How can I unlock a Moto G GSM phone?

[markf1971]

If I buy a used Moto G GSM phone will I have to activate it and maintain service with the dedicated carrier for several months before I can unlock it? What about if I buy a new Consumer Cellular GSM Moto G at Sears.... could I unlock it right away? Thanks!

 

[Rukbat]

You can't get the carrier to unlock it - the person to whom it's registered (the old owner - while his account is still active) may be able to get the carrier to unlock it. It depends on the carrier. (Sometimes, telling them that you're going to Europe for a few months and want to use local SIMs while you're there will get the unlock code.)

If you want to unlock it after his account expired, go to eBay and look for cellphone unlockers. You can buy the unlock code.
Virtually no carrier will unlock the phone immediately unless you pay full price for the phone - and only some will under those conditions. Sears certainly won't, you'd have to go to Consumer Cellular themselves.

You can look on sites like Amazon for unlocked phones - the Moto G sells for around $180 unlocked.

You may want to read through some of these before considering Consumer Cellular, though. (And, if you still do, make sure that AT&T - the carrier they use - has coverage every place you need coverage.)