Last Updated on December 13, 2022 by Ron D. Morgan
Most Total Wireless devices are locked to the network. This means that you can’t use the device on another network until you unlock the device. Customers can request for Total Wireless to unlock a device once it meets the device unlocking policy requirements.
One of the main requirements for unlocking a Total Wireless device is that the device must be active for at least 12 months, with an active service plan for the period.
This post outlines all the requirements listed in the Total Wireless unlock policy to enable you to unlock your device. It also explains the process of unlocking any Total Wireless locked device that meets the unlock requirements.
Understanding the Total Wireless Unlock Policy
The Total Wireless unlock policy provides the requirements your device must meet for it to be eligible for a free unlock. Below is a breakdown of the policy:
. The device has to be active for at least 12 months. Also, this device must have an active service plan running for those 12 months.
. The device must be activated on the Total Wireless network after February 11th, 2015.
. It must be a device launched on the Total Wireless service after February 11th, 2014. This means that the network may not unlock any device launched or produced before the said date.
. The device must be in good standing for the duration it’s been activated. In other words, bills are paid consistently on or before the bill due date.
. No report of fraudulent activities linked to the device. Also, the device must not have been reported as lost or stolen at any point.
. Finally, the device has to be in good working condition, with no faults.
Total Wireless NEW Unlock Policy
Total Wireless reviewed its unlock policy in 2021. The network added some requirements to make the unlock process easy. Below are the provisions of the new Total Wireless unlocking policy:
. Devices activated before November 23, 2021, have to be activated for 12 months with active service to qualify for unlocking.
. Devices activated on or after November 23, 2021, have to be activated for just 60 days to qualify for unlocking.
Total Wireless Unlock Policy Exceptions
If you want to know if Total Wireless can unlock your device without meeting the unlock requirements, the answer is YES. The network makes an exception for military personnel who have been deployed. Continue below to know the requirements for this exception.
Total Wireless Unlock Policy For Military Personnel
As mentioned earlier, Total Wireless makes an exception for military personnel. This means that the network will unlock your device without being active for 12 months. But the device has to meet other requirements:
. The military personnel must be deployed. You will be asked to show a copy of your deployment documents as evidence.
. The device must be in good standing for the duration it’s been activated. That means that all bills are paid consistently on or before the bill due date.
. No report of fraudulent activities linked to the device. Also, the device must not have been reported as lost or stolen at any point.
What Happens After Device Meets The Total Wireless Unlock Policy
Some carriers will unlock your device automatically once it meets the unlock requirements. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works for the Total Wireless network.
When your device meets the unlock requirement, you must apply to the network to unlock your device. Total Wireless won’t unlock your device until you place a request to unlock it.
The exception to this is iPhone devices. The network will automatically unlock any IOS device that meets the unlock requirements.
How To Unlock Total Wireless Device
Once you confirm that your device has met the unlock requirements outlined earlier, follow the steps below to unlock your device:
a. Get Your Details
Before you contact Total Wireless to unlock your device, you need to have some details handy. The details include your device’s IMEI number and personal details connected to your Total Wireless account. You can find your device’s IMEI number by dialing *#06#.
b. Contact Total Wireless Customer Support
The next step is to contact Total Wireless customer support at 1-888-442-5102. The customer support person will ask for some details to confirm the account ownership. After that, you will receive the unlock code as a text to your number.
c. Unlock Device
Copy down the unlock code you received as a text. After that, remove the Total Wireless SIM card and insert another network’s SIM card. You will see a prompt to enter the unlock code. Enter the unlock code you copied down earlier and click to continue. This will automatically unlock your device.
How Much Does It Cost To Unlock Total Wireless Locked Device
It is free to unlock a Total Wireless locked device on the network as long as the device meets the unlock requirements. You can apply to the network to unlock the device for free.
What If Total Wireless Can’t Unlock Your Device
There are some instances where the network may not be able to unlock your device. An instance, if your device is launched before February 2014.
According to the information on their site, Total Wireless provides that the network will provide a partial refund to serve as a down payment for a new device. Note that terms and conditions apply.
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.