How To Unlock Your Sprint Phone?(4 Top Ways)

Unlocking your Sprint phone may be needed when you travel outside the USA or want the convenience of switching back and forth between two carriers. There are different ways to do it.

How to unlock a Spirit phone? You have several options like the MSL reader, IMEI software, third-party unlocking service, or by simply calling Sprint.

As usual, that was a quick answer, read on to find out exactly how to do each step.

What You Need To Know

The fact that you have a Sprint phone means that you likely have an account with the carrier. The move to unlock it without an account may signify that you either have a delinquent account or you want to use a Sprint phone under the name of someone else who gave it to you, perhaps as a gift.

Here’s what you need to know.

Conditions To Unlock Sprint Phone

Whatever your intention is, you have to consider several conditions before trying to unlock it. For example, you should understand the timing of when unlocking it is possible and when it is not. 

It is possible when:

  • The phone is unlock-capable for international travel.
  • You have been using the phone for more than 50 days since you purchased it.
  • Nobody has ever reported it as a lost or stolen unit.
  • The sim is unlock-capable for domestic networks within the USA.
  • The phone comes from the Sprint network only.

It is impossible when:

  • You have a delinquent account with Sprint.
  • Your phone has been reported as lost or stolen.
  • Your phone was manufactured before February 2015.
  • The device is neither a tablet nor a smartphone from Sprint.

If unlocking your Sprint phone is possible, you should recognize the advantages and the disadvantages of doing so. You will get the benefit of switching to other networks or carriers, but the burden is that your phone may get permanently locked-wired when you enter the wrong codes.

1.Unlocking Sprint Phone Using IMEI Software

IMEI is a phone unlocking software. It’s free and easy to use. To successfully unlock your Sprint phone, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open your phone dialer section.
  2. Dial or enter *#06#
  3. Wait for the IMEI number to display.
  4. Write down the IMEI number on a piece of paper.
  5. Go to your computer.
  6. Download IMEI software.
  7. Launch the software and enter the IMEI number.
  8. Follow the instructions.
  9. Check your email to get the lock code.
  10. Turn off your phone.
  11. Change the Sprint sim card with another carrier’s sim.
  12. Turn on the phone and wait for the request to enter the code.
  13. Enter the code.
  14. Hit “OK.”

2.You Can Unlock A Sprint Phone with MSL Code

Another option to unlock your Sprint phone is through MSL code. MSL stands for Master Subsidy Lock. Take note of the word “subsidy.” 

This means that the carrier subsidizes the device as if it’s been given away, yet the cost is offset when the period of contract ends.

This is the reason why Sprint won’t easily allow anyone to unlock a device that comes from them. Still, some users have found various ways to unlock their Sprint phones with MSL code. There are three options to get the code: downloading an MSL reader app, hiring a third-party phone unlocking service, and calling Sprint customer service.

MSL Reader

This option is for tech-savvy people who know the nitty-gritty of rooting Android OS. Unfortunately, if you’re one of them, you will need to have your phone rooted to access the OS code, which the MSL reader will require. 

When the phone is rooted, you can download the MSL reader app to scan and read the MSL number of the phone. But if you are not an expert in rooting, avoid this option as it can make your phone vulnerable to security risks.

3.Third-Party Phone Unlocking Services

If you are not tech-savvy, you can get the service of real experts in that field. You can hire a third-party unlocking service that will help you solve your problem quickly. It will only cost you around $60.

However, be careful when choosing the right company. Some scam artists pretend to be credible. So the safest way is to get a referral from a friend who has also used the service, as it may be challenging to rely on online reviews.

4.Reach The Sprint Customer Service

Nothing is safer than reaching the Sprint customer service for the MSL code. However, you will need to comply with the company’s policies and conditions before your request will be granted. Although Sprint is very strict, it is also lenient when you are eligible to receive the code. The company will automatically unlock your phone when you meet all the requirements. 

Therefore, you don’t need to request the code. All you need is to comply and wait. In some cases, you can request to temporarily unlock your phone even if you are not yet eligible as long as your account is in good standing and has a valid reason for the request, like a sudden trip outside the USA.

Moreover, Sprint will surely grant your request for an MSL code when you finish the contract because you have already paid for the device, so the phone is considered yours. Therefore, you have all the rights to do what you want for your Sprint phone.

In other words, if you are eligible, you can quickly get an MSL code by simply calling Sprint customer service. But to be eligible, you should meet the following conditions:

  • The contract has expired.
  • You have no unpaid balance.
  • The phone was manufactured after February 2015.
  • You are the original owner.
  • The device is still in your possession.

Conclusion

The possibility of unlocking your Sprint phone may satisfy you, but you have to make sure whether or not you need it. If the best way to unlock it is to wait for your contract to end, that moment will also be the best time for you to subscribe to another carrier that will provide you with a brand-new device.

Nevertheless, you can try the options above if you need to unlock your Sprint phone as soon as possible.

I’ve been working with technology in one way or the other all my life. After graduating from university, I worked as a sales consultant for Verizon for a few years. Now I am a technical support engineer by day and write articles on my own blog here in my spare time to help others if they have any issues with their devices.