TruConnect offers affordable no-contract cell phone plans that utilize the T-Mobile network. Their plans come with a TruConnect SIM card that allows you to access their service.
However, TruConnect SIM cards ship locked to their network. This means you can only use them on TruConnect’s service. If you want to use your TruConnect SIM on another carrier, you’ll need to request an unlock.
Unlocking your TruConnect SIM card gives you more flexibility to use it on other networks, either in the US or internationally. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking your TruConnect wireless plan.
What is SIM Locking?
SIM locking is a policy used by some cell phone carriers to restrict the networks a SIM card can connect to.
When you purchase a subsidized phone from a carrier, it often comes with a SIM lock. This tie the phone and SIM card specifically to that carrier’s network. The purpose is to prevent subsidized devices from being used on other networks.
TruConnect SIM cards ship locked to their network by default. Thankfully, TruConnect does provide a SIM unlocking policy for customers meeting certain requirements.
Benefits of Unlocking Your TruConnect SIM
Here are some of the benefits of unlocking your TruConnect SIM card:
Use Your SIM in Another Phone
Unlocking gives you the freedom to use your TruConnect wireless plan in other compatible unlocked phones. This gives you more choice if you decide to switch devices.
Use SIM Internationally
An unlocked TruConnect SIM can be used with local carrier plans while traveling internationally. This avoids costly roaming charges from your domestic carrier.
Switch Carriers Easily
You can request your account number and account PIN from TruConnect to transfer your wireless number to another carrier. An unlocked SIM makes this carrier change process quick and hassle-free.
Also Read: Unlocking Your Blu Tracfone to Use With Any Carrier
Resell SIM Card
You’re welcome to resell an unlocked TruConnect SIM to another customer. This can help offset the cost of early termination fees if you decide to leave their service.
As you can see, unlocking brings more freedom and flexibility to your wireless plan. Next let’s cover TruConnect’s unlocking eligibility requirements.
TruConnect SIM Unlock Eligibility
TruConnect has a couple requirements for unlocking your SIM card:
1. Account in Good Standing
First, you must have had active service with TruConnect for at least 12 months. Your account balance also needs to be at $0 with no past due amounts.
2. Device Pay Off
If your TruConnect plan included a phone purchased on installment billing, you must fully pay off that device before unlock eligibility.
As long as you meet the above requirements, you can proceed with the unlock request process. Reach out to TruConnect support for confirmation prior to starting your request.
Also Read: How to Unlock Your US Cellular Phone
How to Request Unlock from TruConnect
Requesting a SIM network unlock from TruConnect involves contacting their customer service team.
You have two options:
Option 1: Chat Support
- Visit TruConnect’s website and click on Chat Support.
- Chat with a live agent and ask them to process your unlock request.
Option 2: Call Support
- Call TruConnect support at 1-866-488-8719.
- Ask the phone agent to initiate an unlock request ticket after verifying your account eligibility.
The TruConnect support rep will take down details on your account and submit an unlock request on your behalf. Most unlocks will process within 5 to 7 business days.
What Information You Need to Provide
To assist the unlock process, make sure to provide the agent with:
1. Account Information
- Account holder name
- Account Number
- Account PIN
The agent will use these details to pull up your account.
2. Reason for Unlock
If asked, provide your reason for requesting the SIM unlock from TruConnect’s network. Some common reasons:
- Traveling internationally
- Want flexibility to switch carriers
- Swapping device to unlocked phone
3. SIM Card Number
You’ll need to provide the 20-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of your TruConnect SIM card.
This number should be printed on your SIM card. It will also display under Settings > About Phone > SIM Card on your phone.
Provide this to the agent for reference when submitting the unlock ticket.
Also Read: How to Unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus to Use on Any Carrier
What To Expect After Unlock Request
So what happens after you chat or call to make the unlock request? Here is a general timeline of what to expect:
1. Confirmation Email
TruConnect will send you an email confirming receipt of your unlock request within 1 business day. This will contain a ticket reference number.
2. Carrier Unlock Process Initiated
Within 1 to 3 business days, TruConnect will initiate the unlock process on their network. Actual unlock completion varies.
3. Unlock Completion
The standard SIM unlock fulfillment estimate is 5 to 7 business days. You may see completion as soon as 72 hours or up to 10 days.
4. Use SIM in Other Devices
Once unlocked, you can insert your TruConnect SIM into any compatible phone to enjoy unlocked freedom!
Unlocking a TruConnect SIM Card Without Meeting Requirements
What if you have not met the 12 month active service or device payoff requirements with TruConnect? You do have a couple options to get your SIM unlocked early:
Pay Early Termination Fee
You can choose to pay off your remaining device balance and any early termination fee due on the account. Once paid off and zero balance met, you can request unlock.
Third-Party Unlock Services
Companies like DC Unlocker or Unlockbase can carrier unlock TruConnect SIM cards from any carrier. These services charge a small unlocking fee.
I recommend going the official TruConnect route if possible though. It maintains your account in good standing plus unlocks are guaranteed being processed directly by the carrier.
Activating SIM on Another Carrier
Once successfully unlocked, you’ll enjoy more flexibility in using your TruConnect wireless plan. Here are a few activation tips when bringing your unlocked SIM to a new carrier:
1. Get Account Details from TruConnect
Reach out to TruConnect support to receive your account number, account PIN, and SIM card number. These will be needed by the new carrier.
2. Choose Desired Carrier
Research plans and select your desired new carrier. Most major carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon are compatible. You can also choose an MVNO.
3. Activate with New Carrier
Visit a store location for your chosen new carrier. Provide the TruConnect account details and ask them to activate your transferred number on their network using your unlocked SIM.
And that’s it! Within a few minutes your same phone number will be fully active on the new carrier. Enjoy your newly unlocked freedom!
Unlocking TruConnect SIM Card When Traveling Internationally
A key benefit mentioned earlier is using your unlocked TruConnect SIM while traveling overseas. Let’s outline that global roaming process quickly:
1. Request Unlock from TruConnect
Several weeks before your trip, follow the unlocking steps in this guide to network unlock your wireless plan’s SIM card.
2. Purchase International Plan
Once unlocked, you can purchase an international roaming plan through TruConnect before departure. Or if switching carriers, get a roaming plan from your new carrier.
3. Insert SIM in Unlocked Phone
Make sure your phone itself is also unlocked to accept other carrier SIMs. Insert your TruConnect (or new carrier) SIM into the device.
4. Connect to Local Carriers
When you arrive overseas, your phone will connect to local cellular carriers. You can now avoid high roaming fees by instead paying the reasonable daily access fees of your international plan.
This keeps you connected abroad, whether for navigation, translation, train tickets, contact back home or other travel necessities.
Key Takeaways
Unlocking your TruConnect wireless plan brings flexibility without commitment. Here are some key tips based on what we covered:
Meet Requirements First
Before requesting your SIM unlock, complete TruConnect’s 12 months active service and device payoff requirements. This avoids extra fees.
Chat is Faster than Calling
Use TruConnect’s website chat for faster SIM unlock processing compared to phoning. Provide all required account details.
Expect 5 to 7 Days
The standard wait time is 5 to 7 business days after TruConnect receives your unlock request. Be patient.
Travel Unlocked
One of the best uses is getting your SIM unlocked for international trips. Connect affordably overseas!
TruConnect makes reliable nationwide cell phone service accessible to everyone. Now you have the power to unlock your plan’s potential beyond just their network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the code to unlock SIM?
TruConnect does not use a code to unlock their SIMs. You must contact customer support and request the unlock after meeting eligibility requirements.
Can I unlock MyTruConnect phone?
Yes, TruConnect allows unlocking the SIM slot in their phones after 12 months active service and paying off the device. This lets you use the SIM in other phones.
How do I get MyTruConnect SIM card to work?
If your SIM is having connection issues first remove it, clean the contacts with alcohol, check for damage, then reinsert. If problems persist, contact TruConnect support for a replacement SIM.
How do I reactivate MyTruConnect SIM card?
To reactivate a deactivated TruConnect SIM, call customer support at 1-866-488-8719. Provide your account details for authentication and they can reactivate service.
Can a locked SIM be unlocked?
Yes, TruConnect’s policy does allow unlocking SIM cards locked to their network if you meet their 12 month service and device payoff eligibility.
How do I unblock my SIM lock?
If your TruConnect SIM displays “SIM Lock” or an error that it’s locked, you’ll need to complete the unlocking process mentioned in this guide by contacting TruConnect support.
Can I put a TruConnect SIM card in any phone?
TruConnect SIMs can be placed into any unlocked GSM phone once their network lock is removed. Get the SIM unlocked first before trying to use it in other phones.
Can I unlock my SIM without PUK code?
Yes, you do not need a PUK code to network unlock a SIM card from TruConnect’s service. Customer support will handle the unlock remotely.
What is the PUK code for unlock?
The PUK code is not relevant for carrier unlocking. It is only used to unblock a SIM card that has been PIN locked from too many incorrect PIN attempts.
What happens when your SIM card is locked?
When a SIM card is locked, you will be unable to connect to any other mobile networks besides the one that originally locked the card (TruConnect in this case). Unlocking it enables other networks.
Can you remove network lock?
Yes, you can remove the network lock placed on a SIM card by the original carrier by contacting them and requesting to unlock after meeting account requirements. This guide covered how to do that for TruConnect SIM cards specifically.
What kind of SIM card does TruConnect use?
TruConnect utilizes SIM cards on the T-Mobile network, meaning they are GSM SIM cards. Their service will not work in phones requiring a CDMA SIM.
Can I keep my number with TruConnect?
Yes, TruConnect makes it easy to transfer an existing number when first signing up for their wireless plans.
Is TruConnect free?
No, TruConnect is not free cell phone service. Their plans start at affordable rates as low as $15/month however.