Unlocking your phone
Here’s the deal – for a phone to work with SmartLess Mobile, it needs to be unlocked. The good news is, if it is carrier locked (which means it only works on a certain carrier), getting it unlocked is pretty simple.
How to check if your phone is unlocked
It probably came unlocked if you bought your phone directly from the manufacturer (like Apple, Samsung, or Google). But if you got it from a mobile carrier, it may still be locked to their network.
For iPhones
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Go to Settings
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Tap General
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Select About
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Scroll down to Carrier Lock
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If it shows No SIM restrictions, good news, your iPhone is unlocked.
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If it shows SIM locked, your iPhone is locked to a carrier.
For Android phones
Since Android models vary, the steps may differ. Try searching online for your phone model or follow these general steps:
Samsung devices
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Go to Settings > About Phone > Status or Network > SIM Status
- Look for Network Lock or similar.
Google devices
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Go to Settings > About Phone > Status > SIM Status
- Look for Network Lock or similar.
How to unlock your phone
If your phone is carrier locked, you’ll need to contact the carrier you got it from to have it unlocked. Most carriers require:
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Your phone is to be paid off in full
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Your phone has been active on their network for a set time (typically 30 or 60 days)
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Your account must be in good standing
Once the other carrier has unlocked it, you’re all set to join SmartLess Mobile!
What is the Reseller Flex policy?
The Reseller Flex policy allows retailers to receive devices in an unlocked state. While the phone may start out unlocked, it's programmed to lock to the first network it connects to during activation.
A note about Reseller Flex locks
Some phones sold at big retailers like Best Buy, Walmart or Apple may come with something called a Reseller Flex lock. This lock isn't controlled by SmartLess Mobile, and we can’t remove it. Your best bet is to contact the place you bought it. The store that sold it to you should be able to assist you with the unlock process.
Why does the phone work with SmartLess Mobile if it’s locked?
Reseller Flex-locked phones usually activate on the first SIM inserted. If that SIM uses the T-Mobile network (like we do), the phone might work just fine with SmartLess Mobile—but still be locked to T-Mobile.
That means if you try switching to another carrier that doesn’t use T-Mobile’s network, the phone might not work. If you’re planning to use the phone somewhere else, we recommend reaching out to T-Mobile or the retailer where you bought the phone for help unlocking it.