How to Unlock a Straight Talk Phone

Locked phones can only work with the provider’s network, but you can have it unlocked to use with other networks. Each provider has laid out terms and conditions that should be observed before you can get your phone unlocked, and even when the time comes to unlock the phone, users still have to request their service providers to unlock the phone.

Straight talk phones for example come locked, so once you purchase the device, and use it for 12 months with the pay as you go service, then the telecommunications giant will unlock the phone, below is the request process.

The first step towards successfully unlocking your phone is by getting in touch with the relevant carriers in this case Straight Talk. You will, therefore, get in touch with Straight Talks customer service support staff through the numbers1-877-430-CELL (2355). Straight Talk responsive team, works for 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 11:45 pm.
You will then politely inform the attendant on the other end of your request to have your phone unlocked and be patient enough to let them find out from your account if the supposed phone has met the relevant unlocking terms and conditions.
If your phone passes the above process then you will be provided with a rather lengthy unlock code. On a piece of paper, you will copy it down because it is what you are going to use to unlock your phone.
The next step is unlocking the phone, and for this process to be successful, you will have to contact the new carrier and inform them that you want to switch to a new SIM card.
You will then switch off the phone to rid it of the Straight Talk SIM card, and with the new SIM card, you will replace the old one, and then proceed to power on.
Now once the phone is switched on, you will get a prompt informing you that the phone must first be unlocked before use.
Now, remember the code that you were given by the Straight Talk representative that you copied on a piece of paper. Well, you will proceed to key it in using the keypad then tap on the unlock option and you get a notification informing you of your success, and you can now use your unlocked phone with your new carrier.

Is it necessary for consumers to unlock their phones, well it depends, but if you are comfortable where you are in terms of service and coverage then you might not have a reason to unlock your phone. Phone locking is all about loyalty and honoring your agreement, service providers are well aware of the dynamic and changing lifestyles of people, so if you are going to get a phone from them under a contract they must ensure that you honor it to the latter.

So, as you fulfill your end of the bargain by staying with the unlocked phone for either 1 or 3 years, here is what you will be missing out on. If by any chance you will be required to travel abroad, you will not be able to use a global or a local carrier’s SIM card that has been known to offer lower rates, when compared to using a US carrier.

Another disadvantage of carrying around an unlocked phone is that you won’t be able to put it up for sale and even if you do, you will probably sell it at a lower price because the buyer won’t have much use for it since they have to stick with the carrier’s network.

Conclusion

Straight Talk does have a strict policy when it comes to unlocking a phone, you should, therefore, ensure that the relevant phone is not on the books for the wrong reasons such as conducting some illegal activity. Also, ensure that the phone has not been reported stolen, and lastly, it must have completed the 12 months probation from Straight Talk.

FAQ’s

And how can I confirm that my Straight Talk phone has been unlocked?

On your Android phone, find the settings option, then move to Connections, then to Mobile Networks, and to Network Operators. You will be looking for the names of other carriers, such as T-Mobile or Verizon, if the above appears under Network Operators then this could mean that your phone is unlocked.