Only the carrier that sold your phone can unlock it. Flex Mobile can't do it for you, but the process is usually quick once you meet the carrier's conditions. Here's what to expect and where to go.
What most carriers require before they'll unlock
- The phone is fully paid off, with no remaining installment balance.
- The account is in good standing, with no past due balance.
- The line has been active for a minimum period, often 60 days.
- The phone hasn't been reported lost or stolen.
How to request the unlock
- Find your IMEI, the 15 digit number that identifies your phone. You'll need it for the request.
- Go to your carrier's unlock page or contact them directly, using the list below.
- Submit the request with your IMEI and account details.
- Wait for confirmation. Most carriers reply within two business days, and some unlock immediately.
AT&T
Postpaid devices need 60 days of active service, prepaid devices need six months of paid service, and any installment plan has to be paid off. Use the AT&T Device Unlock Portal and select Unlock your device, or call 1-800-331-0500, or dial 611 from an AT&T phone. A confirmation email arrives with the instructions.
Verizon
Verizon devices, postpaid and prepaid, unlock automatically 60 days after purchase or activation, as long as the phone hasn't been reported lost or stolen. If yours hasn't unlocked, call 1-800-922-0204 with your account details and IMEI.
Cricket Wireless
Have your Cricket account number and your 4 digit PIN ready, which Cricket sometimes calls the Authorization ID. Call 1-800-274-2538 and ask to unlock the device.
Boost Mobile
Boost requires 12 months of active service on the device. Call 1-833-502-6678 with your account details and IMEI.
Mint Mobile
Mint requires 12 months of active service. Fill in the unlock request form in the Mint Mobile Help Center with your account information and IMEI, or call 213-372-7777. Instructions arrive by email.
If you're in the military
AT&T, Verizon and Mint all waive their minimum service requirements for military personnel with deployment documentation. Mention it when you contact them.
Once your phone is unlocked
Restart the phone, then run the lock check again. When Carrier Lock reads No SIM restrictions on iPhone, or another carrier's SIM connects on Android, you're ready to activate Flex Mobile.
If your carrier won't unlock it
They'll have a reason: an unpaid installment balance, an account that isn't in good standing, or a device reported lost. Ask them which one applies, clear it, then ask again. Flex Mobile can't unlock a phone on your behalf.