Being able to unlock your phone from the AT&T network opens up more options for where and how you can use your device. With over 92 million wireless subscribers in the US constantly upgrading devices, unlocking regulations impact many. But the process can still create headaches unless you know precisely what to do.
That‘s where this definitive guide comes in. Read on over the next 2000+ words as we explore everything from eligibility criteria to step-by-step unlock methods. Whether you‘re traveling abroad next month or just like having flexibility, this advice will turn you into an AT&T unlocking expert.
Why Carrier Unlocking Matters
When purchasing a new iPhone or Android phone from AT&T, it arrives locked to only allow their network‘s SIM cards. The goal is keeping you as an AT&T customer, at least in the short term while you pay it off.
But an unlocked phone offers much more possibilities:
- Use your device internationally with local carrier SIMs
- Domestically switch between AT&T and T-Mobile networks
- Avoid roaming charges while traveling
- Resell value maintained when selling later
- Overall flexibility any time you might change carriers
For these reasons, over 35% of US wireless subscribers switched providers last year. Phones locked to just AT&T severely limit options. The unlocking qualification criteria attempts balancing their business needs with your flexibility.
Next, let‘s dig deeper into precisely when AT&T allows unlocking.
AT&T‘s Phone Unlocking Eligibility Requirements
AT&T‘s unlocking requirements ensure specific conditions are met based on your account status, payment history, and length of service. Review the following qualifications before submitting an unlock request:
Device Installment Billing Paid Off
If buying your phone via AT&T‘s 30-month installment loan, it remains locked until completely paid off. Check your balance by logging into your account.
No Past Due Amounts
Confirm your wireless bill is current through the most recent billing cycle. Any outstanding balance locks the phone.
Active AT&T Service for 60+ Days
Brand new devices don‘t qualify yet. AT&T requires 60 days of cumulative service before considering the unlock request.
Avoid Blocklists & Fraud Alerts
Phone identifiers get added to blocklists once reported lost, stolen or tied to fraud. Run the IMEI in advance through AT&T‘s blacklist tool.
6 Month Minimum on Prepaid Phones
Previously devices on prepaid AT&T plans required a full year before unlock eligibility applied. Now it‘s just 6 months, but still substantial compared to postpaid.
Additionally, one of the scenarios below must apply:
- Currently using device on AT&T network
- Purchased a secondhand AT&T phone
- Deploying overseas on military orders
Provided no exceptions, meet all the above criteria for the best shot to have AT&T approve and complete the mobile phone unlock request.
Step-By-Step AT&T Unlock Instructions
Prepared your iPhone or Android phone for network freedom? The following 6 stage process will unlock your AT&T device.
Stage 1: Visit AT&T‘s Device Unlock Page
att.com/deviceunlock houses AT&T‘s unlock portal. Navigate there on the phone itself, another mobile device, desktop, or laptop internet browser. Any way works fine to submit later steps.
Stage 2: Submit New AT&T Unlock Request
On their unlock page, tap the orange call-to-action button labeled "Submit unlock request". This shifts gears into answering key details on the next screens.
Stage 3: Enter Your AT&T Phone Number
A 10-digit field awaits input of your phone line‘s number. For example, a number like 5551234567 links to that specific subscriber profile and device identifiers.
Accurately submitting this allows progress deeper into the AT&T unlock flow specific to your authentication.
Stage 4: Provide Precise IMEI Number
Now AT&T needs your phone‘s unique 15 character IMEI number.
Learn how and where to find this later in the guide. For now, copy it carefully from the original box sticker, device settings menu, or SIM card tray draw. One digit out of place blocks approval.
With the IMEI accurately entered, move ahead to complete the submission draft.
Stage 5: Submit Entered AT&T Unlock Request
If all prior steps checked out correctly, the device qualifies based on AT&T‘s unlock requirements. Hit submit in the screen‘s bottom corner to send it their way.
Expect an email over the next 1-2 days tied to the confirmation process.
Stage 6: Accept Terms & Conditions in Email
Keep watch on the inbox associated with your AT&T account. Soon an email arrives regarding accepting latest terms and conditions. Open it up fast – because you only have 24 hours to review and agree.
With acceptance confirmed before expiring, AT&T finishes processing on their end across the next 48 hours.
Although not required, best practice installs a different carrier SIM card after that timeline. If no network errors show up, your previously locked AT&T phone now freely switches between GSM providers!
Still unsure on a piece of the unlock puzzle? This YouTube tutorial connects each dot: 
Now that you‘ve unlocked your phone from AT&T, you‘re free to use it on networks across the world!
How to Unlock Other AT&T Devices
The above guide focuses specifically on unlocking current AT&T iPhones and Android smartphones. But what about older or inactive devices?
Perhaps you have an previous iPhone now sitting in a drawer that‘s still locked. Or bought a used AT&T phone secondhand from someone. Not to worry – you can unlock those as well through a simplified process:
Step 1: Head to att.com/deviceunlock
Step 2: Initiate new unlock request
Step 3: Select No when asked if you have the original account info
Step 4: Fill in forms with just the device details needed
Assuming the device qualifies based on the requirements already outlined, AT&T unlocks it despite lacking the associated subscriber details.
The key is having the correct IMEI number to identify that specific phone on their network. Read on to discover foolproof ways to find that pivotal unlock credential.
Locating Your Phone‘s IMEI Number
Critical to every AT&T phone unlock submission, successfully locating the IMEI provides key device identification. AT&T needs this unique 15-character code to approve unlocking for the proper iPhone or Android mobile.
Let‘s explore multiple reliable methods to find this crucical credential:
Dial Star Codes If Still On AT&T
If currently rocking an AT&T SIM card, their network can identify the phone. Just dial *#06# then tap call to see the IMEI populate instantly.
Check iPhone Settings
Navigate to Settings > General > About. Roughly halfway down appears IMEI under the words Model Name. Tapping reveals the full number sequence.
Access Android About Phone
Similarly on Androids, choose Settings > About Phone. IMEI displays clearly here or even stickered behind the battery.
Reference Device Box
Whether an old iPhone or AT&T Android, the original packaging always labels IMEI conspicuously. Find that unused box in storage to conveniently reference.
Check Your AT&T Account
Finally, securely sign into your AT&T account either online or via the myAT&T app. Recent billing statements and phone installment details show the IMEI number.
With so many reliable sources to choose from, looking up the IMEI should pose no barriers to successfully unlocking your AT&T device!
Enjoy the Flexibility of Unlocked Life
Hopefully this all-encompassing guide removed the mysteries around freeing your phone from AT&T. While their unlock process proves more restrictive than competitors, millions of customers still achieve exciting benefits:
- Use my old iPhone 8 abroad full-time after move to Europe
- Swapped temporarily to prepaid T-Mobile during financial hardship
- Buy secondhand AT&T devices knowing I can still unlock them
- Share my unlocked phone‘s mobile hotspot internationally without roaming fees
Ultimately regaining control over your phone‘s network options rewards consumers. Just be certain to always factory reset AFTER confirming success by inserting a foreign carriers SIM first.
So feel newly empowered to travel overseas or frequently switch between GSM providers. And let us know if any other AT&T unlock questions pop up!
