If you have an unpaid AT&T phone — getting it unlocked can be a challenge. If you call up AT&T and ask for an unlock, they’ll stop you right in your tracks and point to your contract and balance due. Not the response you wanted to hear? Well, don’t worry. There are ways of getting your AT&T phones unlocked, even if its unpaid or still under contract, and I’m going to break them down and explain each one so you can go with the best option that fits your situation, tools, skills, and urgency.
Here is the How To Unlock Unpaid AT&T Phone
- Contact AT&T and ask for an unlock code
- Order a PriorityUnlock
- Use a third-party SIM unlocking service
- Root your Samsung / Jailbreak your iPhone
- Use a Third-Party Unlocking Software
- Order a Physical Unlocking SIM Card
1. Contact AT&T and Ask for an Unlock Code:
The first method is the most obvious one: just contact AT&T and ask them for an unlock code. If you have a paid-off phone, this method will work like a charm 100% of the time. However, if you still have unpaid bills, your phone isn’t paid off, or you (the respected owner) are still under contract, things get a little trickier. AT&T is unlikely to unlock your unpaid phone, and will point you to their policy that requires the device is fully paid off and you have been an AT&T customer for at least six months. In addition, if you’re not the original owner, they likely won’t be able to help you at all. If AT&T won’t unlock your phone — don’t worry, there are 5 other sure-fire unlocking methods you can try.
2. Priority Unlock Your Unpaid AT&T Phone
If contacting AT&T didn’t work (or if you just don’t want to deal with them), your next best bet is to order a Priority Unlock. This is an unlocking service that steamrolls your unlock request with urgent priority via AT&T direct connection to unlock your phone regardless of contract or payment status. This unlocking process is one of the smoothest and easiest. It also has a very high success rate (99% or higher), and is the fastest way to unlock your unpaid AT&T phone.
Pros
- The fastest way to unlock your ATT phone
- Works even if unpaid phone or under contract
- 100% Remote. Can be done from the comfort of your own home.
- No need to contact AT&T directly
- Very easy; No technical skills required
- Will not VOID warranty
- Money-Back Guarantee if unable to unlock
Cons
- Not free
How To Priority Unlock Your iPhone
Unlocking an iPhone with Priority Unlock is simple and straightforward, and you only need an internet connection, iPhone’s IMEI number and the name of the original carrier.
Here are the steps to get it unlocked:
- Go to Priority Unlock and enter your iPhone model/network details.
- Place your priority unlock order
- Your iPhone is unlocked automatically. They’ll send you an email confirming this.
- Insert your new carrier’s SIM card to start using it.
How To Priority Unlock Your Samsung / Android
To Priority unlock a Samsung or other Android phone, you’ll need to make sure your phone is asking for an unlock code when you switch SIM cards. If so, then unlocking it is as simple as:
- Go to Priority Unlock and enter your phone IMEI number & carrier details.
- Place your unlock order.
- Receive Unlock Code and detailed instructions via Email.
- Follow the instructions and enter your Unlock Code.
- Your Samsung / Android is unlocked. Insert your new carrier’s SIM card and enjoy!
3. Use a Third-Party Remote Unlocking Service:
If you’re not comfortable with giving your personal information to a third party, or if you want to try other methods before spending money, there are plenty of SIM unlocking services out there that will do the job for you. Just Google “unlock AT&T phone” and take your pick. Prices range from $15 to $200, and most of them offer a money-back guarantee if your unlock request is denied. However, they also have strict eligibility requirements — and many cannot unlock an unpaid AT&T phone — so double-check with the company before ordering.
Pros
- Can be done from the comfort of your own home.
- No need to contact AT&T directly.
- Cheap options available
Cons
- Not free
- You have to send your phone to a third party.
- Requires Windows PC
- Requires giving company’s team remote access to your computer
- If something goes wrong, it can damage your phone
- This unlocking method may void your warranty
Not all third-party services are created equal – do your research before choosing one. Check reviews and top providers here.
4. Root your Samsung / Jailbreak your iPhone
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try rooting or jailbreaking your phone to unlock it. This method is free (assuming you already own the software), but it’s also the most difficult and has a higher chance of causing damage to your phone. Proceed with caution!

Pros
- Free (if you already own the software).
- You can do it from home.
Cons:
- Technical skills required. Difficult to do.
- May damage your phone.
- Voids your warranty.
How To Do A Jailbreak iPhone Unlock
To unlock your iPhone through a Jailbreak, you’ll have to find Jailbreaking software (like Pangu) and follow the instructions to unlock your phone. This is a fairly simple process, but there’s always a chance something could go wrong. If you’re not comfortable with this method, I don’t recommend trying it.
How To Do A Rooting Samsung Unlock
To root your Samsung phone, you’ll need to find a rooting software (like Kingo Root) and follow the instructions to unlock your phone. This is a fairly simple process, but there’s always a chance something could go wrong. If you’re not comfortable with this method, I don’t recommend trying it.

5. Use a Third-Party Unlocking Software:
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of rooting or jailbreaking, there are a number of third-party unlocking software programs that can do the job for you. Prices range from free to $30, and most of them are very user-friendly.
Pros:
- Much easier than rooting/jailbreaking.
- Cheaper than other options
Cons:
- Not free.
- May void your warranty.
- If something goes wrong, it can damage your phone.
- Requires a Windows PC
6. Use a Physical Unlocking SIM Card

If you don’t want to do anything yourself, you can always order a physical unlocking SIM card. These cards come pre-loaded with unlock codes for all the major network providers in the US, so all you have to do is pop it in your phone and wait for it to unlock. These include RSIM, X-SIM, and GPP.
Pros:
- User-friendly.
- No technical skills required.
Cons:
- You have to wait for the SIM card to arrive in the mail.
- It’s a physical product, so it can get lost or damaged.
- It may stop working with a future software update
- May contain malware / spyware
How To Unlock Your AT&T Phone with a Unlocking SIM Card
To unlock your AT&T phone with a physical unlocking SIM card, follow these instructions:
- Purchase a physical unlocking SIM card. We recommend the following:
- Follow the instructions to insert it into your phone.
- Once the card is in place, your phone should automatically unlock within a few minutes.
The Wrap Up
So there you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to unlock an unpaid AT&T phone with all the ways we’re aware of. To summarize it, we have:
- If your phone is paid off, go straight to AT&T. They’ll unlock your phone for free.
- Priority Unlock your phone; fastest, safest and easiest way.
- Third-Party Unlocking service; Cheap but not easy.
- Jailbreak/Root Your Phone; Free but risky and temporary. VOIDs warranty.
- Third-Party Unlock Software; Free/Cheap but not easy and requires PC.
- Physical Unlocking SIM Card; Cheap and easy. May not work and has risks.
Hopefully one of these methods will work for you get your ATT phone unlocked.
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2 comments on “How To Unlock Unpaid AT&T Phone”
JOHN
WOW CAN YOU UNLOCK A AT&T IPHONE ?
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