Are you trying to switch from Boost Mobile to another cellular provider? If you have a Boost Mobile device and try activating it on another network, it won't work unless you unlock it first.
While Boost Mobile offers affordable unlimited data plans, it throttles your data after just 30 GB, which can be frustrating if you are a heavy data user. 30 GB of data is only 1 GB a day, which you will quickly run through if you watch Netflix and YouTube regularly.
If you want to switch to another carrier, here's how to unlock your phone.
Are Boost Mobile Phones Unlocked?
No. Unfortunately, Boost Mobile sim-locks its phone by default, and it doesn't make the unlock process easy, either.
Boost Mobile phones are locked to the Boost network, which means that until you are eligible for your device to be unlocked, you won't be able to use it with Mint, AT&T, Cricket Wireless, or any other prepaid or postpaid provider.
The good news is that there are ways to unlock it.
Having throttled data speeds isn't the only reason you might want to switch from Boost Mobile.
Boost doesn't have its own cellular network but rents bandwidth from T-Mobile.
T-Mobile will sometimes prioritize its own customers over Boost's customers, which means you may experience decreased speeds and a poor connection.
In fact, that is likely how Boost can offer such low prices for unlimited data in the first place -- it has agreed to allow T-Mobile to deprioritize Boost Mobile users when the network is congested.
In addition, Boost Mobile doesn't have good coverage in some areas, so if you recently moved, you may suddenly find that Boost doesn't work well anymore in your new city or neighborhood.
Difference Between a Locked and Unlocked Boost Mobile Phone
A locked phone is locked to a specific cellular provider.
If you have a locked Boost Mobile phone, you can only use it on Boost Mobile plans. If you try to put in a sim card from another company, you won't get cellular service.
On the other hand, an unlocked phone is free to be used with any compatible sim card from any carrier. You can use an unlocked Boost phone on T-Mobile, AT&T, or any other provider that offers plans and prices to your liking.
How to Unlock a Boost Mobile Phone?
There are several ways to unlock a Boost Mobile phone yourself. Here are the top three methods I recommend.
1. DirectUnlocks
DirectUnlocks is a trusted phone unlocking service that has helped thousands of Boost Mobile customers break free from Boost's restrictive locking policies and experience mobile freedom.
Thanks to our years of building and strengthening connections in the mobile communications industry, we are able to offer a quick and efficient Boost Mobile unlocking service.
Here are the steps to unlock your Boost Mobile phone:
- Dial *#06# on your keypad to get your phone's IMEI number.
- Fill out the form below and click on Unlock Your Boost Mobile phone.
- Make the necessary payment, and the unlock process will begin remotely.
- You will receive a confirmation email with your unlock code upon completion of the process.
Unlock Boost Mobile Now
Note that if you have an iPhone, we will unlock it over 3G/4G, with no need for a code.
Once we unlock your mobile phone, you can use it with any carrier. The process is permanent – you will be able to switch between carriers freely in the future, without ever worrying about unlocking your phone again.
2. MobileUnlocks
The second option is using MobileUnlocks. MobileUnlocks can unlock any Boost Mobile device remotely.
Here are the steps to unlock your phone with MobileUnlocks:
- Head to the MobileUnlocks site and click on the blue Unlock Phone button. Then, select Boost Mobile as your network and enter your IMEI number.
- Make the required payment via debit or credit card.
- MobileUnlocks will start processing your unlock request. Most requests are fulfilled after just 15 minutes, so you won't have to wait long!
- Once the process is complete, receive your unlock code via email.
There is a support team of native English speakers available to help you throughout the process if you have any questions.
3. Via Boost Mobile
The final option is contacting Boost Mobile directly to unlock your device. However, I don't recommend this as a first option, because Boost Mobile has strict unlock policy that you must meet before it will agree to unlock your phone:
- If you are on a Boost Mobile prepaid plan, you must wait at least one year before Boost will unlock your phone. Even then, it may deny your request, as eligibility is subject to “reasonable time, payment or usage requirements.”
- If you are on a postpaid plan, you must finish your initial contract or financing plan. If you want to unlock it before your initial contract period, you might have to pay an early termination fee.
- Your account must be in good standing and not suspended, and you must not owe Boost Mobile any money on a financing plan.
If you don't meet these requirements, which I find restrictive, I recommend using DirectUnlocks instead.
We offer an online service, while Boost requires you to call Boost Mobile support and speak with a representative to unlock your device, which is an extra hassle you might not want to deal with.
Here are the steps to unlock your phone with Boost Mobile:
- Call Boost Mobile customer support at 1-833-502-6678.
- Once you are connected with a representative, explain that you want to unlock your phone, and request an unlock code.
- Wait for Boost Mobile to complete your request and send you an unlock code, which can take up to two days.
Conclusion
If you don't unlock your Boost Mobile device, you will not be able to use it with any other carrier.
Unfortunately, Boost Mobile makes it a bit complicated to unlock your device, as it doesn't want users switching to competitors immediately after buying a Boost phone.
Using DirectUnlocks, though, you can safely and swiftly unlock your Boost-branded device and use it with any other supported carrier, whether you purchased your phone from Boost Mobile directly or somewhere else.