What is the Reseller Flex policy? Reseller Flex FAQs

What is the Reseller Flex policy?

The Reseller Flex policy allows retailers to receive devices in an unlocked state.  While initially unlocked, these devices are programmed to lock to the first network that the device connects to at activation.  

How do Flex Locked phones impact Mint subscribers?

Although the Reseller Flex policy has benefits for phone retailers and manufacturers, the Policy can potentially create issues for individuals.  As an example, a customer may have bought a device under the belief the device was unlocked but, in fact, the device was subsequently locked to a specific carrier at activation. 

In this above example, the issue becomes more complex when the device is later sold by the original owner to a new owner.  The new owner also may believe the device is unlocked and have no knowledge of which carrier to engage for help in unlocking the device.  

 Is Mint able to help me with a device that has been locked through the Reseller Flex policy?

Our Care Team will attempt to support customers with devices locked under a Reseller Flex policy.  However, since Mint does not participate in any Reseller Flex policy programs, our ability to support the customer is unfortunately quite limited.  As constructed, the policy only allows the carrier who originally locked the device at the initial activation to unlock the device.  

How does a Reseller Flex Lock happen?

The most common cause is buying a used phone from someone who may not have known the phone was locked when they sold it to you. If you called Mint and confirmed the phone isn’t locked to our network, try to get in touch with the seller. Ask them which carrier they were on with the phone and go from there. The only way to get the phone unlocked is to go to the carrier it’s locked to and work with them directly.

Is the Reseller Flex Lock something Mint controls?

It isn’t. If we confirm that the phone isn’t locked to our network, work your way backwards to the person you purchased the phone from. They may not have known their phone was locked.

Why would my phone work on Mint if it’s Reseller Flex Locked?

We think it could indicate that the phone is locked to T-Mobile. Because Mint runs on the T-Mobile network, it might enable your phone to work seamlessly with us. But once you leave for another network, it could inhibit use elsewhere. This is a good starting point for getting the phone unlocked.