Best Buy is the clearest documented retailer for buying a refurbished unlocked phone, because it sells a dedicated refurbished unlocked phones section and lists carrier-unlocked options alongside major U.S. carriers and Google Fi. If you want a single, trustworthy place to start shopping, Best Buy's refurbished phone page is the best place to buy refurbished unlocked phones based on the available information.
The best place to buy refurbished unlocked phones
Best Buy stands out because it has both a dedicated Refurbished Phones page and a specific Refurbished Unlocked Phones shopping page. Its listings show unlocked options as well as carrier-specific refurbished models for T-Mobile, Verizon, Consumer Cellular, Mint Mobile, AT&T, Google Fi, and US Cellular. This makes it easy to compare an unlocked device against a carrier-locked one in one place. Best Buy describes unlocked phones as “not carrier-specific” and usable on any compatible cellular network without a service contract, giving you a clear definition right on the product page. Best Buy states that refurbished phones are available as unlocked models, but the page retrieved does not give a documented model-by-model limit, warranty term, or refurbishment grade in the snippet available here[2][6].
How to verify an unlocked iPhone before you buy
Before you purchase or after you receive a refurbished iPhone, you can confirm it is truly unlocked using the exact steps documented by Apple and AT&T support pages. Follow these steps in order:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Look for Carrier Lock.
- If it says No SIM restrictions, the iPhone is unlocked. If it says SIM locked, the device is carrier locked.
AT&T’s device support also says you can check by going to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection and turning Automatic off; if multiple networks appear, the device is likely unlocked. AT&T’s device support says you can also check Settings > Cellular > Network Selection and turn Automatic off; if multiple networks appear, the device is likely unlocked[9][11]. AT&T also says to confirm in Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock; No SIM restrictions means unlocked, while SIM locked means carrier locked[9][11].
What an unlocked phone really means for you
An unlocked phone is not tied to one carrier, but it still has to be compatible with the carrier’s network bands and service. Best Buy says unlocked phones are “not carrier-specific” and can be used on any compatible cellular network without a service contract. This means you can buy a refurbished unlocked phone, then choose any carrier that supports the phone’s radio bands, giving you the freedom to switch without buying a new device.
Benefits of choosing a refurbished unlocked phone
Choosing a refurbished unlocked phone gives you cost savings, carrier freedom, and the ability to pick your own plan. Because the phone is unlocked, you can choose your preferred carrier and plan if the phone is compatible with that network. Best Buy describes unlocked phones as usable on any compatible cellular network without a service contract. Apple’s guidance also shows a simple way to check unlock status on iPhone before or after purchase through Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock, so you can confirm the device’s freedom before committing. Additionally, buying refurbished supports the practice of unlocking carrier phones (Unlocking Carrier Phones from Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile) by making unlocked devices more accessible and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a refurbished unlocked phone?
A refurbished unlocked phone is a pre-owned device that has been restored to working condition and is not tied to any specific carrier. It can be used with any compatible network, provided the phone supports that carrier’s bands.
Are refurbished unlocked phones reliable?
Yes, when purchased from a documented retailer like Best Buy, refurbished phones undergo testing and are sold with the same definition of “unlocked” as new devices. The key is to verify the unlock status using the iPhone settings check before you buy or immediately after receiving the phone.
Can I use a refurbished unlocked phone with any carrier?
You can use it with any carrier whose network bands the phone supports. Unlocked means no carrier lock, but the phone must still be compatible with the carrier’s specific frequencies and technology (such as 4G LTE or 5G bands).
Does Best Buy sell refurbished unlocked phones in stores?
Your best bet is to check the online refurbished unlocked phones page and see if in-store pickup is available for a specific model.
What if the refurbished unlocked iPhone shows "SIM locked" instead of "No SIM restrictions"?
If the iPhone shows SIM locked in Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock, the device is carrier locked and not truly unlocked. You should not buy it as an unlocked phone unless the seller provides a carrier unlock before you complete the purchase.
