Unlocking a phone you own is legal. You bought the device; you're entitled to use it on whichever network you choose. Carriers lock phones to recover subsidised costs — but once your device is eligible, freeing it is your right, not a loophole.
United States: The Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act, signed into law in 2014, makes it explicitly legal to unlock an eligible phone you own. This reversed an earlier restriction and confirmed consumers' right to unlock.
United Kingdom & EU: Unlocking a device you own is lawful. The UK went further in late 2021 by banning networks from selling locked phones at all.
Most other countries: Unlocking a phone you own is legal or unregulated. A few countries operate national IMEI-registration schemes (a separate matter from carrier locks) — see our unlock guide for details.
Unlocking and paying for your phone are two separate things. If you're still on an installment plan, you remain responsible for the outstanding balance — but that obligation doesn't make unlocking illegal. Many carriers require the device to be paid off or a lock period to pass before it becomes eligible, and we always confirm your device's eligibility before you pay.
Enter your IMEI and we'll confirm your device and network, free.
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