All phones sold in Canada since December 2017 are already unlocked—since that date, Canadians have had the right to buy wireless devices like a smartphone without being locked to a service provider's network. Older devices, however, may still be locked to a network but can be unlocked by the wireless carrier at no cost to the customer.
Here are the basic steps for unlocking a phone, regardless of the model or operating system:
- Find your IMEI number.
- Locate the exact model of your phone.
- Contact your new carrier.
Want to see a step-by-step breakdown for unlocking your iPhone or Android phone in Canada? Read on to learn everything you need to know.
What's happening
WhistleOut Canada watches for trends in the wireless industry, especially hot deals on new phones and plans. Here's what's going on this month:
- Apple finally released the much-anticipated iPhone 15. We've got everything you need to know about the new phone, along with the best deals on the device.
- We're always on the lookout for the best cheap phone deals and Canada’s best prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans from several different carriers.
- Freedom Mobile recently rolled out 5G plans, making the carrier a viable alternative to the Big Three. We break down their coverage map along with the best of their high-speed plans in our updated guide to the carrier.
What is phone unlocking?
Unlocking a wireless device lets your phone work on any network that has compatible technology. Previous to 2017, carriers like Bell, Rogers, and Telus would make new phones more affordable by locking a phone to their network, ensuring their customers would remain with them for a long time. Instead of paying $600 for a new phone, new customers could pay $0 down in exchange for agreeing to a 3-year contract that had the price of the phone built into the monthly payments. The phone was then 'locked' to the network, so the phone would not work with competing services even if you ended the contract.
Unlocking a phone, therefore, releases it from only working on a specific network and allows the phone's owner to bring it with them to any other network in Canada.
Is my smartphone locked?
Some devices are "factory unlocked," which means they've never been locked to a single carrier. Google-branded phones (like Pixels) and iPhones bought directly from Apple outright are usually factory unlocked.
If you recently bought another brand like Samsung, LG, Sony, or Motorola, it should be unlocked right out of the box. Some older stock from before 2018 may still be locked, but you must be provided instructions and a code to unlock the device at the time of purchase (usually via a sticker on the box).
One way to tell if your device is unlocked is to take your carrier's SIM card out of your phone and swap in one from another cell phone carrier. If it's still locked, it will ask for an unlock code when you boot up your phone. Contact the carrier who sold you the device to find the code.
How to unlock a phone
Unlocking a phone in Canada is easy, thanks to a 2017 law requiring phones to be sold unlocked. Still, it can feel overwhelming walking through the process. Let's move step-by-step to explain the process of unlocking and then show you how to unlock a phone by yourself.
What is needed to unlock a phone?
To unlock your phone, you need its IMEI number, a SIM card from a different wireless network, and possibly APN settings for the new carrier.
Here’s what that means:
-
Your phone's IMEI number: This is your phone's unique identity, like a fingerprint. Some phones have it as a 15-digit number on a sticker on the back. You can also find it by typing *#06# into your phone's dialer app, or find it in the About Phone section of your phone's settings.
-
A SIM card from another network: A SIM card is how your device communicates with your wireless provider. Be aware that Rogers is the same network carrier as Fido, Bell is the same as Virgin Mobile, and Telus is the same carrier as Koodo. If you activate a SIM card or eSIM for another carrier that uses the same network, then you may not get the unlock code request. However, you can still switch to these other carriers without the need to unlock your phone.
- APN settings: This is the network configuration that allows your smartphone to access the data network. Many phones have these built-in for when you switch, but some may need to be added manually. You can search for them online or ask your new wireless carrier to help with configuration.
How to unlock an iPhone
Unlock your iPhone by contacting your carrier to ensure it’s been unlocked on their end. If your device runs iOS 14 or newer, you can confirm if your device is unlocked in Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. Look for “No SIM restrictions” to confirm that you can activate a SIM card from a different carrier.
To unlock an iPhone running iOS 13 or older, or when you don’t have a SIM card, you can still ask your carrier to unlock it, then restore your iPhone to factory settings. Remember to back up your data before you erase your iPhone.
This is a lot of tech to understand, but you're not alone. Your best option is to simply call your cell phone carrier for help or walk into a store and ask them to do the work for you. Your carrier may also require the:
- Name of the account holder
- Account holder's security password
- Phone number currently assigned to the phone
Remember: Carriers cannot charge you to unlock your device. It's your right, and it's free.
How to unlock an Android phone
The process to Unlock your Android phone is the same as that for an iPhone—contact your carrier with your phone's IMEI number to inquire about whether it's still locked to a Canadian network.
You can also check in your Android phone's settings. Depending on your specific model and version of Android, you'll find this info in your Network menu, under the Network Operators option. If you can connect to a different network, your phone is unlocked. You can also pop another carrier's SIM card into your device to see if you're able to connect successfully to that network.
What if I didn't buy from a wireless carrier?
Apple, Google, and third-party resellers like Best Buy and Wireless Wave can sometimes get you exclusive deals. However, they can't help you unlock your phone.
No matter where you bought your device, contact the wireless carrier (Rogers, Bell, Telus, etc.) to unlock your phone. Your carrier is the company you pay monthly for your cell phone service.
Google phones (Nexus and Pixel) are factory unlocked. You can take them to any carrier that supports the technology.
Apple iPhones are usually unlocked if they were bought outright, but some phones sold before 2018 are locked to a carrier if they were bought on a two or three-year contract.
Purchasing an unlocked phone from a third-party seller, like Amazon, allows you to grab smartphones at discounted prices and add a new device to an existing plan.
Best unlocked phones on Amazon right now
| Phone | Operation system | Display | Cameras | Shop this phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 14 | iOS 16 | 6.1" |
Rear: 12MP, 12MP Front: 12MP |
Purchase on Amazon |
| Google Pixel 7a | Android 13 | 6.1" |
Rear: 64MP Front: 12MP |
Purchase on Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | Android 13 | 6.1" |
Rear: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP Front: 12MP |
Purchase on Amazon |
| Motorola Moto G Pure | Android 11 | 6.5" |
Rear: 13MP, 13MP Front: 5MP |
Purchase on Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | Android 13 | 6.4" |
Rear: 50MP, 12MP, 5MP Front: 32MP |
Purchase on Amazon |
If you buy your phone from a private seller, insist that it be unlocked first. Depending on the situation, carriers may not unlock a phone for free if the original owner cannot be contacted. If this happens, third-party unlocking services may be your only option.
How much will it cost to unlock my phone?
Unlocking your Canadian cell phone is free. In June 2017, the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) updated the Wireless Code of Conduct to address a number of common consumer complaints. One of them was the cost to unlock a phone, even after a customer has fully paid for the device. The government agency established that all wireless carriers must follow these rules:
- All wireless devices sold after December 1, 2017, must be unlocked or sold with instructions on how to unlock the device at no additional cost.
- All wireless devices that are locked to a carrier must be unlocked upon request at no cost to the consumer.
- Unlocking must be completed even if the consumer is still on contract or the device has not been paid in full.
How to unlock a phone on a corporate plan
At WhistleOut, we have heard from a number of Canadians who tell us that phones on corporate plans will be charged a $50 fee. There may be some confusion around exactly who owns the phone; you or the company. However, no cell phone carrier should charge for unlocking a phone. You can quote us on that.
If the phone was sold after December 1, 2017, it should not have been locked to a single carrier in the first place. If it is locked, it should be unlocked immediately and without cost (as long as the phone has not been reported stolen or lost).
Can I unlock my phone myself?
Yes, you can unlock your phone without getting the carrier involved, but you still need help. Cell phone repair shops and online storefronts offer to unlock your phone for a fee. There are a few reasons you might choose to go this route—difficulty with the original carrier, you’re not the original owner, or you just want to do it yourself.
Should I use a third-party unlocking service?
WhistleOut does not recommend using third-party unlocking services in Canada. We've used them before and many are trustworthy, but try to get the original carrier to unlock the device first.
You may see third-party unlocking services that charge a small fee ($7 to $20 or more) to unlock your device. This was often the most affordable way to unlock your phone prior to the CRTC's changes to the Wireless Code of Conduct in 2017; although it came with some risk. You often have to pay up front and wait a few hours or a few days to find out if they're going to send you an unlock code.
Can I unlock my phone myself for free?
Yes, you may be able to unlock your own phone for free, depending on the make and model. Resourceful phone owners may have success unlocking their phone by installing a custom “ROM,” which replaces the stock operating system. We should warn you that this is a risky maneuver if you’re not familiar with installing and configuring firmware on gadgets. It’s possible to “brick” your phone; that means it becomes unresponsive, you can no longer update the firmware, and you can’t use it as anything but, well, a brick.
Why should I unlock my cell phone?
Unlocking your cell phone lets you switch to another wireless carrier and lets you pay month-to-month when you bring your own phone (BYOP). However, there is no rush to unlock your smartphone. If you are happy with your wireless provider, you may choose to leave your device locked. If you do choose to move to another carrier later, you'll still have the right to unlock your phone at a later date.
When you unlock and use an old phone with a new carrier, you may have to pay off any remaining Tab or discount from when you bought your phone. That's really only to close out your account. You never have to finish paying off your device to unlock it.
Can I unlock my phone to any network?
Yes, you can unlock your phone in Canada and use it on any compatible wireless network across Canada. Typically, iPhone and Android smartphone models that support 4G LTE will work on every cellular network in Canada. You may unlock an older 3G device, but it probably is not usable with modern mobile networks.
You may not need to unlock your phone when switching carriers, as many use the same network.
The big three national wireless carriers also have sub-brands that have marketing that targets a younger demographic. Bell owns Virgin Plus and Lucky Mobile, Telus has Koodo and Public Mobile, and Rogers provides service for Fido and Chatr customers. All of these flanker brands have network coverage and customer service that is as good as the parent companies for a lower monthly fee. If you move from one brand to another (e.g. move from Koodo to Telus), then you don't need to unlock your phone since you're not changing networks.
Unlocking your device also opens you up to regional carriers like Freedom Mobile, SaskTel, Eastlink, and Videotron. All these carriers let you roam outside their main coverage area and across Canada on partner networks.
If you often travel outside the country, you may want to unlock your phone and use cheaper plans while abroad; some carriers will even let you subscribe on a daily rate. Different carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T sometimes use different and incompatible technology. Even if your phone is unlocked, call ahead first to make sure it will work with the wireless provider you plan to use.
Once you're ready to move on, selling your old smartphone privately can benefit from unlocking your phone first. With three major carriers in Canada (and a dozen more small ones) you can triple the number of potential buyers by simply unlocking your device first.
If you're ready to switch your unlocked phone to a new network, check out some of the best bring-your-own-device (BYOD) phone plans below.
|
#1
|
Freedom Mobile
$19 4G LTE 1GB Starter Plan
$19/mth
+ $45 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
Fizz
Unlimited Quebec Minutes & Text Messaging + 1GB Data
$23/mth
+ $15 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
Public Mobile
$25 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 1GB
$25
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#4
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Fido
$29 Data, Talk & Text Plan with 20GB
$29/mth
|
|
#5
|
Virgin Plus (previously Virgin Mobile)
$29 Plan with 20GB Data and Unlimited Minutes
$29/mth
|
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