Locked up and tired? Here are the keys to unlocking your phone from a provider

When your awkward wireless contract finally expires, it's not uncommon to shop around, look for more expensive options, and have your trusted smartphone. There is only one problem: your device may be "locked" to your old carrier, which means you will not be able to move your old device to a new provider.

However, if you can unlock your phone (the steps of this process vary from carrier to carrier) then you should not have to switch providers without purchasing a new device. Let's see how you can unlock the phone and free your device from your old service provider.

What is an unlocked phone?

Unlocking your phone means that you are removing the locks of any provider that prevents the device from working on rival networks. After you unlock the phone, you can bring it to any provider that works on a compatible network.

Is it illegal to unlock your phone?

If you hear whispers about unlocked phones and questionable legitimacy, it's illegal to return in January 2013. Fortunately for consumers, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) have agreed to this. Volunteer Industry Principles "To unlock wireless phones with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon Wireless.

The CTIA industry standards for unlocking phones are as follows:

Prepaid Unlocking Policy: Providers must complete prepaid device unlock requests within one year of initial activation.

Postpaid Unlocking Policy: Providers must unlock or provide the information they need to unlock their devices to current and former customers after the service agreement or device financing has ended or the initial closing fee has been paid.

Notice: Users who lock the device must be notified when their device is unlocked or when the device is unlocked automatically.

Response Time: Providers must unlock eligible devices within two working days of request.

Unlocking Employees: Providers must unlock military personnel equipment deployed in good standing.

Therefore, it is perfectly legal to unlock your wireless phone until providers follow the above principles.

How do I unlock my phone?

Every wireless provider actually has different standards, and you must follow the instructions to unlock your device.

You should also make sure that the provider you leave is using your new technology (CMDA or GSM). CMDA phones don't work on the GSM network, and vice versa, but if your device is compatible with both types of networks, you can use your phone with any carrier.

AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM networks, while Sprint and Verizon use CMDA. Therefore, you cannot use AT&T-compatible devices with Sprint Network. Unlocking a GSM device is often straightforward because you can use it on any GSM network after unlocking the phone.

On the other hand, unlocking and transferring CMDA phones is not easy. CMDA providers such as Verizon and Sprint have a dedicated database that manages what devices work on their network.

So, if you are changing your provider, you will need to get permission from your current provider to unlock your phone and get permission from your new one to use your phone on your network. CMDA providers do not allow your device to work on their network.

Find your provider in the list below to see carrier-specific guidelines on how to unlock the phone.

• How to unlock AT&T phone
• How To Unlock Sprint Phone
• How To Unlock T-Mobile Phone
• How to unlock Verizon phone

How to unlock AT&T phone

By the time you access your AT&T account or provider website, AT&T makes things much easier.

What do you need:

• Complete AT&T Device Unlock Request Form
• Your AT&T Account Information (Name, Phone Number, Account Number, Password)
• The IMEI number of your device
• To unlock your AT&T phone:
•  Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements specified for unlocking your device
• Complete and submit the Device Unlock Request Form
• Open the link in the confirmation email within 24 hours of receipt and note the unlock request number you have assigned
• The AT&T representative will contact you within two business days to confirm the status of your request.

How To Unlock Sprint Phone

For domestic unlock, you should contact Sprint Customer Care (855.639.4644). International and military locksmiths should contact Sprint Worldwide Care for assistance.

What do you need:

 Your Sprint Account Information (Name, Phone Number, Account Number, Password)

The IMEI number of your device

To Unlock Your Sprint Phone:

Check the sprint unlocking requirements and make sure your device can be unlocked domestically and / or internationally

Contact the appropriate Sprint customer service line and provide the specified account information

Remember, not all Sprint devices are eligible for SIM unlock, and most SIMs will automatically be unlocked once the unlock-enabled postpaid phone has been met. Sprint can provide MSL codes of phones that are ineligible for SIM unlock.

How To Unlock T-Mobile Phone

As a T-Mobile customer, you are limited to two unlocked devices per year, so make sure you switch providers you know. When you unlock your T-Mobile phone, what can you expect from it.

What you need:

•  A non-binding device
• Your T-Mobile Account Information (Name, Phone Number, Account Number, Password)
• The IMEI number of your device
• To unlock your T-Mobile phone:
•  To make sure you can get your unlock code, visit T-Mobile eligibility requirements
• Contact a T-Mobile representative and provide all the information you need to verify that you are an account holder on file
• Make a note of the unlock code from your representative
• Some supported devices include the T-Mobile Device Unlock app. Device Unlock is only available for Android devices and allows users to request and unlock their phones directly from the app.