AT&T has a process in place for you to use if you want to unlock your phone. It does have a few restrictions and there are certain requirements you have to meet, but if you think the gain is worth the pain then soldier on below!
What requirements do you have to meet?
Before you try and go through the unlocking process with AT&T, you may want to check and see if your device meets its requirements. The points below are the general requirements that AT&T lists on its website. However, there are a few special circumstances for certain services — like Go Phone and postpaid customers — that may apply to you as well. Be sure to check out the eligibility of your phone before you go through the process.
- The phone must be locked to AT&T.
- It can't be reported lost or stolen.
- It can't be associated with fraudulent activity.
- All the device's service commitments and installment plans are completed, and all early termination fees are paid in full.
- The phone is not active on a different AT&T customer's account.
- If you performed an early upgrade, you must wait the 14-day buyer's remorse period before you can request to unlock your previous device.
- If coming from AT&T PREPAID, the device has been active for at least six months.
What is the unlocking process for AT&T?
The process is not very long or complicated but it does take a little while for AT&T to respond. The steps you need to do in order listed below are as outlined by AT&T themselves.
- Go to http://att.com/deviceunlock.
- Select Unlock your device.
- Enter the IMEI of your smartphone (Dial *#06# on your smartphone)
- Read and agree to the eligibility requirements to unlock your device.
- Complete and submit the form.
- You'll receive a confirmation email with your unlock request number.
- Select the link in the email within 24 hours of receipt to confirm your unlock request.
- AT&T will respond within two business days.
- AT&T will send you instructions to unlock your device if your request is approved.
Important note: Going through this process in no way guarantees approval. AT&T may not approve your request for several different reasons and has the right to deny any request. It may also ask you to complete additional steps in order to grant you approval.
Best accessories to pair with your new phone
When it comes to finding the best smartphone, the choices are plenty, meaning it can be rather tough. But thankfully, the options for finding the best accessories is pretty easy and straight-forward. We have listed some of our favorites, including some great headphones and a way to ensure that your phone has as much storage as possible.
Jabra Elite 65t True Wireless Earbuds ($147 at Amazon)
Apple's got AirPods, but Android users have the awesome Jabra Elite 65t earbuds. These headphones are truly wireless, and have Amazon's Alexa built right in, to go along with the IP55 water and dust resistance.
Anker PowerCore 10000 PD ($46 at Amazon)
Nobody wants to run out of power throughout the day and that's where portable chargers come into play. The Anker PowerCore 10000 PD is one of the best with its Power Delivery capabilities, along with a USB-C and regular USB-A port
SanDisk 128GB Extreme MicroSD ($25 at Amazon)
What's the point of spending an extra $100 for some extra storage when your smartphone has a microSD card? You can get a microSD card and at least double the amount of storage that is included with your smartphone for a fraction of the price.
