How To Unlock an Android Straight Talk Phone

PDF download Download Article
Request a code and unlock your phone in a few easy steps
PDF download Download Article

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] 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.
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Obtaining an Unlock Code

PDF download Download Article
  1. Dial *#06# on your phone to find it. You will need to communicate this number to the Straight Talk representative.
  2. 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.
    Advertisement
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Unlocking Your Phone

PDF download Download Article
  1. Contact the carrier you want to switch to for a new SIM card.
  2. Shut down your phone as you normally would.
  3. 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).
  4. Insert the SIM card from your new carrier into the slot and close it.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Straight Talk requires one year of payments before they will unlock. Is that illegal?
    Community Answer
    No, but it is very, very annoying and anti-consumer along, with the fact that their advertisements make people think that the phone comes unlocked.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 85
  • Question
    How do I unlock an Android Straight Talk phone if they don't send a code?
    Community Answer
    You may, for some carriers, instead of waiting the required time for unlock eligibility, pay a third party company a small fee to lookup your phone's unique unlock code.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 82
  • Question
    How do I switch my LG Premier 4G LTE Straight Talk phone to AT&T?
    Community Answer
    It may not be possible, but you can visit an AT&T store for help.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 25
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Do not use any website that claims to generate unlock codes for Straight Talk phones. Unlike phones from other carriers, for which you can often get unlock codes online, Straight Talk phones are designed to be hard to break.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Add Widgets on Android
      How to
      Check What Android Version You Have
      How to
      Add an App Back to Home Screen: Tips for Finding Apps
      4 Simple Ways to Turn Off Safe Mode on Any Android
      3 Ways to Unlock an Android Tablet
      How to
      Block All Incoming Calls on an Android Phone
      How to
      Find Your Phone Number on Android
      How to
      Connect Android Phone to Computer
      How to
      Hide Apps on Android
      How to
      Copy an Entire Text Conversation on Android
      How to
      Change Number of Rings on Android
      A Guide to Copying and Pasting with the Android Clipboard
      How to
      Disable Parental Controls on Android
      6 Ways to Fix "Insufficient Storage Available" on an Android
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.tfwunlockpolicy.com/wps/portal/home/!ut/p/a1/dYzBCsIwEES_JtfsFsW23lLw0iiepHUvkkpMizEpaTTg16u9CTq3N7wZIGiBnHoMRsXBO2U_TKuTLDdFVmIm9_luieIgZFXJGhFzaIBmBf9EINRAxvpufjsK1y0KAxT0RQcd-D286z7GcVozZJhS4sZ7YzU_-xvDX5PeTxHabxPGq3tudSNehycElw!!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 452,483 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement