Mobile Carrier Device Unlock Policies: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon (Updated January 21, 2026)
Unlocking your mobile phone allows you to switch carriers and use your device on different networks worldwide. Each major US carrier – T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon – has its own policy regarding device unlocking. These policies vary in terms of eligibility requirements and waiting periods. This article provides a complete overview of each carrier’s current unlock policy as of January 21,2026.
T-Mobile Device Unlock Policy
T-Mobile’s unlock policies differ between postpaid and prepaid customers. Generally, T-Mobile is considered to have one of the more consumer-kind postpaid unlock policies, while its prepaid policy can require a longer commitment.
For both policies, T-Mobile requires that the device was originally sold by T-Mobile, has not been reported lost, stolen, or blocked, and is associated with an account in good standing.
- Postpaid unlock policy: To unlock a postpaid phone purchased from T-mobile, the device must be active on T-Mobile’s network for at least 40 days. If the phone is leased or financed through T-Mobile, the device must be paid in full. If the account has been canceled, there must be a zero balance. Once these requirements are met, you must request the unlock through T-Mobile’s website or customer service.
- Prepaid unlock policy: T-Mobile will unlock a prepaid phone after 365 days of activation on their network, or if you have accumulated more than $100 in refills for each line active on the account. A 14-day waiting period applies from the date of purchase.
- Additionally, you can’t have unlocked more than 2 mobile devices per line within the last 12 months.
- After meeting the requirements, you must request the unlock.
You can view T-Mobile’s official unlock policy here.
AT&T device Unlock policy
AT&T’s unlock policy is straightforward for both postpaid and prepaid accounts and is often considered easy to understand.
- Postpaid unlock policy: To unlock an AT&T postpaid device, it must have been purchased from AT&T at least 60 days prior. The device must also be paid in full and not reported lost or stolen. Upon fulfilling these requirements, you can request the unlock.
- Prepaid unlock policy: AT&T will unlock your prepaid device after 6 months of paid service, provided it is indeed not active on another account and has not been reported lost or stolen. You must then request the unlock.
You can find AT&T’s device unlock policy here.
Verizon Device Unlock Policy
Verizon’s unlock policy is subject to change, but as of January 21, 2026, it remains relatively simple.
- Postpaid unlock policy: Verizon automatically unlocks devices purchased from them after 60 days of use.The only exceptions are devices reported as stolen or purchased fraudulently. No unlock request is necessary.
- Prepaid unlock policy: Similar to postpaid, Verizon automatically unlocks prepaid devices purchased from them after 60 days of paid service, unless the device is stolen or fraudulently obtained.
You can review Verizon’s current device unlocking policy here.
Key Takeaways
- T-Mobile offers a relatively swift unlock for postpaid customers (40 days of activity) but requires a longer commitment for prepaid (365 days or $100 in refills).
- AT&T requires 60 days of use for postpaid unlocks and 6 months of paid service for prepaid unlocks.
- Verizon automatically unlocks both postpaid and prepaid devices after 60 days, making it the most straightforward policy currently.
- All carriers require the device to be purchased from them, not reported lost or stolen, and the account to be in good standing.