Unlocked Phones

Unlock the potential of your mobile experience with our selection of unlocked phones at Mobile Klinik! We offer a wide range of brands and models of different generations, allowing you to choose your own carrier and plan. Explore our inventory today and find the perfect device that suits your needs. Read More

What Does an Unlocked Cell Phone Mean?

Simply put, an unlocked phone is one that isn’t bound to a specific carrier. This means that it can operate with any network of your choosing. All you need to do is switch out the SIM card. Unlocked phones provide users with the flexibility to switch between networks and plans without needing to purchase a new phone. Additionally, these devices are ideal for frequent travellers who need to connect to networks in different countries.

Can I Buy an Unlocked Phone and Put my SIM Card in it?

Yes, you can buy an unlocked phone and put your SIM card in it. Before December 2017, service providers in Canada could lock your phone to their network and charge you hefty fees for their unlocking service. However, when the CRTC updated its Wireless Code, it mandated that all service providers provide unlocked smartphones and other wireless devices. If you bought a phone after December 2017 or plan to buy one in the future, you should be able to put your own SIM card in it without encountering any obstacles.

Does Every Carrier Work with Unlocked Cell Phones?

To abide by the CRTC Wireless Code, as mentioned above, all carriers in Canada must work with unlocked phones. Keep in mind that you may still possess a locked device if you bought a phone before December 2017. If you find yourself in this situation, or if a new phone becomes locked to a network for an unforeseen reason, the service provider must unlock the device or give you the guidance to do it yourself. They must supply these services upon request, free of charge.

Do Unlocked Cell Phones Work Internationally?

Unlocked cell phones work internationally as long as they are compatible with the network technology and frequency bands in the region you plan to use them. To ensure your phone is compatible with international service providers, check the device’s specifications and compare them with the carrier’s network information. Once you confirm this information, this means that when you travel across borders, you can switch out your SIM card with one from a carrier in your destination country. Unlocked phones are a cost-effective option because it allows you to avoid expensive international roaming fees that most Canadian carriers charge.

Are Unlocked Cell Phones Worth Buying?

Overall, unlocked cell phones are worth buying because you have the flexibility to choose the carrier and plan that works best for you. This can be particularly beneficial if you travel frequently or need to switch providers on little notice. With an unlocked phone, all you need to do is insert a new SIM card from a different carrier, and you can use that network right away — no new phone is required! Thankfully, because of the CRTC and the Wireless Code, all newly-purchased mobile devices should come unlocked. If for some reason, you have a locked phone, the provider is obligated to unlock it for free.