watch Out For
An unlocked phone is the best option for anyone looking for the freedom to move to another network carrier. However, as with a locked phone, you may not pay for the device with interest-free installments.
Whether buying it from your carrier, a retailer, or the phone manufacturer, you may have to pay for it in one go. In isolated cases, you may get financing for the phone from the manufacturer, but that’s very rare.
Buying an unlocked phone means hooking up with a supportive network to offer you a SIM card and a service plan. After that, you need to activate the phone using the procedure from your network carrier.
Besides, you should be mindful of the network on which your phone can work. That’s because network carrier cell towers utilize different bands. For example, your phone may require a cell tower with a CDMA, GSM, or LTE band.
So, you should check if your network carrier is GSM or CDMA-based. Ensure that your phone is compatible with the network band provided by your cell tower.
GSM-based carriers in the U.S. include AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Metro, and T-Mobile. CDMA-based networks include Sprint, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon.
However, the latest high-end 5G-enabled handsets like Pixels and iPhones support the CDMA and GSM networks. In most cases, unlocked phones tend to utilize GSM technology.
What Does an Unlocked Phone Mean – How to Ensure Your Phone’s Network Compatibility
One of the things you should know about an unlocked phone is the need to check if it will work on your network. By checking the phone’s specifications, you can tell which network it will likely work with.
You could skip that step if you bought the phone via a network carrier. That’s because wireless carriers only sell phones that work on their networks.
Besides, you should check if the network carrier restricts any features on phones bought from third parties. For example, AT&T has Wi-Fi and voice-over LTE for handsets in the company’s stores.
Furthermore, 5G phones are exclusively available from network carriers and unavailable in retail shops. Once 5G networks mature, phones may become available everywhere. Remember, each network provider has a different version of 5G technology.
What Does an Unlocked Phone Mean – Why Buy
Not everyone needs to buy an unlocked phone. However, you may purchase one for one or more of the following reasons:
To Get the Latest Phone Early Enough
Do you want a new phone a short while after its release? Buy an unlocked phone. In that case, you must carry cash to pay for your device.
You won’t take advantage of existing carrier deals as an early adopter. However, you will enjoy having the latest device more than anyone else.
Frequent Updates
An unlocked phone allows you to upgrade it whenever there’s an update. The network carrier doesn’t restrict you on what you can or cannot do. Besides, you’re free to resell your phone without restriction.
Getting a Phone at a Bargain
Even though you may not get an offer from a network carrier, your phone manufacturer can give you one. Regardless of the phone’s make and model, you’ll get a suitable device for under $300. Since the manufacturers are selling them directly, they can afford to reduce the prices substantially.
Travelling Overseas
Do you need to travel overseas? Having a locked phone means relying on roaming services, which can be expensive. But with an unlocked phone, you can easily swap your carrier’s SIM card for another. That makes it possible to use any overseas network.
Why Buy a Phone from a Carrier
Despite its advantages, an unlocked phone or not always good. Therefore, some people may prefer to buy a phone from a carrier for the following reasons:
Getting a 5G Phone
Do you want to be a 5G early adopter? Even though 5G phones are carrier-specific, they are usually unlocked. Once you get one, you can enjoy superfast download and upload speeds. You must buy one through a network carrier.
Craving Simplicity
Some people lack the time or patience to figure out how to activate a new phone on a network. Getting the phone through a carrier can get the necessary assistance to have the phone activated.
Network carriers even help clients transfer data from an old phone to a new one. So, if you’re looking for simplicity in getting your phone operational, get one straight from the network carrier.
Paying for a Phone in Installments
From network carriers, you can get phone deals on devices from major brands like Samsung, Google, and Apple. Major network carriers like Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon have trade-in offers, attractive discounts, etc.
All it takes to get an affordable phone is to sign up for a monthly data plan. Later, when you’re ready, you can unlock the phone and use it on any network.
What Does an Unlocked Phone Mean – What to Do After Buying One
So, you have bought an unlocked phone. What should you do next? While you may set it up yourself, there are instances where the retailer may help. Here are the steps you must take immediately after buying an unlocked phone:
Step 1: Transfer Your Data
Most phone models make it easier for you to transfer your data from your old phone. That’s because most of your data is stored in online accounts where it is easily retrievable.
For example, signing in to your Apple account is all you need to retrieve your pictures, apps, and contacts on an iPhone. That, too, applies to Android devices, which require signing in to a Google account. If you have a problem using any of those tools, ask the staff at the store to help you.
Step 2: Delete Apps You No Longer Need
It is easier to delete unnecessary skins and apps off your phone if it is unlocked. Most network-locked devices come with branded games and apps. If you do not need any of these apps, delete them from your phone.
For example, on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10, you’ll get branded photo and Smart Home management apps. If you no longer need these apps, you should delete them from your phone.
Step 3: Insure Your New Phone
You may not need insurance, especially if you take good care of your phone. Network carriers often have insurance policies where you pay a small monthly fee to cover your phone from possible loss or damage.
For example, you’ll pay $8.99 with AT&T, $9 for Sprint, $7 for T-Mobile, and $15 for Verizon. If you consistently make your payments, you’ll get the phone covered against theft, out-of-warranty malfunction, or accidental damage.
Besides, you may enroll in an insurance policy from a phone manufacturer. A good example is AppleCare+ for purchasers of unlocked iPhones via the iPhone Upgrade Program. Besides, you get a one-year warranty on a new phone, especially if you buy it from the manufacturer’s website.
The Bottom Line
So, what does an unlocked phone mean? Put simply, an unlocked phone means you can use it on any network. You do not have to stay locked on to a specific network. So, instead of buying a phone from a carrier, you can get one that’s unlocked.
It makes it easier for you to get good deals on another network or use your phone while visiting overseas. Besides, selling an unlocked phone is easier and more lucrative than selling one tied down to a particular network.
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