The Ultimate Guide to AT&T Sim Unlock

If you have an AT&T phone that you want to use with another carrier, you may need to unlock it first. ATT sim unlock is the process of removing the network restriction on your phone so that you can use it with any other sim card.

But how to unlock a phone from AT&T? Is it legal? And what are the benefits of doing so? In this article, we will answer all these questions and show you how to unlock your AT&T phone in simple steps.

What is AT&T Sim Unlock and Why Do You Need It?

AT&T locks its phones to protect you from fraud and to reduce theft. A SIM lock prevents your phone from being used on any other network except AT&T. This means that if you buy a phone from AT&T, you can only use it with an AT&T SIM card unless you unlock it.

However, there are several reasons that’s why you need to unlock AT&T phones. Such as:

You want to switch to a different carrier that offers better plans, coverage, or features for your needs.
You want to travel abroad and use a local SIM card to avoid expensive roaming charges or poor network quality.
You want to sell your phone and increase its resale value by making it compatible with more buyers.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for ATT Sim Unlock?

Before you can request an AT&T sim unlock, you need to meet some eligibility requirements. These are:

You have ATT phone and it is not activated on another ATT account.
Your phone has a paid-off installment plan or was paid in full when you bought it.
You didn’t lose your phone or it has not been reported as stolen or involved in fraud.
Your phone does not have a past-due account balance.
Your phone has a Prepaid SIM with a minimum of 6 months of service on the AT&T network.

How to Request an AT&T Sim Unlock Online or Through the App?

To request for an ATT sim, unlock, you have two options: online or through the app. The online option is available for any AT&T phone or device, while the app option is only available for AT&T Prepaid phones with a Prepaid SIM.

Online Option:

Go to the AT&T Device Unlock portal and select “Unlock Your Device”.
Read and agree that you meet the eligibility requirements and submit the form.
Provide some information, such as your phone number or IMEI (check IMEI by dialing *#06#), your AT&T PIN number and account information, and your email address.
Check your email for a confirmation email with an unlock request number. You can also check the status of your request online.
Wait for approval. It usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 48 hours.
Once approved, you will receive another email or text message with instructions and an unlock code (if required). iPhone AT&T unlock does not require an unlock code, so you just need to follow the steps in the email.

App Option:

Download and install the most recent version of the AT&T Device Unlock app on your phone.
Open the app and follow the prompts to submit your unlock request.
Check the app for updates on your request. It takes up to 48 hours.
Once your request is approved, you will get a notification on the app. The notification will have instructions on how to unlock ATT phone.

How to Unlock Your Phone After Approval?

Once your request is approved, you must follow the instructions and enter the ATT unlock network code to unlock your phone.

Here are the general steps for ATT sim unlock:

Insert a non-AT&T SIM card into your phone and turn it on.
Enter the unlock code when prompted. If you do not have an unlock code, skip this step.
Restart your phone or perform a factory reset if needed.
Enjoy your unlocked phone with any compatible carrier.

If you have an iPhone, you do not need an unlock code. Here are the steps for iPhones:

Back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes.
Insert a non-AT&T SIM card into your iPhone and turn it on.
Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network or iTunes.
Wait for the activation process to complete.
Enjoy your unlocked iPhone with any compatible carrier.

Benefits of Unlocking Your SIM Card

You can avail these benefits if you unlock your SIM card:

Saving money: You can switch to a cheaper or better plan from another carrier, or use a local SIM card when traveling abroad.
Having more options: You can choose from a wider range of carriers, plans, and services that suit your needs and preferences.
Increasing your SIM card’s value: You can sell your phone for a higher price, or trade it for a newer model if it is unlocked.

ATT sim unlock is a simple and legal way to free your phone from network restrictions. By following the steps above, you can unlock your AT&T phone with ease and confidence.