To use a phone with any mobile carrier, not just the phone seller's network, the phone must be SIM-unlocked. Your phone can come SIM-locked or SIM-unlocked, depending where you bought it.
Important: Pixel phones work with all major carriers. But not all Pixel 4a (5G) and later phones work on all 5G networks. Check with your carrier to make sure your phone works on its 5G network. Find which Pixel phones work with which kinds of 5G networks.
Buy and use a SIM-unlocked phone
If you have a SIM-unlocked phone, you can use your Pixel with any mobile service provider. All phones in the Google Store come unlocked.
To use a SIM-unlocked phone:
- Buy an unlocked Pixel phone from the Google Store .
- Contact your mobile carrier.
- Follow their instructions to set up your phone with their service plan.
Tip: Unlocked phones purchased from the Google Store display "Fi" until set up with your carrier.
If you have a SIM-locked phone
If you bought a phone from a mobile service provider, it could be SIM-locked for up to 2 years. If so, the phone can get mobile service only from that service provider until the seller removes the SIM-lock or the contract ends.
If you'd like to remove the SIM-lock on your phone before the end of your sales contract, you can contact your mobile service provider to discuss your options.
Fix issues with a removed SIM-lock
If your new SIM doesn’t work after your original carrier removed your SIM-lock and your new carrier confirmed your service, you might need to refresh your SIM status. A notification like “SIM card isn’t supported” or “Your service can’t be activated” could show.
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