How To Unlock an Android Straight Talk Phone

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This wikiHow article teaches you how to unlock a Straight Talk Android phone. In order to do so, you must contact Straight Talk for a code that lets your Android phone be used on another carrier's network. Straight Talk will only grant you a code if you meet its criteria, which includes having had your phone activated on Straight Talk for at least 12 months, and your account being in good standing.[1]
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Note that Verizon-backed phones only need to be active for 60 days prior to requesting an unlock code. Follow along as we help you unlock your Straight Talk phone in no time!

Things You Should Know

Your Straight Talk phone must be active for at least 12 months before you may request an unlock code.
Call Straight Talk to get your unlock code.
Only GSM phones can be unlocked, as CDMA phones cannot be used with other carriers.
With a new SIM card installed, enter the unlock code to unlock your Android.

Obtaining an Unlock Code

Find your Android's IMEI number. Dial *#06# on your phone to find it. You will need to communicate this number to the Straight Talk representative.

Call Straight Talk. Dial 888-442-5102 anytime between 8:00 am and 11:45 pm, 7 days a week. Note that Straight Talk's customer service number is different: 1-877-430-CELL(2355). We are dialing a direct line intended for submitting an unlock request. If you did not buy your phone through Straight Talk, it is likely unlocked already, and no code is needed.

Inform the representative that you need an unlock code for your phone. The representative will verify that your phone and account meet all the necessary conditions to be unlocked. You may have to deliver your IMEI number at this time. Straight Talk's unlock policy is available here. Only GSM phones that use SIM cards can be unlocked. Other types of phones, like CDMA units, cannot generally be used with other carriers. Note that TracFone owns Straight Talk, and may occasionally refer to the two services interchangeably.

Look out for an email with the code. Straight Talk only delivers unlock codes via email. Unlock codes are typically 10 to 15 digits in length, and you will need to have this code handy to unlock your phone. This email will also include instructions on what to do next. If you get lost at any point, refer back to the instructions in this email message.

Unlocking Your Phone

Get a SIM card. Contact the carrier you want to switch to for a new SIM card.

Power off the phone. Shut down your phone as you normally would.

Remove the Straight Talk SIM card. The SIM card will likely be in a slot on the side of the case, and may require use of a pin to remove it. Older Android models may house the SIM card under the back cover (sometimes under the battery).

Replace the SIM card. Insert the SIM card from your new carrier into the slot and close it. This wikiHow article can help you install the new SIM card if you face any trouble!

Power on your phone. Instead of your normal home screen, you'll get a notification that your phone needs to be unlocked before it can use the installed SIM card.

Enter the unlock code. Use the keypad to type in the code you got from the Straight Talk representative. Press UNLOCK. You'll see a confirmation message confirming that the code has been accepted. Now you can use your Android phone with your new carrier.