Mobile Carrier Device Unlock Policies
Estimated Reading Time: 2 MinutesFactory Unlocked Phones
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- Devices purchased directly from a retailer that do not include a SIM or call plan are Factory Unlocked
- There is no need to check the Lock status of a Factory Unlocked phone
Unlocked Devices: Customer Responsibility
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Any compatible unlocked phone can be ported to Astound Mobile
- Customers are responsible for confirming their Mobile device is unlocked for use with other carriers
- Having a PIN does not mean the device is unlocked
- Initiating a Port on a Mobile number does not mean the device is unlocked
If the customer is unsure, they must contact their current carrier to ensure the device is unlocked
Reasons Why a Device is Locked
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Current Device Unlocking Policies by Carrier
- Active Number Lock on the Line: a phone number can't be Ported to another carrier until it is removed
- Customer contacts current provider to remove the lock
- Phone Reported Lost or Stolen: a phone can't be Ported to another carrier if it's reported lost or stolen
- Money Owed to Current Carrier: device must be paid off in full, and account in good standing before a carrier unlocks a device
- Not Active on Current Carrier Long Enough: device must be active on their Network for a specific length of time
- Varies by provider; usually 6 months to 1 year
- Active Number Lock on the Line: a phone number can't be Ported to another carrier until it is removed
iPhone: Check Locked Status
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- From the Home screen, go to Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Look next to Carrier Lock for device status
- Network Locked / SIM Locked: device is locked; customer must contact current Carrier to unlock the device
- No SIM Restrictions: device is unlocked and can be Ported
Android: Check Locked Status *
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*The following steps may work, but the best way to find out locking status on any phone is to contact the previous carrier and ask if the device is unlocked
- For newer Samsung devices:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections
- Tap More Connections
- Tap Network Unlock
- For older models:
- From the Home screen, go to Settings
- Tap About Phone
- Tap Status Information
- Tap SIM Card Status
- SIM Lock, Carrier Lock, Network Lock: device is locked; customer must contact current Carrier to unlock the device
- No Mention of a Lock: device is unlocked and can be Ported
- For newer Samsung devices: