{"id":7309,"date":"2024-01-06T19:09:18","date_gmt":"2024-01-06T13:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mobilehardreset.com\/?p=7309"},"modified":"2024-01-06T19:09:41","modified_gmt":"2024-01-06T13:09:41","slug":"unlock-att-phone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mobilehardreset.com\/unlock-att-phone\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Unlock Your AT&T Phone in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Getting a new phone is always exciting, but if you want to use it on another carrier’s network, you may run into problems if it’s still locked to AT&T. Unlocking your phone allows you to use it with any compatible network domestically or even internationally with a different SIM card. Fortunately, unlocking an AT&T device is easy in 2024 if you follow a few simple steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the top reasons to unlock your AT&T smartphone or device:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An unlocked phone can be used on most GSM networks<\/a> around the world. This gives you more choices for cell phone plans and carriers. You may be able to find better deals, rates, or coverage by switching carriers with an unlocked device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you travel overseas frequently, having an unlocked phone makes it simpler to buy and swap out local SIM cards to avoid high international roaming fees<\/a> from AT&T. You’ll be able to stay connected affordably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An unlocked AT&T phone will command a higher resale price because more potential buyers can use it. Being able to unlock your old phone before trading it in or selling it means more money in your pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use an unlocked spare or older AT&T device as a handy backup phone when traveling or as a temporary replacement if your primary phone is damaged, lost or stolen. With an unlocked backup, you don’t have to suspend or make changes to your existing AT&T service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also Read: Unlock Verizon Cell Phones: A Ultimate Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before going through the unlocking process, it helps to check if your device is already unlocked from AT&T:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This quick test lets you confirm without making any permanent changes to your cell service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to understand AT&T’s own policies and eligibility requirements for unlocking phones before requesting an unlock. This will ensure the process goes smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to AT&T’s current unlocking policy in 2024<\/a>, you must meet all of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind even if a device is eligible to be unlocked, AT&T reserves the right to deny the request under certain circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also Read: Unlock A Straight Talk Phone Free: Complete Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your AT&T phone meets the unlocking criteria listed above, you can follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Call 800-331-0500 and speak to an AT&T customer representative:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even without an AT&T account, you can submit an unlock request through the AT&T Unlock Portal<\/a>. You’ll just need to provide the proper identifying details on your device and SIM card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, locate the following on your phone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then visit AT&T’s prepaid phone unlock portal and enter your details to unlock it. There is typically a short waiting period to process prepaid unlocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than a permanent unlock, AT&T offers temporary unlocks if you’ll be traveling internationally but still wish to resume AT&T service afterwards. Temporary unlocks expire after 60 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow the same steps to request a temporary unlock through your AT&T account, customer support, or the unlock portal. Just specify it is for overseas travel instead of a permanent network unlock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also Read: How To Unlock A TMobile Phone Free<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n While AT&T provides official unlocking services, you can also use third-party unlocking websites for convenience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The top third-party phone unlock sites have simple order forms requesting your IMEI number, device details, and email. Once payment is submitted, the unlock code can be sent digitally within a short waiting period, often instantly. This allows unlocking without dealing directly through your AT&T account or reps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, keep in mind unauthorized unlocking may<\/em> technically violate your AT&T service agreement. Reputable sites offer money-back guarantees but read all disclaimers first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The iPhone has additional steps to complete the carrier unlock process after receiving the clear approval and unlock code from AT&T:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As long as you have the proper unlock code for that specific device, unlocking an iPhone through iTunes takes only a few minutes once initiated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Successfully unlocking your AT&T smartphone or device means you can now use it on compatible wireless networks by swapping out the SIM card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most unlocked AT&T phones will work on T-Mobile and its MVNO networks with full service capabilities after unlocking. Support and connectivity may be more limited on Verizon, Sprint, or regional carriers. Confirm compatibility before switching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With an unlocked GSM phone from AT&T, you’ll be able to use local SIMs while traveling internationally, avoiding roaming fees in 200+ regions. Swapping the AT&T SIM for a local carrier SIM lets you pay lower local rates for calls, texts and data.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTravel Abroad Easier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Resell Value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Backup Device<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check if Your AT&T Phone is Already Unlocked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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AT&T’s Policies on Unlocking Devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Request AT&T Mobile Phone Unlock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Through Your AT&T Account<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Contact AT&T Customer Service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Use Official AT&T Unlock Portal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Request Temporary Unlocks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Unlock Your AT&T Phone Through Third-Party Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Unlock Your iPhone from AT&T (Extra Steps)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Use Your Unlocked AT&T Device on Other Carriers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Domestic U.S. Carriers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
International Carriers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
AT&T Prepaid & MVNOs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n