To bring your phone to REALLY it must be a carrier unlocked phone.
A carrier unlocked phone is a phone that isn’t tied to a specific carrier’s network.
To unlock your phone, you’ll most likely need to contact your current carrier so they can unlock it for you.
If you are financing your device through your carrier and it hasn’t been paid off, you will probably need to do that first.
How do I know if my phone is carrier unlocked?
If you’re on a prepaid or pay-as-you-go phone plan, you most likely have an unlocked phone. If you’re not, here’s how to check depending on your phone model:
iPhone:
Open the Settings app
Tap the General section
Select About
Scroll down until you see Carrier lock
If you see "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked. If you see something else in that section, your phone is carrier locked
Android:
Open the Settings app
Go to the Network & Internet, Connections, or a similarly labeled section
Select the Mobile network, Cellular network, or a similarly labeled section
Tap Advanced, Network operators, or a similarly labeled section
Toggle off the Select automatically, Choose network, or a similarly labeled section
If you see a list of carriers pop up when your phone searches for networks, your phone is unlocked. If you only see the name of your current carrier, your phone is carrier locked
How do I unlock my phone with another carrier?
Unlocking a phone isn’t difficult, you just need to contact your current carrier. You can usually do this via their website, calling customer service, or even visiting a physical store.
A rule of thumb for unlocked phones is:
The phone has been active for at least 60-90 days
The phone is fully paid off
Your account is in good standing
How do I unlock my phone on Verizon?
Phones purchased through Verizon are unlocked 60 days after the total payment for the phone is completed.
If you buy a phone from them outright, it will be unlocked 60 days later
If you’re on a phone payment plan, it will be unlocked 60 days after your final payment
If you buy your phone from an authorized Verizon retailer, it will be unlocked 60 days after activation
Want to confirm your 60 days are up?
Dial *611 from your Verizon device or call customer service at (800) 922-0204 to double-check.
How do I unlock my phone on AT&T?
Here’s how to unlock your phone on AT&T:
Go to AT&T’s unlock page and click submit an unlock request.
Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
This includes paying off your installment plan early (if you have one) and waiting 48 hours after your final payment to make the request.
Once you meet all the requirements, submit the form.
After that, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the unlock request number. Click on it within 24 hours to confirm your request.
You may have to request again if you miss the 24-hour window.
After two business days, AT&T will let you know that your phone has been unlocked.