“Is this phone unlocked? Does it have to be activated with a contract at T-Mobile, or can one do prepaid with TMobile?”
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Good question I am glad you asked. I actually asked the same question myself. The answer to your two part question is NO it’s not unlocked HOWEVER YES YOU CAN PURCHASE IT FOR A PREPAID ACCOUNT. See at Best Buy any device purchased is network specific however you can get it unlocked from the carrier after a few months of active service or for other events that allow it be unlocked. If you purchase an IPhone directly from Apple none of the phones they sell are network specific except for AT&T. All of the others are just activated for the carrier not locked. Having a locked phone for network typically happens with phones bought directly from the carrier and often owned with contractual restraints such as loans still owed or not being on a contract long enough. Now whenever you buy a phone from a retail store like Best Buy or anywhere on your own as long as it’s compatible with the carrier/network then your able to use it for your device INCLUDING PREPAID ACCOUNTS. This is so with any carrier and their network compatible devices including Assurance and Altel. Just when you buy your device be sure to insert your current SIM card to the device and you should be able to use it right away. However whenever you buy any new device it’s good to have your account info available just in case you have to contact the carrier about your new device. Whenever you purchase a iPhone with a big carrier they will need it to give the carrier a heads up of your purchase and swap out in case something happens in the transition..
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.I still can't see the lock/unlock status on my T-Mobile account but if you go to BestBuy store, they'll do everything for you (setting up and activating your new phone). We have a T-Mobile One plan which we didn't have to mess around with at all. Everything works as it should including 5G.
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