Is my iPhone unlocked? Four ways to check it

What does it mean if an iPhone is unlocked?

An unlocked (or carrier unlocked) iPhone is an iPhone that’s not restricted to any one carrier. That means it can connect to any operator or cellular data network instead of being tied to one operator (otherwise known as being “locked”). 

Having an unlocked iPhone lets you switch between different carriers (such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) by simply swapping a SIM card or connecting to another eSIM data provider. Unlocked iPhones are super useful when traveling or switching cell operators for better deals.

Four ways to check if your iPhone is unlocked 

Checking whether your iPhone is unlocked is a piece of cake. You can use at least four ways to do so, including calling your carrier or checking your iPhone settings.

Contact your carrier 

If you’d prefer someone else to provide you the information, you can just call your carrier’s customer support and ask whether your iPhone is carrier locked. It might take a while to get through, and you’ll likely be asked to provide some extra information (for example, your iPhone’s IMEI number), but it’s a simple way to clear any doubts about your iPhone’s carrier lock. 

Check if your iPhone is unlocked by using the IMEI checker

An IMEI number is your phone's unique ID tag. You can find it in two different ways:

1. By dialing *#06# in your iPhone's Phone app (don't need to press the call button).

2. By going to your iPhone's settings, selecting “General,” and then "About." 

Once you know your 15-digit IMEI number, you can use an online IMEI checker to see whether your iPhone is unlocked. To do that, simply open any trusty IMEI checker site (most online carriers have them on their websites), type in your IMEI number, and hit the “Check” (or similar) button.

Keep in mind that while this method is quick, it may pose some risk or inconvenience. Most independent online IMEI checkers (although cheap) are paid services, and the free IMEI checkers may expose you to cyber risks. You should be safe as long as you use a reliable IMEI checker.

Check your iPhone’s settings 

Checking your iPhone’s settings is among the quickest ways to know if your iPhone is unlocked. All you have to do is complete a few simple steps.

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.

   

2. Tap “General” and then “About.”

   
   

3. Look for “Network provider lock” and check the text alongside it. If you see “No SIM restrictions,” your iPhone is unlocked and can connect to any mobile service provider. If it says “SIM locked,” your iPhone needs unlocking to access another provider’s mobile data network.

   

Switch to a different SIM card 

Finally, you can go into “full tinker” mode and check your iPhone’s SIM connection availability by manually switching two different SIM cards. This is probably the least convenient way because it requires buying a new SIM card and physically tinkering with your iPhone’s SIM card slots. 

Since SIM cards are tiny and fragile, physically swapping them out can also damage them if you're not careful. So to test whether your iPhone is unlocked, we recommend choosing other methods or using an eSIM instead.

How to check if your iPhone is unlocked for eSIM usage

Checking whether your iPhone’s eSIM is carrier locked is almost identical to checking your SIM for carrier locks. You can also check this information in four ways, three of which are identical to the ones used for checking physical SIM carrier locks.

Contact your carrier 

Like with physical SIMs, reaching out to your carrier and asking a representative directly is the most straightforward way to know whether your iPhone’s eSIM is unlocked. Same as with a SIM card, you’ll need your IMEI number here, too. 

Check if your iPhone’s eSIM is unlocked by using the IMEI checker

First, find your IMEI number by using one of the two available ways:

1. Dial *#06# in your iPhone's Phone app (don't press the call button).

2. Go to your iPhone's settings, select “General,” and then "About." 

After that, open any trusted online IMEI checker (mobile carriers sometimes have them on their websites), type in your IMEI number, and hit the “Check” (or similar) button.

Check your iPhone’s settings 

For iPhones with an eSIM, you can check whether your phone is carrier locked by using your iPhone’s settings app:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.

   

2. Tap “General” and then “About.”

   
   

3. Look for “Network provider lock” and check the text alongside it. If you see “No SIM restrictions,” your iPhone is unlocked and can connect to any mobile service provider. If it says “SIM locked,” your iPhone needs unlocking to access another provider’s mobile data network.

   

Switch to a different eSIM

Finally, you can open your iPhone’s settings, go to “Cellular,” and pick “Add eSIM.” If your iPhone is locked, it will display an error when you try to activate an eSIM from a different carrier.

As you can see, there’s basically no difference between eSIMs and SIMs when checking whether your iPhone’s unlocked. Using an eSIM is also more convenient, since it allows you to add more SIM profiles without having to change out SIM cards.

How to unlock a carrier-locked iPhone

To unlock a carrier-locked iPhone, all you need to do is reach out to your network provider and ask a representative to unlock it. There may be some additional requirements (such as having the device fully paid off or having your account in good standing), but overall, unlocking your iPhone shouldn't be difficult. 

It’s also important to stress that Apple can’t carrier unlock your iPhone — only your carrier has the power to do that. The unlock process may differ depending on your mobile operator — some may require waiting and confirmation, while others can unlock your phone in seconds by offering automated iPhone unlocking solutions.

Is my iPhone locked or unlocked? Key takeaways 

In short, an unlocked iPhone is an iOS smartphone that’s not restricted to one carrier. It means your iPhone can use any carrier’s SIM card and eSIM. Whether you use a SIM or an eSIM, you can check if your iPhone is unlocked by contacting your carrier, looking at your iPhone’s “About” section, using an online IMEI checker, or switching your SIM card (or if you’re using an eSIM — by adding a new eSIM profile).

Overall, it matters little whether your iPhone is unlocked or not, because you can often quickly unlock it by contacting your mobile service provider. An unlocked phone gives you more freedom to explore different carriers (and their offers, such as mobile service and eSIM data plans) and find the best pick for your mobile service needs.

If your iPhone is unlocked and you’re using eSIM, services such as Saily can offer great options for travel data plans. Whether you’re on the way to an overseas work conference or enjoying your hard-earned vacation, Saily can help you stay connected every step of the way.