A phone that's locked to another carrier won't accept Flex Mobile service, so it's worth checking before you activate. Here's how to find out on any phone.
On iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Scroll to Carrier Lock. If it reads No SIM restrictions, your phone is unlocked and ready for Flex Mobile. Anything else means the phone is still locked.
On Android
Android doesn't show lock status in one consistent place, so the reliable check is to try another carrier's SIM card.
- Turn off your phone and insert a SIM card from a different carrier.
- Turn your phone back on.
- If the phone connects and shows signal, it's unlocked. If it shows a message asking for an unlock code or says the SIM isn't supported, the phone is locked.
If you don't have another SIM to try
Call your current carrier with your IMEI ready, the 15 digit number that identifies your phone, and ask whether the device is unlocked. They can tell you in a minute, and they're the only ones who can unlock it.
If your phone is locked
Most carriers will unlock a phone once it's fully paid off and has been active for a set period. See the guide on unlocking your phone for what each carrier requires.