The Ultimate Guide to U.S. Carrier Phone Unlocking Policies: A Comparative Analysis
Navigating phone unlocking policies across U.S. carriers can be complex. This guide provides a verified, step-by-step breakdown of unlocking rules for 9 major carriers, including physical and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). Learn about military exemptions, device compatibility, and legal rights to choose the best unlocking strategy for your needs.
Carrier Unlocking Policies at a Glance
| Carrier | Unlocking Eligibility | Wait Period | Military Exemption | Device Compatibility |
|---|
| Verizon | Automatically unlocked after 60 days (postpaid) or 60 days of active service (prepaid). | 60 days | Yes (deployment proof) | All devices (CDMA/LTE unlocked) |
| AT&T | Postpaid: 60 days. Prepaid: 6 months of active service. | 60 days–6 months | Yes (deployment orders) | GSM/HSPA+/LTE (no CDMA) |
| T-Mobile | Postpaid: 40 days. Prepaid: 1 year of active service. | 40 days–1 year | Yes (military orders) | GSM/LTE (no CDMA) |
| Sprint (T-Mobile) | Legacy Sprint devices: Fully paid off + 50 days active service. T-Mobile policy applies post-merger. | 50 days | Yes (deployment proof) | CDMA/LTE (varies by device) |
| US Mobile | Unlocked after 12 months of active service (Super LTE network). | 12 months | No | Verizon/T-Mobile compatible devices |
| Mint Mobile | Unlocked after 12 months of active service. | 12 months | No | T-Mobile GSM/LTE devices |
| Google Fi | Devices purchased from Fi: Unlocked immediately. Third-party devices: Follow OEM policy. | None | No | Multi-carrier (T-Mobile, US Cellular) |
| Xfinity Mobile | Postpaid: 60 days. Prepaid: 12 months of active service. | 60 days–12 months | Yes (military proof) | Verizon-compatible devices |
| Cricket Wireless | 6 months of active service. | 6 months | No | AT&T GSM/LTE devices |
Step-by-Step Unlocking Process by Carrier
Verizon
- Automatic Unlock: Devices unlock 60 days after activation.
- Military Exemption: Submit deployment orders via Verizon Military Support.
- Check Status: Dial
#832 or use the Device Unlock Portal.
AT&T
- Postpaid: Request unlock via AT&T Unlock Portal after 60 days.
- Prepaid: Submit request after 6 months of active service.
- Military: Email deployment orders to
[email protected] for expedited processing.
T-Mobile
- Postpaid: Unlock via T-Mobile Unlock App after 40 days.
- Prepaid: Call 611 after 365 days of service.
- Military: Submit orders through T-Mobile Military Verification.
Legacy Sprint Devices
- Ensure device is paid off.
- Request unlock via Sprint Unlock Portal after 50 days.
MVNOs: Special Considerations
- US Mobile/Mint Mobile: Submit unlock requests via customer support after meeting service terms.
- Google Fi: No unlock required for Fi-purchased devices. For third-party devices, contact the original carrier.
- Xfinity Mobile: Use Xfinity Unlock Tool after eligibility period.
Device Compatibility & Legal Rights
Compatibility Guide
- CDMA Networks (Verizon/Sprint): Requires devices with CDMA bands (e.g., iPhone 12+, Pixel 6+).
- GSM Networks (AT&T/T-Mobile): Most unlocked phones support GSM/LTE.
- 5G Compatibility: Check carrier-specific bands (e.g., Verizon’s mmWave vs. T-Mobile’s 600MHz).
Legal Protections
- CTIA Unlocking Commitment: Carriers must unlock devices if eligibility criteria are met (FCC Guidelines).
- Denied Unlock? File a complaint with the FCC or CFPB.
Military Exemptions: How to Apply
- Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile: Submit deployment orders via carrier-specific military support channels.
- Required Documents:
- Official deployment orders (DD Form 214 or PCS orders).
- Active-duty military ID.
- Expedited Processing: Unlocks typically granted within 24–48 hours.
Pro Tips for Seamless Unlocking
- Keep Records: Save payment receipts and service agreements.
- Test Before Switching: Insert a non-carrier SIM post-unlock to confirm status.
- Avoid Third-Party Unlocks: Risky and often violate carrier terms.
Final Note: Always verify policies directly with your carrier, as terms may change. For unresolved issues, consult the FCC’s Unlocking Resource Center.