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?
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 Unlocked
Before 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 Settings
To determine if your iPhone is locked from the Settings app, follow these steps:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Select ‘’General’’, then tap ‘’About.’’
- Scroll all the way to the bottom and locate ‘’Carrier Lock.’’
- If it says ‘’No SIM Restrictions’’ under Carrier Lock, then your iPhone is unlocked.
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 Card
This 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:
- Power off your iPhone. It’s crucial that you power your device down before you try this method, to avoid damaging your phone permanently.
- Using a SIM card tool (from Amazon) or a paper clip, open the SIM card tray.
- Remove the SIM card.
- Take the second SIM card from another carrier and place it onto the tray. Push the tray back in and close it. The second SIM card must be the same size as the original.
- Power your phone back on and try to make a call.
- The call will only go through if your iPhone is unlocked. If it isn’t, an error message will pop up on your screen when you try to make a call.
How to Check If Your iPhone is Unlocked Using The IMEI Number
IMEI 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:
- Open Settings and go to ‘’General.’’
- Tap ‘’About ‘’ then scroll down to find the IMEI number.
- Note down the IMEI number, then scroll to the top upper section of the About page and note down your phone’s serial number.
- From there, visit a free online IMEI tool, and fill in the requested info, including the IMEI number. Once you submit the required information, the online tool will disclose your iPhone’s lock status.
How To Unlock Your iPhone
The 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:
- Get an additional SIM card from another carrier. The SIM card must be able to fit in your device.
- Using a SIM card tool, open the SIM card tray and remove the current card.
- Insert the new SIM card to activate your iPhone.
If you don’t have an alternative SIM, card do the following:
- Create a backup for your iPhone, using any backup method.
- Once you’ve safely backed up your iPhone, proceed to clear all its content.
- Lastly, restore your device’s content from the backup you created to finish the unlocking process.
Conclusion
Unlocking 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.