{"id":7331,"date":"2024-01-08T15:49:53","date_gmt":"2024-01-08T09:49:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mobilehardreset.com\/?p=7331"},"modified":"2024-01-08T15:49:54","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T09:49:54","slug":"unlock-your-us-cellular-phone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mobilehardreset.com\/unlock-your-us-cellular-phone\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Unlock Your US Cellular Phone in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In 2024, unlocking your cell phone in the United States has become easier and more accessible than ever before. With major legislative changes in recent years that made phone unlocking legal regardless of contract status, you now have several options to unlock your device from the carrier it is currently locked to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking a US cellular device in 2024\u2014from understanding the benefits and legality to step-by-step instructions for different phone models and carriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several major advantages to having an unlocked phone in the US:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest benefit is that unlocking a phone allows you to use it on any GSM or CDMA carrier worldwide. That means you can switch freely between major US carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and international carriers without the hassle of activation issues. This gives you more flexibility if you travel frequently or move locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlocked phones do not contain any carrier bloatware or apps that take up space and cannot be removed. You also won\u2019t have to deal with any carrier-imposed restrictions on features like tethering or visual voicemail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An unlocked device will command a higher resale value down the road versus its locked counterpart. There is always a market for unlocked phones that can work on multiple networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By purchasing an unlocked device, you open yourself up to a better variety of smartphone models that may be restricted to certain carriers in the US. This includes niche and international models you won\u2019t find elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, unlocking cell phones became legal in the United States for good in 2014 thanks to the passage of the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act. Signed into law by President Obama, this legislation made it legal to unlock any phone under contract or out of contract without facing criminal penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This law overturned a previous 2012 ruling by the Library of Congress that made unlocking phones illegal due to copyright infringement claims from cellular carriers. However, massive public pressure changed this decision and led to the 2024 status quo of unlocking legality no matter your specific carrier contract status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only time unlocking would be illegal again would require another Act of Congress signed into law. As of 2024, there is no foreseeable change to the legal status of cell phone unlocking in the US market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While unlocking phones is legal regardless of contract status, individual cellular carriers still have their own eligibility timelines before they will unlock devices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check AT&T’s full unlocking policy here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Check Verizon’s full unlocking policy here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Check T-Mobile’s full unlocking policy here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Check Sprint’s full unlocking policy here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Check U.S. Cellular’s full unlocking policy here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n So while carriers must legally unlock devices, actual eligibility timelines vary. Make sure to check your carrier\u2019s specific policy first before expecting an unlock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Historically, the technology behind CDMA networks made unlocking and switching carriers complex for devices that supported only this older 3G network standard. Unlike GSM devices that use swappable SIM cards tied to your phone number and account, CDMA devices have network tech embedded into the device itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, major US carriers have shut down CDMA networks permanently after transitioning solely to 4G LTE in recent years. For Verizon, this occurred in December 2022<\/a> and for AT&T in February 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, any modern phone from the last 5+ years now supports LTE and uses SIM cards universally across all major US carriers. The legacy issues around trying to unlock CDMA-only devices no longer applies given the natural network progression to newer standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only exception would be attempting to unlock an older flip phone or basic device from 2010-era tech or earlier. For the vast majority of average consumers with LTE smartphones, you can essentially follow the same unlocking process in 2024 no matter your carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before going through the unlock request process with your carrier, it helps to double check if your device is already unlocked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following these steps will tell you if your device is locked or unlocked before taking further action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you determine your phone is still locked to a particular carrier, the next step is to directly request an official unlock through that provider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To request an unlock from AT&T’s network:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Full instructions available here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To request an unlock from Verizon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Full instructions available here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To have T-Mobile unlock your phone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Full instructions available here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To unlock a Sprint phone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Full instructions available here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To request unlock from U.S. Cellular:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Full instructions available here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The process requires patience but as long as you meet the basic tenure and contract requirements, all major US carriers in 2024 must unlock devices upon request legally. Expect 1-5 business days wait time depending on carrier volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the official carrier route is recommended first, there are many reliable third-party phone unlocking services you can use independently in 2024 as well. These services are legal and offer unlocks for both in and out of contract devices if you were denied by your carrier originally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some top rated third-party unlock providers this year include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When using third-party unlock services, you will typically provide details like your IMEI\/ESN number and current carrier. Payment is required before processing can begin. Make sure to use well reviewed providers for best reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The advantage of third-party unlocks is speed (often less than 24 hour turnaround) and ability to service denied carrier requests. However warranties may be voided going outside official carrier channels. Weigh the pros and cons before utilizing third-parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the relative ease of unlocking in 2024, you may occasionally still run into issues getting a carrier or third-party service to successfully process your unlock request. Some troubleshooting tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\nVerizon Unlock Policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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T-Mobile Unlock Policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Sprint Unlock Policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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U.S. Cellular Unlock Policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How Unlocking an Older CDMA Device Differs from GSM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Check If Your Phone is Already Unlocked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Request An Unlock from Major US Carriers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Request Unlock from AT&T<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Request Unlock from Verizon Wireless<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Request Unlock from T-Mobile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Requesting Unlock from Sprint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Requesting Unlock from U.S. Cellular<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Unlock Your Phone Independently Using Third-Party Unlock Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What to Do If You Run Into Problems Unlocking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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