How do I unlock my phone?

An unlocked phone is a phone that isn’t tied to a specific carrier’s network. To bring your own phone to Mint or another carrier, you need an unlocked phone. To unlock your phone, you’ll most likely need to contact your current carrier so they can unlock it for you. If it hasn’t been paid off, you will probably need to do that first.

How do I know if my phone is unlocked?

If you’re on a prepaid or pay-as-you-go phone plan, you most likely have an unlocked phone. If you’re not, here’s how to check depending on your phone model:

For Android:

Since there are a lot of Android devices, try Googling your specific model to get the most accurate instructions on checking if your phone is locked.

For iPhone:

1. Go to Settings
2. Click General
3. Select About
4. Scroll down to Carrier Lock
   • If it shows No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is unlocked
   • If it shows SIM locked, your iPhone is locked

Try a different SIM card

An alternate way to check if your phone is locked is to try swapping in a different SIM card. Borrow a SIM card from a friend or request a SIM kit with our free trial in the Mint Mobile app. If your phone is able to connect to another network (or activate a Mint trial), your phone is unlocked.

How do I unlock my phone with another carrier?

Unlocking a phone isn’t difficult, however, steps will vary depending on your current carrier, so it’s best to contact your carrier directly. You can usually do this via their website, calling customer service, or even visiting a physical store.

A rule of thumb for unlocked phones is:

1. The phone has been active for at least 60-90 days
2. The phone is fully paid off
3. Your account is in good standing

How do I unlock my phone on Verizon?

Phones purchased through Verizon are unlocked 60 days after the total payment for the phone is completed. 

• If you buy a phone from them outright, it will be unlocked 60 days later**
• If you’re on a phone payment plan, it will be unlocked 60 days after your final payment
• If you buy your phone from an authorized Verizon retailer, it will be unlocked 60 days after activation.**

Want to confirm your 60 days are up? Dial *611 from your Verizon device or call customer service at (800) 922-0204 to double-check.

How do I unlock my phone on AT&T?

Here’s how to unlock your phone on AT&T:

1. Go to AT&T’s unlock page and click Submit an unlock request.
   • Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
     • This includes paying off your installment plan early (if you have one) and waiting 48 hours after your final payment to make the request. 
2. Once you meet all the requirements, submit the form.
3. After that, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the unlock request number. Click on it within 24 hours to confirm your request.
   • You may have to request again if you miss the 24-hour window.
4. After two business days, AT&T will let you know that your phone has been unlocked.

Learn more about unlocked phones

If you’re interested in learning more about Mint Mobile’s phone unlock policy, click here. For more about unlocked phones, check out our blog on the differences between unlocked and locked phones.

If you’re more of a visual learner, watch our video below: