Last Updated on February 11, 2021 by Husain Parvez
Here’s everything you need to know about Sprint iPhone unlock process and the best third-party unlocking services to get the job done.
Since Sprint has partially shut down and merged with T-Mobile, most people are looking to switch carriers and opting out of their current plans. This, however, is a problem for anyone currently locked into the carrier plan and can’t unlock their device. This can easily be fixed with some simple procedures and processes. The unlocking process is fast and straightforward, and this guide will provide you with all the options and knowledge necessary to get your device unlocked successfully.
What is SIM unlock or Sprint iPhone unlock?
A SIM unlock means your phone carrier (in our case, Sprint) provides your phone the ability to work with different SIM cards and pages. Any locked phone has the functionality of getting unlocked built-in. However, it does require some knowledge of the process and steps needs to do so.
Before you go running to unlock your phone:
Ensure to meet all the eligibility criteria set by Sprint before you get too pumped about shifting carriers.
Sprint unlock requirements and criteria to be matched:
- The phone must have been bought from an official reseller or directly from Sprint:
This means that any purchase from any location which is not verified will not work with the official method. However, it will work with any unofficial unlocking methods.
- Your phone must be active on the Sprint network for around 40 days:
This is very straightforward, and your phone and SIM must have been active for around 40 days or more in some cases for the official method to work.
- You’ve paid off any due payments:
Any due bill payment cycles or any extra charges should be paid off in full before starting the official unlocking process.
- The phone shouldn’t be reported stolen or lost:
Any reported iPhone is immediately disregarded due to security concerns.
Note: Your phone should have the functionality to be “SIM unlocked.” If your phone is relatively new, don’t worry about anything and proceed with the process. But, if you’re still on the beast of a phone such as the iPhone 5 from 2013, you might just run into problems. Sprint may provide a Master Subsidy Lock (“MSL”) code to eligible customers for not SIM Unlock-capable devices, which can range from the original iPhone 3GS to the iPhone 5 series.
Why Sprint Unlock iPhone?
As discussed in the earlier points, the essential benefit is the ability to use SIM cards from different carriers, but there are still some points you should know about, and they are:
- Better compatibility with different carriers
- Can allow you to have cheaper network and data connection
- Will future-proof your device
- It will deliver you the best resell value
- Allows for easy and seamless international travel options
Some info to acquire before giving the Sprint customer service a call:
- Your full name (must be simple enough)
- Your Sprint account number
- Your Sprint account password
- Your phone’s IMEI (usually located on the box or can be found by dialing *#060#)
How to Unlock Sprint iPhone:
Official Method to unlock iPhone on Sprint Network
The official method is straightforward and requires the least amount of money and effort with guaranteed unlocking success. This becomes the most recommended process to go for whether your device is registered with a prepaid or postpaid SIM.
The process for unlocking your Postpaid Sprint iPhone is:
The unlocking process for a postpaid SIM is automatic. As soon as your device has been active for 40 days with all bills paid, Sprint will automatically unlock iPhones with iPhone 5, iPhone 6, and iPhone6s without any further input required.
The process for unlocking your Prepaid Sprint iPhone is:
Some prepaid requirements to look out for:
- Your phone should be active on the Sprint network for around 12 months.
- Your phone should not be reported lost or stolen.
Note: If you meet all these terms and conditions, give the customer service from Sprint a call and ask them to begin the unlocking process. The customer service would require some information and documentation, and then after verifying all the necessities, the unlocking process will start, and any iPhone on the network can be unlocked.
Pros and Cons of the official methods:
Pros:
- It provides the utmost security for the unlocking process
- The process is technically free of cost
- Promises a 100% success rate
- It keeps your warranty valid
Cons:
- It requires all the criteria from Sprint to match
- It won’t work for brand new phones
- Not an automatic process for the Prepaid users
What are the Unofficial Methods to Unlock Sprint iPhone?
The only method that has been successful for unlocking locked devices is the IMEI method, and it requires some basic knowledge on getting into. Hence, here are our recommendations and the complete process so that you have an easier time unlocking.
Some benefits for using a recommended unofficial tool:
- Fast unlocking times
- It doesn’t require any terms or conditions to be met
- Affordable rates
- Impressive customer service throughout the world
Note: Scammers are very prevalent in the unlocking market, and therefore only verified, or trusted tools should be used.
Pros and Cons of the unofficial methods:
Pros:
- Affordable pricing compared to the two to three bill cycles required
- Fast unlocking process
- Easy to understand the unlocking process
- Excellent compatibility with different devices ranging from an iPhone 3GS to the latest iPhone 12 series
Cons:
- It can sometimes result in a failed unlock
- Requires a cost to unlock
Note: There are some verified and recommended tools on the market with excellent customer service and some of the best success rates. Hence, we have listed some of our favorite choices.
Some recommended tools that provide the unlocking service are:
IMEIDoctor – Overall best unlocking tool
IMEIDoctor provides an impressive UI that allows a seamless unlocking experience. With thousands of reviews boasting about the service, IMEIDoctor has become a substantial part of the unlocking market and has provided excellent service to the people that require its services. With great results from the US Carriers, IMEIDoctor has become the best unlocking tool. Being a part of that family, expect fast unlocking results for any device or iPhones on the market with the ability to unlock iPhone 6 Sprint for free basically.
Instructions for unlocking your Sprint iPhone from IMEIDoctor:
Step 1: Head over to the IMEIDoctor webpage through the link provided here.
Step 2: Now, click on the region tab and select the region your device is from.
Step 3: After the regions select, confirm the Sprint carrier and continue to the next step.
Step 4: After the carrier is selected, go on by selecting your device and its model.
Step 5: Now enter the IMEI Number acquired from the previously mentioned steps in the text field labeled “IMEI.”
Step 6: The following screen will provide you with a birds-eye perspective of the details about your device.
Step 7: Continue by filling in the required form and details for IMEIDoctor.
Step 8: IMEIDoctor will now charge a nominal fee to unlock the device, and the cost varies for different network providers.
Step 9: Complete the payment and be on the lookout for an e-mail confirming the unlocking process.
Step 10: IMEIDoctor will require some time for the unlocking process.
Step 11: Wait for the unlocking process to be completed and the device to be unlocked
Step 12: Confirm that the device is entirely unlocked using a different SIM card than the Sprint SIM.
Pros and cons for using IMEIDoctor:
Pros for using IMEIDoctor:
- Reliable with a success rate of 100%
- Payments are easy, affordable, and can be done through most mediums
- Provides excellent customer service and support
Cons for using IMEIDoctor:
- Some older devices can have some issues with the unlocking process.
In Short, IMEIDoctor is one of the best unlocking tools on the internet and should be considered by anyone looking to unlock their device.
DirectUnlocks – Best unlocking tool for Sprint locked iPhone
DirectUnlocks is a tool that promises a reliable Sprint iPhone unlock service by offering complete SIM unlocking for all iPhones consisting of the iPhone 5, iPhone 6, and the newest iPhone 12 series, with support for a variety of android devices. The UI feels friendly and works like a charm by providing fast access to all the services and components. However, suppose if anything did go wrong, and the unlock code provided to you by DirectUnlocks doesn’t work or seem to disfunction. In that case, the customer care team comes into play by providing an excellent experience by assisting you with all your queries and all the different steps you might require.
Instructions for unlocking your Sprint iPhone from DirectUnlocks:
Step 1: Head over to the DirectUnlocks webpage through the link provided here.
Step 2: Now, while on the homepage, look for the region tab and select the region, which should be the United States.
Step 3: After the region/country select, check the Network Carrier as Sprint and other carriers continue to the next step.
Step 4: After confirming the network carrier, you will be required to select the device and the model.
Step 5: Now, enter the IMEI Number in the field as “IMEI.”
Step 6: The upcoming screen will provide you with an overview and the details about your device and ask you to confirm the IMEI number.
Step 7: Continue by filling in all the details required by DirectUnlocks.
Step 8: Here, DirectUnlocks will show the charges and would vary for each network operator.
Step 9: Complete the payment and be on the lookout for a confirmation e-mail.
Step 10: DirectUnlocks would display the timeframe required to improve the phone’s unlocking process.
Step 11: Wait for the device to show an unlocked condition
Step 12: Do check if the phone is unlocked and can support different SIM cards
Pros and Cons for using DirectUnlocks:
Pros for using DirectUnlocks:
- Easy and reliable to use for unlocking any device.
- Fast unlocking process with little to no time required
- It doesn’t require any form of documentation
- Works for all devices that are currently being used in the market space
- Provides an affordable unlocking cost
Cons for using DirectUnlocks:
- Can have some unlock code issues, which is easily solved through contacting the customer support executive
In Short, DirectUnlocks is a reliable tool that provides impressive services for unlocking devices and has remarkable support for older and non “SIM Unlockable” devices. The service also works exceptionally well with Sprint, making it an easy recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a prepaid and a postpaid plan?
A postpaid plan means that you pay the bill at the end of the month or after you have completed using the service. In contrast, a prepaid plan might be a better and cheaper alternative for you with the ability to pay only for the phone service you need saving a tonne of money.
Is Sprint iPhone unlocking the same as jailbreaking?
No. Unlocking lets you use different SIM carriers, and it doesn’t void your warranty. In contrast, Jailbreaking is where you override all the security and get access to the phone’s root folders, which allows you to download apps, not in the Apple store and perform developer operations.
Final Words
With phones becoming an asset to society, allowing easy communication with no limit to distance leaves us with some of the best devices on the market. But with this development in technology, it still holds some problems, and locking phones has been bugging everyone by limiting people to specific carriers. However, it might be a profitable idea in the long run by providing cheaper rates and better return values for devices such as an unlocked iPhone 6 Plus Sprint or an unlocked Sprint iPhone X. It can also slow down the performance or even stop the entire network from functioning. Hence, unlocking becomes the ideal possibility for everyone.
However, a Sprint phone can either be unlocked through official or unofficial services such as DirectUnlocks or IMEIDoctor. By doing so, you can get back the ability to choose the best network and data carrier for your phone and bring some significant benefits to the table and which could be a change that you never knew you ever needed. So, go on unlocking your phone if it’s something you’re looking for and do so by getting all the information here.
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