How to Unlock the Moto G

Unlocking your Motorola Moto G Android-based smartphone will allow you to use your device on any wireless network of your choice. You can either unlock the Moto G by contacting your wireless carrier, or by purchasing an unlock code from a third-party unlock service.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

AT&T

  1. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 1
    1
    Dial *#06# using the keypad on your Moto G. This will display your Moto G’s IMEI number.
  2. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 2
    2
    Write down the IMEI number. AT&T will need the IMEI number to unlock your Moto G.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 3
    3
    Navigate to AT&T’s website at https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/index.html#/.
    • Alternately, you can call AT&T directly at 1-800-331-0500 and speak to a representative to have your Moto G unlocked.
  4. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 4
    4
    Place a checkmark next to the statement that says you have reviewed the device unlock eligibility requirements, then click on “Continue.”
  5. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 5
    5
    Fill out all required fields on the device unlock form, then click on “Submit.” You will be required to provide your AT&T phone number, IMEI number, account information, and contact information.
  6. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 6
    6
    Wait to receive the email from AT&T containing the unlock code and instructions. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, since AT&T must contact Motorola to obtain your unlock code.
  7. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 7
    7
    Remove the AT&T SIM card from your Moto G, and insert the SIM card from the wireless carrier you plan on using after unlocking your device.
  8. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 8
    8
    Power on your device, and enter the unlock code you received from AT&T.
  9. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 9
    9
    Follow the on-screen instructions to finish unlocking your device. After your Moto G is unlocked, you can use the phone on all other compatible wireless networks.
    10. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

T-Mobile

  1. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 10
    1
    Dial *#06# using the keypad on your Moto G. This will display your Moto G’s IMEI number.
  2. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 11
    2
    Write down the IMEI number. T-Mobile will need the IMEI number to unlock your Moto G.
  3. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 12
    3
    Navigate to T-Mobile’s contact page at https://support.t-mobile.com/community/contact-us.
  4. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 13
    4
    Click on “Chat now” under the Live Chat section, and fill out the required fields to initiate a chat with a T-Mobile representative.
    • Alternately, call T-Mobile directly at 1-877-746-0909 to speak to a live representative regarding your request.
  5. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 14
    5
    Inform the T-Mobile representative that you would like to unlock your Moto G. The representative will verify whether you qualify to unlock your phone, and will ask you for information regarding your wireless account.
  6. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 15
    6
    Supply the T-Mobile representative with the information required to unlock your Moto G. You will be asked for the IMEI number, your account details, and personal contact information.
  7. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 16
    7
    Wait for T-Mobile to send you an email containing the unlock code and instructions. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, since T-Mobile must contact Motorola directly to obtain your unlock code.
  8. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 17
    8
    Remove the existing SIM card from your Moto G, and insert the SIM card from the wireless carrier you plan on using after you’ve unlocked your device.
  9. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 18
    9
    Power on your Moto G, and enter the unlock code you received from T-Mobile.
  10. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 19
    10
    Follow the on-screen instructions to finish unlocking your Moto G. After your device is unlocked, you can use the phone on any other compatible domestic or international wireless network.
    11. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Sprint

  1. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 20
    1
    Dial *#06# using the keypad on your Moto G. This will display your Moto G’s IMEI number.
  2. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 21
    2
    Write down the IMEI number. Sprint will need the IMEI number to unlock your Moto G.
  3. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 22
    3
    Navigate to Sprint’s live chat site at http://sprintworldwide.custhelp.com/app/chat/chat_launch/?ECID=vanity:swwsupport.
  4. 4
    Enter your name and email address, and select “SIM Unlock” from the “Request” dropdown menu.
  5. 5
    Click on “Initiate Chat.” Sprint’s live chat is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CST, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST.
    • Alternately, you can call Sprint directly at 1-888-226-7212 to speak to a live representative and request the unlock code.
  6. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 25
    6
    Inform the Sprint representative that you would like to unlock your Moto G. The representative will verify whether you qualify to unlock your phone, and will ask you for information regarding your account.
  7. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 26
    7
    Supply the Sprint representative with the information required to unlock your Moto G. You will be asked for the IMEI number, your Sprint account details, and personal contact information.
  8. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 27
    8
    Decide whether you want your Moto G unlocked for domestic use or international use. Unlocking your phone for domestic use means you can use your device with any wireless carrier inside the United States. Unlocking your phone for international use means you can only use the Moto G with international wireless carriers outside of the United States.
  9. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 28
    9
    Wait for Sprint to send you an email containing the unlock code and instructions. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, since Sprint must contact Motorola to obtain your unlock code.
  10. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 29
    10
    Remove the existing SIM card from your Moto G, and insert the SIM card from the wireless carrier you plan on using after unlocking your device.
  11. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 30
    11
    Power on your device, and enter the unlock code you received from Sprint.
  12. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 31
    12
    Follow the on-screen instructions to finish unlocking your device. After your Moto G is unlocked, you can use the phone on any other domestic or international network, based on what you requested from Sprint.[1]
    13. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Verizon

  1. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 32
    1
    Power off your Moto G, and remove the battery cover and battery.
  2. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 33
    2
    Examine the inside of your phone to locate a SIM card slot. Since Verizon functions on a CDMA network, not all Verizon-branded phones, including the Moto G, will have SIM card slots.
    • If your Verizon-branded Moto G has a SIM card slot, your device is already unlocked, and no further action is required.
    • If your Moto G does not have a SIM card slot, proceed with step #3.
  3. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 34
    3
    Contact Verizon Wireless by telephone at 1-800-922-0204, and inform the representative you want your Moto G unlocked. The representative will provide you with a programming code that allows you to use your phone on other CDMA networks.
  4. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 35
    4
    Follow the instructions as provided by the Verizon representative to reprogram your Moto G for use on another CDMA network.[2]
    5. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Unlocking Services

  1. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 36
    1
    Dial *#06# using the keypad on your Moto G. This will display your Moto G’s IMEI number.
  2. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 37
    2
    Write down the IMEI number. The unlock service you choose to work with will require your Moto G’s IMEI number.
  3. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 38
    3
    Perform a web search for online businesses and websites that can help unlock your Moto G. Use search terms such as “unlock my phone” or “phone unlock services.” A reputable website that can help unlock your Moto G is The Unlockr at http://theunlockr.com/unlock-my-phone/.
    • Alternately, if you are currently using your Moto G and have Internet access, you can browse Google Play Store for apps that can help unlock your Moto G.
  4. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 39
    4
    Provide the unlock service with your Moto G’s IMEI number, as well as any other required information. You may be asked to provide your name, email address, and other contact information.
  5. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 40
    5
    Select your preferred method of payment, and enter your payment details at the prompt. Most businesses charge fees that range from $20 and $30 to unlock your device.
  6. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 41
    6
    Wait to receive the unlock code and instructions from the unlock service. In most cases, the process takes up to three days, since the unlock service must contact Motorola directly for the unlock code.
  7. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 42
    7
    Remove the existing SIM card from your Moto G, and insert the SIM card from the wireless carrier you plan on using after you’ve unlocked your device.
  8. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 43
    8
    Power on your device, and enter the unlock code you received from the unlock service.
  9. Image titled Unlock the Moto G Step 44
    9
    Follow the on-screen instructions to finish unlocking your device. After your Moto G is unlocked, you can use the phone on any other compatible domestic or international wireless network.[3]
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    I bought a prepaid Moto x 2gen, and now I need to use it abroad. But the carrier says the IMEI is not "theirs" (whatever that means). How can I unlock it?
    Toby
    Toby
    Community Answer
    You will need to go to the carrier and ask them to unlock it. Depending on where you live and who your carrier is, there might be a fee or a wait time. Once the phone is unlocked, you can then use it with another carrier abroad.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Unlock a Phone for Free
How to
Unlock a Phone for Free
Unlock TracFone Mobile Phones
How to
Unlock TracFone Mobile Phones
Check if a Phone Is Unlocked Without a Sim Card
How to
Check if a Phone Is Unlocked Without a Sim Card
Unlock an ITEL Phone
How to
Unlock an ITEL Phone
Unlock a MetroPCS Phone
How to
Unlock a MetroPCS Phone
Jailbreak Your Phone
How to
Jailbreak Your Phone
Unlock a T Mobile Phone
How to
Unlock a T Mobile Phone
Unlock a Samsung Tracfone6 Easy Steps to Unlock a Samsung TracFone
Unlock an LG Phone
How to
Unlock an LG Phone
Unlock Mobile Phones
How to
Unlock Mobile Phones
Unlock a Contract PhoneUnlock Your Phone: Easily Use Any SIM in an Android or iPhone
Unlock a Phone when You Forget Its Passcode
How to
Unlock a Phone when You Forget Its Passcode
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.tomsguide.com/faq/id-2576026/unlock-moto-moto.html
  2. ↑ http://www.verizonwireless.com/aboutus/commitment/safety-security/device-unlocking-policy.html
  3. ↑ http://theunlockr.com/2014/10/03/how-to-unlock-the-motorola-moto-g/

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 59,309 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 8
Updated: July 28, 2022
Views: 59,309
Categories: Unlocking Phones
Advertisement