Invalid sim card network locked sim card inserted straight talk

If you bought your phone from Straight Talk, chances are, it’s locked. That means you cannot use a SIM card from another carrier.

This can inconvenience you in case you need to use a SIM card from a different carrier. To avoid this, you can unlock it so that it accommodates other SIM cards. However, you will have to meet specific requirements to obtain the unlock code.

Before we get on how to unlock a Straight Talk phone, let’s see the reasons for unlocking it.

Why Should You Unlock Your Phone?

There’s no pressure to unlock your phone. If you are happy with your Straight Talk service and don’t need another carrier’s services, you may not need to unlock it.

But, some situations require you to unlock it. If, for instance, Straight Talk’s network coverage in your area is poor, or maybe you’re traveling to another country where Straight Talk is not available, you may need to unlock it.

This will allow you to use services from other carriers in the country.

Requirements to Unlock a Straight Talk Phone

Ensure you meet the following requirements.

1. Must have submitted an unlock request.
2. You own a Straight Talk phone in working condition.
3. You must have used your locked phone on Straight Talk for 12 months continuously and redeemed service for not less than 12 months.
4. The device has not been reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraud.
5. The telephone number has not been ported or recycled.
6. You must currently own a Straight Talk device whose model was launched after February 2014 or activated after February 2015.
7. You must submit the unlock request when your phone is active or 60 days after the service expires.

However, if you have been deployed to the military, Straight Talk will honor your unlock request as long as you provide the deployment papers, and your phone is not blacklisted. You don’t have to meet the other requirements.

How to Obtain the Straight Talk Network Unlock Code

Straight Talk provides an unlock code if you bought the phone from them and meets the criteria above. To obtain the Straight Talk network unlock code;

• Step 1: Call Straight Talk customer care on 877.430.2355 any day from 8 a.m to 11:45 p.m.
• Step 2: Request for the unlock code. The customer care agent will verify if you’ve met all the requirements. It’s important to note that only GSM devices that use SIM cards can be unlocked this way.

Step 3: The representative will provide you with a 10-15 digits code. Write it down as you’ll need it when unlocking your phone.

Unlocking Straight Talk Phone

Once you obtain the code, you can now unlock your phone. 

1. Power off your phone and remove the Straight Talk SIM card.
2. Insert the new carrier’s SIM card into the slot and power on the phone.
3. You will get a notification that the phone needs to be unlocked first to use the new SIM card. Enter the code you got from Straight Talk and click unlock.

You’ll receive a confirmation message to show the code has been accepted and your phone unlocked. You can then use your phone on the new carrier.

Note, you will know whether your phone is unlocked if you can make calls, send texts, and perform every task with the new SIM card. Alternatively, you can use third-party providers who use your phone’s IMEI number to check if it’s unlocked.

Customers who can’t unlock their phones can get credit or a partial refund when purchasing a new Straight Talk phone. However, they must also meet the requirements required for unlocking.

Other Ways to Unlock Your Phone

Sometimes, it’s impossible to unlock your phone through Straight Talk. Perhaps you have not met all the requirements, like the 60 days grace period has expired or any other requirement.

You can still unlock your phone but not through Straight Talk customer care. There are third parties who can provide you with the unlock code at a fee. 

However, you should be careful when dealing with unknown third parties on the internet. Not all are genuine.

Some trusted third party providers of unlocking services include Cellphone Unlock, MobileUnlocked, Unlock Radar, and DoctorSIM.

Which Carriers Can You Use After Unlocking a Straight Talk Phone?

After unlocking your Straight Talk phone, you can use it on GSM networks such as Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T. However; you cannot use a CDMA phone as they don’t support GSM bands.

Conclusion

Straight Talk’s requirements to unlock your phone are very few but very strict. Not everyone can afford pay-as-you-go prepaid service for 12 continuous months. Other times the grace period expires before you unlock your phone.

But if you have met the criteria, you can unlock it. If not, there are third-party websites that can help you get the unlock code. You will have to part with a few bucks, though. So ensure they are genuine; you’ll not lose money and remain with an unlocked phone. Lastly, if you’re ever in Milwaukee or Chicago, feel free to stop by our store, and we would be more than happy Unlock your device!

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