Contributor
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3 Messages
Prepaid device unlock after 6 months
I recently bought a Prepaid iPhone SE and I know that it is locked for 6 months. My scenario is: I got another phone which I want to use with the same connection.
1) Can I get a duplicate SIM to use in the other phone? I will switch off my iPhone SE, but I will continue my att plan with the other phone.
2) Can I unlock my iPhone SE after 6 months? Does att consider this scenario as 6 month active service to be eligible for unlock? Remember that my plan is active, but iPhone SE is switched off.
Accepted Solution
Official Solution
Gary L
ACE - Expert
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16.5K Messages
6 years ago
You have to USE that device ON the AT&T network for 6 months. I'm sorry, I thought that fact was established already (use it on prepaid for 6 months to unlock).
There have been people who paid for the 6th month and couldn't unlock as they'd only USED it for 5 months and a week at that point (even though they'd paid for the rest of month 6 already).
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ATTHelp
Community Support
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231.7K Messages
6 years ago
Hey @sibitg
Good question!
As long as the device is fully paid off and you have been an AT&T customer for at least six months, the device is eligible to be unlocked.
Feel free to review the Device Unlock Requirements and the Device Unlock Portal when you're ready to get the process started.
Trace, AT&T Community Specialist
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Gary L
ACE - Expert
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16.5K Messages
6 years ago
No, you can't get a duplicate SIM with the same number. Sorry.
And you've got that SE on prepaid account, right? (I don't think unlocking it on postpaid works as it was discounted for prepaid).
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sibitg
Contributor
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3 Messages
6 years ago
Thanks, that is great.
So I can get a duplicate SIM to use in my other phone.
Do the phone need to be in US while raising the unlock request?
Actually I plan to gift this iPhone to my spouse, who is in another country. So want to know whether she will be able to unlock it once I complete my 6 months period here with this att connection.
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Gary L
ACE - Expert
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16.5K Messages
6 years ago
Umm... I said NO. "No, you can't get a duplicate SIM with the same number. Sorry."
Are you using the phone on prepaid or postpaid?
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sibitg
Contributor
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3 Messages
6 years ago
I am using the iPhone as Prepaid only and purchased in Prepaid plan. I want to know whether att will allow me to deactivate the iPhone SIM and issue a duplicate SIM to use in my other phone. And I want to unlock the iPhone after 6 months.
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Rooster91
Contributor
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1 Message
5 years ago
When I returned from the UK to the US, I used my old SIM card that I had in the US. Although I wanted to change my service, ATT said that I needed to use my phone for six months after my return (even though I was a customer of theirs for 10 years before going to the UK for a year). I used the phone for another 6 months+ on the prepay plan. I was given a phone as a gift, completely paid for, etc. I put my SIM Card in and worked fine. Now after only 2 months with this phone, I am being told by ATT that I need to use this phone for another 6mos before it can be unlocked! I already have been their customer for 6+ months, why another 6 with a phone that was gifted to me. Seems very unethical on ATTs behalf to hold people hostage to use their service from phone to phone versus just 6 months of service period. I have signed nothing, had no idea there was another 6 months added to my service. I appreciate any help here.
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