Hello,
I'm looking to have an unlocked iPhone and while searching through Swappa.com, I have more options if I can get an iPhone to unlock than just looking at the unlocked models.
My question is among the different types (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint), which carrier is best at unlocking their phones for second hand customers? I've heard that Verizon phones are already unlocked for GSM? I've also heard that Sprint phones have some sort of Software lock???
Thanks.
Sounds like you are asking this: "Which carrier will give me the least hassle and runaround when I ask them to unlock my phone?"
Is that the question? If so, I can tell you which will give you the most problems. That's Sprint.
No, Sprint does not have a "software lock" on their phones, but if you are getting an iPhone 5 or earlier then you can't get it unlocked.
A Sprint 5c and above can be DSUed (Domestic SIM Unlocked) and that is normally done once the phone is paid off. But guess, what? Starting in March, before Sprint will DSU a phone it will have had to have been active for about 40 days. So, if the seller only had it active for less than that, you the customer get to enjoy Sprint service and all the fees it entails before they will DSU the phone.
So, that's Sprint.
Verizon LTE capable phones are automatically unlocked - period. That is an agreement they have with the FCC to allow their use of one of the LTE bands.
So, that leaves you with AT&T and T-Mobile. T-Mobile will unlock if you meet their requirements and AT&T has a webpage you can go to to request an unlock.
[doublepost=1455554263][/doublepost]
So I can take a Verizon phone with a clean ESN/IMEI (no contract attached) and use it on Sprint?
Sure.
You won't get all the LTE bands, but you can.
Just be sure to let the Sprint reps know that you want a clickit ticket to submit the IMEI to Sprint's whitelist. And be prepared to ask more than once until you get someone in customer service who knows what the hell it is you're talking about.
No IMEI added to Sprint's whitelist, no service.
