An unlocked iPhone isn’t restricted to one service carrier. Finding out if your iPhone is unlocked is important when you consider purchasing a second-hand iPhone, or if you plan on selling or giving away your current one. So how do you do it? Show
Other than calling your phone company as the original owner, there are three methods to check if your iPhone is unlocked. The easiest way is to check under “About” from the General menu in the Settings app. On an unlocked iPhone, the status under ‘’Carrier Lock’’ will be “No SIM Restrictions.” The other two methods aren’t as straightforward and require a bit of patience and diligence. Let’s take a look at all three ways to determine if your iPhone is unlocked in detail. What Does It Mean If an iPhone is Unlocked?An unlocked iPhone has no restrictions service carrier-wise. It can connect to a wide array of service providers locally, or internationally when the user visits another country. On the other hand, locked iPhones can only connect to one carrier. Typically, if you purchase an iPhone through a service carrier on contract, it’s likely to be locked until the phone is fully paid for. In contrast, an iPhone that’s bought directly from an iPhone store is more likely to be unlocked. The biggest advantage to having an unlocked iPhone is versatility. For one, you’re not tied to one service carrier, so you can switch to any carrier to suit your preferences. This also means you’re still able to use your iPhone overseas. All you have to do is insert a SIM card from one of the local carriers. Lastly, an unlocked iPhone allows you to make use of the iPhone’s dual SIM card feature. That way, you can seamlessly switch from one service to the other for better connectivity and coverage. Before you purchase an iPhone from a designated retailer, you may want to first ask if it comes locked or unlocked. If, however, you’re purchasing from a third-party seller, a friend, or a family member, there are several ways to check if the phone is unlocked. How To Check If Your iPhone is UnlockedBefore we discuss the steps to take in order to check if your iPhone is unlocked, it’s worth noting that if you’re the original buyer, you can always call your phone company and ask them to check for you. Alternatively, one of these steps should give you the information you’re looking for: How to Check if Your iPhone is Unlocked in SettingsTo determine if your iPhone is locked from the Settings app, follow these steps:
While this is one way to find out if your iPhone is unlocked, it may not be applicable to you if your iPhone is one of many to not display SIM Restrictions information under ‘’Carrier Lock.” Not to fret though, because there are two other methods you can try. Check If Your iPhone is Unlocked With the SIM CardThis method is a bit trickier than the previous one. For this to work, you’ll need two SIM cards from two different carriers. Here’s how to go about it:
How to Check If Your iPhone is Unlocked Using The IMEI NumberIMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. This is a 15-digit number that is unique to each cellphone. Mobile phone manufacturers and carriers use this number for various reasons, one of which includes tracking stolen phones. This number is useful in this instance because it enables you to key it into an online tool to check if your iPhone is unlocked. There are many online tools available out there, but only a handful of them are free and trustworthy. For that reason, this method should only be used as a last resort. Here’s how it works:
How To Unlock Your iPhoneThe only way to unlock your iPhone is through your carrier. Contact them and simply request to have your iPhone unlocked. Before they unlock your device, they’ll check if your device meets the requirements. Once they unlock your device, follow these steps to activate the unlocked status:
If you don’t have an alternative SIM, card do the following:
ConclusionUnlocking your iPhone means you’re able to connect to various service providers locally or overseas whenever you travel. It also makes selling your iPhone or giving it away easier. If you’re unsure if your device has a lock on it, simply contact your service provider. Alternatively, use one or all the options highlighted above. How do I know if an iPhone is unlocked?You can find out if your iPhone is locked by going to Settings > General > About. If "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Carrier Lock, your iPhone is unlocked.
How do I know if my iPhone is unlocked by IMEI?How to check if your iPhone is unlocked with an IMEI lookup. Start the Settings app and tap General.. Tap About.. Write down the Serial Number, IMEI, and IMEI2 (if there is one — you will only see this if you have an iPhone 11 or later).. In a web browser, go to IMEIcheck.com.. Are iPhone all unlocked?An iPhone is either locked (connected to one carrier) or unlocked (free to use with any carrier). When you buy one from a carrier, such as AT&T® or Verizon®, you are typically tied to them—the phone is locked—for the duration of your contract. When you buy a new iPhone from the Apple® store, it is unlocked by default.
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