StratusMOBILE allows our customers to be able to use a cell phone as a truly mobile work phone. In order for their device to work correctly with our services, the device does need to be unlocked. 

When a cell phone device is "unlocked," it means that the device is no longer tied to a specific carrier or network, and it can be used with any carrier that supports the same network technology (e.g., GSM or CDMA) and frequency bands.

Unlocking a phone can be done by the carrier that originally sold the device, or you can purchase unlocked phones directly from manufacturers or third-party retailers. Keep in mind that the process and requirements for unlocking a phone may vary by carrier and region. Additionally, unlocking your phone does not affect its compatibility with different networks as long as they use the same technology (e.g., GSM or CDMA) and frequency bands.

The following are some common carriers in the United States along with some general instructions for unlocking or checking to see if a device has been unlocked. We highly recommend reaching out to the device's carrier directly, or the carrier's website for more specific information. 

AT&T

Check if you meet AT&T's unlock conditions

You need to have paid off your device or completed your contract, the device should not be reported as lost or stolen or involved in fraud, and your account must be in good standing.

Request unlock code from AT&T

Visit the AT&T device unlock portal.

Complete the form with your account information, your device's IMEI number, and any other requested details.

Wait for the unlock approval

AT&T will review your unlock request and send you a confirmation if your request is approved. It can take several business days.

Backup and restore your iPhone

Once approved, back up your iPhone using iCloud or your computer.

Then, erase your iPhone and restore it from the backup you just made.

If the backup and restore process completes successfully, your iPhone should be unlocked.
 

Verizon

Check if your phone is already unlocked

Most Verizon 4G LTE smartphones are already unlocked, but if you have an older device, it might still be locked.

Request unlock from Verizon if necessary

If your iPhone is still locked, you can call Verizon customer service to request an unlock. Most postpaid devices should be eligible for unlocking, while prepaid devices might need to have been active for at least a year.

You can also dial *611 from the device or call Verizon’s customer service at 800-922-0204.

Test with a new SIM card

After your iPhone is unlocked, you can test it by inserting a new carrier's SIM card. Your iPhone should recognize the new network and connect to it.
 

T-Mobile

Check if you meet T-Mobile's unlock conditions

You can find the full policy on the T-Mobile website.

• Your device must be a T-Mobile device
• The device must not be reported as lost, stolen or blocked
• The account associated with the device must be in good standing
• Your device must satisfy all financial obligations including being fully paid off
• It should be active on the T-Mobile network for a certain period of time. You can find the full policy on the T-Mobile website.

Request unlock from T-Mobile

Contact T-Mobile customer service or access the T-Mobile app on your phone. In the app, you can select 'Shop', then 'Device', then 'Device Unlock'.

If your device is eligible, you will see the option to unlock your device.

Wait for unlock approval

T-Mobile will review your unlock request and if your request is approved, they will send you instructions on how to unlock your iPhone. This can take several business days.

Backup and restore your iPhone

Once approved, back up your iPhone using iCloud or your computer.

Then, erase your iPhone and restore it from the backup you just made.

If the backup and restore process completes successfully, your iPhone should be unlocked.

Test with a new SIM card

After your iPhone is unlocked, you can test it by inserting a new carrier's SIM card.

Your iPhone should recognize the new network and connect to it.
 

Tracfone

Please see Tracfone's website for information regarding unlocking your device