Network-Unlocked vs Carrier-Locked Phones
Learn the difference between a carrier lock, SIM compatibility and a blacklisted device before switching networks.
A phone can be carrier-locked, incompatible with a network, or restricted for another reason. These are different conditions and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Carrier lock
A carrier lock limits which SIMs a device accepts. Eligibility and unlocking rules vary by carrier, contract and country; contact the original carrier for its official policy.
Compatibility
An unlocked device still needs compatible radio bands, supported technology and suitable network settings to work well on a chosen network.
Blacklist status
A blacklist restriction may be associated with a lost, stolen or unpaid device. Unlocking a carrier restriction does not necessarily remove a blacklist status.
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