The safest way to buy an unlocked phone at Target is to verify three things before you pay: the exact model number, compatibility with your intended carrier, and the phone’s condition and return terms. An unlocked phone is not automatically compatible with every U.S. network. You may also need to purchase a carrier-specific physical SIM or activate an eSIM after buying the phone.
Target has a dedicated unlocked-cell-phone category with new, refurbished, and pre-owned listings. Brands, prices, sellers, stock, fulfillment options, and return conditions vary by listing, so treat the product page—not the broad category name—as the final source of purchase details.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What “unlocked” means—and what it does not mean
An unlocked phone is not restricted by carrier software to one mobile network. That gives you the freedom to choose a carrier and, in many cases, move the phone between compatible services.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →However, unlocked does not mean universally compatible. The phone still needs the right network bands, technology, firmware, and carrier features. A device may work for calls and basic data on one network but lack that carrier’s 5G service, Wi-Fi calling, visual voicemail, eSIM support, or other features.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
That distinction matters because “unlocking” removes a carrier restriction; it does not change the physical radio hardware inside the phone. Before purchasing, identify the exact model and run its IMEI through the intended carrier’s compatibility checker whenever possible.
How to buy an unlocked phone at Target
1. Begin with Target’s unlocked-phone category
Start in Target’s dedicated Unlocked Cell Phones category instead of assuming that every phone in the general cell-phone section is unlocked. Target’s category includes phones from manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, HMD, and Nokia, although the available brands and models change over time.
Use the available filters to narrow results by:
- Service or carrier status
- Brand
- Price
- Wireless technology, including 4G LTE or 5G
- Storage capacity
- Features
- Condition, including new, refurbished, or pre-owned inventory where available
Do not treat a search result as a firm price or availability guarantee. Target’s inventory can include products sold directly by Target as well as marketplace-style or third-party seller listings. Price, stock, seller, ratings, shipping or pickup method, and return eligibility may differ between otherwise similar phones.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
For a personal-finance comparison, calculate the phone’s total first-month cost rather than comparing handset prices alone:
- Phone price
- Any taxes or fees shown at checkout
- SIM or activation-kit cost, if required
- The first month of the selected wireless plan
- Necessary accessories, such as a case or charger
Then compare the ongoing monthly service cost. An inexpensive unlocked phone can become a poor value if it requires an incompatible plan, expensive activation, or replacement accessories that were not included.
2. Confirm that the individual listing is actually unlocked
On the product page, look for explicit language such as unlocked, factory unlocked, or an equivalent statement that the phone can be activated with a compatible carrier. A “US version” label can be useful, but it is not a substitute for confirming the phone’s unlocked status and carrier compatibility.
Record these details before ordering:
- Exact model number or model identifier
- Storage capacity
- Whether the phone is new, refurbished, or pre-owned
- Seller identity
- Warranty terms
- Included accessories
- SIM and eSIM capabilities
- Network technology or band information shown in the listing
- Fulfillment method and return conditions
Do not rely on a family name such as “Galaxy S22,” “iPhone 15,” or “Moto G.” A single phone family can have different regional or carrier variants. Those variants may differ in network bands, firmware, eSIM support, or compatibility with a particular U.S. carrier.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
If the product page lists GSM, CDMA, 4G LTE, or 5G, treat those labels as clues rather than a complete compatibility decision. The exact model and the carrier’s own checker are more useful than a broad network label.
Once you have selected the exact model, you can also look for a model-specific phone case and a screen protector for your phone. These accessories should be matched to the exact model and generation; a case for a similarly named phone may not fit its camera opening, buttons, dimensions, or charging-port placement.
3. Check whether the phone works on your intended carrier
Run the phone’s IMEI through the intended carrier’s official bring-your-own-device tool before activation. The IMEI is the device’s identifying number. Depending on the listing and purchase stage, you may find it in the product information, on the box, or after receiving the phone. If it is not available before purchase, ask the seller or plan to check it immediately after delivery while the return option is still open.
Use the carrier’s result for the exact device—not merely a result for the same brand or phone family.
| Carrier | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Verizon | The phone must be unlocked and have hardware and software compatible with Verizon’s network. Verizon’s BYOD process uses the device IMEI to check compatibility. |
| AT&T | The phone must be unlocked, compatible with AT&T’s network, and GSM-compatible. AT&T provides a tested-and-approved device list and asks customers to provide the ESN or IMEI. |
| T-Mobile | The phone must be unlocked and support the frequencies T-Mobile uses. T-Mobile’s IMEI checker is the appropriate way to assess compatibility, and T-Mobile warns that it cannot guarantee performance, call quality, data speed, or feature compatibility for non-T-Mobile devices. |
A carrier’s “compatible” result is important, but it may not answer every feature question. Before buying, decide whether you specifically need:
- Broad 5G-band support
- Wi-Fi calling
- Visual voicemail
- eSIM activation
- Hotspot service
- Reliable service in a particular rural or indoor location
- Dual-SIM functionality
If any of those features are essential, confirm them with the carrier and the exact model documentation. “It connects to the network” is a lower standard than “it supports every feature you expect.”
4. Be especially careful with refurbished and pre-owned phones
Target separately lists refurbished and pre-owned phones, and these can provide value—but they add risks that do not apply in the same way to a new phone.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Before buying a used or refurbished device, check:
- Condition grade: Find out whether scratches, dents, screen wear, or other cosmetic defects are expected.
- Battery information: Look for a stated battery-health percentage, capacity guarantee, or clear explanation of what is and is not tested.
- Activation lock: The previous owner must remove Apple Activation Lock, Google account protection, or any comparable security lock.
- Financial or network restrictions: The phone should not be tied to an unpaid installment agreement, reported lost or stolen, or blocked by a carrier.
- IMEI status: Check the IMEI with the intended carrier and, for a secondhand device, consider the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker before committing to the purchase.
- Seller and warranty: Review who is responsible for the warranty and how a defective-device claim is handled.
- Included items: Confirm whether the box, charging cable, power adapter, SIM tray tool, or other accessories are included.
- Refund and return protection: Read the policy for the specific seller and condition category.
An unlocked used phone can still be unusable if it is blacklisted, activation-locked, financed, or incompatible with your carrier. “Unlocked” is only one part of the secondhand-device check.
5. Choose physical SIM or eSIM activation
Target’s unlocked-phone guidance explains that an unlocked phone generally requires a SIM purchase and activation through the carrier you choose. Depending on the phone and carrier, that activation may use a physical SIM card or an eSIM.
Before buying a SIM, confirm:
- Whether the phone has a physical SIM tray
- Which physical SIM size the phone accepts, if applicable
- Whether the phone supports eSIM
- Whether the intended carrier supports eSIM on that exact model
- Whether the carrier requires a particular activation kit
- Whether the selected plan supports the phone’s features
Target carries various carrier-specific and bring-your-own-device SIM kits, including options associated with Cricket, Consumer Cellular, Boost Mobile, Total Wireless, Tracfone, and other services. These kits are not interchangeable simply because they look similar.
For example, a Cricket BYOD SIM kit is described as a prepaid universal SIM for activating unlocked GSM-compatible phones on Cricket. A Consumer Cellular AT&T All-in-One SIM listing says the phone must be unlocked by the previous carrier or factory unlocked. Those requirements illustrate why the kit must match both the carrier and the phone.
If you need a physical card, compare a BYOD SIM card kit with the selected carrier’s activation instructions before ordering. Do not buy a carrier-specific kit first and choose a carrier later.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →6. Activate the phone and transfer your number
After the phone passes the compatibility check, choose the wireless plan and follow the carrier’s activation instructions. Have the following ready:
- The phone’s IMEI or ESN, if requested
- The SIM card or eSIM activation information
- Your carrier account details
- Your billing and identification information
- Your existing account number and transfer PIN if you are porting a number
- A backup of contacts, photos, messages, and authentication information
For a physical SIM, insert the activated card when instructed. For eSIM, use the carrier’s QR code, app, or activation flow as directed. T-Mobile’s BYOD guidance notes that a phone may need APN or messaging settings adjusted if it does not configure automatically. Use the carrier’s instructions rather than copying settings from an unrelated device.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
You can generally keep your existing phone number when changing carriers, subject to the new carrier’s eligibility and number-transfer process. Do not cancel your old service before the port is confirmed. Canceling too early can jeopardize the transfer or leave you without service. Keep the old line active until the new carrier confirms that the number has moved and you have tested calls and messages.
7. Test everything before discarding the packaging
Do not move every account and piece of personal data to the new phone or throw away its packaging until it passes your practical tests. A phone that powers on can still have a defective modem, weak battery, damaged microphone, or feature limitation that only appears after activation.
Test:
- Incoming and outgoing calls
- SMS and picture messages
- Mobile data and the expected network indicator
- Wi-Fi calling, if you depend on it
- Voicemail and visual voicemail, if applicable
- eSIM or physical-SIM operation
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Front and rear cameras
- Charging and the charging port
- Speakers, microphone, and vibration
- Fingerprint or face unlock
- Battery behavior during ordinary use
- Hotspot and other carrier features you plan to use
For a refurbished or pre-owned phone, inspect the screen, frame, camera lenses, buttons, charging port, and any accessible moisture indicators. Check for unexpected overheating, rapid battery drain, dead pixels, touch-screen problems, or signs that the device has been repaired poorly.
Target’s cell-phone return window
Target’s current help guidance says cell-phone returns should be made to the cell-phone activation counter at any Target store within 14 days of pickup. The carrier account holder must be present with valid identification, and Target’s guidance says cell phones cannot currently be returned by mail.
That 14-day guidance is not a substitute for reading the terms attached to your specific order. Return eligibility can vary with the purchase type, activation status, seller, promotional terms, and other conditions. Check the product page, order confirmation, receipt, and applicable return language before completing the purchase.
Because the window is short, keep the box, accessories, receipt, and protective packaging until the phone has been activated and tested. If the phone fails a compatibility check, arrives locked, has an activation lock, or does not match the listing, contact Target or the applicable seller promptly rather than waiting until the end of the return period.
Recommended Free Tools
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming unlocked means compatible. Verify the exact model and IMEI with the intended carrier.
- Buying by family name alone. Regional and carrier variants can have different bands, firmware, and eSIM support.
- Skipping the IMEI check on used inventory. An unlocked phone can still be blocked, financed, activation-locked, or reported lost or stolen.
- Assuming Target is always the seller. Review the seller, warranty, fulfillment method, condition, and return terms.
- Buying the wrong SIM kit. Match the kit to the carrier and confirm that the phone meets the carrier’s requirements.
- Discarding packaging immediately. Test the phone during the applicable return period.
- Porting your number too early. Keep the old account active until the new carrier confirms the transfer.
- Comparing only the phone price. Include the plan, SIM or activation cost, taxes or fees, and necessary accessories in the comparison.
A practical Target buying checklist
Use this checklist before placing the order:
- ☐ The listing explicitly says the phone is unlocked or factory unlocked.
- ☐ You recorded the exact model number and storage capacity.
- ☐ You confirmed whether the phone is new, refurbished, or pre-owned.
- ☐ You reviewed the seller, warranty, included accessories, and fulfillment method.
- ☐ The intended carrier’s compatibility tool accepts the exact model or IMEI.
- ☐ The phone supports the network bands and features you actually need.
- ☐ You checked the IMEI for used or refurbished inventory.
- ☐ You know whether activation will use a physical SIM or eSIM.
- ☐ You selected the correct carrier-specific or BYOD SIM kit.
- ☐ You have the information needed to activate or port your number.
- ☐ You know the applicable return deadline and where the phone must be returned.
- ☐ You will keep your old service active until the number transfer succeeds.
Useful accessories after you verify the phone
Accessories are worth choosing only after the exact phone model is confirmed. A case and screen protector must match the phone’s precise dimensions and camera layout. A charger should match the phone’s connector and charging requirements; not every device uses USB-C, and a cable’s connector does not by itself guarantee a particular charging speed.
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Depending on how you use the phone, a USB-C phone charger, portable power bank, or phone car mount may be practical additions. Treat these as separate purchase decisions: check connector type, power requirements, vehicle compatibility, and safety certifications rather than assuming a generic accessory is suitable.
When buying an unlocked phone at Target makes sense
Buying unlocked can be a good fit if you want to choose your carrier, use a prepaid or BYOD plan, avoid being tied to a carrier, or keep a compatible phone while changing service. It can also make sense when the Target price and the phone’s expected useful life compare favorably with a carrier installment arrangement.
It is a weaker choice if you are unwilling to verify compatibility, need a carrier-specific feature that the model may not support, or are considering a used phone without a clear IMEI, warranty, and return process. In those cases, a slightly higher-priced phone with verified compatibility and stronger protection may carry less financial risk.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any unlocked Target phone with any carrier?
No. The phone must be unlocked and technologically compatible with the carrier. Check the exact model or IMEI with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or your intended carrier before activation. Some features may still be unavailable even when basic service works.
Does Target activate an unlocked phone?
An unlocked phone normally requires you to choose a carrier, obtain the appropriate physical SIM or eSIM activation, and complete the carrier’s BYOD process. Target sells some SIM kits, but activation requirements come from the selected carrier.
Should I buy a SIM card before buying the phone?
Usually, choose the phone and carrier first. Then confirm whether the phone uses a physical SIM or eSIM and purchase the carrier-specific or BYOD kit required by that service. Target carries multiple kits, and they are not universally interchangeable.
How do I check a refurbished phone before keeping it?
Verify the IMEI with the carrier and, for secondhand inventory, consider the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker. Confirm that the phone is not activation-locked, financed, blacklisted, or reported lost or stolen. Test the battery, screen, cameras, charging port, speakers, biometric unlock, calls, messages, and mobile data during the return period.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchCan I return an unlocked phone to Target?
Target’s current help guidance says cell-phone returns should be made at the cell-phone activation counter in any Target store within 14 days of pickup, with the carrier account holder present and valid identification. The guidance says cell phones cannot currently be returned by mail. Check the specific order and receipt because seller, activation, promotional, and purchase-type terms can affect eligibility.
The Bottom Line
Buy the exact unlocked model—not merely a familiar phone name—then verify its IMEI and features with your carrier. Match the SIM or eSIM activation to that carrier, keep your existing number active until a port succeeds, and test the phone before the short return window expires. Those steps matter more than finding the lowest advertised handset price.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
