How Do I Unlock My AT&T Wireless Phone?
If you have an AT&T phone, you can unlock it if you meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements include fully paying for the phone, unless you're a deployed member of the military, and activating the phone for the minimum waiting period, among other requirements. The unlock process is fairly straightforward and you can start it online.
AT&T SIM-locks its phones to make it more difficult for thieves to access them if they are stolen. If you want to unlock your phone so that you can use it on another network, which can be handy if you're traveling. Just keep reading to learn how..
AT&T's Unlock Eligibility Requirements
The device you want to unlock must have been paid in full when you purchased it if you want to unlock it immediately. If you purchased it on an installment plan, the device must have been active for at least the previous 60 days and it must be paid off. If you are an active duty member of the military, you don't need to pay your phone off to unlock it if you're deploying. If it's a prepaid phone, it must have had paid service for at least the last 6 months.
You cannot be past due on your AT&T bill. You must also submit your request at the beginning of a billing period. Your device cannot have been reported as involved in fraud, stolen, or missing.
Unlocking Your AT&T Phone
To unlock your phone, follow these instructions:
- Go to the AT&T device unlock page.
- Click on the "Unlock your device" link.
- Enter your phone number.
- Indicate that you agree to AT&T's terms.
- Complete the CAPTCHA.
- Click on the Next button.
- Follow any further instructions you are given.
You will be sent a confirmation email. AT&T will send e-mails with updates about the progress of your request, so keep checking your email. Once your unlock request is approved, you receive an email with the instructions for the final steps of the unlocking process, including an unlock code to enter into your phone. Please note that iPhones don't need unlock codes.
Contacting AT&T
To get help unlocking your phone, you can contact an AT&T customer support representative by phone, email, or help forum.
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