FAQs about unlocking your Sprint device

The term "locked" typically refers to a device that can only be used on the Sprint network and cannot be activated on another carrier's network. An "unlocked" device is no longer locked to Sprint's network and the user may attempt to activate it on another carrier's network. 

Sprint will automatically unlock your device within two days of it becoming eligible if it is technically possible for us to do so remotely.  If it is not technically possible for Sprint to remotely unlock your device, you will receive a notification with next steps to complete the unlock process.  Some older devices with a Master Subsidy Lock (“MSL”) are not capable of being SIM unlocked (please see below for additional information about MSL devices).

The unlock process can take up to two business days to complete after a device becomes eligible. Here are some additional tips and instructions for different devices. 

Apple devices on Sprint

If Unlock issues occur with Apple devices after Sprint confirms we have unlocked your phone.

1. Ensure the device is powered on and within Sprint’s network coverage area, or at minimum connected to a Wi-Fi network
2. Back up your phone
3. Restore your iPhone to factory settings
4. Restore your iPhone from a backup

Android devices on Sprint

To help ensure your device unlock is successful, please:

1. Ensure the Sprint SIM card remains in the device (removing or replacing the Sprint SIM card may cause the unlock request to fail)
2. Ensure the device is powered on and within Sprint’s network coverage area, or at minimum connected to a Wi-Fi network
3. You can check on the status of your UICC unlock, as follows:

UICC Unlock: Go to Settings > System > System updates. UICC unlock or go to Settings and search for UICC Unlock. Tap UICC unlock for a settings refresh.

If UICC unlock is not available, try updating the data profile as follows.

Update Profile: Go to Settings > System > System updates > Update Data Profile

Please note: Performing an ##RTN# function on an Android device will re-lock the device to Sprint.

Android devices designed for T-Mobile on Sprint

Follow the steps below if you received a notification that your device is eligible to be unlocked. If the notification mentions an unlock code, Contact us so we can provide it.

1. Make sure you are connected to the T-Mobile network or Wi-Fi.
2. Swipe up on your Home screen to open the Apps tray and follow the steps below:
   • Samsung
   • Newer devices: Settings > Connections > More Connection Settings > Network Unlock
   • Older devices: Use the Device Unlock app pre-installed on your device. If you do not have this app, your device is unlocked or it is on a 2019 or newer OS.
   • OnePlus (6T and newer): Settings >Wi-Fi & internet > SIM & network, then choose Advanced or Network Unlock
   • T-Mobile REVVLRY: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > Advanced > Network Unlock
   • Other manufacturers: Choose your device on the Devices page, then click the Security drop-down to find Mobile Device Unlock steps.
3. Select Permanent Unlock
4. Wait while the device completes the unlock.
5. Restart the device

Once you meet the requirements outlined in the Unlock Policy, Sprint will automatically unlock your active eligible SIM unlock-capable device if it is technically possible for us to do so.  If your device does not support remote unlock, we will send a notification to the device once it becomes eligible with next steps for completing the unlock process.

Devices manufactured prior to February 2015, in general, are not SIM unlock-capable. Devices introduced to the market after February 2015 are typically SIM unlock-capable.

No. Sprint can provide the MSL to eligible customers to provide to their intended carrier. Whether another carrier is able to or will reprogram a device is subject to that carrier's policies and practices.

For SIM unlock-capable devices, Sprint will unlock the SIM slot for devices that are eligible under the Unlock Policy outlined at sprint.com/unlock. If a device is eligible to be unlocked, Sprint either remotely unlocks the device, or sends a notification to the device with next steps to complete the unlock process if it is not technically possible for us remotely unlock it.  If you believe that your postpaid device is eligible to be unlocked and want to request a SIM unlock, contact Sprint Customer Care by dialing *2 from your Sprint mobile device or call 888-211-4727.

It is important to note that not all devices are capable of being unlocked. Specifically, devices and device models manufactured prior to February 2015 generally cannot be unlocked to accept a different domestic carrier's SIM for use on another domestic carrier's network. Sprint has no technological process available to do this.

Many devices that have been manufactured for Sprint simply are not SIM unlock-capable. This is because, prior to the development of the voluntary commitment contained in CTIA's Consumer Code for Wireless Service ("Unlocking Commitment") carriers were not required to, and many carriers did not, develop their devices to be capable of being unlocked.