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Learn how to unlock AT&T phones or devices

Review the AT&T unlock policies for your account and device. Then, find out how to submit an unlock request or check the status of an existing request.

AT&T Wireless

Eligible Apple and Google devices active on an AT&T WirelessTM account should unlock automatically. Apple Watch is unlocked by default.

Unlock requirements

The following criteria must be met to unlock an AT&T device.

  • Device bought 60+ days ago: You purchased your AT&T Wireless device more than 60 days ago. It isn’t active on another AT&T account.
  • Device paid in full: You paid for your device in full at purchase or paid it off through an installment plan. Your installment balance must be zero before unlocking.
  • Device not reported lost or stolen: Your device hasn’t been reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraud.
  • Account is current: If you’re a current AT&T customer, your bill can’t be past due. Sign in to your account to make a payment.

FYI: Don't have an account with AT&T? You can still unlock an AT&T device once it meets all requirements.

Check if your AT&T Wireless device is already unlocked

If you’re an AT&T Wireless customer, sign in to your myAT&T account overview and look for your individual device. If your device is unlocked, it will say Device unlocked under the device’s wireless number.

Have an iPhone? You can check in your settings. Open Settings, then select General and About. Scroll to Carrier Lock. If it says:

AT&T Business

The following criteria must be met to unlock an AT&T device:

  • Device bought 60+ days ago: You purchased your AT&T Business device more than 60 days ago. It isn’t active on another AT&T account.
  • Device paid in full: You paid for your device in full at purchase or paid it off through an installment plan. Your installment balance must be zero before unlocking.
  • Device not reported lost or stolen: Your device hasn’t been reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraud.
  • Device must be permitted to be unlocked by controlling company.
  • Device must have a completed contract or term agreement (if applicable).
  • Account is current: If you’re a current AT&T Business customer, your bill can’t be past due. Sign in to your account to make a payment.

Good to know: You must wait for 30 days to unlock a device that was on a two-year contract and was upgraded early.

FYI: Don't have an AT&T Business account? You can still unlock an AT&T Business device once it meets all requirements.

Check if your AT&T Business device is already unlocked

If you’re an AT&T Business customer, sign in to your myAT&T account overview and look for your individual device. If your device is unlocked, it will say Device unlocked under the device’s wireless number.

Have an iPhone? You can check in your settings. Open Settings, then select General and About. Scroll to Carrier Lock. If it says:

If you checked your device’s unlock status and it’s locked, or you can’t determine its status, you can submit an unlock request. Just enter your info and follow all the prompts.

Submit unlock request

AT&T Prepaid

An AT&T Prepaid® device can be unlocked if it:

  • Has six months of paid AT&T service
  • Isn’t active on another AT&T account
  • Isn’t reported as lost, stolen, or involved with fraud

Check if your AT&T Prepaid device is already unlocked

SIM card: You can check your device unlock status by inserting a non-AT&T SIM card into your device. If you see a message saying that the SIM card is not compatible with the AT&T network, your device is still locked.

eSIM: You’ll need to request a device unlock, according to your device type.

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Last updated: November 26, 2024