What does "Unlocked Worldwide (Only T-Mobile/Mint/Metro USA Market)" mean in this link (on Amazon Canada)? And since the mobile product in question is only unlocked for T-Mobile/Mint/Metro USA Market", can't it be used in countries like Canada or Mexico? I thought every new mobile phone is unlocked. Or maybe I am wrong about it. I am not tech savvy, so I apologize if the question sounds "stupid". Thank you in advance!
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1if you're looking at 'grey imports' try the UK market, where carriers are no longer allowed to lock phones at all.– TetsujinCommented Jan 2 at 8:45
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That's true for Canadian carriers as well, although I'm sure it doesn't apply to a random seller online– Xen2050Commented Jan 2 at 14:00
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2It's a marketing claim from a 3rd party seller on Amazon. It's probably complete nonsense. If you didn't know, the vast majority of Amazon listings are 3rd party sellers, making Amazon very similar to eBay. Prime is nice, but you take your chances with the items.– Harper - Reinstate MonicaCommented Jan 3 at 1:36
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@Harper-ReinstateMonica You sure do, e.g. Lawsuit: Amazon sold eclipse glasses that cause “permanent blindness”– Franck DernoncourtCommented Jan 3 at 16:24
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2 Answers
Unlocked Worldwide
This means that when connected to cellular networks in countries other than the US you can put in any SIM card that will work in that country
(Only T-Mobile/Mint/Metro USA Market)
This means that if you're connected to a US network you must use a SIM from one of those networks (which are basically all the same company anyway).
It means it was likely sold by T-Mobile at a discount, so locked to its networks, but has been unlocked to work outside of the US on any company's network.
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Comments have been moved to chat; please do not continue the discussion here. Before posting a comment below this one, please review the purposes of comments. Comments that do not request clarification or suggest improvements usually belong as an answer, on Travel Meta, or in Travel Chat. Comments continuing discussion may be removed.– Rory Alsop ♦Commented Jan 4 at 11:49
The product description is more clear (formatting is mine):
- USA Market Only Works on Tmobile / Mint / Metro PCS
- Unlocked Worldwide GSM 5G + 4G LTE PHONE
I.e. from my understanding, it's locked on the USA market, but not outside. But I don't have any experience with that kind of BS, personally I only buy 100% unlocked. And if all customers were doing that, we wouldn't have that discussion.
answered Jan 1 at 4:28
