Find if iphone unlocked

How to Find If iPhone Is Unlocked or Locked

By: Waseem Patwegar

Before buying a used iPhone, you may want to confirm that the iPhone that you are planning to buy is an Unlocked iPhone. You will find below the steps to Find if iPhone is Unlocked or Locked to a Carrier.

Find If iPhone Is Unlocked or Locked

An iPhone that is sold directly by Apple is always sold as an Unlocked iPhone and it can be used with any carrier or network.

An unlocked iPhone requires more upfront or initial cost to buy and has a good market value (in case you want to sell it).

iPhones sold by Carriers or Telephone companies are often made available to customers at attractive down payments and may even be offered at zero down payment.

However, the downside of buying a Locked iPhone is that you won’t be able to use this iPhone with any other Service provider.

In general, Carriers Lock iPhones for a period of 18 to 24 months, after which you can request the Carrier to unlock your iPhone.

How to Find if iPhone is Unlocked or Locked

If you are buying a used iPhone, make sure that you ask the seller whether or not the iPhone is locked to a Carrier.

To confirm, you can use any of the following methods to check whether the iPhone that you are trying to buy is Locked or Unlocked iPhone.

1. Use Settings to Find if iPhone is Unlocked or Locked

If the seller has provided you with access to iPhone, you can follow the steps below to check if iPhone is Unlocked or Locked to a Carrier.

1. Open Settings > scroll down and tap on Cellular .

2. On the Cellular screen, tap on Cellular Data Options .

3. On the next screen, see if you can find Cellular Data Network option.

If you can find Cellular Data Network option, you are most likely dealing with an Unlocked iPhone. This option does not appear, if the iPhone is locked to a Carrier.

2. Use SIM Card From Another Carrier

While the first method does indicate whether the iPhone is Locked or Unlocked, it is better to confirm this by using a SIM Card from another Carrier.

You will need to arrange a meeting with the Seller and seek his/her permission to check if the iPhone can make a call using SIM Card from another Carrier.

1. Press and Hold the Power Button, until you see ‘Slide to Power OFF’ screen. Use the Slider to Power OFF iPhone.

2. Remove the existing SIM Card from iPhone and Insert SIM Card from another Carrier into the iPhone.

3. After replacing the SIM Card, press the Power button to start iPhone.

4. After the iPhone restarts, try to make a Call from the iPhone

If the Call goes through, it confirms that the iPhone is Unlocked. If the Call does not Connect, the iPhone is definitely Locked to a Carrier.

3. Use IMEI Number to Find if iPhone is Locked or Unlocked

The first two methods require access to iPhone and are convenient only when your deal to buy a used iPhone is almost in its final stages.

If the deal is still in initial stages, you can request the Seller to provide you with the IMEI Number of the iPhone and use this info to check whether the iPhone is Locked to a Carriers Network.

1. Get the IMEI Number of iPhone from the Seller.

If the Seller does not know where to look for the IMEI Number, you can refer the seller to this guide – How to Find IMEI Number On iPhone.

2. Using your Mac or Windows computer, go to iphoneimei.info website. This is considered to be one of the better known websites to check the Locked or Unlocked status of iPhone.

3. On the website, enter the 15 digit IMEI Number of iPhone and press and click on the Right-Arrow .

4. If the displayed result reads ‘Locked’ it means that the iPhone is locked. If the displayed message reads ‘ Unlocked ‘ it confirms that the iPhone is Unlocked.

If the iPhone is still Locked to a Carrier, you will find the website offering you its Unlocking service for a Fee.

Going by information on the website, the Unlocking is done remotely and you won’t be required to send your device for unlocking.

Also, the website offers a Full Refund, in case it is unable to Unlock your iPhone for some reason.

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How to Check if iPhone is Unlocked or Locked

You may already be aware that unlocked iPhones can work on any network carrier with a compatible SIM. This is the main reason why they’re high in demand by both local and international users. Any GSM carrier becomes compatible just by changing SIM cards. However, there can be confusion when you hold an iPhone because a glimpse won’t inform that it’s compatible or not. Read on to know how to check if iPhone is unlocked or locked.

3 Methods to Check if iPhone is Unlocked or Locked

There are three ways through which you can find out whether your device is a factory unlocked or is locked. This is handy when trying to buy and sell iPhone, or borrowing an iPhone from a friend for traveling.

There are some things you need to note before looking at the ways to determine whether your iPhone is locked or not. If your device was purchased from a network carrier, it’s likely to be locked, unless it was unlocked by the carrier. There are CDMA carriers that can unlock the device even when it’s in a contract.

You may also be able to request the unlock if when the contract has ended. If your device was directly purchased from an Apple store, all you need to do is insert a SIM of your choice because it’s likely to be unlocked already. Here are the ways you can check the unlock status of your iPhone.

#1: Check iPhone Unlock Status Through SIM Cards

The simplest solution for checking the unlock status is to take out the current SIM and insert SIM from another network carrier. After waiting for a while, you can see if the phone receives carrier service.

For example, when you’re in the U.S., you can insert a Verizon SIM into an AT&T iPhone to check if it’s unlocked or not. If it gets service, it means your phone is unlocked. You can easily borrow a SIM from a friend for the purpose or ask the carrier store to activate your iPhone.

#2: Web Service to Check if iPhone is Unlocked or Not

If you’re having a tough time in getting access to another carrier SIM, you can use the IMEI web info service to check the unlock status of your iPhone. However, you’ll need to like a Facebook page before doing so. That is quite easy and the service will be quite handy in determining the status:

• Dial *#06# on your device to find the IMEI number (don’t worry, your device won’t make a call but make sure that its active). If this doesn’t work, check iTunes, the back of your iPhone or the SIM device card slot.
• Go to the official iPhone IMEI checker. Enter the exact IMEI code, hit ‘Enter’. It may take a while for the servers to check your IMEI number. When the process ends, you’ll get the status of the unlock along with some additional information.
• The website has an IP based limit, and if you’re having a problem with checking the IMEI number, you can use a proxy or VPN. The IMEI site can also be used to check the iPhone unlock status by Serial number (for example: F19JP29BDTWF).

#3: Check iPhone Unlock Status via iTunes Restore

The last way to check the status is to reset the factory settings to default and restoring the phone via iTunes after connecting it to the computer with a USB cable. If you see the message ‘Congratulations, your iPhone is unlocked’, then that means your device is SIM-Free.

The message usually appears if you went for an unlock after finishing your contract or your device is factory unlocked using unlock service.

Feel free to comment and keep following UnlockBoot for the latest tips, tutorials and advice on iPhone unlocking.

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How to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked or Not? — Check It Here!

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Home > Erase iPhone > How to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked or Not? — Check It Here!

January 2, 2018 (Updated: November 17, 2021)

Check to know if the iPhone you intend to buy is carrier-locked before purchasing. If you don’t check before purchasing a new or pre-owned iPhone, you might end up frustrated and annoying especially when the seller’s return policy is not favorable. This article gives you the answer to «How do I know if my iPhone is locked or unlocked?». We also added tips you need to know about carrier locked phones.

How do I Know If My iPhone is Locked or Unlocked

#1. Check If Your iPhone is Unlocked via Settings

This method is one of the oldest methods of checking if an iPhone is unlocked, but it’s still very efficient with every version of iOS. Here are the steps to take.

Step 1: Launch your iPhone «Settings«.

Step 2: Click «Cellular«.

Step 3: Find the option labeled «Cellular Data Network«. If you can find this option, then your iPhone is unlocked, but if not, your iPhone is carrier-locked.

#2. Check If Your iPhone is Unlocked Using a Different Carrier’s SIM Card

I presume you know what a carrier SIM Card is? Then, this method is to replace the iPhone’s original carrier SIM Card with another mobile operator’s SIM Card. If a notification with the caption «SIM Not Supported» or some other request is made from the phone app such as «Activation Code» or «SIM Unlock Code» is displayed, then your iPhone is carrier-locked.

Here are the steps to check if your iPhone is unlocked with a SIM card from a different carrier:

Step 1: Switch off your iPhone using the power button.

Step 2: Locate and open your SIM card slot using your SIM eject tool or a small paper clip. You will find the SIM slot by the iPhone casing, and you can open the SIM slot by pushing the SIM eject tool into the small SIM tray Hole.

Step 3: Diligently pull the SIM tray out once it pops out, and replace the SIM card with another mobile operator’s SIM card.

Step 4: Insert the tray back, and switch on your iPhone. If your iPhone request for a passcode, enter your passcode or use the touch sensor to pass.

Step 5: Click on your iPhone app. If it’s requesting for a «SIM Unlock Code» or an «Activation Code» or you experience error before opening the app, then your iPhone is carrier-locked.

You can also refer to this video for further details:

#3. Check If Your iPhone Is Unlocked with iTunes by Restoring

Another way to check an iPhone’s unlock status is simply resetting to factory defaults and restoring through iTunes. This can be done by connecting the device to a PC. You should see the familiar «Congratulations, the iPhone is unlocked» message on your screen. If that happens, just know the iPhone has been unlocked.

This message is usually shown by AT&T if you use their free unlocking methods after a contract ends. The same thing applies if you requested a SIM unlock through network providers like Verizon or Sprint while still on contract.

#4. Check If Your iPhone Is Unlocked Use an Online Service

This method is long and it entails using the IMEI Info registration page to check if your iPhone is unlocked.

Step 1: Visit IMEI Info’s registration page, and create an account.

Step 2: Enter the required information in the specified fields and click «Register Me!»

Step 3: Confirm your registration by clicking on the link sent to your provided email address. This would take you to the IMEI Info’s main page where you will enter your iPhone’s IMEI number.

Step 4: To find your iPhone’s IMEI number open iPhone «Settings» and click «General > About«, and scroll down to IMEI section – you’ll find the number there.

Step 5: Input the IMEI number in the field provided on the IMEI Info’s main page.

Step 6: Click «I’m not a robot > Check > SIMLOCK & WARRANTY > Check Apple Phone Details«. You’ll see the message «unlocked: false» or «unlocked: true«. The former means that your iPhone is carrier locked, while the latter means that your iPhone is unlocked.

What to Do If iPhone Is Locked — Unlock It Now!

If you attempt a wrong password input on your iPhone for more than ten times, it becomes locked, with the message «iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes» popping up times and again. Several methods exist to unlock your iPhone when it gets locked. However, not all the methods work effectively as they claimed to be. The easiest and safest method, which users speak highly of, is using iMyFone LockWiper — professional iPhone unlocking software.

Features of iMyFone LockWiper

• Unlock or reset your phone with just a few clicks.
• Bypass a 4-digit, 6-digit passcode, Touch ID as well as Face ID on your device.
• Works perfectly on locked, disabled or broken iOS screen.
• Easily wipe all data on your disabled iPhone in a reset process With a few clicks.
• Remove Apple ID on your iDevices without a password.

Unlock a Locked iPhone with iMyFone LockWiper

The following is the guide to unlock your iPhone screen lock. Please note that the unlocking process will wipe all your device data.

Step 1: Install and launch iMyFone LockWiper on your computer. Click «Start«.

Step 2: Then you can connect your iOS device to the computer.

Step 3: Follow the guide on the interface to put your iPhone into DFU mode. Confirm your device model and click «Download» to continue.

Step 4: Verify the downloaded firmware and it won’t take you too long. When verify firmware package successfully, click «Start Unlock» to begin.

Step 5: Just wait in patience. Please enter «000000» to double confirm unlocking, then click «Unlock«. When it finish. You can see the interface like below.

How to Completely Reset A Second-hand iPhone After Unlocking it

Unlocking a carrier-locked iPhone brings the need to completely reset the second-hand iPhone. There is no better way to reset an iPhone completely than iMyFone Umate Pro iPhone Data Eraser for Win or iPhone Data Eraser for Mac, the ultimate iPhone data eraser which is recommended by lots of media, like MacWorld, iPhoneinCanada, APPKED, etc.

Key Features of iOS Data Eraser

• Clean many kinds of hidden junk files for free.
• Permanently erase data from iPhone, the erased data is 100% unrecoverable, even FBI cannot recover them.
• Allow you to preview and selectively erase almost all kinds of iOS data: messages, contacts, call history, videos, photos, internet history, accounts etc.
• Erase also previously deleted files that are invisible but can be recovered by recovery tool.
• Completely wiped all unwanted third-party app fragments: WhatsApp, WeChat, Kik, Viber, SnapChat, FaceBook, etc.

The steps to use iMyFone Umate Pro iPhone Data Eraser to reset iPhone:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to PC/Mac after downloading and installing iMyFone Umate Pro. Trust your computer if requested to.

Step 2: Click «Erase All Data» tab at the left-hand side of the window, then click the «Erase» button.

Step 3: Select security level, and type «delete» into the box to confirm.

Step 4: Click «Erase Now» button to start erasing all the data on your device. Wait for seconds till the erasing process finishes.

Tips You Need to Know about Carrier Locked Phones

#Tip 1. What Does It Mean When a Phone Is Carrier Locked?

Telecoms operators make agreements with phone manufacturers to develop special software code that prevents the device from being used on any other network. These software locks can, however, be unlocked by using different software code to unlock the device.

The mobile devices locked in this manner are bought by the users on the contract during which they receive a discount, and the user is expected to abide by the contract terms which usually lasts for two years. For iPhone contracts, this agreement makes it easy for the mobile operator to recoup their investment after offering the user a discount for the device. If you wish to cancel the contract, you will be charged a termination fee which will cover the remaining payment value.

There are also some deals where iPhones are sold without discounts, but they are carrier locked. If you wish to buy an unlocked phone, you must directly ask for a phone that is unlocked to avoid making a costly mistake.

#Tip 2. What Is the Importance of Unlocking Phones?

Unlocked phones can be used with any carrier or network worldwide on the GSM band. Using phones without carrier restriction give you the freedom to choose your preferred carrier and use their SIM card and cellular services.

#Tip 3. Be Clear about the Unlock Status before Purchasing a New or Second-hand Phone

There is a vast market for pre-owned phones. They are sold at cheaper rates by owners who want to upgrade their devices. You can purchase these iPhones/iPads and enjoy using them but they must be unlocked, or you may encounter difficulties. Before payment, request for the IMEI. With the IMEI you can determine the status of the phone. If the seller is unwilling to reveal the device’s IMEI, you may want to buy from another seller to avoid issues after purchase. Always ask for proof to be sure that a phone is unlocked before purchase.

Conclusion

From what has been discussed above, you should have had an impression on the cause and consequence of using a carrier locked the phone. This article has introduced 4 effective methods on how to check if your iPhone is carrier locked. In addition, two professional tools are recommended to unlock a locked phone and to completely erase all data on a second-hand iPhone. Download the free trial of the tools if you happen to come across the problem mentioned above!

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