iPhone 13 isn’t in AT&T Database

There is no phone contract unless you purchased a phone on an installment plan. Then the "contract" is for the phone payments only. The phone needs to be used for 6 months before you can unlock it. Have you tried to unlock as a "non-AT&T customer"?

I have tried to that’s when I get the error I don’t have any line with AT&T so I can only do the “non AT&T customer” also sorry I meant monthly payments I just forgot how to say it. Also I bought it from a 3rd party reseller if that changes things

@Jdawg21457  Purchasing from a third party can be sketchy at times. If the third party has an unpaid balance on the phone, or it has been reported as lost/stolen, or replaced with an insurance claim the phone may eventually get blacklisted by AT&T in which case you won't be able to use it on any service. If any of those scenarios are true, then only the original owner can correct the issues. AT&T can't and won't. And, if it is an unpaid balance issue, AT&T won't tell you how much is owed and by whom (privacy reasons) and you can't pay off the remaining balance yourself.

Also I bought it from a 3rd party reseller if that changes things

Yes, it does. Not being in the database could mean the phone was never activated on ATT. Are you sure the phone is locked to ATT? Whatever the reason for not being in the database, you’ll need advanced tech support to research the imei.

Ask the seller if the phone was ever used on AT&T and if there were any issues (unpaid balance, etc).

That is something we want to look into for you, Jdawg21457. Here's how to resolve that locked phone that you've purchased from a 3rd party seller.

We want to advise that @OttoPylot is correct. The original device owner (usually the 3rd party seller) is the only one who can successfully submit the request to have that device unlocked.

You will find similar details under eBay & Non-AT&T Purchases when you visit AT&T Device Unlock Help - Solutions & FAQs.

We hope this information helps. Let us know if you need any other assistance with AT&T products and services.

Thank you for reaching out to AT&T Community Forums.

Lar, AT&T Community Specialist

So I just got back from the seller and it’s paid off but they say I have to activate it with AT&T can I unlock the phone without having to activate it or do I have to activate it and then unlock it after a time?

AT&T probably won't unlock it without it being activated on their network. It would need to be active for 6 months on AT&T prepaid before being eligible for an unlock.

Try to return it and get an unlocked model.