How to unlock any AT&T phone for free

When you buy your AT&T phone from a cell provider, it will most likely be locked which means it’s locked to that carrier’s signal and you can’t get another signal from a different carrier. However, if you’re looking to switch providers, there’s a way you can unlock any AT&T phone for free so you can use other networks.

A few years ago, it wasn’t very easy to unlock an iPhone. You had to go through a lot of loopholes like hacking your device or buying an unlocking code from an unreliable website. Later, AT&T made it easier for people to unlock their phones whether you’re an active client or not. To unlock your AT&T device, your phone has to first and foremost comply with the AT&Trequirements, if it doesn’t AT&T will reject your unlock request.

Requirements needed to unlock your AT&T phone

Before you can unlock your phone, there are some prerequisites you need to keep in mind.

• Your phone must be using the AT&T network.
• You must be a former or current AT&T customer and if you’re a current customer, you must have fully pain your installment plan and termination fees, then wait 24 hours before making a request.
• Your phone must not have been reported stolen or involved in fraudulent activity.
• You shouldn’t be currently active on another AT&T network.
• If you had done an earlier upgrade, you should wait the 14-day buyer’s remorse period before you can request to unlock your previous phone.
• If you want to unlock a business phone, you’ll need the permission from your company.
• If your phone meets all these requirements, you can get the approval to unlock it.

Requesting the unlock code from AT&T

• On your browser, type att.com/deviceunlock.
• Go through the eligible requirements on the website and make sure you understand them before clicking the continue button.
• If you’ve never been a customer of AT&T select the non- AT&T mobility customer.
• Then fill in your name, email address, and IMEI number.
• You will receive an email from AT&T after 24 hours requesting you to click on the link provided to confirm your unlock request. This request will expire in 24 hours if not confirmed.

How to unlock your AT&T phone

Once you’ve met all the eligible requirements, you’ll need your AT&T phone information like your account number and AT&T PIN number and the new SIM card you intend to replace your AT&T card with.

Here are the few steps you need to follow to unlock your phone.

• Find your phone’s IMEI number that will help to identify your phone.
• Also find your phone’s PIN number to unlock your SIM card.
• Go to AT&T’s device unlock portal and click on Unlock my device.
• Follow the prompts and then enter your AT&T PIN number and account details.
• Wait for a confirmation email that will contain your unlock request number and the instructions of unlocking with AT&T SIM unlock codes your specific phone.
• Ensure that you access the link in your email before 24 hours are over or AT&T will cancel your request.
• Follow the instructions provided in your email or look for specific AT&T unlock device instructions on your browser.

Unlocking your AT&T phone without an unlock code

An Apple iPhone doesn’t need a unlock code, instead you just submit your unlock request, wait for an email approval from AT&T after 24 hours, then insert your new SIM card in your new provider to begin the setup process.

The easiest way that you can unlock your phone is through your provider. If you’ve been with AT&T for a long time and you have a good history when it comes to paying your bills on time, AT&T will not hesitate to unlock your device without any problems.

• You’ll first need to go to your phone or computer and type att.com/deviceunlock
• Click on the Unlock a device button.
• Choose whether you’re or you’re not an AT&T customer. If you’re a customer enter your account’s wireless number then agree to the terms and conditions, then press Next. If you’re not a customer, enter your phone’s IMEI number, accept the terms and conditions, then click Next.
• If you chose you’re an AT&T customer, you’ll need to enter your account information like your PIN, email address, and account name. You can then click Next to unlock your phone.
• If you’re not an AT&T customer, unlocking your phone will take a bit more time. AT&T will first check your phone to make sure it’s fully paid without any unpaid fees. If it’s not it will give you an error, but if it is, you can click on the next page to unlock your device.
• Ensure that you follow the instructions of unlocking your specific device carefully because you only have 5 attempts of unlocking your device before AT&T permanently locks it.

Why should you unlock your AT&T phone?

Here are some reasons you should unlock your device.

Conclusion

Unlocking your AT&T phone is not that easy, there are a few requirements and steps you need to follow before you can unlock it. You can also use a third party to unlock it, but you’ll need to part with a few dollars and your phone will be connected to another network in the shortest time and without any red tape.

FAQ

Can I activate an old AT&T SIM card?

If you’ve bought a new SIM card or have an old one that hasn’t been activated, you can easily activate it and start using it on your phone.

Can I take my AT&T phone to another carrier?

Yes you can, but not every phone carrier uses the same technology and your AT&T phone might not have some services if it’s not compatible with that carrier. Cell phone can either use GSM or CDMA technology.