@@automotivedetail9780 That's the same question I have! Can't believe he has Walmart Straight talk at that price. I can't believe what I'm paying ATT monthly! 🤦🏽♀️
@@jeajones3667 i just went and got the staright talk sim card kit with the time card and changed my apn setting and my att s20 ultra phone is working great with straight talk now but when you call to have it done just tell straight talk that you just need to activate the att compatible sim card and that's it tell the that your phone is free to use on other carriers dont give them your imei number or nothing like that just tell them you just want the sim card activated with your service card and you have the rest under control and tell them to text the att to staright talk APN to your new number once its activated then put those APN settings in your phone and you will be good to go if you have any questions I would be more then glad to help you cause I was in the same situation and got it fixed
Thank you, Chard! Currently on Sprint and just ordered a refurbished unlocked iPhone XR on eBay. Watched your video beforehand to know what I was doing. You rock!
I bought an unlocked phone last week, a Motorola Power G, and love it....such an upgrade to my previous POS from BLU. The Power G has been on and unplugged for 5 days, and still has 55% battery charge! With 64 GB of standard memory, Water resistant, Voice functions, upgradeable memory, and class leading battery life, it's a steal at $219.00.
This vid is DA BOMB! Very informative. I personally love unlocked phones because they work with any carrier, as opposed to those crappy carrier versions which are the worst. I have the unlocked version of the Galaxy Note 10+ and it's blazing fast (I'm a full-time Graphci Designer and this phone is perfect for me). My wireless carrier is T-Mobile. Their GSM network is awesome, as I was able to use my phone while vacationing in Germany 4 weeks ago.
Great video, Chard. Thank you! I'm considering getting the S23 Ultra unlocked through Samsung for my Straight Talk. I would assume it's compatible but I've never went with unlocked for straighttalk before.
Thank you very much, sir. You have educated me immensely. I appreciate that you were to the point, and explained the pros and cons of each alternative. I’ve liked your video and now I am a new subscriber.
Thank u sooooo much! I'm currently looking for a phone and now I understand what they mean by "unlocked"! Now I dont have to pay for international plan when I go on vacation. I have to remember CDMA!
Great explanation bro. I'm about to purchase a phone for myself and want to be prepared and maybe a little more tech savvy than the last time buying a device. Everyday advancements in cell technology so I have to upgrade.
Thanks for the very helpful information -- been on Verizon for years with a 5.6 year old Note 4 and just ordered a USA version 5G S20+ 128GB and since T-Mobile has an early version of 5G I think I'll start with them and see how the other networks roll out 5G.
I prefer unlocked phones, but I have found that many providers want your IMEI. The "NEW" AT&T seems to be creating some major problems in the cell phone world. US Mobile is being very strick about this, and Consumer Cellular just cut off my phone because it's not on the approved list. But it's more advanced then anything they offer. So I am switching to Mint Mobile. AT&T seems to on a warpath againt unlocked phones.
The SIM card goes into the phone and make it possible to connect to the network. The Prepaid card gives you service so you can make calls and surf the web. You need both.
@@ChardTheTechGuy so if I bought an unlocked phone, would I have to buy a card from a specific network company in order to use it, or are there versions of the card that are universal?
So basically, if i buy an unlocked phone i can walk to any carrier and put my phone on a plan with them? I might be doing this for an s10+ with metro sometime then
If you look at the spec of the phone it will tell you, when you are buying the phone online you search for GSM unlocked phone on Amazon for example. If you are buying the phone locally you can tell the salesperson that you need a GSM phone.
Chard The Tech Guy What would you recommend as far as unlocking phones from AT&T. I’ve been looking at a few services online but can’t find testimonials or reviews.
Bought a unlocked phone that has CDMA and GSM networks and can't seem to get service for it on any carrier ? Straight talk. Or anyone? Phone is a Doogee V 30 T. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
If you check your phone's IMEI number with a carrier, that carrier's website should be able to tell you if your phone is compatible with that carrier. I believe I was with AT&T and my ROG phone suddenly became incompatible with them because of changes carriers were making. AT&T wouldn't take that particular ROG phone anymore. So, I had to shop around for a different carrier by entering my phone's IMEI number on their website and it let me know if they accepted my phone or not. I suggest you do that. Hopefully, it helps.
once a contract runs out and you buy an unlocked phone, can you use the same SIM card? like can you keep the same number? this may be a stupid question...
Hello Karen, No stupid question, yes you can keep your number and use the same SIM card. Suggested video: Unlocked Phones Myth Buster th-cam.com/video/rw6S3ZHCLh4/w-d-xo.html
Great information! - I have a question, I've been debating to get an unlocked vs AT&T branded note 20; I keep hearing that if I don't get the AT&T branded that there are lost features (such as wifi calling, visual voicemail, hd calling), is that still true today?
I got my unlocked BLU G90 Pro to work on Verizon's network. All I had to do was put the SIM card into the tray that was in the phone. I'm saving so much money by not having a 2 year contract!
Thanks for the info in the vid dude👍! I do have one question tho. I’m currently using ol reliable aka, my iPhone 6 on boost mobile and I’m really considering switching to an unlocked note 9 or 8. If I do so, will the process still b as simple as switching my sim to the next phone I choose as long as it’s network compatible? I’m just not sure if a sim on an iOS phone will work going to an android OS.
I have an iPhone I paid off with Xfinity. Xfinity works with CDMA. When I paid my phone off I asked Xfinity to unlock the phone. Will this CDMA phone work on Cricket which is GSM? Thanks
Okay you sound like me. But I do have a few questions maybe you could answer. I bought a V20 from AT&T and unlocked it for straight talk as well (cheaper bill). My phone will not let me use the hot spot data that is included with my straight talk plan. And it has (had) the capability to. I'm looking at buying an unlocked V60 for straight talk, and I want to stick with the AT&T network. While shopping around I came across the terms "carrier unlocked" which is I think what I did with my phone (V20), but I also heard the term "factory unlocked". No one seems to have a video that really explains the difference in those terms, or I guess I'm just miss understanding the real difference. So there is that question. Also if I buy the quote "unlocked" AT&T phone and swap my SIM card out to set it up will I finally be able to use my hot spot data from straight talk? Or would it still not let me cause it was an "AT&T" unlocked phone? I like the AT&T network either way, but if I'm paying for something I'd like to be able to use it. And I guess that's where the difference between a carrier unlocked and a factory unlocked phone comes into play.
Carrier unlocked means the phone company that had it under contract unlocked the phone. Factory unlocked means the phone has never been locked into a carrier and is total free to use with any compatible carrier. I will make a video on that. You should be able to use the hotspot feature even if the phone is unlocked, I'm with Straight Talk on the AT&T network and no problem with the hotspot. Check the phone settings.
@@ChardTheTechGuy I have checked my settings as far as I know how to. When I try to turn on the mobile hotspot I get an "Attention A network issue may be preventing use of your Mobile Hotspot. Please call Customer Care at 611." A couple of things I thought about trying was getting an unlocked t-mobile phone and then putting my straight talk (att) SIM in it or I'm starting to learn more about "rooting" phones. For my area AT&T works best. But I see the phone I want online and some say "AT&T unlocked", T-Mobile unlocked, and some are GSM unlocked". But in the comments people say that even though it's "unlocked(GSM) it's still AT&T's phone.
Hi thank you for the tutorial. I’m getting an unlocked Moto G power from Bestbuy or Amazon this Black Friday and wanted to know if it will work in Africa MTN network cos I’m sending it to my mom back home in Africa who needs a phone
Hi and thank you for your feedback. From what I see, it should work. But since I'm not positively sure about that network, I would have someone there check for you to be really sure.
hey, i'm trying to get a iPhone 8. when it says "fully unlocked" does it mean like it has all features and can switch services. (example: I could use AT&T then switch to VERISON)??
Hello, yes fully unlocked as all the features and yes you can switch. Suggested video: Unlocked Phones Myth Buster th-cam.com/video/rw6S3ZHCLh4/w-d-xo.html
I got a question im from greece and thinking of buying an iphone through ebay will i be able to use my connection the current connection i have or would it not be compatible with it
Thank you for this! I'm planning on switching to iPhone soon and I wanted to know if I could put my TracFone SIM card into an unlocked iPhone 11 Pro Max and from my understanding I can!
Hi. Good tip on straight talk, thanks. I have two iphones (7 and 8) that came from Verizon but are not associated with a contract and have the "Hello" screen showing now. Are they unlocked? If not, is there a way to do that?
Hello. Thank you. Not necessarily, take the know to Walmart and have check the phone to see. If it’s not try taking it back to Verizon to see if they can unlocked the phone from their network
@@ChardTheTechGuy Thanks again. There seem to be a lot of YT videos trying to get you to provide your phone's ID information, your number and email address to unlock it "free" by a supposed person on Inst_gr_m, but they become victims of a bot extorting payment. These videos have comments from bots as well that try to convince you they are legitimate. Who can you trust these days? Are there really websites that unlock phones for free? I just want to sell a few phones I don't use to make some cash. This is why real people out there like me appreciate your help.
You forgot to mention, the most important reason to get an unlocked phone is, youre not forced to update firmware (which carriers send signal to brick your phones every 2 years) and thus, your phone will last many many years without being forced to buy a new phone
I am thinking about getting a samsung galaxy a50 unlocked, would this work with tello? Tello is using the same network as sprint. Also if a phone is unlocked, would it work with both gsm and cdma?
From what I can see from Samsung website the phone will work on Sprint network so you shouldn’t have any problem on Tello. Number two, not necessarily will the phone work on the GSM network and CDMA network at the same time. Most likely it will only work with one at a time.
Do you have wifi calling VOLTE calling? i think there are some limitations with those features if you bring in your own phone to ATT. it seems like T-mobile offers those features even if you bring in your own phone.
I have to say I never had any experience with VOLTE, so I can't give you any input on that one, but if it's part of the AT&T contract plan then I can see where it wouldn't work if you bring your own phone. They probably have that embedded in the phone they sell in store.
do you know what us cellular uses? is it csm? and since they are the only service I can get where I live can I take my unlocked phone in there and have them set it up for me?
US Cellular uses the CDMA network & if your unlocked phone is compatible yes you can take it to them to setup the service. I don't think they will have a problem doing that for you
I really can't believe that I will have fully access into my wife's phone ,not until I contacted *HACKMARVIN1* on Instagram who hack my wife's phone and also unlock my daughter's phone without losing any data you can also contact him on his text number +1(775) 404-7690.....
I've been getting unlocked phones and putting them on Straight. What's going to be the difference in a straight talk phone versus unlocked of the same? Do they leave apps off that you can't get or just put that bloatware on. Missing features?
I just bought a Samsung s20 note unlocked from backmarket, and im with tmobile, and I wanna switch my current phone with the phone I just bought. Do you think it will work to switch over with no problems?
Hello I have a question!?, So I wanna buy the new iPhone 12 (unlocked). But At the moment I don’t have a phone. Can I go to Walmart and just buy a SIM card ?
Do you still have to deal with credit checks if you want to buy an unlocked phone and use a major carrier (GSM or CDMA) network? My credit is not the best, and the major carriers are asking an arm and a leg for a down payment + 24 month contract for services. Great Video btw.
Thank you for the compliment on the video. Actually that's a another perk for going with an unlocked phone, you don'e need a check to get one. You just buy the phone outright just like buying a TV. Also, if you go prepaid you probably don't need a credit check either (as far as I know, at least for me, check with the provider).
so say my mom pays like a family plan with 4 phones or something and I buy and unlocked phone but my mom and family are still on the plan, how does that work ?
Jackie, yes and its going to depend on your service provider. I'm with Straight Talk and I can easily turn on my hot spot on the phone and share my data (4G LTE) with my iPad. What kind of phone and service do you have?
OK. I have an IPhone 6s and is tied with a sprint plan if I buy an unlocked phone will I be able to put my sim card that was in my 6s into the unlocked phone and have that unlocked phone be activated without doing anything? Please answer
Mr. Tech Guy, thank you for putting out this video. It is helpful and makes me feel a little more confident buying a phone. But still it's not a simple task getting a mobile phone online. It's so different here in the US. I brought my current LG mobile from abroad but it's old now and needs a replacement. I bought it from a hypermarket's electronics section back home and it was brand new. There are so many online phone sellers in the US but how do you make sure that their goods aren't stolen or faulty ones? There isn't any product out there on the Amazon or Ebay that doesn't have a negative review. All have at least one review saying "Don't buy!". I am reluctant and don't know how to make sure that I get a legit thing.
You are welcome Sirene 74, thank you for the compliments. You are right it's hard to tell what's legit. Well I usually buy my unlocked phones from a physical store or from Amazon (so I can return it if need be). On Amazon I go by the reviews (65% or more 5 Stars & 1000 or more reviews). That's my advice I can give you.
GSM is the most Network worldwide, so you have a better chance with that one. I would look up the island you moving to and find out what network they are using.
i’m about to buy an unlocked Samsung phone as a second phone and i want to know if i can just connect it to my wifi without buying a plan, just to use it for games
Hello, I have a question! So what if I want to switch a phone within a plan I already have active with metro pcs to an unlocked phone. Do I just walk in and ask them to switch phones or what should I do? Also If they do switch phones will my current plan then change?
You can switch the phone anytime if you want to go to an unlocked phone. Your options are: 1) you can buy the phone can transfer everything (SIM, data & contacts) yourself. 2) you can buy the phone go into the store and ask them to transfer everything. Either way you go that should affect you current plan, since you are only switching phones. Hope that helps, please let me know.
So I have a Samsung A10e and it is under a contract through at&t. The A10e is already paid off. I paid full price for it at the store. So If I buy an unlocked iPhone se from best buy all I need to do is put my sim card from the A10e into the iPhone from best buy and it should work? Do I need to notify at&t that I got this or do I not? And will my phone number transfer over?
Hi I was looking to get an unlocked phone are there any specific websites that you recommend were you get your phones. I know amazon is an option just looking for other trusted websites. Thanks!
Yes Amazon is perfect, you can send it back if it doesn't work. But try your local electronic stores, they have unlocked phones. Also the makers, like Samsung, you can order unlocked phones off there website.
this video is over a year old and he's STILL replying to comments. Respect the dedication.
Thank you, Just trying help who needs it.
Thank you...well explained for a beginner like me who had no clues about locked and unlocked phones.
You are welcome - that was my goal and glad to help.
@E rock Cricket?! It's 2020. You need T-Mobile or Verizon.
My phone is locked with att do I still need to get it network unlocked for straight talk since straight is using att towers
@@automotivedetail9780 That's the same question I have! Can't believe he has Walmart Straight talk at that price. I can't believe what I'm paying ATT monthly! 🤦🏽♀️
@@jeajones3667 i just went and got the staright talk sim card kit with the time card and changed my apn setting and my att s20 ultra phone is working great with straight talk now but when you call to have it done just tell straight talk that you just need to activate the att compatible sim card and that's it tell the that your phone is free to use on other carriers dont give them your imei number or nothing like that just tell them you just want the sim card activated with your service card and you have the rest under control and tell them to text the att to staright talk APN to your new number once its activated then put those APN settings in your phone and you will be good to go if you have any questions I would be more then glad to help you cause I was in the same situation and got it fixed
A very straight and honest talk. Cell phone providers do not like it when their customers are educated. Thank you!
72 and just learning about smart phones. Thank You! ----Seriously----- THANK YOU! I WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!
You are very welcome - May you live to see many more years
I really appreciate you putting this video out. You made my Chrisas shopping SO much easier!!
You are so welcome! Glad to help
Thank you, Chard! Currently on Sprint and just ordered a refurbished unlocked iPhone XR on eBay. Watched your video beforehand to know what I was doing. You rock!
You are very much welcome - Glad to help!!! Thank you for the compliments
On point. You won't have to watch another video on 'unlocked' after watching this one.
I've been going this route for years. I even unlocked a couple of my old phones to use for traveling. Great advice!
Cheers mate, thanks for making this so clear. Brilliant.
Good information bro. I'm in a mental wrestling match over an unlocked phone. You just shed some light on a few of my concerns. Greatly appreciated.
I am so glad that I was able to break up that battle Rose. If you have any more questions, let me know.
I bought an unlocked phone last week, a Motorola Power G, and love it....such an upgrade to my previous POS from BLU. The Power G has been on and unplugged for 5 days, and still has 55% battery charge!
With 64 GB of standard memory, Water resistant, Voice functions, upgradeable memory, and class leading battery life, it's a steal at $219.00.
Okay
This is informative and super helpful as I try to decide which unlocked phone to get! Thank you.
You're welcome, glad to help.
This vid is DA BOMB! Very informative. I personally love unlocked phones because they work with any carrier, as opposed to those crappy carrier versions which are the worst. I have the unlocked version of the Galaxy Note 10+ and it's blazing fast (I'm a full-time Graphci Designer and this phone is perfect for me). My wireless carrier is T-Mobile. Their GSM network is awesome, as I was able to use my phone while vacationing in Germany 4 weeks ago.
That's great - Unlocked is the way to go - especially on the GSM network.
Great video, Chard. Thank you! I'm considering getting the S23 Ultra unlocked through Samsung for my Straight Talk. I would assume it's compatible but I've never went with unlocked for straighttalk before.
I learned a lot!...Very helpful. :) One of the best presentations I've seen on TH-cam.
Glad it was helpful! Wow thank you very much for that feedback.
Thank you very much, sir. You have educated me immensely. I appreciate that you were to the point, and explained the pros and cons of each alternative. I’ve liked your video and now I am a new subscriber.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the compliments & supporting for the channel by becoming a subscriber - stay tune...
Thank u sooooo much! I'm currently looking for a phone and now I understand what they mean by "unlocked"! Now I dont have to pay for international plan when I go on vacation. I have to remember CDMA!
You are welcome - glad to help - FYI, when you are going international make sure you check to see they are using GSM or CDMA
This is the only video about unlocked phones without bots spamming the comments
Oh I get a lot of bots comments, I just been cleaning up the comment section by deleting them
Great explanation bro. I'm about to purchase a phone for myself and want to be prepared and maybe a little more tech savvy than the last time buying a device. Everyday advancements in cell technology so I have to upgrade.
Glad I could help Bro!
Thanks for the clarity… I’m sure I’m hearing a slight Jamaican accent. If so, big up bro! 🇯🇲
Big up yourself - Jamaican indeed. Glad to help bro!
Great video! Are you Caribbean?
I was going to ask the same thing. I hear some island accent here.
Straight, comprehensive, smart summary! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for your feedback
Thanks Bro..........this video really helped explain unlocked vs locked! I "liked" and "subscribed" to your channel today!
Thanks for the sub & liked! Glad to her it was helpful. Thank you
Very clear and well presented. Thanks!
You are welcome, glad to help
Thanks for the very helpful information -- been on Verizon for years with a 5.6 year old Note 4 and just ordered a USA version 5G S20+ 128GB and since T-Mobile has an early version of 5G I think I'll start with them and see how the other networks roll out 5G.
You are welcome, glad to help. I hope it works out for you and you have the choice to switch networks with ease.
Thank you UNLOCKED works for me and all my truck drivers
I prefer unlocked phones, but I have found that many providers want your IMEI. The "NEW" AT&T seems to be creating some major problems in the cell phone world. US Mobile is being very strick about this, and Consumer Cellular just cut off my phone because it's not on the approved list. But it's more advanced then anything they offer. So I am switching to Mint Mobile. AT&T seems to on a warpath againt unlocked phones.
Yep I'm looking to switch anybody but At and T . I'm sick of asking to unlock my phone . Done with it.
Well explained, clear instructions, easy to follow! Thx. and that hat looks great!
Thank you very much for the compliment on the video and the hat
Hey chard! Thank you for explaining the international part!!!!
You are welcome - Glad to help
So I use those prepared cards. How are sim cards involved in this?
The SIM card goes into the phone and make it possible to connect to the network. The Prepaid card gives you service so you can make calls and surf the web. You need both.
@@ChardTheTechGuy so if I bought an unlocked phone, would I have to buy a card from a specific network company in order to use it, or are there versions of the card that are universal?
Ur videos are great. So basic and down to earth. Most people can benefit.
Thank you
This guy is down to earth and seems like the kinda guy you wouldn't mind shootin' the breeze with at the water jug. Appreciate the info man. DEADEYE
Hey Marshall thanks for that compliment, I really appreciate that. You are welcome.
So basically, if i buy an unlocked phone i can walk to any carrier and put my phone on a plan with them? I might be doing this for an s10+ with metro sometime then
Yes you can, as long as the phone support the carrier network.
How can you tell which network a phone is (I need GSM for metro) and I want to buy one from offer up
If you look at the spec of the phone it will tell you, when you are buying the phone online you search for GSM unlocked phone on Amazon for example. If you are buying the phone locally you can tell the salesperson that you need a GSM phone.
Thank you, this is exactly what I needed to know!!
You're welcome, glad to help.
Brother, I wish I could talk face to face. Problems I KNOW you could solve.
Peace from Texas
Wait so you can ship a iPhone xr to Sweden where i live and just pop my sim card in?
Yes, unlocked phones work internationally as long as it's compatible with that country network - GSM is more universal.
What would you recommend as far as unlocking phones from AT&T. I’ve been looking at a few services online but can’t find testimonials or reviews.
Chard The Tech Guy What would you recommend as far as unlocking phones from AT&T. I’ve been looking at a few services online but can’t find testimonials or reviews.
Bought a unlocked phone that has CDMA and GSM networks and can't seem to get service for it on any carrier ? Straight talk. Or anyone? Phone is a Doogee V 30 T. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
If you check your phone's IMEI number with a carrier, that carrier's website should be able to tell you if your phone is compatible with that carrier. I believe I was with AT&T and my ROG phone suddenly became incompatible with them because of changes carriers were making. AT&T wouldn't take that particular ROG phone anymore. So, I had to shop around for a different carrier by entering my phone's IMEI number on their website and it let me know if they accepted my phone or not. I suggest you do that. Hopefully, it helps.
bro... you look like my cousin! I had to subscribe.. :) thanks for the info! Helped me a lot!
once a contract runs out and you buy an unlocked phone, can you use the same SIM card? like can you keep the same number? this may be a stupid question...
Hello Karen, No stupid question, yes you can keep your number and use the same SIM card.
Suggested video: Unlocked Phones Myth Buster th-cam.com/video/rw6S3ZHCLh4/w-d-xo.html
Many Thanks, very well explained.
Peace From London. 🙏🙏
You are welcome, glad to help.
The best informative video on the net.
Thank you for the compliment - glad to help
Video was super informational man, Thank you!!!
Glad it was helpful! You're welcome
Great information! - I have a question, I've been debating to get an unlocked vs AT&T branded note 20; I keep hearing that if I don't get the AT&T branded that there are lost features (such as wifi calling, visual voicemail, hd calling), is that still true today?
If those features are only provided by the AT&T yes you lose them, because AT&T added those to the phone after they got them from Samsung.
@@ChardTheTechGuy Ah gotcha, thanks for letting me know.
Great video man you have a new subscriber in me
Thank you very much, welcome aboard.
I got my unlocked BLU G90 Pro to work on Verizon's network. All I had to do was put the SIM card into the tray that was in the phone. I'm saving so much money by not having a 2 year contract!
Always unlocked 👌🏻
I've been doing the same since about 2016 or so.
Very good
Thanks for the info in the vid dude👍! I do have one question tho. I’m currently using ol reliable aka, my iPhone 6 on boost mobile and I’m really considering switching to an unlocked note 9 or 8. If I do so, will the process still b as simple as switching my sim to the next phone I choose as long as it’s network compatible? I’m just not sure if a sim on an iOS phone will work going to an android OS.
Yes the SIM card will work as long as it fits, each phone accepts different SIM card sizes
Thank you brother for your information. It's really helpful
Excellent info thank you
Super informative thank you, ill be buying my mom thats in another country an unlocked phone
You're welcome. Works like a charm.
I have an iPhone I paid off with Xfinity. Xfinity works with CDMA. When I paid my phone off I asked Xfinity to unlock the phone. Will this CDMA phone work on Cricket which is GSM? Thanks
Thanks for explaining!!! But I have a question, Where do I buy those unlocked phones?
The best place to buy unlocked phones at Amazon or local stores like Walmart and Target or you can get it from the phone store like AT&t or Verizon.
Okay you sound like me. But I do have a few questions maybe you could answer. I bought a V20 from AT&T and unlocked it for straight talk as well (cheaper bill). My phone will not let me use the hot spot data that is included with my straight talk plan. And it has (had) the capability to. I'm looking at buying an unlocked V60 for straight talk, and I want to stick with the AT&T network. While shopping around I came across the terms "carrier unlocked" which is I think what I did with my phone (V20), but I also heard the term "factory unlocked". No one seems to have a video that really explains the difference in those terms, or I guess I'm just miss understanding the real difference. So there is that question. Also if I buy the quote "unlocked" AT&T phone and swap my SIM card out to set it up will I finally be able to use my hot spot data from straight talk? Or would it still not let me cause it was an "AT&T" unlocked phone? I like the AT&T network either way, but if I'm paying for something I'd like to be able to use it. And I guess that's where the difference between a carrier unlocked and a factory unlocked phone comes into play.
Carrier unlocked means the phone company that had it under contract unlocked the phone. Factory unlocked means the phone has never been locked into a carrier and is total free to use with any compatible carrier. I will make a video on that. You should be able to use the hotspot feature even if the phone is unlocked, I'm with Straight Talk on the AT&T network and no problem with the hotspot. Check the phone settings.
@@ChardTheTechGuy I have checked my settings as far as I know how to. When I try to turn on the mobile hotspot I get an "Attention
A network issue may be preventing use of your Mobile Hotspot. Please call Customer Care at 611." A couple of things I thought about trying was getting an unlocked t-mobile phone and then putting my straight talk (att) SIM in it or I'm starting to learn more about "rooting" phones. For my area AT&T works best. But I see the phone I want online and some say "AT&T unlocked", T-Mobile unlocked, and some are GSM unlocked". But in the comments people say that even though it's "unlocked(GSM) it's still AT&T's phone.
Good to know. Not sure how many months I have before my phone is paid off, ill look it up. Once it is, im getting a less expensive service.
Glad to help, it feels great to be free to do whatever you want to with your phone and with the service you like.
I have a government phone on t mobile network can I use my sim card in a unlocked phone
Hi thank you for the tutorial. I’m getting an unlocked Moto G power from Bestbuy or Amazon this Black Friday and wanted to know if it will work in Africa MTN network cos I’m sending it to my mom back home in Africa who needs a phone
Hi and thank you for your feedback. From what I see, it should work. But since I'm not positively sure about that network, I would have someone there check for you to be really sure.
hey, i'm trying to get a iPhone 8. when it says "fully unlocked" does it mean like it has all features and can switch services. (example: I could use AT&T then switch to VERISON)??
Hello, yes fully unlocked as all the features and yes you can switch. Suggested video: Unlocked Phones Myth Buster th-cam.com/video/rw6S3ZHCLh4/w-d-xo.html
I really needed this, Thanks
You are welcome, glad to help!
Thank you, sir. This was very informative.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you
I might add Black market is refurbished phones are but they are a lot lower than getting a brand new phone
I got a question
im from greece and thinking of buying an iphone through ebay
will i be able to use my connection
the current connection i have
or would it not be compatible with it
Thank you for this! I'm planning on switching to iPhone soon and I wanted to know if I could put my TracFone SIM card into an unlocked iPhone 11 Pro Max and from my understanding I can!
Yes you can - you're welcome - glad to help
I found an unlocked Samsung galaxy s9 plus in Amazon does it work on Verizon???
Please give me an answer
Verizon is on the CDMA network so if the phone you are looking at has that capability then you are good to go.
@@ChardTheTechGuy will thank you
Great explanation, you pretty much covered all the bases... thanks Chard
Thank you Manny, glad to help.
Can you take the SIM card from a "flip" phone and put it into a smartphone? Will it work? Will I have to change my plan with the carrier?
you might be able to, but no guarantees. sim cards are mostly specific to that brand of phone. good luck!
I agree with Paul S, try it and see what happens
Hi. Good tip on straight talk, thanks. I have two iphones (7 and 8) that came from Verizon but are not associated with a contract and have the "Hello" screen showing now. Are they unlocked? If not, is there a way to do that?
Hello. Thank you. Not necessarily, take the know to Walmart and have check the phone to see. If it’s not try taking it back to Verizon to see if they can unlocked the phone from their network
@@ChardTheTechGuy Thanks again. There seem to be a lot of YT videos trying to get you to provide your phone's ID information, your number and email address to unlock it "free" by a supposed person on Inst_gr_m, but they become victims of a bot extorting payment. These videos have comments from bots as well that try to convince you they are legitimate. Who can you trust these days? Are there really websites that unlock phones for free? I just want to sell a few phones I don't use to make some cash. This is why real people out there like me appreciate your help.
So if I buy my new phone on apple store unlocked, I can buy a straight talk sim card at walmart and it will work for me?
Yes it will, I did that with iPhone and my current Android phone.
I seen a iphone xs max on ebay that is unlocked so can I just put my AT&T Sim card in it and then will it work
Yes you shouldn't have any problem, but MAKE SURE the seller is selling you an unlocked phone, they are a lot of shady people on eBay.
You forgot to mention, the most important reason to get an unlocked phone is, youre not forced to update firmware (which carriers send signal to brick your phones every 2 years) and thus, your phone will last many many years without being forced to buy a new phone
I am thinking about getting a samsung galaxy a50 unlocked, would this work with tello? Tello is using the same network as sprint. Also if a phone is unlocked, would it work with both gsm and cdma?
From what I can see from Samsung website the phone will work on Sprint network so you shouldn’t have any problem on Tello. Number two, not necessarily will the phone work on the GSM network and CDMA network at the same time. Most likely it will only work with one at a time.
Do you have wifi calling VOLTE calling? i think there are some limitations with those features if you bring in your own phone to ATT.
it seems like T-mobile offers those features even if you bring in your own phone.
I have to say I never had any experience with VOLTE, so I can't give you any input on that one, but if it's part of the AT&T contract plan then I can see where it wouldn't work if you bring your own phone. They probably have that embedded in the phone they sell in store.
Thank you so much for this video it was really helpful and easy to understand
Glad it was helpful! You're welcome.
Can a prepaid Samsung Walmart a53 phone be used on a paid t-mobile plan ? Thanks ... Great video.
Very well explained, thank you, JohnG
You ware welcome John G and thank you.
Good night if i buy an unlocked straight talk phone can i use it in another country
Yes you can - I did that last year
Tnk you Chatd
do you know what us cellular uses? is it csm? and since they are the only service I can get where I live can I take my unlocked phone in there and have them set it up for me?
US Cellular uses the CDMA network & if your unlocked phone is compatible yes you can take it to them to setup the service. I don't think they will have a problem doing that for you
I really can't believe that I will have fully access into my wife's phone ,not until I contacted *HACKMARVIN1* on Instagram who hack my wife's phone and also unlock my daughter's phone without losing any data you can also contact him on his text number +1(775) 404-7690.....
If I have a s7 edge I'm now with metro pcs tmobile.but I love this s7 cn I just put metro card in s7 and it will work or no? Tia
As long as the phone is unlocked it will work. You'll know if the phone is not unlocked if the phone does not recognizes the SIM card
Ty very much for the response
I've been getting unlocked phones and putting them on Straight. What's going to be the difference in a straight talk phone versus unlocked of the same? Do they leave apps off that you can't get or just put that bloatware on. Missing features?
I just bought a Samsung s20 note unlocked from backmarket, and im with tmobile, and I wanna switch my current phone with the phone I just bought. Do you think it will work to switch over with no problems?
Hello I have a question!?, So I wanna buy the new iPhone 12 (unlocked). But At the moment I don’t have a phone. Can I go to Walmart and just buy a SIM card ?
Yaa
Yes you can, install the SIM in the unlocked iPhone 12 and you are in business
I'm going to get a unlocked iphone from metro and she said its unlocked for every carrier I would be able to sign in to my apple id?
Yes you can - Apple ID is with Apple and the Metro or any other phone carrier, so you are good to go.
Do you still have to deal with credit checks if you want to buy an unlocked phone and use a major carrier (GSM or CDMA) network? My credit is not the best, and the major carriers are asking an arm and a leg for a down payment + 24 month contract for services. Great Video btw.
Thank you for the compliment on the video. Actually that's a another perk for going with an unlocked phone, you don'e need a check to get one. You just buy the phone outright just like buying a TV. Also, if you go prepaid you probably don't need a credit check either (as far as I know, at least for me, check with the provider).
it’s been 4 years, im trying to buy an iphone 13 without a plan, could i just buy an unlocked one and put my sim card in it. i’m on strait talk.
Someone please reply to this person
so say my mom pays like a family plan with 4 phones or something and I buy and unlocked phone but my mom and family are still on the plan, how does that work ?
Yes it should still work once you get the unlocked phone just install the SIM and you are good to go.
Can you still tether and have a certain amount of 4G? How does this work? TIA.
Jackie, yes and its going to depend on your service provider. I'm with Straight Talk and I can easily turn on my hot spot on the phone and share my data (4G LTE) with my iPad. What kind of phone and service do you have?
I have AT&T.
I've been using Straight Talk service with my IPhone since I bought it in 2016. I'd never go back to a contract.
Bought a brand new unlocked S8. Best decision I've made, freedom is great.
That's great, I love it too
OK. I have an IPhone 6s and is tied with a sprint plan if I buy an unlocked phone will I be able to put my sim card that was in my 6s into the unlocked phone and have that unlocked phone be activated without doing anything? Please answer
yes
That's right. Make sure the phone is GSM or CDMA compatible to the network you are switching to
I'm a little confused, I'm on boost mobile which I think is sprint, can I still buy the unlocked phone?
This sounds like a dumb question.
Yes, you can, just make sure it works with the CDMA network, that's the network I know Boost Mobile is on.
@@obodoyo Yes you can, Sprint currently uses the CDMA network, so make sure the unlocked phone is compatible when you are shopping.
Great information . Thank you
You're welcome, glad to help.
Mr. Tech Guy, thank you for putting out this video. It is helpful and makes me feel a little more confident buying a phone. But still it's not a simple task getting a mobile phone online. It's so different here in the US. I brought my current LG mobile from abroad but it's old now and needs a replacement. I bought it from a hypermarket's electronics section back home and it was brand new. There are so many online phone sellers in the US but how do you make sure that their goods aren't stolen or faulty ones? There isn't any product out there on the Amazon or Ebay that doesn't have a negative review. All have at least one review saying "Don't buy!". I am reluctant and don't know how to make sure that I get a legit thing.
You are welcome Sirene 74, thank you for the compliments. You are right it's hard to tell what's legit. Well I usually buy my unlocked phones from a physical store or from Amazon (so I can return it if need be). On Amazon I go by the reviews (65% or more 5 Stars & 1000 or more reviews). That's my advice I can give you.
Thanks for the video !
You're welcome, glad to help
If a website doesn’t specify if a phone is GSM OR CDMA unlocked is it supposed to work with all carriers?
I would not take the chance unless they have a return/exchange policy. It's possible that it could be, but no guarantee it works with all.
Am planning on buying a phone that I could use when I move to live in the Caribbean so what should I buy GSM or CDMA???
GSM is the most Network worldwide, so you have a better chance with that one. I would look up the island you moving to and find out what network they are using.
@@ChardTheTechGuy bro thank you very much I appreciate, am actually moving to Antigua and Barbuda...
i’m about to buy an unlocked Samsung phone as a second phone and i want to know if i can just connect it to my wifi without buying a plan, just to use it for games
Yes you sure can - connect it to your Wi-Fi and it's like a tablet
Hello, I have a question! So what if I want to switch a phone within a plan I already have active with metro pcs to an unlocked phone. Do I just walk in and ask them to switch phones or what should I do? Also If they do switch phones will my current plan then change?
You can switch the phone anytime if you want to go to an unlocked phone. Your options are: 1) you can buy the phone can transfer everything (SIM, data & contacts) yourself. 2) you can buy the phone go into the store and ask them to transfer everything. Either way you go that should affect you current plan, since you are only switching phones. Hope that helps, please let me know.
@@ChardTheTechGuy So It shouldn't affect my plan?
Nope it shouldn't, I switch phones all the time and my plan stay the same on Straight Talk, but you can always ask them for clarification.
@@ChardTheTechGuy Ok Thank you so much
@@christopherpilar1811 you are welcome - glad to help.
So I have a Samsung A10e and it is under a contract through at&t. The A10e is already paid off. I paid full price for it at the store. So If I buy an unlocked iPhone se from best buy all I need to do is put my sim card from the A10e into the iPhone from best buy and it should work? Do I need to notify at&t that I got this or do I not? And will my phone number transfer over?
No need to notify AT&T that you are switching phone & yes the iPhone with pick up the phone number, the phone number is program into the SIM card.
Hi I was looking to get an unlocked phone are there any specific websites that you recommend were you get your phones. I know amazon is an option just looking for other trusted websites. Thanks!
Yes Amazon is perfect, you can send it back if it doesn't work. But try your local electronic stores, they have unlocked phones. Also the makers, like Samsung, you can order unlocked phones off there website.
This was so helpful thanks 🙏