UNLOCKING YOUR SPRINT DEVICE
En Español Frequently asked questions
Sprint appreciates your interest in learning more about device unlocking. Device unlocking is a complicated technical issue which has evolved over the past few years. Please read carefully the information below to better understand the facts and Sprint's policies on this matter.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Unlocking a device is a general term that refers to one or more types of device unlocking. MSL unlocking refers to providing an MSL code in order to disable software that sets device parameters and prevents the device from activation on a different network. Unlocking also refers to enabling the SIM slot of your device to allow you to insert another carrier’s SIM card (either domestically or internationally.) Unlocking a device will not necessarily make a device interoperable with another carrier’s network. In other words, a device designed for one network is not made technologically compatible with another network merely by unlocking it. Additionally, unlocking a device may enable some functionality of the device but not all (e.g., an unlocked device may support voice services but not data services when activated on a different network).
Sprint will only activate devices certified to work on the Sprint network and may not activate unlocked devices from other carriers/service providers, including devices manufactured for Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and Assurance Wireless.
UNLOCKING FOR DOMESTIC USAGE
Sprint will unlock a device from Sprint's network under the following circumstances:
Any associated Service Agreement, Installment Billing Agreement, or Lease Agreement has been fulfilled including payment in full of any applicable early termination fees or end-of-lease purchase options
The associated account is in good standing
The device has not been reported as lost or stolen, associated with fraudulent activity, or otherwise flagged as ineligible to be unlocked
Generally, if you have a device that was launched prior to February 2015 and it is capable of being unlocked, Sprint will provide a bill notification and/or text message when you are eligible to have your device unlocked. The bill notification will direct you to Sprint Customer Care who can assist in efforts to unlock your device.
For domestic SIM unlockable ("DSU") devices launched after February 2015, Sprint will automatically unlock the device when it becomes eligible.
For inactive devices, customers must contact Sprint Customer Care to request that their DSU-capable device be unlocked and may have to take steps to perform an over-the-air update to ensure the unlock programming has been relayed to the device.
UNLOCKING FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Traveling abroad? Sprint customers traveling abroad for a short period of time may be eligible to have their Sprint service provisioned to allow for international roaming. See sprint.com/international for full details.
Sprint customers remaining abroad for an extended period of time may want to try to use their Sprint device with a foreign carrier. For certain devices which are engineered to include a SIM slot, Sprint may be able to unlock the device SIM slot for a foreign carrier's SIM card to be inserted. Customers must contact Sprint (see below) and must meet the following conditions:
The device is capable of international SIM unlock
The person requesting the international SIM unlock is a current Sprint customer that can authenticate as the Account Holder or an Authorized Contact
The applicable device is currently active on a Sprint account and the applicable account has been active for at least 90 days.
The account is in good standing
The subscriber with which the device is associated has not previously unlocked another device within the past 12 months.
If the account is an ASL account:
There is no unfulfilled Service Agreement associated with the line of service.
There is no outstanding Installment Billing Agreement balance associated with the device.
Please note that requesting an international unlock will not unlock a DSU-capable device for use with domestic (U.S.) SIMs. When using a foreign carrier's SIM it is important to note that all information, service and support must be provided by that carrier. You remain responsible for any charges to your Sprint account, as well as any charges from the foreign provider. Upon returning to the U.S., you may need to remove the foreign carrier's SIM to register on Sprint's network.
Please contact Sprint Worldwide Care to request an international SIM unlock. Sprint Worldwide Care can be reached via chat or email from sprint.com/swwsupport or by calling 888-226-7212.
UNLOCKING FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL
Sprint greatly appreciates the service that our U.S. military men and women provide at home and abroad. For military personnel deployed overseas, Sprint has established a favorable unlocking policy, as follows:
The device is capable of international SIM unlock
The subscriber is an active member of a branch of the United States military
The subscriber has been issued overseas deployment papers
The person requesting the unlock is a current Sprint customer that can authenticate as the Account Holder or an Authorized Contact
The account is in good standing
The subscriber with which the device is associated has not previously unlocked another device within the past 12 months.
Military personnel deployed overseas can contact Sprint Worldwide Care to unlock the device SIM slot. Sprint Worldwide Care can be reached via chat or email from sprint.com/swwsupport or by calling 888-226-7212.
DOMESTIC UNLOCK
INTERNATIONAL UNLOCK
DEVICE
MASTER SUBSIDY LOCK (MSL) CODE UNLOCK
A device owner can use the MSL Code to attempt to reprogram certain operational parameters in the device software in order to attempt to enable CDMA functionality on another carrier’s network.
DOMESTIC SIM UNLOCK (DSU)
A domestic SIM unlock allows a device owner to insert another domestic carrier’s SIM card into the device in order to attempt to activate the device on that carrier’s network.
INTERNATIONAL SIM UNLOCK (ISU)
An international SIM unlock allows a device owner to insert an international carrier’s SIM card into the device in order to attempt to activate the device on that carrier’s network.
Apple iPhone 4s
X
X
Apple iPhone 5
X
X
Apple iPhone 5s*
X
X
Apple iPhone 5c*
X
X
Apple iPhone 6*
X
X
Apple iPhone 6 Plus*
X
X
Samsung GS3
X
Samsung GS4
X
X
Samsung GS5
X
X
Samsung GS5 Sport
X
X
Samsung Note 3
X
X
Samsung Note 4
X
X
Samsung Edge
X
X
LG 3
X
X
LG Flex
X
X
HTC One
X
X
*Domestic SIM Unlock capable as of 2/19/15
NOTE REGARDING SPRINT'S UNLOCKING POLICIES
Sprint may refuse any unlock request that would result in an abuse of these policies or is part of an effort to defraud Sprint or its customers. These policies are subject to change at Sprint's discretion without advance notice.
UNLOCKING FAQS
Answers to frequently asked questions regarding unlocking.
This policy is subject to change without notice at Sprint's discretion. Updated 2/11/2015.
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