在当今时代，几乎所有手机都已解锁，这意味着您可以自由使用您选择的任何SIM卡。但是，以前并非如此，手机通常由 AT&T、Verizon、Sprint等网络运营商销售，并且他们的SIM卡已经安装在设备上。因此，如果您使用的是旧设备并想切换到不同的网络或购买二手手机，您需要确保它与您的新SIM卡兼容。与SIM(SIM)兼容的设备所有运营商的卡比一个运营商的手机更可取。值得庆幸的是，找到解锁的设备更为常见，即使它被锁定，您也可以轻松解锁。我们将在本文中详细讨论这一点。
什么是锁定电话？(What is a locked phone?)
在过去，几乎所有智能手机，无论是 iPhone 还是Android，都被锁定，这意味着您无法在其中使用任何其他运营商的SIM卡。AT&T、Verizon、T-Mobile、Sprint等(Sprint)大型(Big)运营商公司以补贴价格提供智能手机，前提是您愿意专门使用他们的服务。确保运营商公司锁定这些手机，以防止人们以补贴价格购买设备，然后切换到不同的运营商。除此之外，它还可以作为防盗的安全措施。购买手机时，如果您发现它已经有SIM 卡(SIM)安装或您必须与运营商签署某些付款计划，您的设备可能已被锁定。
为什么要购买无锁版手机？(Why should you buy an Unlocked phone?)
解锁手机具有明显的优势，因为您可以选择任何您喜欢的网络运营商。您不受任何一家特定承运公司的约束，并限制其服务。如果您觉得可以在其他地方以更经济的价格获得更好的服务，那么您可以随时更换运营商公司。只要您的设备兼容网络（例如连接5G/4G网络需要5G/4G兼容的设备），您可以切换到任何您喜欢的运营商公司。
哪里可以买到无锁版手机？(Where can you buy an Unlocked phone?)
如前所述，现在比以前更容易找到解锁的手机。Verizon销售的几乎所有智能手机都已解锁。Verizon允许您为其他网络运营商放置SIM卡。(SIM)您唯一需要确保的是该设备与您要连接的网络兼容。
除此之外，亚马逊(Amazon)、百思买(Best Buy)等其他第三方零售商仅销售解锁设备。即使这些设备一开始就被锁定，您也可以简单地要求他们解锁它，它几乎会立即完成。有一个软件可以阻止其他SIM卡连接到他们的网络。根据要求，运营商公司和移动零售商会删除此软件并解锁您的手机。
购买新设备时，请务必查看列表信息，您将能够确定设备是否被锁定。但是，如果您是直接从三星(Samsung)或摩托罗拉(Motorola)等制造商处购买设备，那么您可以放心，这些手机已经解锁。如果您仍然不确定您的设备是否已解锁，那么有一种简单的方法可以检查它。我们将在下一节讨论这个问题。
如何查看手机是否解锁？(How to check whether your phone is unlocked or not?)
有两种方法可以检查您的手机是否已解锁。第一种也是最简单的方法是检查设备设置。下一个替代方法是插入不同的SIM卡，看看它是否有效。让我们详细讨论这两种方法。
方法一：从设备设置检查(Method 1: Check from device setting)
1.您需要做的第一件事是在您的设备上打开设置。(Settings)
2. 现在点击无线和网络(Wireless and Networks)选项。
3. 之后，选择移动网络选项。(mobile network option.)
4. 在这里，点击运营商选项。( Carrier option.)
5. 现在，关闭( toggle off the switch)自动设置旁边的开关。
6.您的设备现在将搜索所有可用网络。(Your device will now search for all available networks.)
7. 如果搜索结果显示多个网络，则表示您的设备很可能已解锁。( your device is most probably unlocked.)
8. 为确保，请尝试连接其中任何一个并拨打电话。
9. 但是，如果它只显示一个可用网络，(one available network,)那么您的设备很可能已被锁定。( your device is most probably locked.)
这种方法虽然相当有效，但并非万无一失。使用此测试后无法绝对确定。因此，我们建议您选择我们将在此之后讨论的下一个方法。
方法 2：使用其他运营商的 SIM 卡(Method 2: Use a SIM card from a Different Carrier)
这是检查您的设备是否已解锁的最明确方法。如果您有来自其他运营商的预先激活的预置SIM 卡(provisoned SIM card)，那就太好了，尽管全新的SIM卡也可以使用。这是因为，当您在设备中插入新 SIM 卡时，无论(you insert a new SIM in your device)SIM卡的状态如何，它都应该尝试查找网络连接。如果它不这样做并要求提供SIM 解锁码，( SIM unlock code,)则意味着您的设备已被锁定。请按照以下步骤确保您的设备已解锁：
1.首先，检查手机是否可以连接网络并拨打电话。使用您现有的SIM卡拨打电话，然后查看电话是否接通。如果是这样，那么该设备工作正常。
2. 之后，关闭手机(switch off your mobile)并小心取出SIM卡。根据设计和构造，您可以使用SIM卡托盘弹出工具或简单地卸下后盖和电池来完成此操作。
3. 现在将新的 SIM 卡插入(insert the new SIM card)您的设备并重新打开。
4. 当您的手机重启后，您首先看到的是一个弹出对话框，要求您输入SIM 卡解锁码(SIM unlock code)，这意味着您的设备已被锁定。
5. 另一种情况是正常启动时，您可以看到运营商名称已更改，并且显示网络可用（所有条可见）。这表明您的设备已解锁。(This indicates that your device is unlocked.)
6. 为确保这一点，请尝试使用您的新SIM卡呼叫某人。如果电话接通，那么您的手机肯定是解锁的。
7. 但是，有时电话没有接通，您会收到一条预先录制的消息，或者屏幕上会弹出一个错误代码。在这种情况下，请务必记下错误代码或消息，然后在线搜索以查看其含义。
8. 您的设备可能与您尝试连接的网络不兼容。这与您的设备被锁定或解锁无关。因此，在检查导致错误的原因之前不要惊慌。
方法 3：替代方法(Method 3: Alternative Methods)
您可以在没有任何外部帮助的情况下执行上述方法。但是，如果您仍然感到困惑或没有额外的SIM卡可供自己测试，您可以随时寻求帮助。您可以做的第一件事是致电您的网络服务提供商并询问他们。他们会要求您提供设备的IMEI号码。您只需在拨号器上键入 *#06# 即可找到它。一旦你给他们你的IMEI号码，他们就可以检查并判断你的设备是否被锁定。
另一种选择是去最近的运营商商店，让他们为您检查。您可以告诉他们您打算更换运营商并想检查设备是否已解锁。他们总会有一张备用SIM卡为您检查。即使您发现您的设备已被锁定，也不必担心。鉴于您满足某些条件，您可以很容易地解锁它。我们将在下一节详细讨论这一点。
另请阅读：(Also Read:) 在没有 SIM 卡或电话号码的情况下使用 WhatsApp 的 3 种方法(3 Ways to use WhatsApp without Sim or Phone Number)
如何解锁手机(How to Unlock your Phone)
如前所述，当您签署在固定时间内使用特定运营商的协议时，可以以补贴费率获得锁定电话。这可能是六个月、一年或更长时间。此外，大多数人根据每月分期付款计划购买锁定手机。因此，只要您不支付所有分期付款，从技术上讲，您仍然没有完全拥有该设备。因此，每家销售手机的运营商公司都有特定的条件条款，您需要在解锁设备之前满足这些条款。一旦完成，每个运营商都必须解锁您的设备，然后您可以根据需要自由切换网络。
AT&T 解锁政策(AT&T unlock policy)
在向 AT&T 请求设备解锁之前，需要满足以下要求：
- 首先，您的设备的IMEI号码不应被报告为丢失或被盗。
- 你已经付清了所有的分期付款和会费。
- 您的设备上没有其他活动帐户。
- 您已使用 AT&T 服务至少 60 天，并且您的计划中没有未结费用。
如果您的设备和帐户符合所有这些条件和要求，那么您可以提出手机解锁请求。为此：
- 登录https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/并点击解锁(Unlock)您的设备选项。
- 通过资格要求并同意已履行条款，然后提交表格。
- 解锁请求编号将在您的电子邮件中发送给您。点击发送到您电子邮件的确认链接以启动解锁设备的过程。确保(Make)在 24 小时之前打开您的收件箱并完成，否则您将不得不再次填写表格。
- 您将在两个工作日内收到 AT&T 的回复。如果您的请求获得批准，您将收到有关如何解锁手机和插入新SIM卡的详细说明。
Verizon 解锁政策(Verizon unlock policy)
Verizon有一个非常简单明了的解锁策略；只需使用他们的服务 60 天，然后您的设备将自动解锁。Verizon在激活或购买后有 60 天的锁定期。但是，如果您最近从Verizon购买了您的设备，它可能已经解锁，您甚至不必等待 60 天。
冲刺解锁政策(Sprint Unlock policy)
Sprint还会在满足某些条件后自动解锁您的手机。这些要求如下所列：
- 您的设备必须具有SIM解锁功能。
- 您设备的IMEI号码不应被报告为丢失或被盗或涉嫌参与欺诈活动。
- 合同中提到的所有付款和分期付款均已支付。
- 您需要使用他们的服务至少 50 天。
- 您的帐户必须信誉良好。
T-Mobile 解锁政策(T-Mobile Unlock policy)
如果您使用的是 T-Mobile，您可以联系T-Mobile 客户服务(T-Mobile Customer Service)以请求解锁代码和解锁设备的说明。但是，要做到这一点，您需要满足某些资格标准。这些要求如下所列：
- 首先，设备应注册到T-Mobile网络。
- 不得报告您的手机丢失或被盗或参与任何类型的非法活动。
- 它不应该被T-Mobile阻止。
- 您的帐户必须信誉良好。
- 在请求SIM(SIM)解锁码之前，您必须使用他们的服务至少 40 天。
直言不讳解锁政策(Straight Talk Unlock policy)
Straight Talk有一个相对广泛的要求来解锁您的设备。如果您满足以下条件，则可以联系客服(Customer)热线获取解锁码：
- 您设备的IMEI号码不应被报告为丢失、被盗或涉嫌欺诈活动。
- 您的设备必须支持来自其他网络的SIM卡，即能够解锁。
- 您必须使用他们的服务至少 12 个月。
- 您的帐户必须信誉良好。
- 如果您不是 Straight Talk 客户，则需要支付额外费用才能解锁您的设备。
板球电话解锁政策(Cricket Phone Unlock policy)
申请板球电话(Cricket Phone)解锁的先决条件如下：
- 该设备应注册并锁定到 Cricket 的网络。
- 不得报告您的手机丢失或被盗或参与任何类型的非法活动。
- 您必须使用他们的服务至少 6 个月。
如果您的设备和帐户满足这些要求，那么您可以在他们的网站上提交解锁手机的请求，或者直接联系客户(Customer)支持中心。
受到推崇的：(Recommended:)
至此，我们到了本文的结尾。我们希望您发现此信息有用。如今，解锁手机已成为新常态。没有人愿意只限于一个运营商，理想情况下，没有人应该这样做。每个人都应该可以根据自己的意愿自由切换网络。因此，最好确保您的设备已解锁。您唯一需要注意的是您的设备与新SIM卡兼容。某些设备的设计方式使其最适合特定载波的频率。因此，请确保在切换到其他运营商之前进行适当的研究。
How do I know if my phone is unlocked?
In the present times, almost all mobile phonеs are already unlocked, meaning you are free to use any SIM card оf yoυr choicе. However, this was not the case prevіously, mobile phones were usually sold by network сarriers like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc. and theу had their SIM card already installed on thе device. Therefore, іf уou are using an old device and want to switch tо a different network or purсhase a used mobile, you need to make sure that it is compatible with your new SIM card. A device that is сompatible with SIM cards of аll carriers is more preferable than a one-carrier mobile. Thаnkfully, it is much more common to find an unlocked devіce, and even if it is lоcked, you can get it unlockеd easily. We are going to discuss this in detail in this article.
What is a locked phone?
In the old times, almost every smartphone, be it an iPhone or Android, was locked, meaning that you couldn’t use any other carrier’s SIM card in it. Big carrier companies like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc. offered smartphones at subsidized rates provided that you are willing to use their service exclusively. To ensure that carrier companies lock these mobile phones to prevent people from purchasing a device at subsidized rates and then switching to a different carrier. Apart from that, it also acts as a security measure against theft. While purchasing a phone, if you find out that it already has a SIM installed or that you have to sign up to some payment plan with a carrier company, the chances are that your device is locked.
Why should you buy an Unlocked phone?
An unlocked phone has an obvious advantage because you can choose any network carrier that you like. You are not bound to any one particular carrier company and comprise the limitations in their service. If you feel that you can get a better service elsewhere for a more economical price, then you are free to switch carrier companies at any point in time. As long as your device is compatible with the network (for example, connecting to a 5G/4G network requires a 5G/4G compatible device), you can switch to any carrier company that you like.
Where can you buy an Unlocked phone?
As mentioned earlier, it is comparatively easier to find an unlocked phone now than earlier. Almost all smartphones sold by Verizon are already unlocked. Verizon allows you to put SIM cards for other network carriers. The only thing you need to make sure is that the device is compatible with the network you wish to connect to.
Apart from that other third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, etc. sell unlocked devices only. Even if these devices were locked in the first place, you could simply ask them to unlock it, and it will be done almost immediately. There is a software that prevents other SIM cards from connecting to their network. Upon request, carrier companies and mobile retailers remove this software and unlock your mobile.
While purchasing a new device, make sure to check the listing information, and you will be able to make out whether or not a device is locked or not. However, if you are buying a device directly from a manufacturer like Samsung or Motorola, then you can rest assured that these mobile phones are already unlocked. If you are still unsure whether your device is unlocked, then there is a simple way to check it. We will discuss this in the next section.
How to check whether your phone is unlocked or not?
There are two ways in which you can check whether your phone is unlocked or not. The first and the simplest way to do that is by checking the device settings. The next alternative is to insert a different SIM card and see if it works. Let’s discuss both these methods in detail.
Method 1: Check from device setting
1. The first thing that you need to do is open Settings on your device.
2. Now tap on the Wireless and Networks option.
3. After that, select the mobile network option.
4. Here, tap on the Carrier option.
5. Now, toggle off the switch next to the Automatic setting.
6. Your device will now search for all available networks.
7. If the search results show multiple networks then it means that your device is most probably unlocked.
8. To make sure, try connecting to any one of them and make a call.
9. However, if it shows just one available network, then your device is most probably locked.
This method although quite effective, is not foolproof. It is not possible to be absolutely sure after using this test. Therefore, we would suggest you opt for the next method we’re going to discuss after this.
Method 2: Use a SIM card from a Different Carrier
This is the most definite way to check whether your device is unlocked or not. If you have a pre-activated provisoned SIM card from some other carrier, then it is great, although a brand-new SIM card also works. This is because, the moment you insert a new SIM in your device, it should try to find a network connection irrespective of the SIM card’s status. If it does not do that and asks for a SIM unlock code, then it would mean that your device is locked. Follow the steps given below to make sure that your device is unlocked:
1. Firstly, check that the mobile phone can connect to a network and make a phone call. Using your existing SIM card, make a phone call, and see if the call gets connected. If it does, then the device is working perfectly.
2. After that, switch off your mobile and carefully extract your SIM card. Depending on the design and build, you can do that by either using the SIM card tray ejector tool or by simply removing the back cover and battery.
3. Now insert the new SIM card in your device and turn it back on.
4. When your phone restarts and the first thing that you see is a pop-up dialog box requesting you to enter a SIM unlock code, it means that your device is locked.
5. The other scenario is when it starts normally, and you can that the carrier’s name has changed, and it shows the network is available (indicated by all bars visible). This indicates that your device is unlocked.
6. To make sure, try calling someone using your new SIM card. If the call gets connected, then your mobile phone is definitely unlocked.
7. However, sometimes the call does not get connected, and you receive a pre-recorded message, or an error-code pops up on your screen. In this situation, make sure to note the error code or message and then search online to see what it means.
8. It is possible that your device is not compatible with the network you are trying to connect to. This has nothing to do with your device being locked or unlocked. Therefore, do not panic before checking what caused the error.
Method 3: Alternative Methods
You can perform the above-mentioned methods without any external help. However, if you are still confused or do not have an extra SIM card to test for yourself, you can always seek help. The first thing that you can do is call your network service provider and ask them about it. They will ask you to provide the IMEI number of your device. You can find it out by simply typing *#06# on your dialer. Once you give them your IMEI number, they can check and tell whether or not your device is locked.
The other alternative is to go down to the nearest carrier store and ask them to check it for you. You can tell them that you are planning to switch carriers and would like to check if the device is unlocked or not. They will always have a spare SIM card to check it out for you. Even if you find out that your device is locked, then do not worry. You can get it unlocked pretty easily, given that you fulfill certain conditions. We will discuss this in detail in the next section.
Also Read: 3 Ways to use WhatsApp without Sim or Phone Number
How to Unlock your Phone
As mentioned earlier, locked phones are available at subsidized rates as you sign an agreement to use a particular carrier for a fixed amount of time. This could be six months, a year, or more. Also, most people purchase locked phones under a monthly installment plan. So as long as you do not pay off all the installments, technically, you still don’t own the device completely. Therefore, every carrier company that sells mobile phones has particular terms of conditions that you need to fulfill before getting your device unlocked. Once fulfilled, every carrier company is bound to unlock your device, and then you will be free to switch networks if you want.
AT&T unlock policy
The following requirements need to be fulfilled before requesting a device unlock from AT&T:
- Firstly, the IMEI number of your device should not be reported as lost or stolen.
- You have already paid off all the installments and dues.
- There is no other active account on your device.
- You have used AT&T service for at least 60 days, and there are no pending dues from your plan.
If your device and account comply with all these conditions and requirements, then you can put forward a phone unlock request. To do so:
- Log on to https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/ and tap on the Unlock your device option.
- Go through the eligibility requirements and agree to have fulfilled the terms and then submit the form.
- The unlock request number will be sent to you in your email. Tap on the confirmation link sent to your email to set in motion the process of unlocking your device. Make sure to open your inbox and do that before 24 hours, or else you’ll have to fill in the form again.
- You will receive a response from AT&T within two business days. If your request is approved, you will receive detailed instructions on how to unlock your phone and insert a new SIM card.
Verizon unlock policy
Verizon has a pretty simple and straightforward unlock policy; just use their service for 60 days, and then your device will automatically be unlocked. Verizon has a lock-in period of 60 days post activation or purchase. However, if you have recently purchased your device from Verizon, it is probably already unlocked, and you don’t even have to wait for 60 days.
Sprint Unlock policy
Sprint also automatically unlocks your phone upon the fulfillment of certain criteria. These requirements are listed below:
- Your device must have a SIM unlock capability.
- Your device’s IMEI number should not be reported as lost or stolen or be suspected to be involved in fraudulent activities.
- All the payments and installments mentioned in the contract have been made.
- You need to use their services for at least 50 days.
- Your account must be in good standing.
T-Mobile Unlock policy
If you are using a T-Mobile, you can contact the T-Mobile Customer Service to request an unlock code and the instruction to unlock your device. However, to do that, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. These requirements are listed below:
- Firstly, the device should be registered to the T-Mobile network.
- Your mobile must not be reported as lost or stolen or involved in any kind of illegal activity.
- It should not be blocked by T-Mobile.
- Your account must be in good standing.
- You must use their services for at least 40 days before requesting the SIM unlock code.
Straight Talk Unlock policy
Straight Talk has a comparatively extensive list of requirements for getting your device unlocked. If you fulfill the following conditions, then you can contact the Customer service helpline for an unlock code:
- Your device’s IMEI number should not be reported as lost, stolen, or suspected of fraudulent activities.
- Your device must support SIM cards from other networks, i.e., capable of being unlocked.
- You must be using their service for at least 12 months.
- Your account must be in good standing.
- If you are not a Straight Talk customer, then you need to pay an additional fee to get your device unlocked.
Cricket Phone Unlock policy
The pre-requisites to apply for an unlock for a Cricket Phone are as follows:
- The device should be registered and locked to Cricket’s network.
- Your mobile must not be reported as lost or stolen or involved in any kind of illegal activity.
- You must use their services for at least 6 months.
If your device and account fulfill these requirements, then you can submit a request to unlock your phone on their website or simply contact the Customer support center.
Recommended:
With that, we come to the end of this article. We hope that you find this information useful. Unlocked phones are the new normal these days. No one wants to stay restricted to just one carrier, and ideally, no one should. Everyone should have the freedom to switch networks as and when they wish to. Therefore, it is best to make sure that your device is unlocked. The only thing you need to be careful about is that your device is compatible with the new SIM card. Some devices are designed in a way that they work best with the frequencies of a particular carrier. Therefore, make sure that you research properly before switching to a different carrier.
