These "unlocked," network-neutral phones also make it easier to travel internationally. The smartphones below, which are arranged alphabetically, all did well in our ratings. Some of them have been on ...

What's the SIM unlock policy for Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T? These are each carrier's current device unlock policy as of 2026.

Verizon has started enforcing a 365-day lock period on phones purchased through its TracFone division, one week after the ...

Wondering what GSM Unlocked means? This short article will make it clear for you so read on. What does GSM unlocked mean? GSM stands for Global System for Mobile communications. It is one of the two ...

Have you ever gotten a new phone only to find out it’s locked to a specific carrier? This often happens when you purchase a subsidized phone from a carrier. The carrier locks the phone so you can’t ...

We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods. More info. The end of Verizon’s CDMA network is something that unlocked phone enthusiasts have dreamed about for years.

If you're buying a new phone, consider the advantages of an unlocked phone against those of one on a contract. Patrick Holland has been a phone reviewer for CNET since 2016. He is a former theater ...

In this edition of Ask Maggie, CNET's Marguerite Reardon breaks down what you need to know about the carrier practice of locking phones. Marguerite Reardon started as a CNET News reporter in 2004, ...

A strange glitch is allowing users to network unlock T-Mobile Samsung phones. The glitch appears to work regardless of your phone’s status with T-Mobile, essentially allowing you to bypass network ...