Did you buy an AT&T phone but now want to switch to T-Mobile, US Mobile, or any other cellular provider? You may be wondering whether your AT&T device is unlocked.
This guide will explain the difference between a locked and unlocked device. We will also explain how to ensure you can use your AT&T phone on another network.
Continue reading for the full scoop.
Do AT&T Phones Come Unlocked?
No. By default, AT&T sim-locks its phones to prevent you from switching to another carrier. That means that if you bought a phone from AT&T, it is most likely locked to the AT&T network.
AT&T claims that it locks its phone to reduce theft. After all, if someone steals your phone, they won't be able to use it on another network. Thus, locking its phones helps deter theft.
While that makes sense in theory, the truth is that thieves have many ways to unlock devices. The main reason AT&T locks its phones is to prevent you from using it with competitors.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to unlock your AT&T phone. You may even be eligible for a free unlock from AT&T itself.
Difference Between a Locked and Unlocked Phone
A locked phone has a special software restriction that prevents it from being used with another network provider. This software restriction is installed before the phone is sold.
When you buy a phone from a general phone shop or directly from the manufacturer, it won't usually be locked, and you can use it with any compatible network provider. For example, if you buy a Pixel phone from Google, a Samsung phone from Samsung, or an iPhone from Apple, it won't be locked.
However, if you buy an iPhone or Android from a cellular company like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, it might be locked to the carrier you bought it from. This isn't a hardware issue – as soon as you remove this software restriction, you can use the device with another provider.
This practice is disadvantageous to consumers, because it restricts them from freely using the devices they paid for. Fortunately, there are several ways to unlock your phone.
What If Your Phone is Locked to AT&T?
In this section, we will go through four different ways to unlock your phone. We recommend the first one – DirectUnlocks – as it is the most stress-free and hassle-free method to unlock your device quickly.
1. DirectUnlocks
DirectUnlocks has years of experience helping AT&T phone owners unlock their devices even without paying off. Whether or not you bought your phone from AT&T directly or qualify for a free unlock from AT&T, DirectUnlocks can unlock your phone.
The process is safe, secure, legal, and completely remote. You don't need to bring your phone to a store, ship it out in the mail, or even speak to anyone on the phone.
Usually, we unlock phones within a few hours – sometimes in just a few minutes. At most, it will take 24 hours. You can use your phone while it is being unlocked, though, so there's no inconvenience to you.
To unlock an AT&T phone with DirectUnlocks, follow these simple steps:
- Dial *#06# to find your phone's unique IMEI number.
- Enter it in the form below and click on Unlock Your AT&T Phone.
- Pay the one-time fee, and we will begin unlocking your phone immediately.
- Wait for the remote process to complete, and receive your AT&T unlock code via text message.
Unlock Your Phone Now
2. CellUnlocks
Another option is using CellUnlocks to unlock your device. CellUnlocks is another trusted unlock service provider that will unlock any AT&T phone within minutes. Sometimes, though, it can take 4–6 hours.
The unlock is performed remotely, without any interruption to your cellular service. Here is how to unlock your phone with CellUnlocks:
- Visit the CellUnlocks website.
- Enter your phone's IMEI number, which you can get by dialing *#06# on your keypad.
- Click on the Unlock for Any Sim Card button.
- Follow the instructions and make any necessary payment.
- The process will begin immediately, and you will get a notification via email and SMS once it's complete.
3. Use a Software
There are several software products that claim to be able to unlock your phone. You'll typically need to download the software to your computer, connect your phone to your computer with a cable, and then use the software to unlock your phone.
The problem with this method is that these software solutions aren't always trustworthy. Many of them just don't work, according to reviews, and if they do work, they only work sometimes.
In addition, they typically cost money – often, more than what a sim unlock service would charge you. Therefore, they aren't usually worth the extra effort required in downloading the software and figuring out how to use it.
In the worst case scenario, these software solutions are either scams or bundled with malware that will infect your computer and/or phone.
Therefore, it's best to use a trusted unlock service provider that won't require you to download any software to your device.
4. Contact AT&T
Finally, the last option is contacting AT&T directly. Since AT&T locked your phone in the first place, it has the ability to unlock it as well.
Here are the steps to take to unlock your phone with AT&T:
- Go to the AT&T Device Unlock page.
- Click on Unlock Your Device.
- Follow the on-screen prompts, entering your phone number and any other information requested.
The problem with this method is that AT&T's device unlock policy clearly excludes certain people from receiving a device unlock from AT&T. You have to meet specific requirements.
For example, if you have an AT&T prepaid device, you must pay for six months of active service before you can unlock it.
If you have a postpaid device, you can unlock it once you fully pay it off, whether you pay it off early or in monthly installments. However, it must have been active on an AT&T plan for at least 60 days. Also, you might have to wait 24–48 hours or until your next billing period to submit an unlock request to AT&T. After this, you can check the AT&T unlocking status to determine whether your phone is unlocked or not.
If you don't want to wait that long, you can speed up the process by using a third-party unlock provider like DirectUnlocks instead.
Conclusion
Unlocking your AT&T phone will allow you to find cheaper, more affordable cellular plans from other providers.
It will also increase your phone's value. If you want to sell your phone and buy a new one, it's best to unlock it first, as more people would be interested in purchasing it.
While it might be frustrating to learn that your AT&T phone is locked, worry not. Unlocking it with DirectUnlocks is as simple as filling out the form above, so what are you waiting for?
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