Last updated on December 27th, 2024 at 10:56 pm
Would you like to bypass Sprint’s โnow T-Mobileโ SIM lock without having so many issues? Well, now you can, thanks to UnlockHere. If you are having issues because your old Sprint phone is still locked and T-Mobile doesn’t want to help since the carrier doesn’t exist anymore, then bring it here and unlock it with the best tool now!
SIM-Locked Sprint Phones: Are they Locked to T-Mobile Now?
The SIM lock, designed as a retention and registration method, binds the user to a single carrier. That means that the phone, even if it is compatible, will not work or connect with a different network and SIM card. The phone will still work normally and as intended. Still, the moment you want to try a new mobile plan or just get a new sim since there’s not enough coverage, it will be an issue as it will not let you stay connected.
Are Sprint and T-Mobile the same?
T-Mobile and Sprint merged in 2020, and they are now the same mobile carrier company. Although it is still possible to get a SIM from Sprint, it will be activated under T-Mobile, and you have to contact T-Mobile with any questions or tech support related to these legacy devices. Sprint services have now been integrated with T-Mobile; this includes unlocking services and new unlocking policies for these users.
Don’t worry, we will mention the requirements for these devices below, but keep in mind that they can also change depending on your type of plan (prepaid or postpaid). So if you have a Sprint legacy plan that is no longer active and you are not sure in which category it falls, we recommend giving them a call just in case. That way, if they have a different method to unlock the device, you can use it right away.
Does Sprint/T-Mobile have any Requirements for Unlocking a Device?
Yes, and as briefly mentioned above, they can be a little different for the type of plan. In this section, we will mention the common ones along with the other criteria for which they can ask for prepaid and postpaid. Both of them can ask for additional requirements that are not mentioned on their website, so have everything at hand just in case. The standard requirements are:
- The device had to be purchased with Sprint or T-Mobile.
- The smartphone cannot be blacklisted.
- The account must be in good standing.
What do I need to Unlock Prepaid Sprint (now T-Mobile) Phones?
- Have at least one year with the service.
- Cannot have more than two devices unlocked almost at the same time.
- Proof of purchase and additional info.
How can I Unlock my Sprint (now T-Mobile) Postpaid Phone?
- Have the device for at least 40 days.
- Pay the phone in full if it is leased or financed.
- Proof of purchase and any other additional info.
These are the new SIM unlock policy requirements Sprint users must meet to unlock a device. Further information can include the device’s ID or IMEI number to track your phone and remove this restriction when the eligibility unlock process is complete.
What is the Official Method to Unlock a Sprint (now T-Mobile) Phone?
It can usually take two business days, and most of them are automatically unlocked after that. If not, you should get a message with the steps to enter the phone unlock code and do it yourself. It is the official and safest method available, as they will be the ones in charge of unlocking your phone. After that, you should be able to use any other network carrier and SIM without issues.
Can I Unlock a Sprint that is not Paid Off?
No, as you can see above, is one of the necessary requirements to use their phone unlocking service. For postpaid and prepaid, you need to have a zero account balance. For any missing payments, you can check that in your T-Mobile account or give them a call to sort this out before you try to unlock it. If you still want to try, then UnlockHere can assist, but it is still better to pay them after that to avoid other issues or locks.
If my Sprint – T-Mobile Phone’s Software has been Altered, can I still Unlock it?
If the device has been rooted or jailbroken, it can affect the Sprint device’s eligibility to be unlocked. This can also void the warranty with the network provider or the manufacturer, so be careful. Also, keep in mind that even if it is not mentioned, the phone has to be in a good state in order to unlock it, so having modified software can interfere with the process and further lock your smartphone.
Are there any Alternative Methods to Unlock a Sprint (now T-Mobile) Phone?
Yes, and the best ones are Nifty and UnlockHere! We are an online unlock service that can help you unlock the Sprint network in less than half an hour. To start the process with us from the comfort of your home, go to our main website and click “Carrier Unlock“. There, fill out your brand, IMEI, name, and email so our AI servers can take this info and create your request to network unlock your mobile equipment.
The next step is to validate your identity and get the membership key, which will be sent to your email with further instructions. Watch our available tutorial and follow Nifty’s step-by-step instructions to unlock the phone. When that part is done, restart the device and insert the new SIM card so the changes can be saved. Test the connection of the Sprint device with the new carrier and use it as long as you want.
Does my Sprint Phone need a T-Mobile SIM Card to be Unlocked?
Not necessary if you have an old Sprint SIM; you can still do the process with the carrier and UnlockHere. You can later change it and update it for a T-Mobile one if you want to return it, but you are good for now. Remember that you don’t have to change carriers immediately and can enjoy the unlocked Sprint phone when you need it or when traveling to another zone or country.
Why is it Good to Unlock a Phone from this SIM Lock?
It gives you the freedom to choose another carrier without having to stay because of a contract, which can give you more possibilities and plans. Since most people can decide on their own carrier without being tied to one, there’s also the chance of selling the device faster and with better pricing.
Last but not least, it can save a lot of money on roaming services, whether domestic or international, as you can pick a local SIM card. Since it is no longer locked to Sprint, you can choose any plan that benefits you at that moment and cancel it or keep it around if you plan to commute soon to that region or country.
Is it possible for me to Unlock a Sprint (now T-Mobile) Phone for Free?
Sprint service and UnlockHere are both free. You don’t need to pay anything to unlock your smartphone, so looking for other installation programs with cheap unlocks for the Sprint device is unnecessary. The resources on our site are free, so you can visit them at any point and learn everything about the SIM lock before you begin your process, either with the carrier or with us.
Are there any Common Issues with trying to Unlock a Sprint/T-Mobile SIM?
The most common issue is that the unlock code fails and is not being recognized. For that, we recommend waiting for a couple of minutes and, in the meantime, contacting T-Mobile customer support so they can verify that the information is correct. Also, if your phone keeps being locked even after the code works, restart the device and try the new SIM card to see if it is now being recognized.
If the phone was not eligible because of a single requirement, go to UnlockHere.com and finish your process there. For any network error messages, go to your device’s settings and set the default values so it can automatically connect to the new SIM. We will leave instructions on how to do it for Android and iOS here so you can check them, just in case.
Use your Phone and Embrace the Freedom!
Although it is not necessary all the time, having an unlocked phone can help you get better options and plans. Using an unlock service expedites the process and helps second-hand users not be trapped by a single provider. So even if you don’t change the SIM right away and still prefer to use Sprint or T-Mobile, at least you have the chance to choose later in case you want to try something new.
