When can you unlock?

Every major carrier will unlock once you meet its rules, which all come down to the same three conditions: the phone is paid off (no financing balance); the account is in good standing (no unpaid bills, not reported lost/stolen); and it's been active long enough (often 60 days to 12 months, varying by carrier and prepaid vs postpaid). Once you meet those, the carrier either unlocks automatically or on request.

The general steps

1. Confirm eligibility — paid off, good standing, active long enough.
2. Request the unlock through the carrier's app, website unlock portal, or support (Verizon unlocks automatically after the lock period).
3. Wait for confirmation — instant to a couple of days.
4. Insert the new SIM and restart — the phone will accept a compatible carrier's SIM.

By carrier

Requirements and channels differ slightly — Verizon unlocks automatically 60 days after purchase; AT&T via att.com/deviceunlock; T-Mobile in the app under Device Unlock; Cricket after 6 months; Boost, Metro, and Straight Talk each have their own portals — but all require the device paid off and the account in good standing.

Bottom line

It comes down to meeting three conditions — paid off, good standing, active long enough — then requesting the unlock through your carrier (or waiting for an automatic one). Once it's done, your phone is free to move to a cheaper plan on a compatible network.