What Does It Mean For My Device To Be ‘locked’?
We lock and unlock our phones many times each day, but this kind of locking and unlocking refers to your screen access and is not what we refer to by a ‘locked’ device. The ‘locked’ term that we refer to is related to the mobile phone’s ability to operate on an individual mobile network.
If a phone is locked, it means that it is locked to a single network and as such unable to operate on any other mobile network. As the opposite of ‘locked’ phones, there are ‘unlocked’ phones, which represent devices that can operate on various mobile networks. One of the main prerequisites for a mobile phone to be unlocked is the fact that it operates on a SIM card.
Unlocked phones work with SIM cards of various network providers, while locked ones work only with a single provider. This is also known as the ‘SIM Unlocking’.
In addition to SIM unlocking, there is also ‘MSL Unlocking’, in which case a device was manufactured with a type of disabling software and a locking code (known as ‘Master Subsidy Lock’ = MSL). This is more common for devices produced before 2015. Those devices are easily unlocked by entering the MSL code. However, as mentioned above, these days, ‘SIM locking’ is way more common.
Now that you all know what ‘locked’ or ‘unlocked’ phones mean, we can take a closer at Boost Mobile Unlocking in particular.
Can Boost Mobile Phones Be Unlocked?
YES. Boost Mobile phones can be unlocked upon customer’s request. For the Boost Mobile to agree upon your phone being unlocked, you will need to meet a set of prerequisites. We will cover those in detail in one of the following sections.
NOTE: The Boost Mobile reserves the right to decline your phone unlocking process if they determine that you are not eligible or that you have in any way violated their policy or terms of use. Also read Are Straight Talk Phones Unlocked
How To Know If My Phone Is Locked To Boost Mobile?
This process slightly differs on which type of phone you are using (Android or iPhone), however, in general, there are two methods to check that. The process below is not limited to the Boost Mobile. Using the two methods below you can check any phone whether it is locked or not.
Method #1: Networks Availability:
You can check if your phone is locked or unlocked by going to your settings, then connections (or similar) and finally enter the ‘Networks’, ‘Mobile Network’, ‘Cellular Networks’ or something similar. After entering this part of the setting menu, select ‘Network Operators’. After doing so you will be displayed with available networks or not. If available networks are displayed, that normally means that a phone is unlocked. On the other hand, if only a single result is given, then your phone is most likely locked to that carrier.
NOTE: This method is not 100% accurate. The method below is way more accurate.
Method #2: SIM Card Switch:
For this test, you will need two SIM cards from two different carriers (one of them is Boost Mobile’s). You will need to turn off your phone and remove Boost Mobile’s SIM card. Then insert other carrier’s SIM card and turn your phone back on. (If your phone is dual SIM card capable, you can add the second card without removing the first one.) After turning on your phone, try dialing any number. If the call connects, you have confirmed that your phone is unlocked. If your phone is not able to place a call, it means it is locked to the first carrier (in your case to Boost Mobile network). You may also receive a message explaining that your phone is locked.
Is My Boost Mobile Device Eligible For Unlocking?
All Boost Mobile devices produced after February 2015 are eligible for unlocking. However, you as a customer are required to meet a set of prerequisites before you can request your device to be unlocked. We will list those prerequisites in the upcoming section.
Boost Mobile’s Unlocking Policy
In this section, we will provide you with details on what requirement must be met for the Boost Mobile to unlock your phone. Moreover, we will also provide you with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to get your phone unlocked.
Boost Eligibility Requirements to Unlock a Phone
Here is a list of the general requirement that must be met for phone unlocking:
- You must have been using your Boost Mobile phone on their network for at least 12 months.
- You must have made a payment within the last 90 days of that 12-month activation anniversary.
- Your phone must be SIM card unlock-capable (most phones produced after February 2015 are).
- Your phone shouldn’t be reported lost or stolen.
- You don’t have any unpaid bills (t.i. your Boost Account is in good standing).
- You are requesting a phone unlock on Boost Mobile’s phone (Boost Mobile can’t unlock other carriers’ phones).
Unlocking Your Phone – Military Requirements
If you are in the military, you can get your phone unlocked before being on Boost Mobile for 12 months, as long as you provide proof of your deployment. All other requirements in the list above must still be met. This ‘military’ unlocking exception is limited to two devices per year.
Unlocking Your Phone – Current Boost Customers – The UNLOCKING process
First, make sure that you check all the prerequisites listed above. If so, you may initiate this simple process, which consists of three short steps:
- Call Boost Mobile customer service at 1-888-BOOST-4U.
- Request the unlock code. You will need to provide your phone number and maybe your phone’s serial number.
- Enter the code on your phone.
The unlocking process can take up to two days. To make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible, you should do the following:
- Keep the Boost Mobile SIM card on your phone during the entire unlocking process. Removing their SIM card will result in a failed unlocking process.
- Keep your phone turned on and connected to the Boost Mobile network during the unlocking period.
NOTE: If you are a former Boost Mobile customer or have purchased a locked phone from another Boost Mobile user, this process won’t be as simple as presented above. Simply explain your situation to their support and follow the instructions.
Unlocking Your Phone – Non-Boost Customers
Even if you are not currently a Boost Mobile customer, you CAN request a phone unlock, as long as that phone is Boost Mobile’s phone. However, the process is slightly more complicated.
To complete the unlocking process as a non-Boost customer, you will need the Boost Mobile phone number OR account number last associated with the phone. If you have bought a phone from someone, make sure to contact them and obtain that information.
If you are not able to provide either of the above two pieces of information, the Boost Mobile will not unlock your phone.
If you have that information, you may follow the steps from the above section, starting by calling Boost support at 1-888-BOOST-4U.
How to Unlock a Boost Mobile Phone by IMEI
Every phone has its own ID number, which is called the IMEI. It is a 15-digit number that corresponds only to one specific device. By providing this number to companies that specialize in phone unlocking, you can get your phone unlocked as well. These sort of unlocking services are offered by various online sites and other third-parties. Below, we have provided you with a list of the most reputable options.
MAKE SURE TO ALWAYS FIRST TRY UNLOCKING A BOOST MOBILE PHONE WITH THE BOST MOBILE DIRECTLY. Only if they have refused to do so, move on to alternative options.
NOTE: If your phone has been produced after February 2015, it is most likely capable of operating on the 4G LTE network, which means that it has universal compatibility between the GSM and CDMA (CDMA is the technology on which Boost Mobile phones are based). Older CDMA phones will be, even after being unlocked, limited to other CDMA based networks.
Free With Unlockitfree
Unlockitfree is definitely worth giving a shot. It may or may not work, as they mostly focus on Nokia models. Simply visit Unlockitfree official website, where you will be asked to enter your phone’s IMEI number and in return, you will get unlocking code.
The easiest way to obtain the IMEI number is to dial *#06#*. Write it down because you will need to enter it on the Unlockitfree site. After entering the code, you must click on the ‘Search’ or ‘Find’ button.
Aside from the IMEI number, you will need to enter the country of origin and phone model number. Also, make sure to select Boost Mobile as the carrier. After clicking on the generate button, the process will be initiated.
It may take a while but you will be given some unlock codes. Choosing any of them should work. Type one of the codes on your phone. After doing so, restart your phone to see if it’s unlocked or not. In case your phone is still locked, repeat the process with another code.
Free With Trycktill
Trycktill is a piece of software that lets you unlock many types of phones, including certain Boost Mobile models. It works on Panasonic, Vitel, LG, Maxon, Siemens, AEG, and many other phone brands.
Trycktill also uses your phone’s IMEI number to generate codes that can be used to unlock your device. Trycktill is completely free of charge and is user-friendly. Moreover, they don’t ask for any personal information, which is a major plus side.
Their service is limited to specific phone models, which means it may not work with your phone, however, since it’s free it is worth giving it a try.
Free With Nokia-Free
Nokia-Free is another free alternative that you can give it a try. Nokia-Free is an app that has been reporting great results. You simply install the app on your phone and use it to unlock your device.
You will have to enter your phone’s model number and country of the phone’s origin. This App is free for all NOKIA users. A major downside of this app is that only works on Nokia phones, which are not nearly as popular as they were in the past.
Use a Third-Party Service
Third-party phone unlocking services are probably the best alternative to Boost Mobile unlocking. If you are not able to get Boost Mobile to unlock your phone and if none of the above free options worked, you should put your trust in a third-party unlocking service provider.
The prices of unlocking services vary greatly; you can expect to pay form $5 – $50, all depending on your urgency and model type. Below is a list of third-party unlocking providers that you can trust:
- Official iPhone Unlock – BEST FOR iPhones
- DoctorSIM Unlock Service
- Unlock Base
- iPhone IMEI – another option for iPhones
- Mobile Unlocked
- Cell Unlocker
- DirectUnlocks – the offer very fast results and promise to get your phone unlocked in less than six hours.
Visit their official websites and follow the instructions provided on each of their sites. Choose the one that you prefer. In most cases, you will need to provide your phones IMEI or Serial number and pay for the service.
Unlock Boost Mobile iPhone With The Carrier
All of the above-provided information apply equally for all smartphones, Android and iPhones alike. Either you have Boost Mobile Android or iPhone, your best and first place to unlock your phone should be Boost Mobile themselves.
Unlocking services can never guaranty complete compatibility with other carrier’s network, however, unlocking a Boost Mobile-compatible phone using their Unlocking service gives you the best chance of maximum compatibility.
Moreover, in general, iPhones tend to be even trickier than Android phones, as such do your best to get the Boost Mobile to unlock your iPhone.
Boost Mobile Compatible Unlock Phone List
Based on our research, we have listed various phone series that should all be eligible for the unlocking process. Of course, you must still meet the conditions presented in the previous section to be entitled to the unlocking service. Check out Boost Mobile Compatible phone
- iPhone series: iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone Xs, iPhone X Max, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus,
- Samsung series: Galaxy Note8, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S8, Galaxy A6, Galaxy S10e, J7 Refine, J3 Achieve, Galaxy A20, Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy A10e
- Coolpad series: Legacy S, Legacy, Snap, Legacy Go,
- Motorola series: Moto g7 Play, e6,
- LG series: Stylo 4 Plus, Tribute Royal, Stylo 5x, Tribute Empire
- Wiko series: Ride
NOTE: The exact phone models are the ones that are currently available at Boost Mobile store and are as such 100% compatible for unlock.
Other mobile phone brands, series, and models are highly likely to also be eligible for the unlocking process. As long as you want to unlock a Boost Mobile’s phone that is using a SIM card to operate, you have a good chance of being successful.
9 Best Unlock Boost Mobile Phone
NOTE: Boost Mobile offers its clients to upgrade their phones. They offer a wide range of smartphones, from older models to the most advanced latest smartphones. However, not all the latest smartphones may be available at their store; in that case, you can purchase any of the below-presented phones elsewhere and bring to Boost Mobile through their Bring Your Own Phone option.
3 Latest Unlock Boost Mobile iPhones
iPhone SE (2020)
Features:
- Extremely compact – fits every pocket
- Extremely thin and lightweight design
- Individuals with larger hands can easily handle it with a single hand
- Very affordable iPhone
- Perfect combination of performance, size, and price
Specifications:
- Display: 4.7 inches
- Dimensions: 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches
- Weight: 5.22 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 12MP; Front: 7MP
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB
- Battery: 1821mAh
Why best?
The iPhone SE is the latest iPhone and was designed for users that prefer smaller smartphones. It also offers a great combination of performance and affordability.
iPhone 11
Features:
- All the latest connectivity, including WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
- Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Siri natural language commands, and dictation
- Relatively thin – less than 1 cm thick
- Not too big, not too small
- Available in various colors, including Black, Green, Yellow, Purple, Red, White
Specifications:
- Display: 6.1 inches
- Dimensions: 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 inches
- Weight: 6.84 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 2x 12MP; Front: 12MP
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB
- Battery: 3110mAh; Fast charging 18W
Why best?
iPhone 11 is a current Apple flagship model. It may not be the most advanced model since there are two Pro models that outperform it, however, it offers great design and packs all the amazing features that may all be experienced via a large display.
iPhone 11 Pro
Features:
- Relatively compact size
- Amazing performance –superb multitasking abilities
- Pro-grade triple camera set – the best in iPhone so far
- Edgy Super Retina XDR OLED display
- First iPhone ever to earn the ‘Pro’ title
Specifications:
- Display: 5.8 inches
- Dimensions: 5.67 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches
- Weight: 6.63 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 3x 12MP; Front: 12MP + depth
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB
- Battery: 3046mAh; Fast charging 18W
Why best?
The iPhone 11 Pro is the best that Apple has to offer. It is a super-performing smartphone suitable for all users who want to be able to manage their phone with a single hand and perform the most advanced tasks smoothly.
NOTE: If you would like a larger display, then you should consider iPhone 11 Pro’s big brother, the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
3 Latest Unlock Boost Mobile Samsung Phones
Samsung Galaxy S20+
Features:
- Great combination of high-performance and slick design
- Powerful battery
- Great camera set
- Latest Qualcomm chipset
Specifications:
- Display: 6.7 inches
- Dimensions: 6.37 x 2.90 x 0.31 inches
- Weight: 6.56 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 2x 12MP + 64MP + 0.3MP; Front: 2x 10MP
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4500mAh; Fast charging 25W
Why best?
It offers amazing performance abilities, a great camera set, and a large display.
NOTE: If you would prefer a smaller model you may want to consider the Samsung Galaxy S20. However, if you want the edgiest smartphone ever, go with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Galaxy A21s
Features:
- The large 6.5-inch Infinity-O Display
- A wide aspect ratio fills your screen with content from edge to edge
- Stylish look and comfortable hold – a glossy and holographic finish that catches the eye
- Awesome Quad camera to capture more
- Awesome battery
Specifications:
- Display: 6.5 inches
- Dimensions: 6.44 x 2.96 x 0.35 inches
- Weight: 6.77 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 48MP + 8MP + 2x 2MP; Front: 13MP
- Processor: Exynos 850
- RAM: 3GB/4GB/6GB
- Storage: 32GB6/64GB
- Battery: 5000mAh; Fast charging 15W
Why best?
The Galaxy A21s is one of the latest Samsung models. As the ‘A’ in the name suggests, this is not a flagship model, however, it still offers great performance capabilities and comes at a noticeably more affordable price. It packs an incredible battery.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
Features:
- The best and modern flip phone on the market
- Amazing performance
- Special split-screen feature for advanced multitasking
- When folded fits even the smallest pockets
Specifications:
- Display: 6.7 inches
- Dimensions: Unfolded: 167.3 x 73.6 x 7.2 mm; Folded: 87.4 x 73.6 x 17.3 mm
- Weight: 6.46 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 2x 12MP; Front: 10MP
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Battery: 3300mAh; Fast charging 15W
Why best?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is a great choice for all looking for a modern-age flip phone; it delivers all that the best smartphones have to offer and design of the simplest flip phones. Very compact and pocket-size design.
3 Latest Unlock Boost Mobile Android Phones (other than Samsung)
LG V60 ThinQ 5G
Features:
- Advanced performance
- Advanced and powerful battery
- Pro-level camera set
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
- Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Specifications:
- Display: 6.8 inches
- Dimensions: 6.67 x 3.06 x 0.35 inches
- Weight: 7.51 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 64MP + 13MP + 0.3MP (depth); Front: 10MP
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 5000mAh; Fast charging
Why best?
If you are an LG fan than this is the smartphone for you. It is the best that LG currently has to offer. Its most outstanding feature is the battery power.
One Plus 8
Features:
- Extreme performance
- Great camera set
- The latest Qualcomm processor
- Fast charging – 50% in 22 min
- Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Specifications:
- Display: 6.55 inches
- Dimensions: Unfolded: 6.31 x 2.87 x 0.31 inches
- Weight: 6.35 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 48MP + 16MP + 2MP; Front: 16MP
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865
- RAM: 8GB/12GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Battery: 4300mAh; Fast charging 30W
Why best?
One Plus offers the same performance as other leading smartphone companies in their One Plus 8 model. However, the phone comes at a noticeably lower price. It is a great choice for all advanced and demanding users.
NOTE: If you’d like even edgier performance capabilities, better camera, and larger display, consider One Plus 8 Pro.
Moto G8 Power
Features:
- Very powerful battery with fast charging
- Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity
- Solid performance
- Quality and durable design
- Build to last
Specifications:
- Display: 6.4 inches
- Dimensions: 6.14 x 2.98 x 0.38 inches
- Weight: 6.95 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 16MP + 8MP + 8MP + 2MP; Front: 16MP
- Processor: Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery: 5000mAh; Fast charging 18W
Why best?
The Moto G8 Power is extremely powerful and durable, which gives it some edge over other smartphones. It is also relatively affordable and offers a very powerful battery.
General Questions for Boost Mobile Unlocking System
Does it cost anything to unlock my Boost Mobile device?
If you are eligible for the Boost Mobile unlocking service, it won’t cost you a thing. Boost Mobile offers FREE unlocking services to all owning a Boost Mobile device that meets their unlocking policy conditions.
However, if you plan on using a third-party unlocking service, then you will need to pay for their services.
How can I tell if my device has been unlocked?
The most efficient way to check if your phone has been unlocked is by using it with another carrier. Insert other carrier’s SIM card and try making a call. If you are successful, it means that your phone has been unlocked.
Can I use my Boost Mobile phone with a different network after it is unlocked?
Yes, generally speaking, you may use your unlocked Boost Mobile phone with any other carrier, as long as that other carrier offers the ‘Bring Your Own Phone’ (BYOP) option and your phone proves to be compatible with their network.
NOTE: Some wireless providers don’t offer the BYOP option. With these carriers, even an unlocked phone won’t work.
Where to Bring Your Unlocked Boost Mobile Phone?
Once you have had your Boost Mobile phone unlocked you can bring it to any carrier of your choice. Just make sure they offer the BYOP option. If the BYOP option is available, you also need to check your unlocked phone’s compatibility with their network. This is normally done by visiting a carrier’s website, then going over to their BYOP-devoted page and entering your phone’s IMEI number. If your phone proves to be compatible, you can bring it over to their network.
Compatibility with LTE networks
There are two types of mobile networks on which mobile phones operate – GSM and CDMA. Before the 4G LTE network emerged, the CMDA mobile phones were not compatible with the GSM network. However, most phones produced after 2015 are operable on LTE, thus compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks. This further makes unlocked phones suitable for all carriers that support the BYOP option.
Is it legal to unlock a Boost Mobile phone?
YES. Unlocking a phone device is no longer prohibited by law, at least not in the USA. As long as a device is not reported as stolen or lost.
Will Boost Mobile unlock another carrier’s phone?
- Boost Mobile limits their unlocking services solely to their devices. If you want to unlock a mobile phone that is locked to another carrier, you will need to request an unlocking service from that carrier directly. If that is not possible, try one of the free unlocking alternatives or used a third-party unlocking service.
Will Boost Mobile allow unlocked devices from other wireless carriers on its network?
Boost Mobile does offer a BYOP option, which means that you may use phones from other carriers. In general, unlocked devices have a pretty good chance of being compatible, though it is not certain. Each device must be checked for compatibility with the Boost Mobile network before being used on it. This is done on the Boost Mobile website by entering the phone’s IMEI number. To get to the page where you can check compatibility, click on the ‘PHONES’ in the menu bar and then click on the Bring Your Phone option.
You can check out Boost Mobile Plans With Free Phones
