Unlocking a phone from T-Mobile, Metro or legacy Sprint

What T-Mobile checks

Postpaid and prepaid lines have different rules. These were the published requirements at the time of writing. Confirm the current policy for your exact brand, because T-Mobile postpaid, Metro and other prepaid brands don't all use the same timeline.

1. Postpaid: at least 40 days of active service, and the device is fully paid off or the instalment plan is complete.
2. Prepaid: 365 days of active service, or more than $100 in refills, with the account active.
3. Military deployment: an exception may be available. Contact T-Mobile support with your deployment orders.
4. Every request: the device must not be blocked, for example reported lost or stolen, and the account must be in good standing.

Applying the unlock

1. Android: open the Device Unlock app if your phone has it, or go to Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Network Unlock. Choose Permanent Unlock.
2. iPhone: T-Mobile applies the unlock on its side. Wait up to 48 hours, then insert a SIM from another carrier. The phone may need Wi-Fi to download the updated status.
3. If you are eligible but the app or menu fails, contact T-Mobile support by dialling 611 from a T-Mobile phone, calling 1-800-866-2453, or starting from https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/unlock-your-mobile-device.

Do not factory reset the phone to troubleshoot a "SIM not supported" message. The unlock is on T-Mobile's side.

The Network Unlock screen does not make a phone eligible. T-Mobile still has to approve the IMEI. If the app says the device is not eligible, sort out the account condition first.

Legacy Sprint devices

Sprint has been merged into T-Mobile, so unlock requests for former Sprint phones now go through T-Mobile's systems. Most Sprint 4G and 5G phones that support VoLTE have been moved onto T-Mobile's unlock policy.

Older Sprint phones, from before about 2020, used CDMA technology. They may need a Domestic SIM Unlock (DSU) update or a six-digit MSL code, and only T-Mobile support can issue either one.

1. Check whether the phone is worth unlocking. A CDMA-only phone cannot be fully unlocked for GSM networks such as AT&T or T-Mobile. It can only be used on other CDMA carriers.
2. Contact T-Mobile support by dialling 611 from a T-Mobile phone, or call 1-800-937-8997. Say you have a legacy Sprint device that needs a Domestic SIM Unlock or MSL code.
3. Give them the 14-digit MEID or the 15-digit IMEI. Keep your old Sprint account details ready in case they ask about the line's history.
4. Apply the unlock. On an iPhone, wait for T-Mobile to confirm it, then insert the new SIM. On an Android phone, enter the MSL code if the phone asks for it.

An old phone can be unlocked and still work badly on today's networks because it lacks the right bands. Think about how old the hardware is before you spend money on SIMs for it.

Using an unlocked T-Mobile phone abroad

An unlocked phone bought from T-Mobile can usually take a local SIM when you travel. Roaming packages on your home line are a separate purchase. When you use a local SIM, turn off data roaming on the home line so it doesn't run up charges.

Stop and get help when

• The device is blocked as lost or stolen.
• The phone is on an instalment plan in someone else's name.
• The phone is a CDMA-only Sprint handset and you need it on a GSM network. Unlocking cannot add that.

Official route

T-Mobile customer care (611 from a T-Mobile phone). If T-Mobile refuses a request that meets its published policy, file a complaint with the FCC.

Who this is for: You must be the account holder on the T-Mobile, Metro or former Sprint line, or authorised by them.