The US government now officially approves cell phone unlocking, and hopefully that means it soon won't be such a headache to unshackle your phone. T-Mobile looks to be doing its part with a new app that will let you unlock your phone — no lengthy customer support call required. There's a catch, though: the app is only available on one mid-range Android phone called the Samsung Galaxy Avant.

Nevertheless, the fact that this app event exists in the first place is promising. US carriers have traditionally made unlocking phones such a complicated and convoluted process that many consumers don't even know it's an option. According to reports from TMoNews and Android Central, the app pre-loaded on the Avant allows users to request either a 30-day or permanent unlock. The former has fewer restrictions, and should suffice for trips abroad.

Most carriers sell phones with a digital "lock" that only allows the device to connect through a single service provider. By unlocking a device — either through a carrier or via less official means — you can swap out your SIM card when you travel, for instance, and avoid costly international roaming charges. T-Mobile did not immediately return requests for comment, but it's likely that the app will make it to other Android devices in the future,.