Not Legal Advice: As of February 11, 2015, all nationwide service providers should give consumers greater freedom and flexibility by allowing them to have mobile phone and device unlocking. This allows consumers to move their cell phone from one network to another compatible network. This will increase incentives for service providers to innovate. - FCC
But before you get started make sure that your phone is eligible to be unlocked. For a postpaid device, it can be unlocked by a participating provider after you have fulfilled the applicable service contract, completed the device installment plan or paid an early termination fee.
For a prepaid device, it can be unlocked by a participating provider no later than one year after activation, consistent with reasonable time, payment, or usage requirements.
The unlocking process varies by device and by carrier. So you should contact your wireless service provider to find out when and how your phone may be unlocked.
For example if you're with AT&T, to unlock your phone or tablet to work on another wireless carrier's network, you must submit a request to AT&T to unlock your device from the AT&T wireless network.
From a tablet or PC visit att.com/deviceunlock to submit your Device Unlock Request. Allow two business days for AT&T to process your request.
You can check the status of your request anytime. You'll need your request number and the IMEI number of the device. You can find the IMEI number by dialling *#06#.
According to Digitaltrends.com, you may also try third-party unlocking services. These are websites that provides unlock code by sending it to your email. But their services require payment. Depending on your device, prices can range from a few dollars to around $59.99. Here are some third-party resources:
- Release My Code
- MobileUnlocked
- UnlockBase
Purchasing and using unlocked phones is becoming more popular, and for good reason. It can give you more freedom to use your phone as you like, and it can save you money. But maybe you're not sure exactly what that means, or why you might want an unlocked cell phone. Check out some things that you need to know about buying an unlocked cell phone at About.com.