Last Updated on August 8, 2023 by Ron D. Morgan
Do you know that you can unlock your T-Mobile device for free? T-Mobile will unlock any device that is eligible for unlocking. For a T-Mobile locked device to be eligible for unlocking, it has to meet the device unlock policy requirements.
T-Mobile has different unlock policies for devices with Prepaid and Postpaid plans.
The main requirement for unlocking a device on a prepaid plan is that the device has to be active on the T-Mobile network for at least 365 days. While devices on the Postpaid plan have to be active on the network for at least 40 days.
The duration the device has been active on the network is not the only requirement T-Mobile needs to unlock a device.
This post outlines all the other requirements your device needs to meet to get unlocked. That includes the requirements for both devices on the Prepaid and Postpaid plans. Check this post on T-Mobile Temporary Unlock.
T-Mobile Unlock Policy For Devices On Prepaid Plan
These are the requirements any device on the prepaid plan has to meet to qualify for free unlock on the network:
. The Device must be active on the T-Mobile network for at least 365 days.
. For devices that are active for less than 365 days, the prepaid account must have $100 paid for the period the device is active. Also, the purchase date for the device must be more than 14 days.
. Within the last 12 months, not more than 2 devices have been unlocked per line of service.
. You must show proof of purchase, preferably a product purchase receipt, and other personal information.
T-Mobile Unlock Policy For Devices On Postpaid Plan
Here is a breakdown of the unlock policy for devices on the T-Mobile postpaid plan.
. The Device must be active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days.
. The device must be paid in full if the device is financed or leased through T-Mobile.
. For a canceled account, the account balance must be zero.
T-Mobile General Unlock Requirements
In addition to the above, a device has to meet these general requirements to qualify for unlock on the T-Mobile network. These general requirements apply to devices on both prepaid and postpaid plans.
. The device must not be reported as stolen or lost
. No previous request must have been made to block the device without a follow-up request to unblock the device.
. The device must be one sold by T-Mobile.
. The account must be in good standing. This means that all bills are paid on or before the due date.
. No fraudulent activity must be linked to the device.
Exception To T-Mobile Unlock Policy
T-Mobile has an exception to its unlock rules. This means that the network will unlock a device without meeting the unlock requirements. T’-Mobile makes this exception for Deployed Military Personnel. Check below for a breakdown of the T-Mobile unlocking policy for Military Personnel.
T-Mobile Military Personnel Unlock Policy
The network makes an exception for Military personnel. This means that, if you fall under this category, T-Mobile will unlock your device without meeting the time active requirement. Here are the requirements to qualify for this:
. You must be a Deployed Military Personnel.
. The account must be in good standing. This means that all bills are paid on or before the due date.
. The device must not be reported as stolen or lost
. No fraudulent activity must be linked to the device.
Once you meet these requirements, contact the T-Mobile team to unlock your device. You will be required to upload a copy of your deployment papers as evidence.
What Happens After Your Device Meets The T-Mobile Unlock Requirements?
T-Mobile will automatically unlock your device remotely within two business days. If not, you will receive a notification from T-Mobile on the steps to take to unlock your device.
Manual Unlock Process For T-Mobile Locked iPhone
Once your iPhone meets the unlock requirement and it’s not been unlocked after 2 days, contact the T-Mobile support team. Dial 611 from your T-Mobile number or 1-800-937-8997 on any other number.
Request for your device to be unlocked. Wait for a couple of hours, then log into your T-Mobile account to confirm the device has been unlocked. Remove and Insert your T-Mobile SIM Card into the device to complete the process.
Manual Unlock Process For T-Mobile Locked Android Device
The process of unlocking an Android device will depend on the device’s make.
To unlock a Samsung device, go to Settings> Connections> More Connections> Settings> Network Unlock.
For LG devices, go to Settings> Network & Internet> Mobile Networks> Network Unlock> Continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Until T-Mobile Phones Are Unlocked?
T-Mobile will automatically unlock your device once it meets the unlock requirements. The network will complete the unlock process within two business days of the device meets the unlock requirement.
Can I Unlock My T-Mobile Phone Myself?
Yes. If your device does not qualify for the remote unlock, T-Mobile will send you details for you to unlock the device yourself. The manual unlock process depends on the device in question. Check above for the manual unlock process for the most popular devices.
Why Is My T-Mobile Device Not Eligible For Unlock?
Your T-Mobile device will not be eligible for unlocking until the device meets the requirements of the T-Mobile unlock policy. This post has outlined all the requirements for unlocking devices on both prepaid and postpaid plans.
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.