Device Unlocking Policies

Devices purchased from UScellular®, including its authorized agents and resellers (collectively “UScellular”), must be activated and used with UScellular service. To mitigate theft and other fraudulent activity, devices sold by UScellular are locked to the UScellular network for a period of time as specified below.

UScellular, as a participating carrier in the CTIA's Consumer Code for Wireless Service, has voluntarily agreed to unlock phones and tablets (hereinafter referred to as "devices") under certain circumstances described below. Unlocking devices describes the disabling of any software on a device that would prevent such device from being used on any compatible network. Some devices are not capable of being unlocked. This can be due to device age or related to other technology factors.

It is important for consumers to know that an unlocked device is not assured to:

  • Operate on any other carrier's network due to technical differences between carrier networks.
  • Or, if it does operate on another network, that it will perform all the functions that it performed on the UScellular network.
  • Be accepted by another carrier for use on their network.

Postpaid Device Unlocking Policy

Locking Period for Postpaid Devices
Purchase Type Regular Price/Paid In Full Subsidy Contract Retail Installment Contract (RIC)
Apple iPhones 40 Days 40 Days Completion of 36-Month RIC
or
RIC is Paid Off Early and Device Has Been Active For 40 Days
Android Phones 40 Days Contract Term Completed RIC Paid Off, or at 36 Months

As soon as is technically feasible after the applicable locking period is completed, UScellular will automatically unlock your postpaid device if your account is in good standing – no action is required on your part.

During the locking period, UScellular will unlock your postpaid device upon request if:

  • You are a UScellular customer who has paid for your device in full, your device was activated at least 40 days ago, and your postpaid account is in good standing.
  • You are a UScellular customer on military duty, your postpaid account is in good standing, and you present military orders for a location outside of the UScellular coverage area.
  • You are a former UScellular postpaid customer who has fulfilled all financial obligations to UScellular.

Prepaid Device Unlocking Policy

Locking Period for Prepaid devices
Apple iPhones 40 Days
Android Phones 0 Days

As soon as is technically feasible after the applicable locking period is completed, UScellular will automatically unlock your prepaid device provided that it is active on the UScellular network – no action is required on your part.

During the locking period, UScellular will unlock your prepaid device upon request if you are a UScellular customer on military duty and you present military orders for a location outside of the UScellular coverage area.

Things We Want You to Know

  • UScellular will not unlock devices that are lost, stolen or obtained fraudulently.
  • UScellular cannot unlock devices that have been sold by other carriers.
  • UScellular cannot unlock 4G LTE devices that were launched before February 1, 2016; some of these devices can be unlocked via a software update.
  • UScellular cannot unlock 1X and 3G devices that were launched before February 1, 2016.
  • UScellular may not be able to unlock a device due to technology obsolescence.