If you ever find yourself "stuck" with a locked device, the story doesn't have to end there. Geek Squad offers unlocking services for a fee (roughly $20 if you don't meet specific carrier eligibility requirements) to help you regain your device's independence.
Some devices sold as "unlocked" are actually "carrier-agnostic" until the first SIM card is inserted. Once activated with a major carrier like AT&T or Verizon, the phone may "lock" to that carrier for a set period—sometimes 60 days or up to 6 months—before it can be truly unlocked for all carriers. best buy unlocked phones
Unlocked phones generally fetch a higher price on the used market because they aren't restricted to one network. If you ever find yourself "stuck" with a
The "hero" of this story is the freedom to switch carriers whenever you like. When you buy an unlocked device, you aren't "saddled" with a 36-month contract or monthly phone installments built into your bill. You pay for the device upfront, which can actually save you money over several years because your monthly carrier payments are significantly lower. Once activated with a major carrier like AT&T
Historically, Best Buy has primarily sold carrier-locked iPhones; those seeking a truly unlocked iPhone from day one are often directed to buy directly from Apple. Key Characters (2025/2026 Models)