Unlock your mobile wireless device

Learn how to unlock your wireless mobile device for use on other carriers (formerly SIM Unlock).

We're committed to providing you with clear information about how to unlock your mobile wireless phones, tablets and mobile internet devices for use across different mobile carriers. Most mobile devices are programmed to prevent the device from operating with another wireless carriers network without first obtaining an unlock code.

Device compatibility

It's important to understand that mobile carriers typically use different frequencies and technology to provide wireless network access. This means that not all phones, tablets and mobile internet devices are compatible between every mobile carrier – for more information about compatibility with T-Mobile’s network please check Bring Your Own Device. Even if your phones, tablets or mobile internet device is compatible between carriers, some functionality of your device may not operate the same on a different mobile carrier’s network. Please carefully review your device functionality with any new carriers’ network to make sure that the services are operating as expected.

In order to obtain an unlock code for your mobile wireless phones, tablets or mobile internet device you need to contact the mobile carrier or manufacturer who sold you the device. The original carrier or manufacturer can provide you with instructions and specific information on how to unlock the device for use with another mobile carrier. If you purchased your device from T-Mobile or if you have a T-Mobile authorized device please follow the steps outlined below to determine your eligibility to receive an unlocking code for your device.

Unlock requirements

We provide mobile device unlock codes free of charge within two business days (or provides further information about timing) for eligible devices.

Device eligibility is determined as follows:

• The device must be a T-Mobile device.
• The device must not be reported as lost, stolen or blocked to T-Mobile.
• The account associated with the device must not be cancelled and is in good standing.
• You have requested no more than 2 mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
• The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Pay in Advance (Prepaid) Unlocking terms outlined below.
• T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.

Unlock eligibility for monthly phones, tablets, and mobile internet devices

• The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
• If the device is financed using T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP)or if it's leased through JUMP! On Demand™, all payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
• If the device is on an account that is under a service contract term, at least 18 consecutive monthly payments must have been made or the account has migrated to Simple Choice no contract rate plan.
• If the device is associated with a canceled account, the account balance must be zero, including all pending charges

Unlock eligibility for Pay in Advance (Prepaid) phones, tablets, and mobile internet devices

• The device has been active on the T-Mobile network for more than 1 year on the requesting line.
• If the device has been active for less than 1 year on the requesting line, the Pay in Advance account associated with the device must have had more than $25 in refills for basic phones or $100 in refills for smartphones or tablet since device first use date. $100 in total refills is required for each device that is requested to be unlocked.

Military and other exceptions: Deployed military personnel who are customers in good standing are eligible to have their devices unlocked upon provision of deployment papers. Exceptions to some or all requirements may apply in other circumstances for Business and Government Accounts. Please contact us for more details.

Request an unlock

If your device meets the eligibility requirements, use the Mobile Device Unlock app to unlock your device. If your device is not supported, contact us to request an unlock code, and steps to unlock your device. Keep in mind, this policy is subject to T-Mobile’s Terms and Conditions of service and may change without notice. T-Mobile may deny any request for a mobile device unlock code at our sole discretion if the request is an effort to defraud the company.

Related pages

Bring Your Own Device

Mobile Device Unlock App

Upgrade your device

Upgrade FAQs