Years ago, TracFone only sold phones that could only work on its network. With such phones, TracFone customers had no chance of switching to another carrier. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) came in, and now TracFone sells unlockable phones.
Despite the agreement with the FCC to sell unlockable phones, TracFone customers still have to meet the eligibility requirements before their phones can be unlocked.
Keep reading to find out TracFone's eligibility requirements, how to get and use the unlock codes, and how to unlock your phone without worrying about the eligibility requirements.
How to Get Tracfone Unlock Code for Free
Thanks to the FCC, TracFone customers can now unlock their devices and switch to another network carrier. You need an unlock code to unlock your phone but to get one from TracFone, you must be eligible for a phone unlock, i.e. you must meet the eligibility requirements.
Below are TracFone's unlock policy for a phone unlock.
TracFone's Eligibility Requirements
Before you contact TracFone for an unlock code, make sure you meet the following criteria:
General Requirements
- The device has not been declared lost, stolen or involved in fraudulent activities.
- The device must be working and in a good condition
- The device was activated on TracFone's service after February 11 2015.
Apple Devices
- The device has been operating on TracFone's network for not less than twelve (12) months if activated before November 23 2021
- The device has been operating on TracFone's network for not less than sixty (60) days if activated on or after November 23 2021.
- The device will be automatically unlocked if it is eligible for unlocking.
Android Devices
- If activated before November 23 2021, the device must have been on the TracFone network for not less than twelve (12) months and with redeemed service plans not less than twelve (12).
- The device must have been operating on the TracFone network for not less than sixty (60) days if activated on or after November 23, 2021, on the new Verizon service.
- TracFone will provide an unlock code if eligible for unlocking.
Active Military Personnel on Deployment
TracFone also has a special unlocking policy for military personnel like other network carriers.
TracFone will unlock your device at your request (even before the periods stated above elapse) if you are deploying to areas outside TracFone's coverage.
How to Get and Use a TracFone Unlock Code for Free
If your device meets the eligibility requirements above, then all that is left is to get an unlock code from TracFone and unlock it. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Call TracFone's customer service at 1-800-867-7183 and request an unlock code. Your details will be verified, and your account will be checked to see if it meets the eligibility requirements.
Step 2: If you are eligible, the customer service representative will provide you with a 10-15 digit network unlock code; otherwise, use the second solution explained below.
Step 3: Get a new SIM card from another carrier, insert it into your phone, and then restart it.
Step 4: Enter the unlock code from Step two when prompted. You will see a success message if the code has been accepted.
Your phone is unlocked and should activate the new SIM card. To confirm if it is really unlocked, try making calls, sending a text message or using cellular data using the new SIM card.
Pay TracFone to Unlock Your Phone
TracFone also offers you the chance to unlock your device at a cost. If your device has not operated on TracFone's network for the stated periods, TracFone can still unlock your device but at a fee.
Depending on how long your device has been operating on TracFone's network, this fee may go as high as $300.
Can't Get a Free Tracfone Unlock Code?
Remember when we said that TracFone used to sell phones that could not be unlocked? If you are among the customers who purchased such phones, then here is some good news for you.
After the talks with the FCC, TracFone agreed to compensate customers who purchased the said phones. According to the FCC, TracFone customers are eligible for compensation if:
- They have been a TracFone customer for not less than 12 months
- They launched their TracFone service by the required date.
- They have requested TracFone to unlock their device
- The device is in a good condition
- The device has not been declared as lost, stolen or involved in fraud.
You are free to call TracFone customer service and check if you are eligible for compensation. If eligible, you may receive the following in exchange for the locked device:
- A new device (one that can be unlocked to operate on other carriers' networks)
- Credit towards a device upgrade
- Cash refund (partial)
You Don't Meet TracFone's Eligibility Requirements?
TracFone's eligibility requirements are pretty challenging, particularly the long waiting periods. While paying for a phone unlock is a nice touch, it is rather expensive. That's why you need to use DirectUnlocks to unlock your phone.
DirectUnlocks' Tracfone unlock service does not impose any eligibility requirements on you. It's very affordable (nowhere close to $300) and simple to use. You can unlock your device anywhere in the world using this service; all you need is your device's IMEI number, and three simple steps later, you will be jumping from one carrier to another.
Why DirectUnlocks is the Best
- No unlocking policy/eligibility requirements: You don't need to meet any eligibility requirements to unlock your phone using DirectUnlocks. Unlock your phone anytime, anywhere!
- 100% Safe: DirectUnlocks uses the IMEI unlocking method 'which means it does not modify your phone in any way, software or hardware! Moreover, it is one of the few unlocking services recommended by phone manufacturers.
- Does not void your phone's warranty: As stated above, DirectUnlocks does not change anything on your phone. Your phone's warranty will remain untouched!
- Permanent Solution: Once you unlock your device using DirectUnlocks, it will remain unlocked forever. Unlike other services, you can reset your phone; your phone will still be unlocked.
- The best turnaround time: Unlocking your phone through TracFone might take up to 48 hrs. With DirectUnlocks, your phone will be unlocked in 6-24 hrs.
- All carriers, phone brands and models are supported: DirectUnlocks can unlock any phone, whether Apple or Android. You don't have to worry about your phone model either. As for network carriers, DirectUnlocks can free your phone from all of them.
- Best customer service: DirectUnlocks's customer service is available 24/7. You will have trained personnel supporting you through the entire unlocking process.
Get TracFone Network Unlock Code Using DirectUnlocks
Are you ready to leave TracFone behind? DirectUnlocks offers the most straightforward phone unlocking process in the market.
Just fill out the form below, and you are done.
Get Tracfone Network Unlock Code
Step 1: Retrieve your device's IMEI number by dialing *#06#. The IMEI number will be shown on your device's screen.
Step 2: Fill out the form above, then click the "Unlock Your TracFone Phone" button
Step 3: Complete the order by paying the unlocking fee. Processing will begin immediately.
Wait for a confirmation message from DirectUnlocks. You will receive an email with the instructions to unlock your TracFone phone.
You will receive an unlock code if it is an Android phone, while Apple devices are unlocked over the air. Once it is unlocked, try using SIM cards from different carriers to confirm the success of the process.
Pretty easy, right?
Final Words
Network carriers offer smartphone users the chance to afford their favorite phone at an affordable cost, while phone unlocking services like DirectUnlocks offer the freedom to unleash the full potential of the phone.
Don't let crazy eligibility requirements or high unlocking fees stop you from realizing your phone's potential. DirectUnlocks has made phone unlocking an easy and affordable process for everyone.