Is your iPhone unlocked? How can you check and unlock it?

What does it mean for an iPhone to be locked with a carrier lock?

Let’s start from the beginning — what does it mean for an iPhone to be locked and unlocked? In simple terms, an unlocked (or carrier-unlocked) iPhone 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 users 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.

How can you check if an iPhone is unlocked?

While understanding the twisty carrier locks may be challenging, checking whether your iPhone is unlocked is a piece of cake. There are at least a few ways to do it, the easiest of which takes just a few taps.

Check if your iPhone is unlocked by asking your carrier

If you’re not the looker type — just call your carrier and ask them directly! While the process may take a while and require some extra information (for example, your iPhone’s IMEI number), your cell phone operator will 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 by dialing *#06# in your iPhone's Phone app (just don't press the call button) or by checking your phone's settings ( the "About" section). Once you know your 15-digit IMEI number, you can use an online IMEI checker to see whether your iPhone is unlocked.

However, while this method is quick, it may pose some risk or inconvenience. Most online IMEI checkers (although cheap) are paid services and the free IMEI checkers may expose you to cyber risks. That being said, using a reliable IMEI checker is a quick and solid way to check if your iPhone is carrier-locked — as long as you’re careful, of course.

Check if your iPhone is unlocked by using the iPhone’s settings

Checking your iPhone’s settings is by far the easiest and quickest way 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.

   

Check if your iPhone is unlocked by using a 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 unlock a carrier-locked iPhone

If you find out that your iPhone is carrier-locked, there’s no need to worry. All you need to do is ask your carrier to remove your SIM restrictions. There may be some additional requirements depending on your carrier, 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 it. Additionally, 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.

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.

FAQ

Can I unlock my iPhone myself? Is it legal?

Yes, you can unlock your iPhone by yourself and yes, it’s legal to do so. However, the unlocking process typically requires some assistance from your mobile carrier. The carrier will confirm whether you meet the requirements to unlock your iPhone (by checking if your phone is fully paid off and whether your account is in good standing) and provide additional help to complete the process.

Is it a good idea to buy an unlocked iPhone?

Yes, buying an unlocked iPhone is a good idea, because it offers more flexibility and higher resale value. Even though an unlocked iPhone is a bit pricier than a SIM-locked iPhone, most iPhones on the market are sold unlocked anyway, so there's no reason to dread buying an unlocked phone.

Can you tell what carrier a phone is locked to?

Yes, you can tell which carrier your iPhone is locked to by checking its settings or the SIM card itself. The mobile carrier's name is visible both in the iPhone’s settings and on the SIM card.

How much does unlocking a phone that uses AT&T as a carrier cost?

Unlocking an AT&T phone is typically free if you meet their eligibility requirements, which include:

1. The device must be paid off completely.

2. It must not be reported lost or stolen.

3. Your account must be in good standing.

You can request an unlock through AT&T’s official website by providing your IMEI number and following their instructions. 

Are new iPhones locked or unlocked?

Whether your new iPhone comes locked or unlocked depends on where you buy it. If you get your iPhone from Apple, it should come unlocked. However, if you decide to buy your iPhone through a carrier (for example, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) as part of a contract or payment plan, it will likely be locked to that carrier's network. Carrier locks also apply to eSIMs, meaning buying an iPhone with a locked eSIM will limit your eSIM connection to only one carrier.