Hi.
I'm Derick with weboost.
Today, I'll show you how to check and see if your Android
phone is unlocked.
If you purchased your phone recently,
it's probably already unlocked.
But if you've had your phone a while or you're looking
to purchase a used one, it's best to check and see
if it's locked to a certain carrier.
Carriers lock devices so they only work
on that specific carrier to insure
you can't get a discounted phone with one of their plans
and then jumped to another carrier,
leaving them with the bill.
If you're purchasing a used mobile phone,
it's best to check and see if it's locked before you do so,
so you can use it on the carrier of your choice.
Having an unlocked phone is also good
so you can switch carriers if you would like,
or if you need to travel outside the country
and purchase a SIM card to use while there.
To check if your phone's unlocked,
there are two basic ways to do so, depending
on the model of your phone and the version of the operating
system you're using.
You should be able to check and see
if it's unlocked in the Settings menu.
Go to Settings and Networks.
Your phone may say Cellular Network or Mobile Network,
depending on where you are.
Select Network Operators and then search Networks.
Let the phone search for available networks.
It might take a little while.
Connect to one of the networks and see if you can get a signal
and can make a call.
If several results come back, your phone
is most likely unlocked.
This method isn't 100% accurate, so you
might want to try a method 2, just to be sure.
Method 2 is a little bit more involved,
but it leaves no doubt when you're done.
To check using this method, you'll
need two SIM cards for your phone
from two different networks.
Power down your phone first.
Then open the SIM card slot on your phone using
a removal tool or a paperclip.
Remove your SIM card and replace it with one
from another carrier.
Power the phone back up.
You'll notice that the carrier name will change
at the top of your phone.
Try to make a call.
If the call goes through, then your phone is unlocked.
If you can't place a call, then it
has been locked by your carrier.
You may also get a message alerting you
that the phone is locked.
If your phone is locked, there's no need to worry.
As long as your phone is no longer under contract
or you've paid for it outright, you
can have it unlocked by the carrier.
They're required to do so by the FCC.
If you're the original owner of the phone,
this is as simple as a phone call or filling out a form.
But if you're buying the phone secondhand or do not
know who the original owner is, this can be a bit more tricky.
It is still doable, but you'll have
to jump through a few more hoops.
I hope that helps you figure out if your phone is unlocked.
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Thanks for watching.
See you next time.