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An unlocked phone is not restricted to one mobile carrier. On an iPhone, check Settings > General > About: if Network Provider Lock says “No SIM restrictions,” Apple says the phone is unlocked. Android has no single reliable menu path for every brand, so confirm with the carrier that originally locked or sold the phone.
Unlock status is only one part of switching networks. Check that your exact phone model is compatible with the carrier you want to use, and that it is not blocked from service.
How do I know if my phone is unlocked?
On iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then About.
- Find Network Provider Lock. “No SIM restrictions” means the iPhone is unlocked, according to Apple Support.
Apple’s instructions cover iOS 14 and later for updating the status display after an unlock. If you use an older iOS version or the status is unclear, ask the carrier to confirm the unlock; Apple says it cannot unlock the iPhone itself.
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On Android
Android settings vary by manufacturer, model and software, so there is no dependable menu sequence for every phone. Look in Settings under About phone or a SIM/network section for a SIM or network status. If you cannot find a clear status, contact the original carrier and ask it to check the device. Motorola says its support can use the IMEI to check whether a phone is registered to a particular network; its carrier-unlock guidance also notes that unlocking routes vary.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Can I test it with another SIM?
If you have access to a SIM or eSIM from another provider, trying it can provide a useful second check. A request for a network unlock code or a “SIM not supported” message may indicate a lock. But no service by itself does not prove that the phone is locked: incompatible network support, a device block, incomplete activation or missing carrier-specific features can also prevent service. Ask the original carrier to confirm lock status and use the destination carrier’s compatibility check separately.
What does “unlocked” mean—and what does it not mean?
An unlocked phone is not restricted to one carrier’s network. Motorola describes an unlocked phone as one that can recognize SIMs from different networks. That removes a carrier restriction; it does not ensure that every network can use every phone model.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
- It is not the same as compatible. A destination carrier may not support the phone, or may support it only partially. T-Mobile warns that non-T-Mobile devices can have variable performance or feature support; Rogers says some features may not work as they do on the original carrier.
- It is not the same as unblocked. A phone can be reported as not blocked while its unlock status remains unconfirmed. T-Mobile’s BYOD checker treats compatibility, blocked status, unlock confirmation and eSIM capability as separate checks.
- It does not settle payment or account obligations. Unlock status alone does not establish whether a phone is paid off or whether financing, account or promotional-credit obligations remain. Check those terms with the seller or original carrier.
- It does not guarantee international service. The phone still needs coverage on a network compatible with its model. Rogers makes the same distinction in its Device Unlocking FAQs.
What to check before switching carriers
Check these separately rather than treating “unlocked” as a complete compatibility verdict:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Carrier-lock status: use the iPhone About screen or ask the original carrier to confirm.
- Exact-model compatibility: enter the phone’s IMEI in the destination carrier’s official BYOD checker. A result for a different model or a broad device family may not answer whether your exact phone is supported.
- Block status: check whether the destination carrier reports the phone as blocked. An unlocked phone may still be unable to join the network if it is blocked.
- Needed features: verify support for eSIM, where relevant, and for the calling, data or other carrier features you rely on. A phone may work on a network without supporting every feature as configured for its original carrier.
What to do if the phone is locked
Contact the carrier that locked the phone and follow its eligibility and unlock process. For iPhones, Apple says only the current network provider can perform the unlock, and processing may take a few days. After the carrier confirms the unlock, follow its instructions. Apple’s guide describes inserting another carrier’s SIM; in some situations, it may require backing up, erasing and restoring the iPhone.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Android unlock methods and eligibility rules vary by carrier and device. Motorola lists carrier-specific routes and notes that some phones cannot be unlocked because of network or software limitations. Ask the original carrier for the applicable process rather than assuming a universal timeline or method.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
