This article covers two different unlocking situations: - **Phone locked to a previous carrier** — your phone won't activate on Previ because it's still tied to AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or another carrier you used before. You'll need to contact that carrier directly to unlock it. - **Unlocking your Previ phone** — you want to use your Previ device on a different carrier. Previ facilitates this through AT&T or T-Mobile depending on which network your line is on.
Phone locked to a previous carrier
If your phone was purchased from or activated on another carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Cricket, etc.), it may be locked to that carrier's network. This will prevent it from activating on Previ even if a SIM or eSIM installs successfully.
How to check if your phone is locked
iPhone: go to Settings > General > About and look for "Carrier Lock." If it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked.
Samsung / Android: go to Settings > About Phone > SIM status, or Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators. If you see only one carrier listed, the phone may be locked.
Still not sure? Call your previous carrier and ask them to confirm your device's lock status — they can look it up by IMEI.
How to get it unlocked
Previ cannot submit an unlock request on behalf of a previous carrier — this must be done by the carrier that originally locked the phone. Contact them directly (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Cricket, Boost, etc.) and request a device unlock. You'll typically need:
The phone's IMEI number (dial *#06# or find it in Settings > About)
Your account number and PIN with that carrier
The device to be fully paid off with no remaining installment balance
Most carriers process unlock requests within 24–72 hours. Once approved, restart your phone and retry your Previ activation. If the activation is still failing after the unlock, contact Previ Support — our team can repush your eSIM or troubleshoot from the carrier side.
Unlocking your Previ phone
Apple (iPhone)
Requirements
The device must be fully paid off (no remaining installment balance).
The line must have been active on the network for the carrier's required minimum period, and in good standing (not reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraud).
Requesting an Unlock
Message Previ Support in the app to request an unlock, or call 801-437-0620.
We'll confirm eligibility and submit the request to the carrier.
iPhone unlocks are typically processed over the network automatically once approved — there's usually no code to enter.
Confirming It Worked
Insert a SIM from a different carrier (or ask a friend to borrow theirs briefly).
Restart the phone and check whether it connects to that network.
If it doesn't work within 24–48 hours of approval, try Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings, then check again.
Android
Requirements
The device must be fully paid off (no remaining installment balance).
The line must have been active on the network for the carrier's required minimum period, and in good standing (not reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraud).
Requesting an Unlock
Message Previ Support in the app to request an unlock, or call 801-437-0620.
We'll confirm eligibility and submit the request to the carrier.
Some Android phones unlock automatically over the network once approved; others require you to insert a non-Previ SIM and enter an unlock code on-screen when prompted — we'll let you know which applies to your device.
Confirming It Worked
Insert a SIM from a different carrier (or ask a friend to borrow theirs briefly).
Restart the phone and check whether it connects to that network, entering the unlock code if prompted.
If it doesn't work within 24–48 hours of approval, try a network settings reset (Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile & Bluetooth), then check again.
Still Stuck?
Message Previ Support right in the app, or call 801-437-0620.