What Is an Unlocked Phone? Locked vs. Unlocked Devices

If you're not familiar with all the terminology involved in phones, you may wonder just what is an unlocked phone. Carriers lock phones for a variety of reasons; to hold buyers to their contracts, to prevent the use of stolen devices, and more. An iPhone, Android phone, and other devices may have a carrier lock. 

Naturally, pricey wireless companies don't want their users switching to a more affordable cellular network too easily; then, mobile networks' operators would have to lower their prices. However, you still have options. 

Despite the limitations, you still have considerable control over a carrier locked device. You can legally sell it, and there are options to open your locked device so you can switch service providers anytime. 

Types of Locked Devices

There are a few types of locked phones to be aware of. The most common is the carrier-locked phone, which is tied to a specific wireless carrier and must be unlocked to use another network. The phone is otherwise fully functional.

Other phone locks do more to restrict operation and are more serious. For instance, if a phone is reported stolen, it may be locked and inoperable. In this case, you will not be able to use it or sell it. 

Avoid ending up with a blacklisted phone by buying phones solely from reputable sellers, or insist on testing devices you buy through online marketplaces. 

In the past, iPhone users often bypassed restrictions with jailbroken phones. By modifying the device, they could bypass the manufacturer’s operating system restrictions. This was never illegal, but could void your warranty and compromise performance. 

What's the Difference Between a Locked and Unlocked Phone?

The main difference between locked and unlocked phones is the restrictions imposed by wireless carriers. A locked phone is designed to work with one particular wireless carrier, meaning it won’t accept other SIM cards without being unlocked.

In contrast, an unlocked phone can operate on multiple cellular networks. Users with an unlocked phone can easily switch between service providers.

Locked Phones 

Locked phones are tied to a specific carrier network, such as T-Mobile or Verizon. Typically, these are sold through the carrier's store and offered on what the carrier insists are tremendous payment plans. However, the terms are often much less appealing when you take a closer look. 

This is why these phones often come with restrictions that prevent users from switching to another provider without first unlocking the device. This type of lock ensures that the customer remains with the particular carrier network for a set period, especially when purchasing the phone through financing options.

Unlocked Phones

Unlocked phones offer more freedom. They aren’t tied to a single carrier network, allowing you to swap SIM cards from different carriers without needing permission from the original provider. 

There are a variety of cases where this is an important advantage. If you're traveling abroad and need to use a local SIM card, you'll need to have an unlocked device. 

Locked Versus Unlocked Phones: Benefits of Unlocked

There are many advantages to owning an unlocked phone, especially for users who value flexibility and savings. Here are the key reasons why unlocked devices are often preferred:

Freedom to Switch Carriers Anytime

An unlocked smartphone allows users to easily switch between wireless carriers without being bound by contracts or restrictions. You can simply swap out the SIM card and use a different network. This can be especially useful if you’re looking to find a better deal or switch to a new carrier after your contract ends.

Ideal for International Travel

For those who frequently travel, an unlocked phone is essential. Instead of paying hefty roaming fees, you can use local SIM cards from the country you’re visiting, significantly reducing costs for international calls and cellular data usage. 

Pricey wireless companies often charge exorbitant rates for international plans, but with an unlocked device, you can avoid these fees.

Higher Resale Value

Because unlocked phones aren’t tied to a specific network, they tend to have a higher resale value than locked phones. Buyers are more likely to purchase a device that can be used with any carrier, which makes unlocked smartphones more attractive in the second-hand market.

Switching Carriers with an Unlocked Phone

Switching carriers is incredibly easy with an unlocked phone. You’ll simply need to insert the new SIM card from your chosen provider, and your phone will automatically connect to the new network provider. 

Be sure that your device supports the new carrier’s cellular data network, as different devices often operate with different network operators.

Check Compatibility with Carriers

Before switching to a new carrier, make sure your phone is compatible with the new carrier's network. Contact the new provider’s customer service department and provide your IMEI number to confirm compatibility. This step ensures that your device will work with the new provider's mobile networks.

Sell Your Carrier-Locked Phone with ecoATM

If you have a carrier locked phone and feel trapped, EcoATM can help. While we don't buy other types of locked phones, we accept phones with a carrier lock and offer great rates and a streamlined process. By selling your locked phone to us, you can get quick cash to transition to a new device. 

The process is simple: 

• Price your locked device on our website to get a quote based on your phone's condition and the latest market data.
•  If you like the price, prepare your phone by backing up your data using iCloud, an SD card, or your computer.
• Factory reset your device to clear your personal data and make it ready for a new owner.
• Drop your phone off at the nearest EcoATM kiosk and walk away with cash.

You don't have to be stuck with your locked phone. Take back your flexibility and freedom of choice by selling it with ecoATM today. 

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