Can I Save My Data When I Reset My Phone
Many people decide to back up their phone to the Cloud or another device before completing a hard reset. This lets you save your information, which can later be re-uploaded back to your phone or a new device.
Youll need to connect your Cloud account to your phone via Wi-Fi. Android users will need to know their username and password. Apple users will need to know their Apple ID and password.
Alternatively, you can connect your phone to your PC with a USB cable and copy all items onto your computer.
Applying For A Free Government Phone
Once you have located a company that offers a program that is to your liking, applying for a free cell phone is simple. Using the providers website, you can fill out an online application to get a free phone.
While many choose to apply online for a free phone, the option exists to sign up in stores where applications are taken. In addition, some government assistance offices may also offer the option to sign up for the Lifeline Assistance program. For those of you who are not internet savvy, this is a great option to apply for the program.
Unlocking An At& t Phone
Unlocking a phone from AT& T is a bit more complicated than with Verizon. While youll need to jump through a few more hoops, its still not difficult. Heres the checklist of prerequisites youll need to unlock your AT& T handset.
- The device must work on AT& Ts networks.
- If youre a current customer, your contract or installment plan must be fully paid off . If not, pay off your plan early and wait 48 hours before making a request.
- It must not have been reported lost or stolen or involved in fraud.
- The account must be in good standing not associated with fraudulent activity.
- It must not be active on a different AT& T customers account.
- On a postpaid account, it must have been active for at least 60 days, with no past due or unpaid balance.
- If its an AT& T prepaid device, it must be in service for at least six months.
- If youve upgraded early, you must wait for the 14-day buyers remorse period before unlocking your old phone.
- If its a business device, then you must have your companys permission.
- For military personnel, email AT& T your TCS or PCS documents to unlock before your contract or payments end.
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Unlock My Iphone Global
This one is super easy to fix. Enter either of these two codes on the lock screen of your device:
Thankfully, both of those codes are easy to remember. If for whatever reason these codes arent working for you, you can call Verizons customer servicethey should be able to help you unlock your device if things arent working.
Is It Important To Know Which Network My Phone Is Locked To
You must figure out which service provider has locked your phone. This is because different service providers recommend different methods for unlocking your phone. A phone unlocking procedure for one service provider cannot work for a different provider and may even complicate the process further. Here is a helpful video to assist you in finding out which network your phone is locked to Checking Carrier Network. Checking which network your phone is locked to will also help you gather important information like the blacklist status of your phone, coverage status, and serial number.
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Is It Possible To Unlock Your Iphone
Yes, it is possible to unlock your network locked iPhone. However, the procedure for unlocking varies slightly from the one used with other android phones. Apple undertakes the unlocking on its end. This may take a while. You will be alerted once the unlocking process is done. It is important to backup all your data on a cloud or computer. Finally, go to iTunes and perform restoration for your device.
What You Need To Unlock Your Network Locked Phone
Knowing how to unlock a network locked phone for free is important however, you need to know the important information you should have beforehand. The amount of skill and effort you will need to unlock a phone will depend on the service provider youre subscribed to.
The earlier you get done with the unlocking process, the better. The methods used may vary, but the key information required stays the same. They include:
- The IMEI number of your network locked phone
- Your name and account information
- Your Social Security Number
- A contract document showing that you have completed paying for the device.
- You will need an overseas deployment letter for people serving in the US army.
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Unlock The Phone On Your Own
There is another possible way to unlock your phone. First of all, you have to turn off your mobile phone and take out the SIM card. Then turn on the device without the SIM card and wait for it to show a message with the instruction to insert the SIM card. From that moment you will need to write the IMEI code to unlock the phone.
However, each brand and each type of mobile phone has different requirements, so you will not have to follow the same steps to unlock the mobile device.
Unlocking A Metro By T
Metro by T-Mobile, formerly known as Metro PCS, is one of the most popular choices when it comes to prepaid services. While it bears the T-Mobile branding, the requirements to unlock your phone vary slightly.
- It must be from Metro.
- It must have had active service for a minimum of 180 consecutive days .
- If you have a warranty exchanged handset, then the 180 days is based on the activation date of the original phone.
- The 180-day service requirement is waived for military personnel you can visit a corporate store with deployment papers and an agent will provide an unlock code for your device.
One method of unlocking is through the Device Unlock app, usually found in the Metro by T-Mobile folder of your phone. This can only be done with a select group of phones, including the Alcatel A30, LG Aristo, and Samsung J7 Prime.
If you have an Apple device, once it becomes eligible, Metro by T-Mobile will automatically authorize, and initiate unlock for your device remotely. To complete the unlock on your device, Verify that your device is eligible to be unlocked, make sure your device is on Wi-Fi, insert a non-T-Mobile SIM card into your iPhone and complete the first-time use. If the device has already been set up, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to your Apple ID.
Since rebranding, Metro by T-Mobile now operates in the GSM network as opposed to CDMA, so your unlocked Metro phone will only be able to work with other GSM carriers like T-Mobile and AT& T.
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How To Unlock Straight Talk Phone For Free
Before you begin the unlocking process, ensure that your account is in a good standing condition. Straight Talk will not unlock phones with liabilities. Also, ensure that your phone meets Straight Talk unlocking conditions. Straight Talk may charge up to $300 to unlock phones that do not meet the unlocking requirements, depending on the duration you have used the service. You will also need your phones IMEI to receive the unlocking code. Dial *#06# to get your phones IMEI.
The steps on how to unlock Straight Talk phone are as listed below:
How To Unlock An Android Phone
The process to Unlock your Android phone is the same as that for an iPhonecontact your carrier with your phone’s IMEI number to inquire about whether it’s still locked to a Canadian network.
You can also check in your Android phone’s settings. Depending on your specific model and version of Android, you’ll find this info in your Network menu, under the Network Operators option. If you can connect to a different network, your phone is unlocked. You can also pop another carrier’s SIM card into your device to see if you’re able to connect successfully to that network.
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What Is Network Locked Phones
Before you can know how to unlock a network locked phone for free, you first have to know what a locked phone is. Every service providers major aim is to maintain consumers on their network for the longest time to maximize profits.
They get you to join their network through attractive offers, e.g., discounted phones, cheap plans, and phone upgrading. After youre in, your phone is secured to their network only. They do this by embedding security features or using specially made software.
If you try to use a different networks SIM card, you will be prompted to contact your service provider or input unlocking codes. This renders your phone temporarily useless. You cant make phone calls, text, or browse using your purchased data packages.
Any attempt to unlock the phone incorrectly can also result in the service provider blacklisting you. This will shut you out of their service for good. It is important to use the right procedures to unlock your phone. All service providers have different methods that they require you to follow to unlock your phone. They also decide who is eligible for unlocking and who isnt.
How To Update An Unlocked Phone Without The Sim Card
If youve requested an unlock from your carrier, but have not got the original SIM card, or if you have acquired a locked iPhone from someone else, you may need to reset the phone before it will be unlocked. Follow these steps to reset the iPhone:
The phone should now be unlocked.
When you turn the iPhone back on, complete the setup assistant and restore it from the backup you created. Then you can insert the new SIM card and it should now work.
And there we have it! Your iPhone should be unlocked and free for use on any network. If youre interested in repeating the process for your tablet, weve got a separate guide for those who wish to unlock an iPad.
If youre thinking of moving your old iPhone on to someone else, you should also read how and where to sell your old iPhone for the best price for some tips on resetting it and getting the best deal.
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Unlock Codes Usually Cost Money But Free Codes Exist
If, for some reason, getting help directly from the carrier isnt possible, youll need an unlock code.This could be because youve bought the handset used or perhaps have moved to another country.
Regardless of why you need to unlock a phone, most of the online providers of codes want a little money from you for the privilege. Once again, in the USA carriers are obligated to unlock the phones of eligible handsets, so please do speak to them first.
One popular site is FreeUnlocks, which offers the first code free through a partnership with TrialPay. Sadly, all of the other options we looked at only offer a paid service or so-called free options turned out to be scams or spam. So, for now, FreeUnlocks and asking your carrier seem to be the only good free options.
However, if you are willing to pay a bit of money, sites like UnlockRadar, Unlock Arena and Dr SIM do offer a risk-free service.
How To Unlock An Iphone On Vodafone
Vodafone states on its site that all Apple products issued by the company are already unlocked.
Should you find this isnt the case, then youll need to get a Network Unlock Code from Vodafone. Before attempting this, be aware that the company states, Unfortunately, if you bought your phone from a different provider or e.g. Carphone Warehouse, we cant unlock it. You will have to contact them directly.
So it could be that the device is locked by the other provider rather than Vodafone.
If youre thinking of handing on your iPhone to someone else, and are worried that it might be locked to your Vodafone account, you can use Vodafones online unlocking form to complete the process. The company claims it usually manages to unlock your device within 72 hours, but that in some cases it may be up to 10 days depending on the circumstances. The process is free.
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Do I Qualify For A Free Government Phone With The Lifeline Program
For starters, if youre already enrolled in a government aid program, you could automatically qualify for a free government phone. Those already enrolled in any of the following programs are eligible:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Tribal-specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families , Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations , Head Start
If youre not enrolled in any of those government programs, youll need to prove your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example, if youre the only person in your household and want to get a free government phone, youll need to prove you make less than $12,760 per year. Every extra person in your household pushes your limit up another $4,480so, essentially, the more folks you have in your household, the easier it is to qualify for a free government cell phone and inexpensive cell phone plan.
How To Unlock A Network Locked Phone For Free 2022
Buying a new phone can be quite tedious, but if you dont know how to unlock a network locked phone for free, the process gets even more frustrating. When searching for a new phone to purchase, you will come across different models, making it hard to settle for one.
You will also come across various enticing offers from different wireless service providers. These offers allow you to purchase high-end phones at a discount or with a flexible payment plan spanning several months. This makes it easy to sign a contract with them immediately.
They dont tell you that these phones are locked to the service provider you purchase them from. This means that it will be hard for you to swap service providers whenever you want to. While a law compels wireless service providers to unlock phones for consumers once their contract expires, the process is still very long.
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Free Government Phones: Plans Devices How To Apply
Thanks to the governments Lifeline Assistance program, you can qualify for .
For those who struggle to pay their cell phone bill every month, this government program was made for you. In this article, we’ll explain how you can qualify for the Lifeline program, as well as run through the carriers that offer free government cell phones. Finally, we’ll present some low-cost cell phone plan alternatives to this free program.
How To Unlock An Iphone On Three
Three keeps things nice and simple. On its website, the carrier states that any iPhone purchased after 1 January 2014 from Three is automatically unlocked as soon as you connect it to Wi-Fi or iTunes/the Finder .
But even if you purchased your iPhone before that, you simply need to connect the iPhone to iTunes/the Finder and restore the device to unlock it. Youll want to back up first, though, as restoring will wipe all the data.
Alternatively, you can fill out Threes online form.
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Unlocking A Sprint Phone
After its merger with T-Mobile, Sprint is no longer an independent entity. Sprint says that domestic SIM unlock-capable devices launched after 2015 will automatically unlock when they become eligible on postpaid accounts. Sprint phones released before this period generally cannot be SIM unlocked. Before Sprint unlocks your phone, youll need to ensure your device and account meet the requirements below:
- It must be a device from Sprint.
- It must be domestic SIM Unlock capable .
- It must not have been reported lost, stolen or blocked, or associated with any fraud.
- It must be attached to an account in good standing.
- It must have been active for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
- There must be no outstanding or pending payments or fees.
If your device is currently inactive, youll want to call Sprints Customer Service at 888-211-4727 to get the device unlocked. Be prepared to potentially force an over-the-air update to get it unlocked, and you may have to submit to extra validation to ensure your device can be unlocked. If you have a Sprint iPhone that is still locked, your best bet is to call Customer Care. If youre unlocking for international use, you must also ensure the device is capable of international SIM unlock.
How To Unlock An Iphone
Unlock your iPhone by contacting your carrier to ensure its been unlocked on their end. If your device runs iOS 14 or newer, you can confirm if your device is unlocked in Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. Look for No SIM restrictions to confirm that you can activate a SIM card from a different carrier.
To unlock an iPhone running iOS 13 or older, or when you dont have a SIM card, you can still ask your carrier to unlock it, then restore your iPhone to factory settings. Remember to back up your data before you erase your iPhone.
This is a lot of tech to understand, but you’re not alone. Your best option is to simply call your cell phone carrier for help or walk into a store and ask them to do the work for you. Your carrier may also require the:
- Name of the account holder
- Account holder’s security password
- Phone number currently assigned to the phone
Remember: Carriers cannot charge you to unlock your device. It’s your right, and it’s free.
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