How to Unlock the Moto G

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Unlocking your Motorola Moto G Android-based smartphone will allow you to use your device on any wireless network of your choice. You can either unlock the Moto G by contacting your wireless carrier, or by purchasing an unlock code from a third-party unlock service.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

AT&T

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  1. This will display your Moto G’s IMEI number.
  2. AT&T will need the IMEI number to unlock your Moto G.
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  3. Navigate to AT&T’s website at https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/index.html#/ .
    • Alternately, you can call AT&T directly at 1-800-331-0500 and speak to a representative to have your Moto G unlocked.
  4. Place a checkmark next to the statement that says you have reviewed the device unlock eligibility requirements, then click on “Continue. ”
  5. ” You will be required to provide your AT&T phone number, IMEI number, account information, and contact information.
  6. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, since AT&T must contact Motorola to obtain your unlock code.
  7. Remove the AT&T SIM card from your Moto G, and insert the SIM card from the wireless carrier you plan on using after unlocking your device.
  9. After your Moto G is unlocked, you can use the phone on all other compatible wireless networks.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

T-Mobile

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  1. This will display your Moto G’s IMEI number.
  2. T-Mobile will need the IMEI number to unlock your Moto G.
  3. Navigate to T-Mobile’s contact page at https://support.t-mobile.com/community/contact-us .
  4. Click on “Chat now” under the Live Chat section, and fill out the required fields to initiate a chat with a T-Mobile representative.
    • Alternately, call T-Mobile directly at 1-877-746-0909 to speak to a live representative regarding your request.
  5. The representative will verify whether you qualify to unlock your phone, and will ask you for information regarding your wireless account.
  6. You will be asked for the IMEI number, your account details, and personal contact information.
  7. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, since T-Mobile must contact Motorola directly to obtain your unlock code.
  8. Remove the existing SIM card from your Moto G, and insert the SIM card from the wireless carrier you plan on using after you’ve unlocked your device.
  10. After your device is unlocked, you can use the phone on any other compatible domestic or international wireless network.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Sprint

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  1. This will display your Moto G’s IMEI number.
  2. Sprint will need the IMEI number to unlock your Moto G.
  4. 4
    Enter your name and email address, and select “SIM Unlock” from the “Request” dropdown menu.
  5. 5
    Click on “Initiate Chat. ” Sprint’s live chat is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CST, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST.
    • Alternately, you can call Sprint directly at 1-888-226-7212 to speak to a live representative and request the unlock code.
  6. The representative will verify whether you qualify to unlock your phone, and will ask you for information regarding your account.
  7. You will be asked for the IMEI number, your Sprint account details, and personal contact information.
  8. Unlocking your phone for domestic use means you can use your device with any wireless carrier inside the United States. Unlocking your phone for international use means you can only use the Moto G with international wireless carriers outside of the United States.
  9. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, since Sprint must contact Motorola to obtain your unlock code.
  10. Remove the existing SIM card from your Moto G, and insert the SIM card from the wireless carrier you plan on using after unlocking your device.
  12. After your Moto G is unlocked, you can use the phone on any other domestic or international network, based on what you requested from Sprint.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Verizon

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  2. Since Verizon functions on a CDMA network, not all Verizon-branded phones, including the Moto G, will have SIM card slots.
    • If your Verizon-branded Moto G has a SIM card slot, your device is already unlocked, and no further action is required.
    • If your Moto G does not have a SIM card slot, proceed with step #3.
  3. The representative will provide you with a programming code that allows you to use your phone on other CDMA networks.
  4. [1]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Unlocking Services

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  1. This will display your Moto G’s IMEI number.
  2. The unlock service you choose to work with will require your Moto G’s IMEI number.
  3. Use search terms such as “unlock my phone” or “phone unlock services.” A reputable website that can help unlock your Moto G is The Unlockr at http://theunlockr.com/unlock-my-phone/ .
    • Alternately, if you are currently using your Moto G and have Internet access, you can browse Google Play Store for apps that can help unlock your Moto G.
  4. You may be asked to provide your name, email address, and other contact information.
  5. Most businesses charge fees that range from $20 and $30 to unlock your device.
  6. In most cases, the process takes up to three days, since the unlock service must contact Motorola directly for the unlock code.
  7. Remove the existing SIM card from your Moto G, and insert the SIM card from the wireless carrier you plan on using after you’ve unlocked your device.
  9. After your Moto G is unlocked, you can use the phone on any other compatible domestic or international wireless network. [2]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I bought a prepaid Moto x 2gen, and now I need to use it abroad. But the carrier says the IMEI is not "theirs" (whatever that means). How can I unlock it?
    Toby
    Community Answer
    You will need to go to the carrier and ask them to unlock it. Depending on where you live and who your carrier is, there might be a fee or a wait time. Once the phone is unlocked, you can then use it with another carrier abroad.
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      Tips

      • If you want to unlock your Moto G, but do not currently have service with a wireless provider, follow the steps outlined in method five to unlock your device. At this time, most wireless providers will not unlock your Moto G unless you are an existing customer.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.verizonwireless.com/aboutus/commitment/safety-security/device-unlocking-policy.html
      2. ↑ http://theunlockr.com/2014/10/03/how-to-unlock-the-motorola-moto-g/

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