T-Mobile Cracks Down on Locked Phones Using MVNOs

T-Mobile’s Activation Policy Tightens, Blocking MVNO Access for Locked Devices

T-Mobile has quietly reinforced its activation policy, leaving many customers of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) frustrated. Previously, even phones locked to T-Mobile’s network could often be used with MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Tello, or Simple Mobile-services that rely on T-Mobile’s own infrastructure. But now, that flexibility is gone.

According to T-Mobile’s official policy, locked devices are not supposed to work on other networks unless they’re first unlocked. But this rule had not been strictly enforced until recently. Users are now reporting that even T-Mobile MVNOs are being blocked.

One Reddit user, ken830, shared that two Motorola Edge (2024) phones they bought for their parents refused to work with Mint and Tello, despite both services piggybacking on T-Mobile’s network. Interestingly, older locked Samsung phones from a T-Mobile trade-in deal continue to work just fine-highlighting that this new enforcement is relatively recent.

Another user, loganwachter, noted that these issues started appearing 18–24 months ago and initially impacted Samsung phones. Since then, the restriction has expanded to include devices from other brands, including Google’s Pixel series.

This change affects all MVNOs running on T-Mobile’s network. While the telecom giant is within its rights-since unlocking policies are clearly stated-many users are taken by surprise due to the lack of active enforcement in the past.

For affected customers, the only workaround is to meet T-Mobile’s unlocking criteria, which typically includes paying off the device and completing a minimum service period. Otherwise, users will have to remain tethered to T-Mobile or reconsider their carrier choice.

We’ve reached out to T-Mobile for an official comment and will update this story if they respond.