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Resolved Question

Can a prepaid carrier lock my smartphone?

Dec 26, 2014 11:51AM PST

I buy a GSM unlocked smartphone and pick a prepaid carrier for coverage on a 1 month plan to test them out. At the end of that month I am not happy with the carrier and decide to try another one. Is it possible for that carrier while I am on their service to lock my phone, so when I pick a new prepaid carrier I cannot get service with them. The only access they have is their sim card, please explain how they can do this. I like Straight Talk because their on AT&T and offer 3GB of 4g lte data. I read in a few reviews were people said when they left them for whatever reason and went to another carrier, they found out they had locked their phone. It's scary to spend 300 dollars on a nice phone and not be able to change providers if you wish. Thanks for any help, Greg

Discussion is locked

gcOhio has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
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Clarification Request
Did this happen?
Dec 27, 2014 12:02AM PST

I've never heard of such but can imagine folks would imagine or fret about it.
Bob

Best Answer

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Carriers can't lock when you BYOP
Dec 28, 2014 11:14AM PST

If someone purchases a phone through straightTalk it may not work on another network. Many of the bargain phones are just not able to function on other carriers plans. They may work on some prepaid plans.
They do not carrier lock when you bring your own phone.

Since you own the phone they have no right to carrier lock it.

StraightTalk is notorious for poor, overseas customer service.
If you bought an AT&T compatible phone, you might look at their prepaid service as well as t-mobile. Neither will carrier lock your phone.

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Very helpful
Dec 28, 2014 5:28PM PST

Thanks for the help. I didn't think they could, just wanted to make sure. I think I will go with AT&T or T-Mobile. At least you always have a store close by for any help. I guess it always comes down to " You get what you pay for".

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Answer
confirm with your current carrier
Dec 27, 2014 6:02PM PST

Greg you need to raise your dilemma with your current carrier. I don't think there'll be any issues if you requested for that but if it they can't do anything about it then at least you're able to confirm.

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Answer
Smart Phone - straight talk
Jan 7, 2015 12:18AM PST

I had Straight talk for over two years. When I purchased it Straight Talk was the only choice for economical smart phones. Last month I purchased a new phone through Verizon which was cheaper than purchasing a phone through Straight Talk. I had my old number ported to the new phone. I tried to have my old phone set up with AT&T for a grandson and it is locked. I had the gal at AT&T call straight talk and they stated they can't unlock any phone purchase prior to 2014. So yes I own the phone but it won't work with anything other than straight talk. I'll never use them again unless they change their policies.

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If it's a GSM handset...
Jan 7, 2015 12:33PM PST

...you can frequently use online phone unlock services to move to another GSM carrier. Otherwise, if it's a CDMA handset, this would not apply. Which phone was it exactly(?) (make/model please)

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Samsung Galaxy 2
Jan 8, 2015 12:32AM PST

I'm going to write Samsung also. I don't think this is good advertisement for their product.

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Actually it is.
Jan 8, 2015 1:01AM PST

I think you were posting about a Straight Talk phone and as such are off topic.

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Straight Talk
Jan 8, 2015 5:14AM PST

Bob: I purchased a Samsung Galaxy 2 from Walmart for use with Straight Talk. It clearly states inside that it's a AT&T phone. I used it for over 2 years. AT&T can't unlock it and Straight Talk says it can't unlock it. All I as trying to do was warn people about this company. This is the end of this conversation by me.

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I understand.
Jan 8, 2015 5:18AM PST

The OP (original poster) was asking about something else. Your posts are good and highlight a problem folk have with locked phones but is off topic in this thread.

There are other ways to recoup your investment and I think that is best done in your own discussion about Straight Talk.
Bob

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Provide more info and maybe we can help sort it out
Jan 8, 2015 2:33AM PST

n/t