Boost Mobile IMEI Check

What Is a Boost Carrier Lock?

Why Boost phones reject other SIM cards

Boost Mobile (now owned by Dish Network and transitioning to the Boost Infinite brand) is a US prepaid carrier that operates on a combination of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Dish's own 5G network. When you purchase a device from Boost — whether an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or budget Android — the phone arrives "SIM locked" to the Boost network. This means it will only accept Boost SIM cards and will reject SIM cards from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or any other carrier with a "SIM Not Supported" error.

The carrier lock is a software-level restriction in the device's baseband. It is not a hardware limitation — once the phone is officially unlocked by Boost, it will work with any compatible GSM carrier. Boost locks its devices because it subsidizes phone costs for prepaid customers, and the 12-month active requirement is the longest among major US prepaid carriers, ensuring Boost recovers the full subsidy before the device can be used elsewhere.

Boost's SIM lock is separate from the GSMA blacklist. A Boost phone can be unlocked but still blacklisted (if reported lost or stolen with an unpaid balance), or unlocked and clean. Running an IMEI check reveals both statuses, giving you the full picture before buying, selling, or switching carriers.

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What Is SIM Lock

Boost Mobile (now owned by Dish Network, transitioning to Boost Infinite) is a US prepaid carrier. Its devices are "network locked" until unlocked, meaning only Boost SIM cards work. Inserting an AT&T, T-Mobile, or other carrier SIM will show "SIM Not Supported."

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Blacklist Risk

Boost devices with unpaid balances, reported lost, or fraudulently purchased may be on the GSMA blacklist — they will not work with any carrier worldwide. An IMEI check identifies this risk upfront.

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What IMEICheck Shows

Whether the original carrier is Boost, SIM Lock status (locked/unlocked), blacklist status, device model, and original carrier information.

Boost Official Unlock Policy (2026)

Find out if your device qualifies for free unlocking

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Postpaid

Boost is now primarily a prepaid service. Postpaid devices must be paid in full, with an active account and no outstanding balance, to qualify for unlocking. See Boost's official policy for details.

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Prepaid

Boost prepaid devices must be active for 12 months (365 days) before they can be unlocked. The device must be active on the network with no unpaid balance. Lost or stolen devices cannot be unlocked.

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Unlock Portal

Once eligible, visit boostmobile.com to submit a request, or call Boost customer service. Results typically arrive in 2–5 business days.

Note: The above is a summary of Boost's public policy. Refer to Boost's official website for authoritative information. IMEICheck is not affiliated with Boost.

How to Check Boost Lock Status

Step-by-step guide to verify your device

Step 1: Find Your IMEI

Dial *#06# on your Boost phone. The 15-digit IMEI will display on screen. You can also find it in Settings → About Phone → Status → IMEI, or on the original box barcode label. For iPhones, check the SIM tray.

Step 2: Enter IMEI in the Form

Type your 15-digit IMEI into the search form above. Double-check the number carefully — a single wrong digit will return incorrect results. The check is instant and requires no account or payment for basic status.

Step 3: Review the Report

The report shows SIM Lock status, original carrier (Boost or other), blacklist status, device model, and production info. If "Locked to Boost," you must meet the 12-month active requirement before requesting an unlock. If "Blacklisted," the phone will not work on any carrier.

Step 4: Request Unlock if Eligible

If eligible (active 12+ months on Boost, no unpaid balance), visit the Boost unlock portal or call customer service to submit an unlock request. Processing takes 2–5 business days. After unlocking, you can insert any compatible carrier SIM.

Boost Buying Tips

What to check before buying a used Boost phone

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Verify Unlock Status

Before buying a used Boost phone, run an IMEI check to confirm it is unlocked. A locked Boost phone requires 12 months of active service before unlocking — the longest wait among US prepaid carriers. The seller may not have an active Boost account.

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Check Blacklist

Boost devices with unpaid balances are frequently blacklisted. If the IMEI check shows "Blacklisted," do not buy the phone — it will not work on any carrier, and resolving the issue requires the original account holder's cooperation.

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Confirm Model Match

Sellers may misrepresent the device model. Use the IMEI check to verify the exact model, storage capacity, and color match what the seller claims. Mismatches indicate a refurbished or counterfeit device.

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Test SIM Compatibility

If possible, bring your own SIM card to test before purchase. An unlocked Boost phone should accept AT&T, T-Mobile, and other GSM SIMs immediately. If it shows "SIM Not Supported," the device is still locked.

Boost vs Other Prepaid Carriers

Compare unlock policies across major US prepaid carriers

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Boost (Dish)

12 months active required — longest among prepaid carriers. Runs on AT&T/T-Mobile/Dish network. Unlock via boostmobile.com. Broadest compatibility once unlocked.

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Cricket (AT&T)

6 months active required. Runs on AT&T network. Unlock via cricketwireless.com portal. Once unlocked, fully compatible with AT&T and other GSM carriers.

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Metro (T-Mobile)

180 days active required. Runs on T-Mobile network. Unlock via metrobyt-mobile.com. Once unlocked, fully compatible with T-Mobile and other GSM carriers.

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US Cellular

50 days active (postpaid) — shortest among major carriers. Runs on USCC network. Unlock via uscellular.com. Supports both CDMA and GSM bands.

FAQ

What are the Boost Mobile unlock requirements?

Boost Mobile unlock requirements: the device must be active on the Boost network for 12 consecutive months, with no outstanding balance. Once eligible, contact Boost customer service to request an unlock. Lost or stolen devices cannot be unlocked. Boost (now owned by Dish Network) is transitioning to the Boost Infinite brand.

What should I do if my Boost phone is blacklisted?

If your Boost device shows up on the GSMA blacklist, it may have been reported lost, stolen, or have an unpaid balance. Contact Boost customer service to verify the reason. If the device was stolen, you will need to provide proof of purchase to request removal. If it is an unpaid balance, settle the bill and wait for removal.

Will a Boost phone work on other carriers after unlocking?

Yes. Once unlocked, Boost devices support AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and other carrier SIM cards. Boost (Dish Network) uses AT&T and T-Mobile network bands, so unlocked devices are broadly compatible. However, verify band support with your target carrier for full LTE/5G coverage.

How long does Boost take to unlock a phone?

Boost has one of the longest unlock waiting periods among US carriers — 12 months of active service. Once eligible and you submit an unlock request, processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days. Contact Boost customer service or use the online portal to submit your request.

Is Boost Mobile the same as Boost Infinite?

Boost Infinite is the new brand name for Boost Mobile after Dish Network acquired the carrier in 2020. Existing Boost devices and accounts continue to work. The unlock policy remains 12 months active service. The brand transition does not affect SIM lock or blacklist status.