Last Updated on December 8, 2022 by Ron D. Morgan
If your device is locked to the US Cellular network, it means you can’t use the device on another carrier. To get rid of this limitation, you have to request for the network to unlock your device.
US Cellular will unlock your device if it meets the network’s unlock policy or requirements. The main requirement to unlock a US Cellular locked device is that the device must be active for 120 days.
Continue reading this post to learn the Full requirements to unlock any device locked to US Cellular. Also, you will learn about the exceptions to this requirement.
US Cellular Unlock Policy For All Devices
US Cellular has different unlock policies for Postpaid and Prepaid devices. Also, the terms of the policy are determined by if the device was activated before or after the 11th of January 2022. Below is a breakdown of the unlock policy for all devices.
US Cellular Unlock Policy For Postpaid Devices
. Apple devices activated before January 11th, 2022 must be active for 120 days to qualify to be unlocked.
. Apple devices activated after January 11th, 2022 must be active for 120 days to qualify to be unlocked.
. Other devices activated before January 11th, 2022 must be active for 120 days to qualify to be unlocked.
. Other devices activated after January 11th, 2022 under the subsidy contract must complete the terms of the contracts.
US Cellular Unlock Policy For Prepaid Devices
. Apple devices activated before January 11th, 2022 must be active for 120 days to qualify to be unlocked.
. Apple devices activated after January 11th, 2022 must be active for 120 days to qualify to be unlocked.
. Other devices activated before January 11th, 2022 must be active for 120 days to qualify to be unlocked.
. Other devices activated after January 11th, 2022 must be active for 365 days to qualify to be unlocked.
Additional Requirements For US Cellular Device Unlocking
In addition to the requirements listed above, your device must meet these other requirements to qualify for unlock:
. Devices must be in good standing in the US Cellular network. This means all bills must be paid on or before the due date and no outstanding payments.
. Devices must not be linked to any fraudulent activity or reported to have been stolen at any point.
Can US Cellular Unlock Device Without Meeting The Unlock Requirements?
The US Cellular device unlocks requirements are not cast in stone. The network has some exceptions and will unlock devices for customers that meet these other requirements.
The network will make an exception to unlock your device if you are a:
. A prepaid customer that has paid for your device in full and your postpaid account is in good standing.
. Military personnel that has been deployed for a mission.
. Former US Cellular customer and have fulfilled all financial obligations.
Understanding US Cellular Unlock Policy For Military Personnel
US Cellular will make an exception and unlock your device if you are military personnel. For you to qualify, you must be deployed to a location outside of the US Cellular coverage location.
Also, your postpaid account needs to be in good standing. That means that the customer has cleared all outstanding bills.
What Happens After Your Device Qualifies To Be Unlocked
US Cellular will automatically unlock your device once your device qualifies to be unlocked. You don’t need to apply or do anything to get your device unlocked.
But if your device doesn’t meet the unlock requirement and you meet the criteria for an exception, you can contact customer support to unlock your device.
US Cellular Didn’t Unlock Device After Meeting Unlock Requirements
As we mentioned earlier, the network will automatically unlock your device once it meets the unlock requirements. If your device has met all unlock requirements and US Cellular doesn’t unlock your device, it means there is something wrong with your account or device.
US Cellular may refuse to unlock your device if the said device is blacklisted. The network will blacklist a device for the following reasons:
. The device has unpaid contract bills or outstanding bills for several months.
. Devices reported as lost or stolen.
If you feel that your device doesn’t fall under the category of a blacklisted device, contact the US Cellular customer support team to know why your device was not unlocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Unlock A Device Locked To US Cellular Network?
You don’t have to pay any fee to unlock your device. As long as the device meets the unlock requirements provided on the network’s policy page. You can see a breakdown of these requirements in the earlier part of this post.
How Long Does US Cellular Lock Phones
Your phone has to be active for at least 120 days for it to qualify for the free unlock on the network.
How To Check If US Cellular Device Is Unlocked?
One quick way to check if your US Cellular device is unlocked is to try using a SIM card from another carrier on the device. If it works, it means your device has been unlocked. If it doesn’t work, it means the device is still locked to the network.
In Summary
So far, this post has outlined the requirements to unlock any device locked to the US Cellular network. Once your device meets the requirements, the network will unlock the device automatically.
Hi, I’m Ron D. Morgan. TECODY IS MY BRAINCHILD. I’ve worked in a tech startup in the last 7 years. I decided to branch out and start TECODY as a side project to provide tech troubleshooting tips for readers.
Got my two friends who are Nerd Heads too and here we are. The aim here is to provide readers with accurate info to help them resolve basic troubleshooting issues with Network and devices. You can always reach out to us via our Contact Us Page.