How to Unlock Your AT&T Cell Phone

Q: What is an IMEI?

An IMEI, or " international mobile equipment identity ," is the unique identification code associated with a cell phone or tablet. Think of it like your device's Social Security number—it's how carriers can keep track of all the phones operating across cell networks nationwide. It's also sometimes referred to as an "electronic serial number" (ESN) or "mobile equipment identifier" (MEID).

Lauren Hannula Managing Editor

Updated 23 October 2024

In this article:

Before unlocking your AT&T phone
How to unlock your AT&T phone
Military unlocking exemptions
What is an unlocked phone?
Why unlock a phone?
Bringing an unlocked phone to AT&T
AT&T unlocking FAQs

Article Summary

To unlock your AT&T phone:

Find your device's IMEI number and your PUK code.
Visit AT&T's online unlock portal to request a device unlock.
Enter your IMEI and AT&T account information.
After AT&T approves your request, use your unlock code and follow the instructions for your specific phone.

AT&T makes it easy to unlock a phone or tablet on their network. Here's how to unlock your AT&T phone, including important eligibility requirements and helpful tips on why you might want to unlock your phone in the first place.

Before You Unlock Your AT&T Phone

Before you can unlock your phone from AT&T's network, make sure you meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

Your device is AT&T-branded. Big Blue can't unlock phones from other carriers.
Your device has been active with AT&T for at least 60 days for postpaid accounts, or 6 months if it's a prepaid phone.
It hasn't been flagged as lost or stolen and isn't tied to any fraud reports.
The phone or tablet is completely paid off, if you bought it on installments.
Your AT&T account is in good standing and fully paid up to date.
You've completed any term agreement/contract associated with the device.

If your phone has a dual SIM with two AT&T lines, both lines must meet these qualifications. You'll also need:

Your AT&T account information, such as your account number and AT&T PIN number.
The new SIM card you intend to replace your AT&T SIM with.

How to Unlock Your AT&T Phone

You're ready to complete the unlocking process once you've confirmed that you've met all the eligibility requirements. AT&T makes it easy:

Steps to unlock your phone with AT&T

Find your phone's IMEI. (Not sure how to find this? Scroll down to the FAQs below for help).
Find your PIN unlock key (PUK) to unlock your SIM card.
Visit AT&T's Device Unlock portal and select "Unlock My Device."
Follow the prompts and be ready to enter your AT&T PIN number and account information.
Look for the confirmation email containing your unlock request number and customized unlock instructions (steps and AT&T SIM unlock codes vary based on your device).
Access the link provided in your email within 24 hours. If you wait too long, AT&T will cancel your request.
Follow the directions from your email, or find your specific AT&T device unlock instructions.

Make sure to read the follow the instructions specific to your device and do them carefully! Too many attempts to unlock your phone can cause it to become permanently locked to AT&T's network.

How to unlock an AT&T prepaid phone with the Unlock app

Unlocking a prepaid AT&T phone is potentially much simpler, as long as you purchased your phone through AT&T itself. Many AT&T prepaid phones have an Unlock app pre-installed. The Unlock app allows you to easily request that your AT&T prepaid device be unlocked straight from the phone if you meet unlock eligibility requirements. If this is the case, follow the instructions within the app. Otherwise, submit your unlock request online using the steps for postpaid phones listed above.

Checking your AT&T device unlock status

If it's been a couple of days and you haven't gotten any notifications, you might be wondering "Is my AT&T phone unlocked yet?" Don't stress—it can take AT&T up to 48 hours to process your unlock request. You can find out of your phone is unlocked by heading back to the unlock portal to check the status of your AT&T device unlock request.

You can also always contact AT&T's customer service to speak with a representative who can check on your unlock request status.

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AT&T military unlocking exemptions

For active duty military deploying overseas, AT&T will waive its typical unlock requirements so that you can more easily use it internationally. You do NOT have to pay off any device purchased on an installment plan before requesting to unlock your phone.

You'll need to provide TCS or PCS documents to prove your deployment, and submit an unlock request online. AT&T will walk you through the rest of the process.

What is an unlocked AT&T phone?

When you purchase a phone through AT&T, it comes with an AT&T-specific SIM card that "locks" to Big Blue's network. This means that it will always automatically use AT&T's cell towers as your primary network to make calls, send texts, and access the internet.

When you unlock your AT&T phone, you free it up to operate on any other compatible network. So if, for example, you want to switch to T-Mobile, having an unlocked AT&T phone allows you to bring your current phone and number over to the new network, instead of buying a whole new device.

Why Unlock an AT&T Phone?

There are two main reasons why an unlocked phone is beneficial: so you can travel, and so you can switch carriers.

Traveling internationally

Swapping in a global or travel SIM card for an upcoming trip allows you to use local wireless networks to stay connected, instead of roaming or paying international calling rates. Of course, you can also opt for an AT&T international day pass or monthly passport to use your existing SIM.

Switching carriers

Unlocking your AT&T phone also allows you to switch cell phone providers. Bringing your own device to a new network saves you from dropping a ton of cash on a new phone, making it an appealingly affordable option. That said, your phone will need to be compatible with the network you're bringing it to—not all networks use the same cellular technology.

Both AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM technology, making it very easy to switch from one carrier to the other. Verizon, on the other hand, operates using CDMA technology, so some older phones may not be able to switch seamlessly between networks. Thankfully, most newer smartphones are built to accommodate both network configurations.

Bringing an Unlocked Phone to AT&T

Ready to switch over to Big Blue? Before you can activate a new phone on AT&T, you'll need to make sure it's also unlocked from your previous carrier. Jump over to our other unlocking guides for details:

Once your phone is good to go, simply visit AT&T's bring your own device portal to purchase an AT&T SIM or activate your compatible existing SIM on AT&T's network. Then pick your perfect AT&T plan and get started! Check out some of the top plans AT&T has on offer.

#1	AT&T	AT&T Unlimited Data No Contract $50/mo $35 Upfront Deal: Get up to $180 off for new line activation on Value 2.0 Plan via 36 months credit. Port-in required OR Get up to $800 Visa Reward card	100%	View Plan
#2	AT&T	AT&T 16GB Full Speed Data $240 Per 12 Month Refill $0.99 Upfront Deal: Get this plan for $20/mo. when paying $240 in advance for 12 months.	67%	View Plan
#3	AT&T	AT&T Unlimited Data No Contract $90/mo $35 Upfront Deal: Get up to $360 off for new line activation on Premium 2.0 or Extra 2.0 Plan via 36 months credit. Port-in required. OR Get Up to $800 Visa Reward card	54%	View Plan
#4	AT&T	AT&T Unlimited Data No Contract $70/mo $35 Upfront Deal: Get up to $360 off for new line activation on Premium 2.0 or Extra 2.0 Plan via 36 months credit. Port-in required. OR Get Up to $800 Visa Reward card	33%	View Plan
#5	AT&T	AT&T Unlimited Data $25 Per 1 Month Refill $0.99 Upfront	28%	View Plan

AT&T Phone Unlocking FAQs

What is an IMEI?

An IMEI, or "international mobile equipment identity," is the unique identification code associated with a cell phone or tablet. Think of it like your device's Social Security number—it's how carriers can keep track of all the phones operating across cell networks nationwide. It's also sometimes referred to as an "electronic serial number" (ESN) or "mobile equipment identifier" (MEID).

An IMEI differs from your phone's serial number in that IMEI numbers are standardized and shared across the wireless industry. Serial numbers, on the other hand, are used specifically by manufacturers (like Apple or Samsung, for example) internally to identify your device.

How do I find my AT&T phone's IMEI number?

The fastest way to check your IMEI is to dial *#06# from your phone. If your device doesn't have cellular connectivity, you can also find your IMEI through your phone's info—the process differs slightly by device, but the general steps are the same. Head to your device Settings and select the "About" option. You'll either find your IMEI directly in this menu (like with iPhones), or you'll continue to the "Status" (for Androids) or "More Info" (for Windows phones) menus to access your IMEI, ENS, or MEID number.

For specific details, jump over to our quick guide to IMEI checks for the most popular devices.

Do I need to unlock an iPad or Apple Watch?

No! iPads and Apple Watches all come unlocked already, so you don't have to worry about submitting an AT&T device unlock request.

How do I activate my AT&T phone on a different network?

Each carrier has its own "bring your own device" portal starts the phone activation process on their network. Make sure you'll have a SIM card from your new carrier to begin the process, and be ready to choose a new wireless plan to complete activation.

My AT&T phone isn't working after going through a device unlock. What do I do?

If you've run into a hiccup while unlocking your AT&T phone, try backing it up to your computer or the cloud with the AT&T SIM still inside and restoring it, before inserting the new SIM again. If your phone still won't work or accept the new SIM, contact AT&T to troubleshoot your issue.

Lauren Hannula

Managing Editor

Lauren is WhistleOut's Managing Editor. With over 14 years of digital writing and publishing experience, she's developed a passion for breaking down overly complex topics to offer easy, affordable solutions that help make the most of the tech you already have in your pocket. Her work has appeared in industry stalwarts such as CNET, Yahoo! News, and Forbes.

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