Can a Factory Reset Remove Carrier Lock? What You Need to Know

Our Top 5 Picks: Can a Factory Reset Remove Carrier Lock?

Factory reset does not remove carrier lock—it only erases personal data.
Carrier locks are tied to your IMEI, not something a reset can change.
To unlock a phone, you need carrier approval or a valid unlock code.
Resetting without removing iCloud or Google accounts can trigger security locks like FRP.
Use official unlock methods or trusted IMEI services—never rely on a reset alone.

Quick Answer

A factory reset does not remove a carrier lock from your phone. Carrier locks are tied to your device’s IMEI number, which remains unchanged even after wiping all data. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, or Motorola device, resetting the phone to its factory settings will only erase personal files, apps, and settings—not the network restrictions placed by your carrier. To remove a carrier lock, you’ll need to follow official carrier unlock procedures, use IMEI-based unlock services, or try specific tools and apps depending on your phone model and carrier. Resetting alone won’t bypass or disable the lock.

📊 Comparison Table: Factory Reset vs. Carrier Unlock – What’s the Difference?

Many users confuse factory resetting a phone with unlocking it from a carrier—but they’re not the same. This quick comparison table highlights the key differences between the two processes, so you know what to expect before taking action.

Feature	Factory Reset	Carrier Unlock
What it does	Erases personal data and settings	Removes SIM/network restrictions
Affects carrier lock?	❌ No	✅ Yes
Tied to IMEI number?	❌ No	✅ Yes
Requires carrier approval?	❌ No	✅ Usually required
Removes iCloud/FRP lock?	❌ No	❌ No
Removes screen lock?	✅ Only if done via settings	❌ No
Data loss involved?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Legal and safe?	✅ Yes	✅ If done officially

A factory reset won’t unlock your phone. To switch carriers or use international SIMs, you’ll need to go through an official unlock process tied to your device’s IMEI.

🔄 What Does a Factory Reset Actually Remove?

A factory reset is a process that restores your phone to its original system state—like it just came out of the box. It erases everything stored by the user, including downloaded apps, custom settings, saved passwords, photos, videos, and messages. Think of it as a deep clean for your device, meant to fix bugs, speed things up, or prepare the phone for a new owner.

However, many people assume that a factory reset removes everything, including security locks—but that’s not true. While it does clear personal data, it does not remove carrier locks or other system-level restrictions. The IMEI number, which links your phone to a specific carrier, remains unchanged after the reset. Likewise, SIM restrictions and carrier-specific firmware stay intact.

This leads to a common misunderstanding: “If I factory reset my phone, will it become unlocked?” The answer is no. A factory reset won’t magically remove a SIM lock or network lock. To unlock your phone, you’ll need to go through your carrier or use a trusted unlock method—not just reset the device.

📖 Also Read: How to Unlock FRP on Samsung Without Computer or OTG (Free Methods That Work)

🔓 Will a Factory Reset Unlock My iPhone or Android?

Resetting your phone might sound like a quick fix for all kinds of problems—but when it comes to unlocking your device from a carrier, it simply doesn’t work. Let’s break it down by device type.

🍏 Apple Devices (iPhone/iPad)

iPhones are known for their tight security, and carrier locking is part of that system. When an iPhone is sold under contract or through a specific carrier, the carrier lock is tied to the IMEI number—not to any user data. So even if you factory reset the phone, that lock remains active.

It’s also important to separate iCloud Activation Lock from a carrier lock. The Activation Lock is designed to prevent unauthorized use if the phone is lost or stolen. It’s linked to the Apple ID and password. A factory reset won’t remove that either unless the iCloud account is removed before resetting.

So, will a reset remove either lock? No. Even after a full reset, your iPhone may still say something like “SIM Not Supported” if you insert a SIM card from a different carrier. That’s a sign the device is still locked, and you’ll need to officially unlock it to use it on another network.

🤖 Android Devices

Android phones work a bit differently, but the outcome is the same. These devices often include FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which is triggered when someone resets the phone without removing the Google account first. This protects the phone from being used by someone else—but just like the iPhone, it has nothing to do with carrier locks.

The carrier lock on Android phones is also tied to the device’s IMEI. So even after performing a factory reset, the SIM or network restrictions will stay in place. That’s why your Motorola or Samsung phone might still show a message like:
“Device is locked by your carrier. Please insert a valid SIM card.”

In short, while a factory reset wipes your personal data and settings, it does not unlock your Android phone from a carrier. The device will remain restricted to the original network until it’s officially unlocked.

🛠️ Why a Factory Reset Won’t Remove Carrier Lock – Technical Explanation

To understand why a factory reset doesn’t remove a carrier lock, it helps to look at how the lock works behind the scenes. Unlike personal files and settings, the carrier lock is tied directly to your phone’s IMEI number—a unique identifier that stays with the device no matter what you do to it.

When you perform a factory reset, you’re wiping user data only—things like apps, photos, accounts, and system preferences. The phone’s operating system gets a fresh start, but the deeper configurations, like network restrictions and lock status, remain untouched. That’s because carrier settings are embedded in the firmware and managed externally.

Even more importantly, your unlock status is stored in your carrier’s activation database. So when your phone connects to the mobile network or checks in during setup, the carrier can immediately tell whether your device is eligible to use other SIMs. If the device hasn’t been officially unlocked, it will remain locked—regardless of how many times you reset it.

In simple terms: a factory reset can erase your fingerprints, but the network sees your DNA. And that “DNA”—your IMEI—still tells the carrier your phone is locked.

📖 Also Read: How To Activate A Verizon iPhone (Easy Steps for Activation)

🤔 Common Misconceptions About Factory Reset and Unlocking

Many people mistakenly believe that performing a factory reset will unlock a phone from its carrier. This confusion often comes from stories like: “My friend reset his phone and it worked with a new SIM.” While that might sound convincing, there’s usually more going on behind the scenes.

In those cases, the phone may have already been unlocked before the reset—either officially by the carrier or because it was factory unlocked to begin with. So when someone resets the phone and inserts a new SIM, it works—not because the reset unlocked it, but because the device was never locked or was already unlocked before the reset happened.

It’s important to understand that resetting does not equal unlocking. A factory reset clears user data and settings, but it does not remove any network restrictions. The lock is embedded deeper in the device and remains even after everything else is erased.

Another area that causes confusion is the different terms people use to describe phone unlock status. Let’s break them down:

Factory unlocked: The phone was never locked to any carrier. You can use it with any SIM out of the box.
Network unlocked / Carrier unlocked: The phone was locked at one point but was later unlocked by the carrier.
Unlocked phone: A general term, but it could mean either factory unlocked or network unlocked.
SIM-free: Typically sold without a SIM card and not tied to a carrier—but not always guaranteed to be unlocked.

Understanding these terms helps clear up the myth that a reset alone can bypass carrier restrictions. In reality, unlocking and resetting are two completely different processes.

🔍 How to Check if Your Phone is Carrier Locked (Before and After Reset)

Before performing a factory reset—or even after—it’s smart to check whether your phone is actually carrier locked. This helps you avoid wasting time or running into surprises when switching SIM cards or networks.

📱 On iPhone

Apple makes it pretty easy.
Go to: Settings → General → About
Scroll down to Carrier Lock.
If it says “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked. If you see anything else, your device is still locked to a specific carrier.

This works on iOS 14 and newer, and it’s one of the most reliable ways to confirm the lock status.

🤖 On Android

There isn’t a universal setting for this like on iPhone, but there’s a simple workaround:
Take a SIM card from a different carrier and insert it into your phone. If the phone connects to the network and you can make calls or use mobile data, the phone is unlocked.
If you see messages like “SIM Not Supported”, “Enter Unlock Code”, or “Device Locked by Carrier”, then your Android is still locked.

🔗 Use an IMEI Checker Tool

For a more technical check, you can use your device’s IMEI number (dial *#06# to get it). Then plug that number into a reputable IMEI checker. Here are a few trusted ones:

IMEI.info
CTIA’s official Unlock Eligibility Checker (for U.S. phones)
Your carrier’s own unlock status page (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile)

Avoid shady IMEI sites that ask for credit card details upfront—they often scam users or provide false results.

Checking your lock status before and after a reset can save you from headaches later. It also confirms whether the reset had any effect on the lock (spoiler: it won’t).

📖 Also Read: How To Unlock iCloud Activation Lock On iPhone 16 Pro Max

🔓 How to Remove Carrier Lock Properly (Without Factory Reset)

If your phone is locked to a carrier and you want to use it on a different network, don’t waste time with factory resets—they won’t help. Instead, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove the carrier lock the right way, without erasing your data.

✅ Official Carrier Unlock Process

The safest and most reliable method is through your mobile carrier. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Make Sure Your Phone Is Eligible
Each carrier has different requirements, but they usually include:

The phone must be fully paid off
Your account must be in good standing (no past-due balances)
It must be active on the network for a set period (e.g., 40–60 days)
It should not be reported as lost, stolen, or involved in fraud

Step 2: Gather Required Info
You’ll need:

Your phone’s IMEI number (dial *#06#)
Account holder info (name, phone number, billing zip)
Your phone model and current carrier

Step 3: Request the Unlock

AT&T: Visit att.com/deviceunlock
T-Mobile: Use the “Device Unlock” app on the phone or go to T-Mobile’s support site
Verizon: Most 4G/5G phones are unlocked after 60 days automatically—no request needed
Other carriers: Contact customer support or visit their unlock page

Step 4: Wait for Approval and Unlock Code (If Needed)
Some brands, like older Android phones, may require you to enter an unlock code. Others—especially iPhones—unlock automatically once approved.

💼 Using Third-Party Unlock Services

If you can’t go through your carrier—for example, if you bought a secondhand phone—you might consider third-party services.

Step 1: Know the Risks and Rewards

Pros: Can unlock phones from different countries, even if not eligible with the carrier
Cons: May cost money, and not all services are legit

Step 2: Choose a Trusted Service
Look for services with:

High ratings and reviews (Trustpilot, Reddit feedback)
Clear refund policies
No shady upcharges or fake urgency tactics

Some well-known services include:

Step 3: Submit Your IMEI and Wait
You’ll typically provide your IMEI, phone model, and current carrier. Unlock times can vary from a few hours to several days.

⚠️ Bypass Methods (Use With Caution)

These methods are risky, unofficial, and not guaranteed to work. Use them only if you understand the risks.

Step 1: SIM Unlock Chips
Some people use SIM interposers or “unlock chips” (like R-SIM or TurboSIM) that sit between the SIM and tray to trick the phone into thinking it’s on the original network.

May work temporarily
Not reliable for all carriers or phone models
Can be blocked with software updates

Step 2: Android Hacks and APKs
There are APKs and tools that claim to unlock Android phones by exploiting software loopholes.

High malware risk
Often outdated or fake
Can void warranty or brick the device

Step 3: Rooting or Jailbreaking
Some think rooting (Android) or jailbreaking (iPhone) will remove carrier locks.

That’s a myth—it only gives system-level access, not IMEI-level unlock
Carrier lock stays even if you modify the OS
May break important features or updates

If you want to unlock your phone the right way, always start with your carrier. If that’s not an option, use a verified third-party service—but be careful with shortcuts. Factory resets won’t help, and risky hacks can cost you your phone.

🆓 Can You Unlock a Phone from a Network for Free?

Yes, you can unlock a phone from a network for free—but only under certain conditions. Most major carriers in the U.S. (like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) are required by law to unlock your phone at no charge if you meet their eligibility requirements.

The most common conditions include:

📱 The phone is fully paid off (no outstanding balance or lease)
📅 You’ve fulfilled the required contract or installment plan
✅ Your account is in good standing (no unpaid bills or fraud flags)
🌎 The phone is not reported lost, stolen, or blacklisted

If you meet those, you can simply request a free unlock through your carrier’s website or customer service. Some carriers, like Verizon, even automatically unlock your phone after 60 days of activation—no need to request anything.

There are also free unlock tools for certain Android models. For example:

T-Mobile’s Device Unlock app (pre-installed on many Android phones)
AT&T’s online device unlock portal
These options don’t cost a penny if your phone qualifies.

Under FCC rules in the U.S., all carriers must unlock phones upon request as long as the device is eligible. This consumer protection makes it easier to switch providers or use your phone abroad—without being stuck in a network trap.

So yes, unlocking your phone can be completely free, but the key is meeting your carrier’s terms. If not, you might have to pay for a third-party service or wait it out.

🚧 How to Bypass Carrier Lock on Android or iPhone (Temporarily)

If you need to use your locked phone with another carrier just for a short time—like during international travel—there are a few temporary workarounds you can try. But be warned: these methods aren’t official, don’t always work, and can come with serious risks.

🌐 Temporary SIM Unlock Methods (For Travel)

Some carriers offer temporary unlocks for customers traveling overseas. For example, T-Mobile or AT&T might allow a one-time international unlock if you’re in good standing and explain your need clearly. You’ll usually need to contact support and request a short-term unlock.

In other cases, people use SIM interposers (like R-SIM, X-SIM, or TurboSIM) that sit underneath your new SIM card to trick the phone into accepting it. These tools fake network compatibility by masking the SIM’s real identity.

While they may allow you to make calls or use mobile data, they are:

Unreliable across software updates
Blocked by some carriers or devices
Not legal or supported in many regions

📱 Dual-SIM Devices Workaround

If you have a dual-SIM phone, and one slot is locked to a carrier, you might be able to use the second slot with another carrier’s SIM card—if it’s not locked. Some manufacturers lock only one SIM slot, especially if the phone was sold under a contract.

This method lets you:

Use a local SIM for calls/data abroad
Keep your original number active in the other slot

However, this only works on certain models, and the unlocked SIM slot still has to support the network frequencies of your destination carrier.

⚠️ Risks of Bypassing Carrier Lock

Trying to bypass a carrier lock might seem like a quick solution, but it comes with real downsides:

📵 Limited service: You might not get full data speed or network features (like MMS, hotspot)
🚫 Blocked IMEI: If the carrier detects unauthorized use, your phone could be blacklisted
🛑 Warranty void: Using unlock chips or modifying software may void your warranty or prevent future updates

In summary, bypass methods should be your last resort, and only for temporary needs. For long-term use or full freedom, it’s always better to go through an official or reputable unlock process.

🔐 What to Do If You See “Device Locked by Carrier” Message (Motorola and Others)

Seeing the message “Device Locked by Carrier” on your Motorola or any other Android phone can be frustrating—especially if you just reset your device or inserted a new SIM card. But don’t panic. This message doesn’t mean your phone is broken—it simply means it’s still tied to a specific network.

📲 What the Message Means

When your phone says “Device Locked by Carrier” or “Please insert a valid SIM card,” it’s telling you that the phone is restricted to one network provider. This often happens if:

The phone was sold under contract or a payment plan
The original owner didn’t finish payments or request an unlock
The IMEI is locked in the carrier’s system

Even after a factory reset, this message won’t disappear because the carrier lock is still active at the firmware and IMEI level.

🛠️ Steps to Take If You See This Message

Step 1: Insert a Valid SIM Card
If the phone is locked to a specific carrier (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile), insert a SIM from that same provider. The phone should then connect without issue. If it doesn’t, the device may have additional issues like a blacklist status.

Step 2: Contact Carrier Support
Reach out to the carrier the phone is locked to. Ask them to check the unlock eligibility for the IMEI. They’ll verify:

If the phone is fully paid off
If the account is in good standing
If there are any fraud or blacklist flags

Step 3: Check Unlock Eligibility Online
Most major carriers have online unlock portals:

AT&T: att.com/deviceunlock
T-Mobile: Via “Device Unlock” app or online chat
Verizon: Unlocks most devices automatically after 60 days

You’ll need your IMEI number (dial *#06# to find it).

📋 Motorola’s Unlock Policy Overview

Motorola doesn’t directly control the carrier lock status. Instead, it follows the rules set by the carrier that sold the phone. Here’s how it works:

If your Motorola phone was bought through a carrier (like T-Mobile or AT&T), the carrier controls the unlock status.
If purchased unlocked from Motorola.com or a retailer like Best Buy, it’s typically factory unlocked.
Motorola doesn’t provide unlock codes for carrier-locked devices—you must go through the original carrier.

For international use or if you’re the second owner of a Motorola phone, always confirm with the carrier before buying or traveling.

🛠️ Alternatives to Factory Reset for Unlocking

If your goal is to unlock your phone so it can work with any carrier, you don’t need to factory reset it. In fact, resetting won’t remove the lock anyway. Instead, there are smarter and safer alternatives that can help you unlock your device without losing your data.

📂 Unlock via Settings (Carrier Unlock Section)

Many newer smartphones—especially Samsung, Google Pixel, and iPhones—have a built-in option to check or request a carrier unlock directly from the Settings menu.

On iPhone:
Go to Settings → General → About
Look for Carrier Lock — if it says “No SIM restrictions,” it’s already unlocked.
If not, contact your carrier to unlock it remotely; the unlock usually happens over the air (OTA) once approved.

On Android (Samsung):
Settings → Connections → More Connection Settings → Network Unlock or SIM Card Lock (may vary by model).
If eligible, the unlock option may appear directly here.

🔓 Unlock Through IMEI (Official Carrier or Third-Party)

Every mobile device has a unique IMEI number (dial *#06# to find it), which is used by carriers to track unlock status. You can request a carrier unlock by submitting your IMEI on their unlock portal or by contacting customer support.

If you’re not eligible through the carrier (for example, if the phone was purchased secondhand), you can use a reliable third-party IMEI unlock service. These services submit your IMEI to the original carrier’s database and get the unlock approved remotely—no reset needed.

☎️ Unlock With Customer Support Help

Sometimes, the fastest way to get your phone unlocked is the old-fashioned way—calling or chatting with your carrier’s customer support. Provide your account details, phone model, and IMEI number. If your phone is eligible (fully paid off, not blacklisted), they can process the unlock on the spot or give you a timeframe.

Make sure to ask for:

Confirmation of unlock eligibility
Timeline for unlock (some take 24–72 hours)
Whether a code or over-the-air update will be sent

📱 Use Carrier Unlock Apps (For T-Mobile & MetroPCS)

Some Android phones, especially those from T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile, come with a pre-installed app called Device Unlock. This app lets you request an unlock directly from your phone.

How it works:

Open the Device Unlock app (found in your app drawer)
Tap Permanent Unlock
If eligible, the phone will unlock automatically after a few seconds

Note: If the app says “unlock failed,” your phone may not meet the unlock criteria yet—contact support to confirm.

💡Quick Recap:
Skip the reset. Use these trusted alternatives to unlock your phone without wiping your data, voiding your warranty, or wasting time:

Check your settings for a built-in unlock option
Submit an IMEI unlock request to your carrier or a third-party service
Use T-Mobile’s unlock app if applicable
Talk directly to customer support to speed things up

These methods are effective, safe, and don’t risk triggering things like FRP (Factory Reset Protection) or iCloud lock.

🔐 Does Factory Reset Remove Any Type of Lock?

A factory reset can help clean up your device and even remove some security measures—but not all locks are created equal. While it does wipe user data and basic settings, it does not remove deeper, account- or network-level locks tied to your device’s identity.

✅ **What a Factory Reset Does Remove**

Screen Lock (PIN, pattern, password) – Only if you initiate the reset through the settings while the device is unlocked.
User data – Apps, contacts, photos, downloads, and other personal files are erased.
Saved passwords & accounts – Your Google, Apple, or Samsung account is signed out (if done properly).

This is useful if you’re selling your phone or starting fresh.

❌ **What a Factory Reset Does Not Remove**

Carrier Lock – Still tied to your phone’s IMEI. Your device will stay locked to the original network unless officially unlocked.
iCloud Activation Lock (iPhone/iPad) – Remains active if you don’t sign out of your Apple ID before the reset. The next user will be stuck at the activation screen.
Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection on Android) – Kicks in automatically if you reset without removing the Google account first. You’ll need the original login credentials to get back in.

Factory reset removes surface-level security like screen locks (when done properly), but it won’t touch network, account, or cloud-based protections. Always sign out of your accounts before resetting—and don’t expect it to unlock your phone from a carrier.

🧠 Final Recap – What You Should Know Before Resetting

Before you hit that factory reset button, it’s important to understand what it can and can’t do—especially when it comes to unlocking your phone. A factory reset will not remove a carrier lock, no matter what brand or model you’re using. The lock is tied to your device’s IMEI and controlled by your carrier—not by your personal data.

To truly unlock your phone, you’ll need to go through your carrier’s official process or use a trusted IMEI unlock service. Trying to bypass this with a reset won’t work—and could make things worse.

In fact, resetting without removing your Google or Apple account first can trigger security features like FRP (Factory Reset Protection) on Android or iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone. That means even you could get locked out of your own device.

So before you reset:

✅ Check your unlock status using your phone’s settings or an IMEI checker
✅ Back up your data and remove all accounts
✅ Understand that a reset won’t free your phone from carrier restrictions

Think of a reset as cleaning the house—not changing the locks. Unlocking requires a different set of keys.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

✅ A factory reset does not remove a carrier lock — the lock stays tied to your phone’s IMEI, not your personal data.

✅ Unlocking requires carrier permission or a code — resetting the phone won’t help unless it’s officially unlocked.

✅ Always back up your data before attempting any unlock — unlocking methods can sometimes trigger resets or errors that wipe your files.

✅ iPhone and Android both keep carrier locks after a reset — no matter the brand, carrier restrictions remain unless properly removed.

✅ Use official unlock tools to stay safe and legal — avoid shady apps or bypass tricks that could brick your phone or void your warranty.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will factory reset unlock my iPhone?
No. A factory reset does not remove the carrier lock or iCloud Activation Lock. Both are tied to your Apple ID and IMEI, not your saved data.

Q2: Does factory reset remove carrier lock on Android?
No. The carrier lock is linked to your phone’s IMEI number and remains in place even after a full reset.

Q3: How can I remove carrier lock from my phone?
The safest way is to contact your carrier and request an official unlock. If that’s not an option, you can use a reputable IMEI unlock service. Avoid third-party APKs or hacks—they’re often unsafe and unreliable.

Q4: Is there a free way to unlock my phone from a carrier?
Yes. If your device meets the carrier’s unlock policy (e.g., it’s paid off and your account is in good standing), they are required by law (in the U.S.) to unlock it for free upon request.

Q5: What happens if I reset a locked phone?
You’ll lose your personal data, but the SIM/network lock will remain. Additionally, if you didn’t remove your Google or Apple account before resetting, FRP or iCloud Activation Lock may kick in, preventing future access without the original login credentials.