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Is my phone unlocked?

What is a "locked" phone?

A locked phone simply means it will only work with one carrier (it's "locked" to the carrier). That means if you buy your phone from AT&T, it won't work on T-Mobile's network unless you first get it unlocked. Locked/unlocked is not the same as "jailbreaking" an iPhone or "rooting" an Android phone and relates simply to its ability to be used on different carriers.

Is my phone unlocked?

If you bought your phone for a reduced price with a contract from a major carrier, it is most likely locked. If you paid full price for your phone or bought it directly from the manufacturer (usually denoted when you buy it as an 'unlocked' version) it is likely unlocked. If in doubt, call your carrier to verify.

Why unlock my phone?

Because unlocked phones can typically be used across carriers and internationally, they often sell for more than a locked version of the same phone. Unlocking may increase the value of your phone, though it's not guaranteed.

How do I unlock my phone?

If you are up-to-date on your cell phone contract, your carrier may unlock your phone for you. Policies vary from carrier to carrier. You will need to contact your carrier to verify and request an unlock.

Does unlocking mean I can use my phone with any carrier?

Not necessarily. Different phone carriers use different bands for transmitting data and phone calls. That means an unlocked AT&T phone will not necessarily work on T-Mobile, or, it may work for phone calls but may not get full data speeds. Radio technologies vary from phone to phone. Refer to the phone's technical specifications for what cellular bands it uses and compare them against the cellular bands of the carrier you wish to use the phone on.