Unlocking a T-mobile phone.
 

sometime ago, I had started a thread about unlocking a pre-paid T-mobile phone, for which I had paid full price. The thread quickly went off topic, suggesting that it was wrong to expect to have a prepaid phone unlocked.
I have a definitive answer based on my experience, which concurs with T-mobile's policy. I hope it will help those who are unsure of what T-mobile's unlocking policy is.
In the past two months, I have had three T-mobile phones unlocked. The first two were pre-paid phones, and were returned. The last one was a postpaid. T-mobile does impose one unlock code per number every 90 days. But if the phone for which T-mobile had provided an unlocked code has been returned, T-mobile will provide unlock code for another phone with the same number if it has been purchased from T-mobile or its authorised dealer.

I've had several tmobile prepaid phones unlocked, never had any hassle at all. Took a day or two to get the unlock code once you send them the info.

You must have missed my earlier thread. I had people telling me I did not know how business worked in the U.S., I was demanding too much, if I wanted an unlocked phone, I should buy an unlocked phone etc. The thread was l;ocked as It was getting ugly.

Interesting. I talked to a T-mobile rep about this a few weeks back and I got a different answer.

My issue was an old phone I had tossing around that I wanted to unlock for use in China. What I was told was to put my SIM in it for 45 days and then call to request an unlock--the unlock has to come from customer service and they'll only do it when the phone has been used for at least the last 45 days.

He knew I was prepaid, he didn't ask about account balances.

The 45 days aren't up yet so I can't confirm that he's right.

This was an in-store sales rep? Might he be unfamiliar with the process if he's not first-hand involved in it?

I don't know if this is always the case, but when I attempted to get an unlock code for a prepaid phone they would only give me the unlock code for the actual phone that I had in service at the time. They would not give me the unlock code for any other phone.

On a different but related topic, please make sure that your phone works on the frequencies that are used in China. It needs to run on 900 mhz, maybe 1800. I believe US frequencies are 850 and 1900 mhz.

They are wrong. The requirement is specific number of days of T-mobile service, not having the specific phone in service. Ask for s supervisor, keep trying until you get it done. Did you buy the phone from T-mobile?

That's because the rule is one unlock code every 90 days. If you have more then one line, you can request unlock code under a different number. I have 4 lines and I have received four unlock codes at a time.

I am sure he knows about that stuff. But it's god information though. :)

This is good information - but keep in mind that T-Mobile is like most large companies. You may need to call several times to get someone willing/able to help. While Yaatri may have found the actual policy, that does not mean the rep you speak to will actually agree...

If they don't want to help, hang up and call back later.

The phone in question is a leftover from a former employer. It was T-mobile service, I have no knowledge of how the phone was acquired.

That's why I want to use the old one. It's going to work over there, the one I normally use won't.

The policy above sates that T-mobile will even provided unlock code to former customers, if the code can be obtained. You certainly and immediately qualify for the unlock code since you qualify as a former T-mobile customer even of you are not with T-mobile. As Scott suggested, you will have to keep trying until you can get them to understand and respect their own policy. Don't give up.

I have run into this as well. I had an old phone that I was not currently using that I wanted unlocked. I requested an unlock code, and was rejected. This was the response/reason they gave.

Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide the unlock code at this time. After review of the account we have determined that the device is not in use with the corresponding mobile number. T-Mobile policies and procedures state that the device must be in use on the mobile number requesting the unlock code. If this is a new device please allow 3-4 business days prior to submitting a new request to allow your usage to update in our system.

Thank you,
SIM Unlock Department


All I did was insert my sim card into the phone I wanted to get unlocked and use it for a few days. After a few days, I requested an unlock code. They verified that the phone was currently in use, and then they gave me the unlock code.

My most recent unlock request from last month was granted despite the device has never been turned on with my prepaid SIM inside. I ordered an used smartphone from a third party, had it brought to me abroad, and then I requested the unlock code (over skype). The code was delivered to me by e-mail in 3 days.

I think the difference was that my device was used, having been used by another customer on T-mobile's US network. I imagine T-mobile does not want people buy new phones, unlock them, and then resell them at places like Sin-tat. Even at unsubsidized prices, most carrier-branded phones are at a discount compared to the international versions.