Is the T-Mobile iPhone unlocked? (all you must know)
Are you considering buying a T-Mobile iPhone and wondering if they are unlocked so you can switch to a different carrier?
Well, I’ve been researching this topic and found a lot of useful information to answer this question and more, so keep reading to find out what I’ve found!
Will T-Mobile iPhones unlock in 2022?
T-mobile iPhone is not unlocked and will remain locked to prevent you from switching to another wireless carrier for a period of time. However, you can unlock your iPhone after meeting all the eligibility requirements set by T-Mobile, which will be done automatically after your iPhone becomes eligible in 2022.
Do you want to learn more about the T-Mobile iPhone unlocking process or have other questions? If so, read on for more facts below!
How do I unlock my T-Mobile iPhone?
You cannot unlock your T-Mobile iPhone yourself, you must wait until all T-Mobile device unlocking requirements are met before your iPhone will automatically unlock.
Additionally, specific criteria that T-Mobile requires you to meet before unlocking your iPhone includes:
- T-Mobile account in good standing
- Devices cannot be reported stolen, lost or blocked
- You must have the device connected to the T-Mobile network for 40 days
- Your equipment must be paid off in full
- If the phone is part of a cancelled account, the account balance must be cleared to zero
- Your device must be sold by T-Mobile
Also, some iPhones don’t automatically unlock through T-Mobile, which means you’ll get a device notification within 48 hours of the device being eligible for unlocking.
Note that you must follow the steps outlined in this automatic notification to unlock your device.
What is T-Mobile’s iPhone unlock policy on prepaid plans?
T-Mobile has a separate unlocking policy for prepaid plans, so if your iPhone is on a prepaid plan, you will be eligible for device unlocking if you meet the following requirements:
- The iPhone must have been activated on the T-Mobile network for at least 365 days, or you have spent more than $100 on a recharge and it has been more than 14 days since the device was activated
- No more than two devices per line unlocked within 12 months
- Any additional information required by T-Mobile must be submitted before the device can be unlocked
Are there any exceptions to the T-Mobile iPhone unlock policy?
T-Mobile does include exceptions to the device unlocking policy, such as actively deployed military personnel. However, you will need to contact T-Mobile for more information.
For example, if the coverage is not at your location, you may have to submit documents showing your deployment in order to unlock your iPhone from T-Mobile as soon as possible.
How to check if a T-Mobile iPhone can be unlocked?
All you need to do is log into your T-Mobile account to see if your iPhone can be unlocked and the device’s locked status, so you can check quickly and easily anytime, anywhere!
How long does it take to unlock a T-Mobile iPhone?
Once your iPhone meets the eligibility requirements set by T-Mobile, it only takes two business days for your iPhone to unlock.
However, if the iPhone cannot be unlocked remotely, you will receive a notification within two days that you need to take additional steps to unlock it.
Can ATT unlock a T-Mobile iPhone?
AT&T can’t unlock T-Mobile iPhones because it’s the only company that can unlock phones purchased from T-Mobile, including T-Mobile’s MVNO.
So if you’re planning to switch carriers from T-Mobile, you’ll have to contact T-Mobile to unlock your phone (if it’s eligible) before switching carriers.
Are Best Buy T-Mobile iPhones unlocked?
Best Buy T-Mobile iPhones will be unlocked because Best Buy is an authorized Apple retailer, not T-Mobile.
Additionally, the T-Mobile unlock policy only applies to phones purchased from T-Mobile itself, not retail stores.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether T-Mobile limits data, whether T-Mobile phones have a SIM card, and how T-Mobile hotspots work.
in conclusion
T-Mobile iPhone will not unlock until you meet the eligibility requirements for device unlocking, which includes the device being paid for and your account in good standing.
However, if you buy your iPhone from another retailer, the device will be unlocked because it’s an Apple Authorized Retailer. Also, in some cases, you can bypass the T-Mobile iPhone lock policy (ie, if you’re deployed from the military).
