An unlocked phone is one that is not locked to a single carrier's network and does not require a subscriber contract. An unlocked phone can recognize a SIM card from any network and use that network to make calls, send messages and use other services.
If your phone asks for a subsidy password when you insert your SIM card, that means it has been locked by a specific carrier.Many carriers will lock devices for a pre-defined amount of time before allowing them to be used on another network.
See Also
How to unlock a phone: a guideThe best secret codes for Android (short codes/diagnostic)PUK Code | How to find it and unlock your phoneI've locked myself out of my androidOnly the phone's original carrier can unlock your phone.
See Also
Can't unlock your Android deviceFind instructions and links to some US carriers below:
| Carrier | Instructions |
| AT&T | AT&T offers an unlock request form you can fill out online |
| Boost Mobile | Click here to find the Boost Mobile unlocking policy |
| T-Mobile | Some phones can use the T-Mobile Device Unlock app to complete the unlocking process. If your device is not compatible, contact T-Mobile directly. |
| Verizon | In most cases, newly purchased devices will be locked to Verizon’s networks for a certain amount of time after purchase. This rule applies to both postpaid and prepaid devices, and the lock will be automatically removed after reaching that time. |
Notes:
- Not all phones are able to be unlocked due to certain network and software limitations as per carrier guidelines.
- If you are not sure which network has locked the phone, or if you believe the phone should not be locked on any network, please contact us to providethe IMEI number and we can check if the phone is registered to a particular network.
- You can locate your IMEI number by entering *#06# into your handset.
- Motorola offers several unlocked phones. Click here to learn more.
