“Can this phone be unlocked to be used with another carrier?”
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Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.The term “locked” typically refers to a device that can only be used with Boost Mobile on the Sprint network and cannot be activated on a competing carrier’s network. An “unlocked” device is no longer locked to Boost Mobile services and the user may attempt to activate it on another carrier’s network. There are generally two scenarios for locking/unlocking: MSL Unlocking: A device is ‘locked’ if it is manufactured with a type of disabling software and a locking code (referred to as ‘Master Subsidy Lock’ or ‘MSL’). Generally speaking, for devices launched before February 2015, an MSL was utilized that locks the device to certain operational parameters for use on with Boost Mobile services and prevents the device from attempting to be activated on other carriers’ networks. Not all Boost Mobile devices have an MSL code or a locking function that can be unlocked by Boost Mobile. And, on certain devices, not all functionality may be unlocked (e.g., for some smartphone devices, only the CDMA/voice functionality of the device may be able to be unlocked but not the GSM/UMTS/LTE portion of the device). Therefore, “unlocking” simply means using the MSL Code and bypassing the lock. Importantly, however, an unlocked device will not necessarily work or be interoperable with another carrier’s network. Additionally, Boost Mobile devices which the owner has attempted to reprogram or activate on another carrier’s network or otherwise altered from its initial programming or settings may not be able to be reactivated on the Sprint network. SIM Unlocking: A device may also be referred to as ‘locked’ if that device was manufactured with programming restrictions that prevent another carrier’s SIM card from being inserted into the SIM slot for use on a different network. For domestic SIM unlock or DSU-capable devices launched after February 2015, the SIM locking has restrictions, and Boost Mobile’s ability to unlock these devices or work with the manufacturer of the device to unlock the SIM slot vary. Even if unlocked, Boost Mobile DSU-capable devices may not work on another carrier's network. Whether an unlocked Boost Mobile device can be used on another carrier's network is subject to that carrier's policies and network compatibilities. Additionally, Boost Mobile devices which the owner has attempted to reprogram or activate on another carrier’s network or otherwise altered from its initial programming or settings may not be able to be reactivated on the Sprint network.
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