Are Boost Mobile Phones Unlocked

No. All Boost mobile phones come locked. Locking in this sense means that the phones can only work with specific Boost network carrier. Therefore, the users are limited to specific geographical areas covered by the said network. In the event the user travels outside this area then they cannot use their mobile phones to communicate. However, after acquiring a Boost mobile phones, you can unlocked it and make it compatible with other network carriers.

Boost operates under CDMA network and except for the recent models; it cannot work with GSM networks. To unlocked your boost Mobile phones to make it access unlimited number of carriers, there are set criteria that you must satisfy.

There are different ways you can follow to unlocked your boost mobile phones. One is utilizing the free unlocking service offered by the Boost Company. The second way is using the third-party merchants which is payable. After unlocking, you’ll be able to use your phone wherever you want. Even after unlocking your boost mobile phone, there is no guarantee that the phone will access your preferred carrier. Therefore, the best thing to do is checking the carriers it’ll support after unlocking before starting the process. The newer models are built compatible with CDMA networks thus you don’t need to worry about the carriers because most of them are compatible with all network carriers.

Probably the next thing you should care about is the phone plans. Choose the network carrier with the best charges depending on where you will be making calls frequently.

Unlocked Your Boost Mobile Phones with Boost Service in 2024

As we mentioned above, there are requirements that you must satisfy before thinking of unlocking your Boost phone. The company will never contact you to notify you when you’ve met the criteria. So, it’s upon you to familiarize yourself with the conditions and keep an eye on them when you’ve qualified. To unlocked the mobile phones through Boost service, the following are the conditions you have to meet;

1. You must have used your mobile phone for a period of at least one year with Boost Mobile network. However, this condition doesn’t apply to the military people.
2. You should have made a payment within the last 90 days before the 12^th month anniversary
3. Your phone must be SIM unlock capable
4. The phone shouldn’t have been reported as stolen or lost
5. Your Boost mobile account should not be in arrears
6. If you want to use Boost unlock services, the phone must be from the company. They cannot unlock mobile phones from other merchants.

If you satisfy the above criteria, unlocking your phone is very easy. The process should take a maximum of two days. It is even easier if you are on BoostUP! Installment plan as it’ll be complete within 24 hours.

All you need to do is call the Boost customer center on 1-866-402-7366 and initiate the unlocking process. The company agent will guide you on the process to a step where you are supposed to receive an activation code. They’ll send the code; enter it to complete the process. To ensure the process goes through smoothly, there are few things you should keep in mind;

• Keep the SIM card in the phone. Unplugging your SIM card will cause your unlock application to fail.
• Keep your phone powered and connected to internet or Boost network throughout the entire time.
• If you are unlocking an iPhone, remember to back up your data. Restore it to factory settings then retrieve your data from the back up when the unlocking process is over.
• Android users should not perform an ##RTN# function after the phone has been unlocked. Such action will relock your phone.

Boost Mobile Phones Military Unlocked Policy

For US active military personnel living outside the country, Boost has their customized policy. It makes it possible for them to stay in touch with their relatives back at home through an international SIM. For them, the 12-month duration isn’t enforced and you can unlock your smartphone or flip phone within days after purchase. If you are military person, you should ensure you’ve fulfilled the following requirements to unlock your phone with Boost;

1. You must be an active military member
2. Have proof of overseas deployment
3. You should have an active Boost account without negative standings
4. Your Boost phone should be international SIM unlock

Non-Boost Customers

The process is a bit complicated for non-Boost customers. However, the good thing is that you can still unlock your phone even if you have never used their services. First of all, you need the last phone number previously linked to the account. If you don’t have the number, you can contact the person you bought the phone from to request the information. Without this data, Boost cannot approve your application.

Third Party Boost Mobile Phones Unlocking

If Boost declines your application to unlock your mobile phone, all hope isn’t lost. You can opt for third party unlocking. However, you should be prepared to part with a couple of dollars but not more than $60. Before committing on a certain third party, do background research about the company to make sure you are not scammed.

It helps you to avoid being scammed by unscrupulous people masquerading as professionals. You also need to ensure that you have access to the email provided during the purchase of the phone. The unlock activation code is send to that email. You shouldn’t worry about the carriers because the unlocking doesn’t raise any alarm on the operators so you’ll be safe to use your preferred network.

Unlocking Boost Mobile by Yourself

This is also an alternative method to unlock your boost phone if all the other methods don’t work. However, this is method is best suited for tech savvies otherwise you may end up compromising your phone. Whichever method you decide to use, you should ensure that the phone is not reported as stolen or lost. To unlock the phone by yourself, there are several applications you can use. One of the best is DirectUnlocks software which takes 24 hours to unlock your phone. To unlock your phone with DirectUnlocks, follow the steps below;

• Launch the DirectUnlocks unlocking page
• On the home page, click the menu tab. From the drop-down list, select the phone model and the country registered to.
• Fill in all the provided boxes including the IMEI. If you don’t know the IMEI, you can retrieve it by calling *#06#.
• Click continue Button, this should prompt the overview page.
• Enter the payment details. Once you’ve made the payment, your application will be processed and should receive a confirmation message within 24 hours.

FAQs

Are Boost mobile phones unlocked before purchase?

No. Boost phones are designed to work with only Boost network. However, after some time, you could meet the requirements to unlock your phone.

Does Boost unlock mobile phones from other carriers?

Boost doesn’t unlock other carrier phones. They only unlock mobile phones certified for their network. For Boost to unlock your phone, you must first initiate the process with the existing carrier.

Can you return your mobile phones to boost after it has been unlocked?

You can return your phone to Boost but there is no guarantee that it’ll work normally with the Boost network. 

what is the difference between a locked and unlocked Boost mobile phones?

A locked Boost phone is programmed to operate with only specific carrier network. On the other hand, unlocked phones work with all networks. In short, unlocking your mobile phone removes network restrictions from your phone.

Is unlocking a Boost mobile phone legal?

There are no legal laws that prohibit unlocking Boost phones. However, depending on the governing laws of your country, unlocking your phone can be affected by certain regulations. As a matter of fact, some countries have rules that bar mobile network carriers from activating locks on phones.

How can I check whether my mobile phone is locked?

You may want to know whether unlocking worked on your phone or not. To check out, remove the Boost SIM card from the phone and insert an alternative SIM card from another network carrier. If the phone works then it is unlocked otherwise the new SIM card should be rejected.

Another option is contacting the Boost customer care if that’s the method you used. They will check your account and tell you whether your phone has been unlocked. They can also review your application and explain the probable reasons if it was declined.

Conclusion

Unlocking your Boost mobile phone gives you the freedom you need with your phone. You can use various network carriers as you want. The above methods should unlock your phone within two days. All the methods have proved to be effective and reliable. Therefore, it is upon you to decide which one is the affordable and most convenient for you. You should also compare the risks involved so that you don’t end up with another junk in your box.

Using the Boost customer care could be a sensitive process but it is very safe. If the process doesn’t go through, you can call the center again to request for explanations or review of the process. That doesn’t mean the other methods are bad. It’s all about preference and affordably considering the fact the Boost does this for free. All the other methods you’ll still have to pay although the prices are different.