If your phone is locked to a carrier, the usual free route is to request an unlock from the carrier that sold or locked it. Eligibility depends on that carrier’s policy and your device, plan, payment, and account status. First make sure you have a carrier lock—not a SIM PIN, PUK, or screen-passcode problem.
What kind of lock are you trying to remove?
A carrier or network lock is software that prevents a phone from being activated on another provider’s network. CTIA defines unlocking as “disabling software that would prevent a consumer from attempting to activate a device designed for one carrier’s network on another carrier’s network.” It does not remove a SIM PIN or PUK, and it does not recover a forgotten screen passcode.
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- Carrier lock: Contact the carrier that sold or locked the phone and ask about its official unlock process.
- SIM PIN or PUK: Contact the mobile carrier for help with the SIM security code. A network unlock will not solve this problem.
- Forgotten screen passcode: Use the phone maker’s account recovery or device-reset instructions; a carrier cannot remove the screen passcode.
For iPhone, Apple states that “Only your current carrier can unlock your iPhone.” Here, “current carrier” means the carrier the phone is locked to, not necessarily the provider you want to switch to. Apple’s iPhone unlock instructions
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How do I unlock my phone for free?
- Identify the carrier that locked or sold the phone. Check your purchase records, account, original packaging, or the phone’s carrier settings. If you bought it secondhand, ask the seller which carrier supplied it. The carrier currently providing service may not be able to unlock a phone sold by another provider.
- Check whether it is already unlocked. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for Carrier Lock. “No SIM restrictions” means the iPhone is unlocked. T-Mobile offers an unlock-status check through its device support, and AT&T provides account and model-specific instructions. T-Mobile device unlock support · AT&T unlock instructions
- Check the original carrier’s eligibility rules. Look up the policy for the exact device and plan type—prepaid and postpaid requirements can differ. Check that financing or other obligations are settled and that the account and device meet the carrier’s conditions.
- Request the unlock through the carrier’s official account or support channel. Provide the account and device details it requests. Ask for the free unlock and, if the request is denied, the specific policy condition that is not met.
- Complete the carrier’s instructions and test the phone. Some eligible devices unlock remotely; others require an additional step. After confirmation, try the destination carrier’s SIM or activation process and check that calls, texts, and data work.
What do US carrier policies require?
There is no single unlocking timetable that applies to every US carrier. CTIA’s Mobile Wireless Device Unlocking Voluntary Commitment is an industry commitment, not a universal statutory rule. It says participating providers will publish their policies, unlock eligible devices once applicable contract or financing obligations are met, and unlock eligible prepaid devices no later than one year after initial activation, subject to reasonable time, payment, or usage terms. It also calls for notification or remote unlocking without an additional fee and a response within two business days—either unlocking, contacting the manufacturer, explaining ineligibility, or explaining a reasonable delay. The commitment allows a reasonable fee for requests from people who are not current or former customers. CTIA’s voluntary commitment
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These are two carrier-specific examples, not rules to apply to other providers. The policies below are for the United States and were checked on the stated dates; carriers can change them.
| Carrier and plan | Published eligibility examples | How unlocking is handled |
|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile postpaid | Device must have been active on the requesting line for at least 40 days; T-Mobile financing or lease must be paid in full; a canceled account must have a zero balance. The device must be sold by T-Mobile, not reported lost, stolen, or blocked, and associated with an account in good standing. | T-Mobile says supported eligible devices are automatically and remotely unlocked within two business days. The live US policy was checked 2026-10-07 and may change without notice. |
| T-Mobile prepaid | Generally, 365 days must have passed since activation. For some devices activated sooner, an alternative applies if the account has had more than $100 in refills per active line and more than 14 days have passed since purchase. The policy also limits prepaid unlocks to two per line in 12 months. | T-Mobile says supported eligible devices are automatically and remotely unlocked within two business days. The live US policy was checked 2026-10-07 and may change without notice. |
| AT&T postpaid | The device must have been purchased more than 60 days earlier, paid in full, not reported lost or stolen or involved in fraud, and associated with an account in current standing. | AT&T says eligible Apple, Samsung, or Google devices on an AT&T Wireless plan should unlock themselves once requirements are met. Policy page updated 2026-06-29. |
| AT&T Prepaid | Requires 12 months of paid service, among other conditions. | Follow AT&T’s account and device-specific unlock instructions. Policy page updated 2026-06-29. |
See T-Mobile’s SIM unlock policy and AT&T’s device unlock policy for current requirements and the full conditions. A rule for one carrier or plan type should not be treated as a guarantee of eligibility elsewhere.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Does the FCC require every carrier to unlock after 60 days?
No. An FCC document dated December 18, 2024 describes the CTIA Consumer Code as voluntary. A separate FCC notice dated July 18, 2024 proposed a uniform 60-day unlocking rule; a proposal is not evidence that such a rule became final or now governs every provider. FCC 24-136 · FCC 24-77
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat happens after the carrier approves the request?
Follow the carrier’s completion instructions. T-Mobile says supported eligible devices are remotely unlocked within two business days, while some devices that cannot be unlocked remotely need additional instructions. Apple says its carrier-unlock process may take a few days. Wait for confirmation, then insert the other carrier’s SIM or follow its activation steps and test the services you need. T-Mobile device unlock support · Apple iPhone unlock instructions
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Will an unlocked phone work on every network?
No. Unlocking removes a software restriction; it does not guarantee that the phone supports another carrier’s network bands, coverage, or services. CTIA cautions that “Unlocking a device will not necessarily make a device interoperable with other networks.” Before switching, ask the destination carrier to check the phone’s exact model for compatibility. CTIA’s unlocking commitment
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
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