An unlocked phone means you can use it with whatever carrier your phone can connect to. An unlocked GSM phone can connect to GSM networks, like T-Mobile. A CDMA capable phone can connect to CDMA networks, like Verizon. If it's factory unlocked that means it shipped from the manufacturer as an unlocked phone..
Considering this, what is the difference between factory unlocked and network unlocked?
Yes, but not Necessarily any carrier. Network unlocked, carrier unlocked, factory unlocked all essentially mean that the phone can be used on any carrier that model is designed to work. Carrier unlocked suggests that it was once locked to a carrier and has now been unlocked. Network unlock could mean either.
Also Know, what does it mean fully unlocked? Unlocked means freedom Even if you paid off the phone and completed contact obligations, the device is all yours and you should have the freedom to switch. Call your carrier today if you've met all the required obligations. Sprint, T-Mobile, Unlocked Android Phones, Verizon.
Consequently, what does factory unlocked mean?
Factory Unlocked means that the phone isn't attached to any cell phone service and can be used with any service that uses a SIM card. However - sometimes (in my experience especially in the US) you need to inform yourself wether or not the internet (3G, 4G, etc) will work with your carrier.
What does it mean when it says a phone is unlocked?
An unlocked phone means the phone is not locked to a specific carrier. However, if you buy a phone new it will come with a SIM. If you don't, just go into your carrier and they will give you one that works (assuming the phone works on their network) usually free of charge.
Related Question Answers
Why are unlocked phones cheaper?
Used devices are obviously cheaper than new devices which could allow you to get a top-of-the-line device for hundreds less than you would pay through a carrier. Another big advantage is that unlocked phones receive software updates directly from the manufacturer which usually means faster and more frequent updates.Why are factory unlocked iPhones cheaper?
Factory-unlocked iPhone is priced higher. Locked iPhones are subsidized by mobile carrier so these locked phones are cheaper to buy up front. Another disadvantage is the limitations on factory-unlocked iPhones. The activation of factory unlocked GSM Phone on any carrier is done simply by changing the SIM card.Are factory unlocked iPhones fake?
No, not necessarily. “Locking” of iPhones is done by some mobile carrier networks, when the handset is purchased together with a term subscription. Some of the “factory unlocked iPhones” available from unauthorised resellers will probably by clones (fake). But, certainly not all of them.Will a factory unlocked iPhone work on any network?
You can activate a factory unlocked GSM iPhone on any carrier simply by switching the SIM card. Activating a CDMA iPhone is a bit more work -- you have to use special software to change the phone's network settings, but you can activate a CDMA iPhone on any carrier that accepts this.Is Factory Unlock iPhone original?
A factory unlocked iPhone is a phone that is unlocked by the OEM or the Original Equipment Manufacturer, meaning to say, you got it straight from Apple and it doesn't have any installed software that ties it to a certain carrier. Technically speaking, you bought it already unlocked.Will a factory unlocked phone work with any carrier?
Carriers generally like phones on their network to be locked, but sometimes they'll unlock it for you if your phone is paid for. An unlocked phone means you can use it with whatever carrier your phone can connect to. An unlocked GSM phone can connect to GSM networks, like T-Mobile.Is factory unlocked original?
A factory unlocked iPhone is a phone that is unlocked by the OEM or the Original Equipment Manufacturer, meaning to say, you got it straight from Apple and it doesn't have any installed software that ties it to a certain carrier.Can I unlock my phone myself?
You can make sure your phone actually needs unlocking by inserting a SIM card from another network into your mobile phone. Once you're provided with the code you should be able to enter it into your phone to remove the lock. This is the easiest and most common method of unlocking.Are unlocked phones better?
An unlocked phone is not tied to a specific phone carrier and can be used on any carrier you choose. That means: You have more models of phones to choose from than what the carriers offer. Since it's unlocked, it usually has a higher resale value.What is better GPP or factory unlocked?
Semi-FU is unlocking technique to read any SIM, just like GPP unlocked, but no GPP chip needed. Almost Factory Unlocked, just do not "Erase All Contents and Settings" or “Restore” on your iPhone. Factory Unlocked phones are those than can be readily used with ANY sim.Is it safe to buy factory unlocked iPhone?
Unlocked phones are great because you can use them on any GSM carrier—which, in the US, includes AT&T and T-Mobile, and abroad, includes almost every carrier. If any of those things sound good to you, then buying an unlocked iPhone might be a good idea. If not, just get a subsidized phone on a contract.Do unlocked phones get updates?
Traditionally, the only way for Android smartphone manufacturers to forgo carrier bloatware and interference is to release an unlocked smartphone. Traditionally, those same unlocked smartphones receive software updates before carriers.How do unlocked phones work?
Unlocking a smartphone allows it to accept a SIM card from a different carrier so that the user can make phone calls, send text messages, and use the new carrier's mobile network. Unlocking a phone before you've completed the agreed upon service contract may result in early termination fees.Can Factory unlocked phones be used internationally?
International unlocked phones are usually allowed to work with any SIM card in the world, except domestic SIM cards other than the one from the original network carrier of the phone. Factory unlocked phones can be used anywhere they came unlocked from the factory and don't have any network restrictions.How do I know if my IMEI is unlocked?
You can find out what it is by dialing *#06# on any mobile. Alternatively, if you've got an iPhone, you can go into the Settings app and choose General —> About to find it. Once you've got the number, just enter it into the IMEI.info web site and you'll find out if you're unlocked or not.What is meant by unlocked iPhone?
Unlocking your iPhone means that you can use it with different carriers. Your iPhone might be locked to your carrier. Unlocking your iPhone means that you can use it with different carriers. Apple can't unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier. Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone.Will unlocked iPhone work on any network?
Can I Use an Unlocked Phone With Any Phone Company? Yes. All modern iPhones can work with any major cell phone companies, including the major U.S. carriers AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.What is the benefit of unlocking your phone?
The biggest benefit is to save money on roaming fees. Instead of taking a local phone and paying upto three to four dollars when you travel outside your country, unlocking your phones help you pay substantially less. Roaming fees is one of the biggest reason to unlock your phone.How much would it cost to unlock a phone?
Unlocking your phone can cost anything from €0 (nothing, zero, nada, zilch) to almost a hundred euros. Of course, how much you pay really depends on a number of factors such as what your phone is, what network it's locked to, what method you use, and how quickly you need your phone unlocked. 
