When dealing with an unlocked or locked phone, the question is whether or not the device can work on a specific wireless network that's different than the network the phone was designed to work on. An ...

Tired of the restrictive carrier payment plans that often come with new cell phones? The best unlocked phones we've tested aren't tied to a carrier, give you more freedom to roam, and carry less ...

The best way to explain this is by telling you what a locked phone is. Carriers have blocked locked phones from working with other networks. Try putting a SIM card from another carrier in a locked ...

If you're buying a new phone, consider the advantages of an unlocked phone against those of one on a contract. Patrick Holland has been a phone reviewer for CNET since 2016. He is a former theater ...

An unlocked phone is a device that has no carrier locks or restrictions. It's usually sold at full price. You can use it with any carrier of your choice, whether you're using a physical SIM card or ...

There was a time when getting a new cellphone felt like signing a mortgage — except with worse terms. You'd walk into a carrier store, pick out a shiny new phone, and they'd practically hand it over ...

Learn how to check if your phone is unlocked and, if it isn't, how you go about making an unlock request with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. Matt Elliott Senior Editor Matt Elliott is a senior ...

There are two types of phones—those locked to a carrier and those free to use whatever carrier they want. There will come a time when you need to know which one your phone is. Thankfully, you'll have ...

Buying a new phone? Here are the advantages of buying an unlocked phone and the best ones to buy, including iPhone, Samsung, Google and more. Whitson Gordon When it’s time to buy a new phone, many ...

Resetting your mobile phone to factory condition can take care of technical problems like cramped storage or a lagging touch screen. It removes all your personal settings, including contacts, and ...

Tired of the restrictive carrier payment plans that often come with new cell phones? The top unlocked phones we've tested aren't tied to a carrier, offer you more freedom to roam, and carry less ...