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Motorola does not remove a carrier or SIM lock; Motorola says you must ask the phone’s original carrier. That carrier decides whether the device qualifies and when it can be unlocked. If you mean unlocking the bootloader instead, that is a separate software-modification process with risks Motorola warns about.
First, identify which kind of unlock you need
A carrier or network unlock removes a restriction that ties a phone to one carrier, allowing it to use another carrier’s SIM if the device is compatible with that network. Motorola says a prompt for a “subsidy password” after you insert another SIM indicates a carrier lock. Motorola’s carrier-unlock guidance says the original carrier—not Motorola—is the party that can remove it.
Bootloader unlocking is different: it permits changes to the phone’s software or operating system. It does not remove a SIM lock, and a carrier unlock does not establish that the bootloader can be unlocked.
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- Check the message. If the phone requests a “subsidy password” after you insert a SIM from another carrier, treat it as a carrier-lock issue.
- Find the original carrier. Dial
*#06#to display the IMEI. If you do not know which carrier the phone is registered with, Motorola says its support team can use the IMEI to check the network. - Contact that carrier. Ask for its current eligibility rules, any waiting period, and the process for submitting an unlock request for your specific phone and account. Carriers may lock phones for a predefined period, and network or software limitations can prevent unlocking.
- Use the carrier’s current process. Motorola’s US support page points customers to carrier-specific routes: AT&T’s online request form, Boost Mobile’s unlocking policy, T-Mobile’s Device Unlock app for some phones (or direct contact if the app is incompatible), and Verizon’s automatic unlocking after a certain period for most newly purchased devices. The page does not provide a single current waiting period or complete account requirements for every carrier, so confirm the details directly with yours.
- Check compatibility before switching. Use Motorola’s US carrier compatibility page to check whether your exact model works with the intended network. Removing a lock alone does not guarantee compatibility.
What determines whether the phone can be unlocked?
The original carrier has to make the device-specific decision. Eligibility and timing depend on that carrier’s rules and on the phone’s network and software limitations. Without the model and variant, original carrier, country, account and device status, and IMEI, there is no reliable way to determine whether a particular Motorola phone qualifies or how long a request will take.
#1 Best Overall
- Fluid 120Hz Display: Features a large 6.7-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for smooth scrolling and added durability.
Ask the carrier to confirm both the unlock decision and how to complete it on your model. If it cannot unlock the phone, Motorola confirms that it sells unlocked phones; whether replacing the device makes sense depends on the target network and the cost of an alternative.
Bootloader unlocking has different risks
Motorola’s bootloader agreement and warning says: “WARNING: MOTOROLA STRONGLY RECOMMENDS AGAINST UNLOCKING THE BOOTLOADER AND/OR MODIFYING OR ALTERING A DEVICE’S SOFTWARE OR OPERATING SYSTEM.” The agreement warns that software changes may cause malfunction, make the phone inoperable, or permanently damage it. It also says obtaining an unlock code voids warranties under the agreement even if you do not go on to unlock the bootloader, and that Motorola is not obligated to support, update, repair, or replace an unlocked device. A carrier must approve network operation of an unlocked device.
Rank #2
- Universal unlocked. Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other prepaid carriers.
- Super-bright, super-smooth 6.7" display. See your screen clearly even outdoors in sunlight, and enjoy seamless views with a fast-refreshing 120Hz display.*
- AI-powered camera system. Take stunning photos in any light with the 50MP camera**, look your best with a 32MP selfie cam*****, and capture extreme close-ups.
- Superfast 5G performance. Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed*** with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM with RAM Boost****.
- Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging. Power through day after day with a 5200mAh battery, then get hours of power in just minutes.****
Motorola’s separate software-alteration guidance warns that changing the operating system may permanently damage the device, reduce its security, or cause it to malfunction; changes affecting regulatory compliance could invalidate certifications. The agreement describes Motorola’s terms and is not independent legal advice. Exact bootloader eligibility and steps depend on the phone’s model, variant, and market.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEW built-in stylus. Jot notes, edit photos, sketch artwork, and navigate effortlessly with an improved stylus and updated software.
- 6.7" pOLED display and Dolby Atmos. Experience cinema-quality entertainment with over a billion shades of color and multidimensional sound*.
- 50MP Ultra Pixel camera + OIS. Capture sharper low-light photos and smoother videos with an unshakable camera system featuring Optical Image Stabilization.
- 30W TurboPower charging + over a day battery. Get hours of power in just minutes of charging, then work and play with unbelievable battery life**.
- Standout design. Make a statement with its stunning look, modern color, and soft, vegan leather finish.
Rank #4
- 6.8" HD+ 1604x720, 263ppi, Gorilla Glass 5 LCD, 120Hz refresh rate, 20:9 Aspect Ratio, 5000mAh Battery, Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades
- 128GB, 8GB RAM, microSDXC (dedicated slot), Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm), Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 8MP, f/2.2 (Ultrawide), Front Camera: 16MP, f/2.4 (wide), Fingerprint side-mounted, 15W Wireless Charging Capable.
- 5G: NR band n2/5/7/12/14/25/26/29/30/41/48/66/70/71/77/78, Global 4G LTE bands - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- Carrier Unlocked US model – Global Connectivity – Plug & Play with an ACTIVE SIM on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and most U.S. carriers. Carrier unlocked device may retain original carrier logo on start up, while being fully unlocked. New Activation compatible with all Major Carriers in the US and Globally. (Not Compatibe with Certain MVNOs like Xfinty and Spectrum).
Rank #3
- Unlocked: Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other major carriers.
- Super-bright 6.7" display + Bass Boost: Take your entertainment to the next level with a fast-refreshing 120Hz display* and stereo sound with more powerful bass****.
- 50MP** Quad Pixel camera system: Capture sharper photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity—and share beautiful selfies with a 16MP front camera.
- Superfast 5G performance*****: Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM with RAM Boost.******
- Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging***: Work and play all day with a 5000mAh battery, then get hours of power in just minutes.
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