What does it mean for my device to be "locked?" or "unlocked?"
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The term "locked" typically refers to a device that can only be used on the Sprint network and cannot be activated on a competing 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. There are generally two scenarios for device unlocking:
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Domestic SIM Unlocking ("DSU"): A device may be referred to as 'locked' if that device was manufactured with programming restrictions that prevent another carrier's SIM card from being inserted into the SIM slot for use on a different network. Generally, most smartphones launched after February 2015 are DSU-capable – meaning the SIM slot can be unlocked for potential usage on other carriers in the United States. Even if unlocked, Sprint DSU-capable devices may not work on another carrier's network. Whether an unlocked Sprint device can be used on another carrier's network is subject to that carrier's policies and network compatibilities.
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MSL Unlocking: A device is 'locked' if it is manufactured with a type of disabling software and a locking code (referred to as 'Master Subsidy Lock' or 'MSL'). Generally, MSL locks were utilized on devices launched before February 2015. Sprint can provide the MSL code to eligible customers, however this does not mean that the device will be able to be successfully used on any other carrier domestically.
Where do I get the software programming code or "lock code" for my phone?
- To get the software programming code or "lock code" for your phone, upon deactivation or after deactivation of your Sprint phone, the following things must be true:
- The phone you are deactivating or have deactivated must be a Sprint phone.
- It cannot be a Sprint Global phone (international phone).
- It cannot be a prepaid device.
- You must be up to date with all payments to Sprint, and otherwise not in default of any obligation to Sprint under the Terms and Conditions of Service.
- If you're a former customer, you must have completed your contract term with Sprint, and at the time of deactivation, you were not in default of any obligation to Sprint under the Terms and Conditions of Service, including payment obligations.
- If you meet these criteria, dial *2 from your Sprint phone or 888-211-4727 from any phone.
Will Sprint notify me when my device is eligible to be unlocked/has been unlocked?
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For customers with DSU-capable devices, Sprint has chosen to simply unlock active eligible DSU-capable devices without requiring our customers to initiate an unlock request. Once you meet the requirements outlined in the Domestic SIM Unlock Policy, Sprint will automatically unlock your active eligible DSU-capable device.
- For inactive devices, customers may have to take steps to perform an over-the-air update to ensure the unlock programming has been relayed to the device. If you believe you meet the Domestic Unlock Policy above and want to ensure that your device has been unlocked, contact Sprint Customer Care by dialing *2 from your Sprint mobile device or call 888-211-4727.
- For MSL devices (generally, devices launched prior to February 2015), Sprint will send a bill message and/or text message to customers when they become eligible to receive the MSL unlock code.
How Do I know if my device is DSU-capable?
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Devices manufactured prior to Feb 2015 generally are not DSU-capable. Devices introduced to the market after Feb 2015 typically are DSU-capable. Check out the list of unlocking capabilities for some of Sprint's most popular devices.
I have the MSL code for my device. Does that mean that my device is unlocked?
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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.
I've been told by another carrier that Sprint needs to unlock my SIM slot in order to use my phone on the other carrier's network.
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For DSU-capable devices, Sprint will unlock the SIM slot for devices that are eligible under the Domestic Unlock Policy outlined at sprint.com/unlock. If you believe that your device is eligible to be unlocked and want to request a domestic SIM unlock, contact Sprint Customer Care by dialing *2 from your Sprint mobile device or call 888-211-4727.
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It is important to note that not all devices are capable of being unlocked. Specifically, devices and device models manufactured prior to February 2015 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.
I have been told that my device is not DSU-capable. What can I do?
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Many devices that have been manufactured for Sprint simply are not DSU-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. Sprint strongly encourages owners of such devices to consider Sprint's Buyback Program, which may enable them to trade in their old devices to receive an in-store credit toward the purchase of a new device or to receive an account credit. For more information, visit sprint.com/buyback.
I am a former Sprint customer or was never a Sprint customer but have purchased a Sprint device from a third party other than Sprint. Can I have the device unlocked or receive the MSL code?
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For individual owners who can provide the account number or full account name last associated with the device, Sprint may be able to unlock the device or provide the applicable MSL Code respectively, provided the device is eligible under the applicable unlock policy. If a device is not eligible for any reason under the respective applicable policy, a non-Sprint customer requestor may be required to work with the original purchaser and/or the person from whom the requestor purchased the device to ensure any financial or device eligibility criteria are met.
- Customers are strongly encouraged to contact Sprint about a device's unlock eligibility before purchasing through a non-Sprint channel as Sprint cannot share any information regarding the previous account.
I see that Sprint has a separate unlocking policy for international travel. Why is that?
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For Sprint customers traveling abroad for a short period of time, often their Sprint service can be provisioned to allow for international roaming. See sprint.com/international for full details. However, Sprint customers remaining overseas for extended periods of time may prefer to try to use their Sprint device to receive service from a foreign carrier.
- As a courtesy to our customers, Sprint may be able to unlock some SIM-based devices to allow a foreign carrier's SIM card to be inserted, thus allowing the device to be used on a foreign carrier's network. Unlocking the international SIM slot will not allow the device to be used on another domestic carrier's network.
This information appears to apply only to postpaid customers. I am a Sprint Prepaid customer. Am I eligible to have my device unlocked?
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Sprint Prepaid customers may be eligible to have their device unlocked and/or receive the MSL Code pursuant to Sprint Prepaid unlocking policies. For more information on Sprint prepaid unlocking policies, visit sprint.com/prepaidunlock.
- This policy is subject to change without notice at Sprint's discretion.