Consumer Cellular is a popular MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) with access to the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. While it offers solid plans at competitive prices, you may decide you’re ready to switch to another carrier. For most customers, this is as simple as canceling your Consumer Cellular plan and buying a new one from a different carrier. However, this is not the case for everyone.
Customers who purchase phones directly from Consumer Cellular are locked to the Consumer Cellular network—this means your phone won’t work with anyone else, even if you purchase a new plan and SIM card. To unlock your device, you’ll need to make sure you meet the unlocking requirements before contacting customer service to help you complete the process.
Read on to learn how to unlock your Consumer Cellular phone.
Consumer Cellular’s unlocking requirements
You’ll only need to unlock your device if it was purchased or financed directly through Consumer Cellular. If you switched to the carrier and brought your device with you, it’s already unlocked.
You can unlock your Consumer Cellular device for free if you meet its requirements. There’s no need to rely on a third-party unlocking service. At best, these services are charging you unnecessary fees. At worst, they’re scams taking your money and device info.
Most carriers have requirements you must meet before they’ll unlock your phone. The requirements for Consumer Cellular phones are as follows:
- Your phone must:
- Have been purchased through the Consumer Cellular store.
- Have been active on Consumer’s network for at least 30 days.
- Be fully paid for, if you financed it rather than buying it outright.
- Only an account owner can submit the unlocking request.
- Your monthly bills must be up to date.
Note that previously, Consumer Cellular’s unlocking requirements were device-specific. This meant that devices like iPhones had to be on the network for at least 180 days while Androids only needed 30 days. Consumer Cellular recently revamped its unlocking requirements, so all devices only need to use the network for a minimum of 30 days.
You’ll also need to purchase a new plan and get a physical SIM card or eSIM from a different carrier. On most devices, the option to unlock your phone won’t appear until you’ve installed a new SIM card. If you need some ideas, we can help you pick a new plan and carrier below.
How to unlock a Consumer Cellular phone
If you meet the above requirements, you are eligible to unlock your device.
To unlock your Consumer Cellular phone:
- Gather your customer account information and your phone’s IMEI.
- Contact Consumer Cellular customer service. You can do this through the carrier’s phone number, online chat, or in person at a physical store.
- Request the unlock code. It may take a few days to confirm your eligibility, then Consumer Cellular will text or email your code.
- Install your new SIM card or switch plans using your eSIM.
- Type in the Consumer Cellular unlock code on your device when prompted.
- Verify the device is unlocked by checking your network settings or dialing *#06#.
Why did Consumer Cellular lock my phone in the first place?
Locking devices is a standard practice for virtually all carriers, including Consumer Cellular. For phones on installment plans, locking is insurance to make sure customers keep paying their bills because the phone won’t work anywhere else. It’s also an easy way to keep customers attached to the carrier’s network since most people will never attempt to unlock their phone.
You can avoid jumping through your carrier’s hoops in the first place by purchasing an unlocked phone from a manufacturer or third-party retailer. These devices give you a lot more flexibility for picking networks and switching plans.
Pick a new carrier and phone plan
The only reason to unlock your device from Consumer Cellular’s network is if you’re thinking about switching carriers. The beauty of small carriers like Consumer Cellular is that you can get discounted service on the three top cell networks in the country. That said, Consumer Cellular is not the only game in town, and you might find a plan that better fits your needs from another carrier.
Other carriers on the Consumer Cellular network
Consumer Cellular uses the GSM network, which is a fancy way of saying it uses the AT&T and T-Mobile networks for service. If you’ve been happy with your service on Consumer Cellular, you may want to pick another carrier with similar access. Plus, you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues as most devices eligible with Consumer Cellular work on all GSM networks.
Check out our coverage guide or use the maps below to see service in your area.
For the T-Mobile network, Mint Mobile is one of the best options for saving money. You can find an Unlimited Plan with 50GB of premium data (that means the fastest speeds before any chance of slowing) and a 20GB mobile hotspot starting at $30/month ($15/month for new customers). While that is the same as Consumer’s unlimited plan offering 50GB of premium data, it’s also much cheaper. Also, most customers will not come close to using 50GB of data in a month.
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data Plan
| Carrier | Mint Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get this plan for just $25/mo. when you switch to Mint Mobile using promo code 15OFF at checkout. Upfront payment required |
| Total Price |
$25 per month
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
|
| View Plan |
Running on the AT&T network, Cricket Wireless offers the Supreme Unlimited plan that includes a free subscription to HBO Max. In addition, you’ll also get unlimited premium data, a 50GB mobile hotspot, and 150GB of cloud storage for just $55/month (with autopay). That’s a lot of perks for a plan just slightly more expensive than Consumer’s top offering.
Cricket Supreme Unlimited Plan
| Carrier | Cricket |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$55 per month
with AutoPay; $60 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
| View Plan |
Carriers outside of Consumer Cellular’s network
If you’re leaving Consumer Cellular because you’re unhappy with your service, you also have options. There are plenty of low-cost carriers on the Verizon network, too—and Verizon remains the best 4G LTE network in the country.
One of the top options is Visible, which offers competitive unlimited plans. You can get the basic Visible plan starting at just $25/month. It’s a no-frills plan that includes unlimited data and unlimited mobile hotspot (capped at a respectable 5Mbps). While you won’t get premium data with this plan, you’ll only have issues with slowdowns in areas of intense network congestion. That’s unlimited data and hotspot for the same cost as the 5GB Consumer Cellular plan.
Need premium data? The Visible+ and Visible+ Pro plans for $35/month and $45/month is your answer. It offers everything the Visible plan does and adds unlimited premium data and access to Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network. That network offers some of the fastest data speeds in the nation.
|
#1
|
Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
|
|
#2
|
Visible
$35 Visible+ Plan
$35.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
|
|
#3
|
Visible
$45 Visible+ Pro Plan
$45.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
|
|
#4
|
Visible
$275 Visible Annual Plan
$275.00
Regular rate at $300/year<br>Taxes & Fees included
|
|
#5
|
Visible
$375 Visible+ Annual Plan
$375.00
Regular rate at $420/year<br>Taxes & Fees included
|
|
#6
|
Visible
$450 Visible+ Pro Annual Plan
$450.00
Regular rate at $540/year<br>Taxes & Fees included
|
You can also get access to the Verizon network (and the other two networks) through US Mobile. US Mobile’s Unlimited Starter Plan is just $25/month. It includes 70GB of premium data and a 10GB mobile hotspot. You’ll get unlimited data for almost half the cost of Consumer Cellular’s unlimited plan.
US Mobile Unlimited Starter Plan
| Carrier | US Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get this plan for only $45 for 3 months ($15/mo.) with new number activation OR $5 off per month for 6 mo. (up to 3 lines) OR 30 Days FREE Trial |
| Total Price |
$25 per month
$20/mo. for 6 months; $25/mo. thereafter
|
| View Plan |
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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