How do tmobile unlocked phones work

See Device Unlock Policy for a list of eligibility requirements. If you don't have this app, your device is either unlocked or uses one of the newer steps above. For Android 6 and older, choose your device on the Devices page, then click the Security drop-down to find Mobile Device Unlock steps. Select Permanent Unlock and wait while the device completes the unlock. Restart the device. If you have a locked iPhone that's eligible, Contact us so we can submit the unlock.

If your iPhone is showing unlocked on My T-Mobile, follow these steps to complete the process. Some phones have network hardware that may not work well with T-Mobile's network. If your phone is locked, contact your current carrier to request unlocking.

An IMEI number can be used to determine the device make and model, and whether the device is locked or unlocked. If a device has been lost or stolen, the IMEI can also be used to block it from being used on most carrier networks, including T-Mobile's. The SIM card is a tiny plastic card with an integrated chip.

When you insert it into your device, the SIM card identifies the device to the network. Using the IMEI is the fastest and most accurate way for us to determine compatibility with T-Mobile's network and check whether a device is locked or unlocked. Many phones appear to work the same way across different carriers, but they can have significant internal differences with their technology and software.

In some cases, the phone may have a finance agreement that needs to be paid off before the carrier will unlock it. It may also take a few days to unlock the device. Most phone numbers can be transferred to T-Mobile , but check the transfer eligibility of your existing number before switching to T-Mobile. To get started, you'll need the following information:. We recommend backing up your contacts, voicemail, and text messages before transferring your number to T-Mobile.

During the process, you may have dual service for up to 24 hours, meaning your device will be active on both carrier networks. Please do not cancel your previous wireless service until you receive a confirmation text message from T-Mobile saying that the number transfer is complete.

The SIM card actually includes adaptors for three different card sizes. See video instructions on how to replace your SIM. Love your phone? Make sure your phone is unlocked. Make sure your phone is compatible. Check compatibility. Buy a SIM card. Check out our plans. Back up my phone. Check compatibility with your phone's IMEI. Next Steps. Confirm that the device is unlocked. Not sure? Verizon and Sprint subscribers can choose either to sign up for international roaming plans with their U.

The reason why is that the spectrum Verizon is using to build its 4G LTE network had restrictions put on it by the Federal Communications Commission, which required the company to allow "open access" to the network. So as part of this provision, Verizon has decided not to lock those devices. That said, its 3G devices are locked.

So what does this mean for the average consumer? Let's take the iPhone 5 as an example. It's a 4G LTE device. A Verizon version of this phone comes unlocked out of the box. There aren't special codes that need to be entered in order to use it on another carrier's network. The same is true if you take the Verizon iPhone 5 to Europe. And it won't operate on a faster LTE network. And even though the phone is unlocked and uses the same CDMA technology and some of the same radio frequency channels as Sprint, an unlocked iPhone 5 won't operate on Sprint.

What are the explicit differences between a locked and unlocked phone? The difference between a locked and an unlocked phone is that a locked device has a software code on it that prevents you from taking a GSM-based device and using it on another GSM carrier's network.

An unlocked phone either doesn't have the lock software on it or someone was able to get a code that unlocks the software. Remember that this issue of locked and unlocked phones today is really only relevant when you're talking about devices made for GSM networks.

As I explained above, most carriers use different frequencies and band plans for their LTE networks, so even without a software lock on the device, it still won't operate on these networks. That will soon change, but for now don't expect unlocked LTE devices to perform at top speeds on any other carrier's LTE network.

Why is the iPhone treated differently by carriers relative to other phones? In the past, the iPhone was treated differently than other devices when it came to lock codes. So to control how and where the device was used, it refused to unlock it. That's changed. Usually, this means the phone is fully paid for and the customers are no longer on a contract. And they have to be customers in "good standing" for a certain period of time. But if you have an LTE device from Verizon, you don't need an unlock code.

The device is already unlocked. So if your device is locked, you must get the appropriate unlock code from your carrier, or if you are getting the code elsewhere, you should specify which carrier network your device is affiliated with. Another way to get an unlocked phone is to buy one that's specifically advertised as unlocked. For instance, Google's Nexus series of smartphones come unlocked. The international unlocked version of the iPhone is also sold without a lock. And again it can be used on any GSM network.

As I said, the iPhone 5 on Verizon is already unlocked out of the box. If you want to do this on the cheap, make sure you turn off all the data functions on the iPhone, and you'll just be able to use the voice network. I would call a Verizon customer service agent and tell her you're going out of the country on vacation and you want to use a local SIM card. She'll tell you the requirements for getting your phone unlocked. And if you have met the appropriate criteria, the agent should provide you with the code and instructions for unlocking.

I hope I answered your questions and helped you better understand the differences between locked and unlocked devices.

Virgin Mobile is not offering the Samsung Galaxy S4 yet. I'm sorry to tell you, but the answer to your question is yes. Virgin Mobile is a prepaid brand owned and operated by Sprint. As I explained as part of my above answer to the question about locked and unlocked phones, CDMA devices don't have the same flexibility in terms of device portability as GSM phones.