How to Remove Motorola Subsidy Password Message

Last Updated: February 4, 2021

When trying to use a Motorola phone with a new SIM card many users receive the message "enter subsidy password". This message indicates that the phone is locked to the current provider, and cannot be used with a new cell network. This tutorial will tell you how to bypass this error message, allowing you to unlock your Motorola for use with any network.

Steps

1
Obtain a Subsidy Password, also know as an IMEI unlock code. The Motorola subsidy password is an 8 or 16 digit code that unlocks your phone (Remove service provider lock) for use with other cellular providers. Search Google for Motorola Unlock Codes for a list of retailers. Codes are usually provided within 24 to 48 hours, and cost around $10 to $25 (Price will vary depending on Code seller).
2
Most providers will not issue the unlock code after your account has been inactive for more that 90 days. They says it is because your account info goes into a "read only" status, and they cannot retrieve the number any longer.

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3
Enter the subsidy code into the phone. To enter the IMEI code into the phone, all you need to do is insert a SIM card from a different network to the one that your phone is locked to. This will prompt the phone to display "Enter subsidy password". Just enter the 8 or 16 digit code, and your Motorola phone is unlocked.

Community Q&A

Question

I have the IMEI number, but can't get the subsidy password. What can I do?

Donna Lincoln

Community Answer

You need to go to the service provider that it's locked to and ask them. Some places, like T-Mobile, charge $25.00 for this unlock service if you don't have a current account in good standing.
Question

I bought the subsidy password a few months back, but at that time the subsidy screen didn't appear. Now it's asking, but I lost my password. What should I do now?

Donna Lincoln

Community Answer

Contact the service you got the password from. If you paid for the code, then you should also have record of transaction you can use for verification. They will most likely resend you the code.
Question

How do I enter the a subsidy password on a Motorola device?

Donna Lincoln

Community Answer

This requires the password from your service provider that you bought the phone from and had service with (T-Mobile or AT&T for GSM sim cards, or Verizon or Sprint for CDMA-type phones).

Warnings

Unlike other phones, Motorola's cannot be permanently locked by entering too many codes. See Tips to see how to reset the phone.

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This tutorial is only for GSM style phones (mainly US except AT&T/T-mobile) . CDMA phones cannot be unlocked in this manner, as they do not have SIM cards.

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