Iphone bought from apple unlocked

How to Tell If Your iPhone Is Unlocked & What Does That Mean? (iOS 15 Update)

Is my iPhone unlocked? 3 easy ways to check iPhone unlock status.

iPhones can be bought unlocked from legitimate vendors (including Apple), but you should know how to tell if an iPhone is unlocked before you make your purchase. Whether you want to make sure your phone is unlocked so it’ll be worth more or you’re just thinking of switching carriers, we’ll show you how to check if an iPhone is unlocked or not.

How Do I Know If My Phone Is Unlocked? 3 Ways to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked

What does it mean if an iPhone is unlocked? We’ll guide you through how to tell if your iPhone is unlocked in three different ways, and help you understand what iPhone unlocked means. At the end, we’ll also cover some top FAQs for how to tell if an iPhone is unlocked!

What Does It Mean When an iPhone is Unlocked?

An iPhone that’s unlocked can connect to any carrier, and can bring in a higher price when sold. If your iPhone is unlocked, you could switch from Sprint to Verizon tomorrow and your same phone will work just fine, which is highly desirable! iPhones that have been purchased directly from Apple are likely to be unlocked. But if you bought the iPhone through a carrier on a contract, the phone will be locked until the contract is over and paid in full. It’s also possible to buy a used, locked iPhone that becomes unlocked later when the previous owner has finished their contract. That’s why it’s important to know whether the iPhone you’re buying is unlocked or not. So to recap:

1. Locked iPhones are stuck with a carrier; unlocked iPhones are free to use with any carrier.
2. Paid-for iPhones direct from Apple are usually unlocked.
3. iPhones leased from a carrier will be locked for the duration of the lease.
4. Unlocked iPhones will fetch more money when sold.

First, I want to clarify that you don’t necessarily need to do any of the following steps to check iPhone unlock status. You could call your current carrier and ask them if your iPhone is unlocked. If you’re considering buying a used phone and the phone’s current carrier won’t give you the info over the phone, your only option (aside from trusting the seller) is to try the steps in the methods below. But otherwise, calling the carrier is the best way to check if an iPhone is unlocked. The con of calling the carrier is the time it will take (no one likes spending an hour on the phone with customer service, I know), but it’s guaranteed to be accurate. Not interested? Let’s get into how to know if your iPhone is unlocked.

Worried about the repercussions of using an unlocked iPhone, or have more questions? Check out the Unlocked iPhone FAQ section for more information.

How to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked in Settings

For this method, you’ll need to have the iPhone in question powered on and unlocked (the other kind of unlocked—enter the four or six-digit code to access the phone, if needed). Here’s how to tell if your iPhone is unlocked in Settings:

Open the Settings app on the iPhone in question.

Scroll down and tap General.

Tap About.

Scroll to the bottom and look for Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, then your iPhone is unlocked and you’re free to use any carrier or cell service. If it says anything else, then it is probably locked.

However, this isn’t quite the end of the story, since some users report that this information isn’t displayed in their About page in Settings. If that’s the case for you, check out one of the other methods detailed below.

How to Tell If iPhone Is Unlocked with the SIM Card

How can I tell if my iPhone is unlocked if it doesn’t say it in Settings? There’s another way, but it’ll require some prep work, since this method requires you to have two SIM cards, each from a different carrier. If you don’t have two SIM cards, you could test this out by borrowing one from a friend’s phone.

1. Power off your iPhone.
2. Use a straightened paperclip or a SIM card tool to open the SIM card tray, then remove the current SIM card.
3. Careful not to touch the metal on the card! These things are fragile.
4. Place the SIM card from a different carrier (must be same size) into the SIM card tray of the iPhone. Push the tray back into place.
5. Power the iPhone on.
6. Now, try to make a call to any working number.
7. If you get an error message that the call cannot be completed, then your iPhone is locked. If you’re able to connect and make the call, then your iPhone is definitely unlocked.

If you’re still unsure or can’t use this method to check if an iPhone is unlocked, try using one of the two online tools I recommend below.

How to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked: IMEI Lookup Online

There are quite a few online tools that allow you to check if your phone is unlocked using the IMEI number; however, the vast majority want you to pay about three dollars to get the info. I found a couple of free tools, though. In general, it’s best to be very cautious about using online tools like this, especially if they’re unverified. As such, I recommend this approach only if it’s your last resort and you absolutely don’t want to call your cellular service provider.

Here’s how to know if your iPhone is unlocked using the IMEI number:

1. Open the Settings app.

Scroll down and tap General.

Tap About.

Scroll down until you find the IMEI number.

If you have an iPhone X or later, you may notice a second IMEI listing. If this is the case for you, save that second IMEI number; you’ll need it.

Finally, make note of your iPhone’s Serial Number, located in the top section on this About screen.

Now visit https://iphoneimei.net/check-imei or http://www.imei.info/, preferably on a computer.

Fill in the requested information and submit.

You may need to solve a captcha to prove you’re not a robot.

Then the website will present you with an information card. Look for Lock Status.

Unlocked iPhone FAQs

1. Can a Factory Unlocked iPhone Be Updated with Software Updates?

Yes! If an iPhone was officially unlocked by Apple or by a phone service carrier, Apple will still recognize it and the phone can be updated. If an unlocked iPhone was not officially unlocked, it’s considered «jailbroken» and can’t be updated. at least not without serious risk of bricking the phone.

2. What’s the Difference between Unlocking and Jailbreaking an iPhone?

A phone that is sold by Apple without association with a cellular service provider will generally come factory unlocked, which means it’s not tied to a carrier but is officially supported and can be updated. An officially unlocked iPhone is one that has been unlocked by a carrier, and done so in a way that ensures Apple will still support the device for updates.

An iPhone that’s been manually unlocked by a user to untether the iPhone from a service provider is considered jailbroken, and is not eligible for iOS updates and other support.

3. Are Factory Unlocked iPhones Fake or Unsafe?

If you’re purchasing an iPhone from Apple that is unlocked, it’s safe! Apple sells these iPhones without locking them to a service provider because it allows the company to sell iPhones directly, and users can still use them with cellular carriers.

On the other hand, buying an iPhone from an unauthorized vendor that claims the phone is «factory unlocked» does carry the risk that the device will be unsafe or not legitimately unlocked.

4. Is It Legal to Unlock My iPhone Myself?

It’s legal to unlock your iPhone if you own it outright with no remaining payments due. If you’re still in the process of paying off your phone or you have other reasons to be beholden to the carrier, it’s definitely a good idea to check with your carrier prior to unlocking your iPhone.

5. What Is the Disadvantage of Unlocking an iPhone?

The main disadvantage of buying an unlocked phone in the first place is the price—unlocked iPhones cost more than locked ones. If you already own an iPhone that you want to unlock, the main disadvantages of unlocking your phone yourself are potential loss of support from your service provider and Apple, including software updates. Unlocking a phone yourself may void the warranty, but if you get your iPhone unlocked by your carrier, the risks are low.

6. Will Apple Unlock an iPhone I Already Own?

Unfortunately, no. Apple allows cellular carriers to do this, though, so you can check with your carrier to see if they’ll unlock it for you!

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Why buy iPhone anywhere else?

When it comes to purchasing a new iPhone, there’s no better place to buy than Apple. For all your questions about carrier support, payment options, and getting your new iPhone set up, we have all the answers you need.

We’ll make sure it works with your carrier.

Can you connect my new iPhone to any carrier?

For sure. We can easily activate your new iPhone so you can keep your same number and rate plan, saving you a trip to the carrier’s store. A Specialist can even help you get connected via phone or chat. Show more Show less

Will my new iPhone
be unlocked?

Every iPhone you buy from us online or in an Apple Store is unlocked, with the exception of a few carrier financing options. With an unlocked iPhone, you’re free to go with the carrier of your choice. Show more Show less

What about carrier plans with my new iPhone?

You can easily stick with the carrier plan you have. If you’re looking to switch, stop by your nearest Apple Store or call 1-800-MY-APPLE. We can talk about what’s best for you. Show more Show less

Is it cheaper to buy from my carrier?

Not necessarily. While many carriers have special offers for buying an iPhone, most of those promotions are also available in an Apple Store. Come in or call a Specialist and let us know what you’re looking for. There’s a good chance we can find an option that works for you. Show more Show less

Have more questions about carrier support?

Let’s talk payment options.

Should I buy with Apple Card?

Definitely. You’ll get 3% Daily Cash back on the purchase of your new iPhone and any accessories when you buy from Apple. Or if you’d rather pay for your iPhone monthly, just choose Apple Card Monthly Installments as your payment option and get interest-free payments and 3% Daily Cash, all up front. 1 Show more Show less

Can I get special carrier deals at Apple?

Yes, you can get up to $1000 credit on the newest iPhone after trade-in with special carrier deals, directly from Apple. You can also take advantage of special deals for iPhone 12. 2 Show more Show less

Can I trade in my old phone?

Absolutely. We offer competitive trade‑in values that you can use to lower the cost of your new iPhone, or get back on a gift card. 3 If your trade‑in doesn’t have any monetary value, we can recycle it for free. And if you have any old devices lying around, you can trade those in, too. Show more Show less

What if I want a new iPhone every year?

We have an option for that. With the iPhone Upgrade Program, you can get the latest iPhone every year with AppleCare+ coverage included. 4 Interested? Just chat, call, or visit an Apple Store to learn more from a Specialist. Show more Show less

Have more questions about payment options?

We’ll help get your new iPhone set up quickly.

Can you help me set up my new iPhone?

You bet. Whether you buy online or in an Apple Store, it’s quick and easy to get your new iPhone set up the way you like. Whether you visit us in a store or book an Online Personal Session, we’ll help you transfer your data, contacts, and photos, show you how to set up privacy and security features like Face ID or Touch ID, and more. Show more Show less

Is it hard to move everything over to my new iPhone?

Not at all. If you back up your data on your current iPhone to your computer or iCloud before you come in or before your Online Personal Session, we can move everything over in a snap. If you’re not able to back up beforehand, we can move all your data over using Quick Start when we set up your new iPhone. And with iOS 15, you’ll have temporary access to all the iCloud storage you need to back up all your apps and data – so moving everything to your new iPhone is easier than ever. Show more Show less

Is all my
information safe?

Totally. We take privacy very seriously at Apple. What’s on your iPhone is your business. Getting your new device set up the way you like it is ours. If you trade in with us online, we’ll show you how to erase all the data from your iPhone before you send it in. And if you trade in at an Apple Store, we’ll erase all the data right then and there. Show more Show less

What do I get with AppleCare+ coverage?

Your new iPhone comes with one year of hardware repair coverage and 90 days of tech support. With AppleCare+, you can extend that coverage and get up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage every 12 months. Or you can upgrade to AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for an additional cost. 5 Show more Show less

Have more questions about setting up your iPhone?

Which iPhone is right for you?

New iPhone 13 Pro

The ultimate iPhone.

6.7” or 6.1”

All-screen OLED display 6 with ProMotion

A15 Bionic chip

Fastest chip ever in a smartphone

Pro camera system

Telephoto, Wide, Ultra Wide

Up to 28 hours video playback 8

Compatible with MagSafe accessories

New iPhone 13

A total powerhouse.

6.1” or 5.4”

All-screen OLED display 6

A15 Bionic chip

Faster than the competition

Advanced dual‑camera system

Wide, Ultra Wide

Up to 19 hours video playback 8

Compatible with MagSafe accessories

iPhone 12

As amazing as ever.

6.1” or 5.4”

All-screen OLED display 10

A14 Bionic chip

Wide, Ultra Wide

Up to 17 hours video playback 8

Compatible with MagSafe accessories

iPhone SE

Lots to love.
Less to spend.

4G LTE cellular 7

A13 Bionic chip

Up to 13 hours video playback 8

Need some help? Chat now, call 1-800-MY-APPLE, or find a store.

Discover even more when you’re ready.

After your new iPhone is set up just the way you like it, ask about our free Today at Apple sessions. Learn essential photo skills. Bring your videos to life in all-new ways. Or see how easy it is to create music.

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1. Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI) is a 0% APR payment option available to select at checkout for certain Apple products purchased at Apple Store locations, apple.com, the Apple Store app, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE, and is subject to credit approval and credit limit. See https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211204 for more information about eligible products. Variable APRs for Apple Card other than ACMI range from 10.99% to 21.99% based on creditworthiness. Rates as of April 1, 2020. If you choose the pay-in-full or one-time-payment option for an ACMI eligible purchase instead of choosing ACMI as the payment option at checkout, that purchase will be subject to the variable APR assigned to your Apple Card. Taxes and shipping are not included in ACMI and are subject to your card’s variable APR. See the Apple Card Customer Agreement for more information. ACMI is not available for purchases made online at the following special stores: Apple Employee Purchase Plan; participating corporate Employee Purchase Programs; Apple at Work for small businesses; Government, and Veterans and Military Purchase Programs, or on refurbished devices. iPhone activation required on iPhone purchases made at an Apple Store with one of these national carriers: AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, or T‑Mobile.
2. AT&T Special Deal: Offer pricing will reflect application of AT&T trade‑in credit up to $1,000 (iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max) or $800 (iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13) applied over 36 months after trade‑in of eligible smartphone. Requires upgrade of an existing line or activation of a new line and purchase of a new iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, or iPhone 13 Pro Max on qualifying 36‑month 0% APR installment plan, subject to carrier credit qualification. AT&T Installment Plan with Next Up is not eligible for this promotion. $0 down for well‑qualified customers only, or down payment may be required and depends on a variety of factors. Tax on full retail price due at sale. Requires activation on eligible unlimited plan. If you cancel eligible wireless service, credits will stop and you will owe device the remaining device balance. Activation/Upgrade Fee: $30. Trade‑in device may not be on existing installment plan. Bill credits are applied as a monthly credit over the 36‑month installment plan. Credits start within 3 bills. Will receive catch‑up credits once credits start. Wireless line must be on an installment agreement, active, and in good standing for 30 days to qualify. Installment agreement starts when device is shipped. To get all credits, device must remain on agreement for entire term and you must keep eligible service on device for entire installment term. Limited‑time offer; subject to change. Limits: one trade‑in per qualifying purchase and one credit per line. May not be combinable with other offers, discounts, or credits. Purchase, financing, other limits, and restrictions apply. Price for iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini includes $30 AT&T instant discount. Activation required.

Verizon Special Deal: Offer pricing will reflect application of Verizon’s trade-in credit up to $440 (iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max) or $412 (iPhone 13 mini) after trade-in of eligible smartphone. Savings comprised of (i) Apple instant trade-in credit at checkout and (ii) Verizon monthly bill credits applied over 24 months (iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13) or 30 months (iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max).Offer pricing will reflect application of Verizon’s trade-in credit up to $440 (iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max) or $412 (iPhone 13 mini) after trade-in of eligible smartphone. Savings comprised of (i) Apple instant trade-in credit at checkout and (ii) Verizon monthly bill credits applied over 24 months (iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13) or 30 months (iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max). Customer must remain in the Verizon Device Payment Program for 24 months (iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13) or 30 months (iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max) to receive the full benefit of the Verizon bill credits. Bill credits may take 1–2 bill cycles to appear. If it takes two cycles for bill credits to appear, you’ll see the credit for the first cycle on your second bill in addition to that month’s credit. Requires purchase and activation of a new iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, or iPhone 13 Pro Max with the Verizon Device Payment Program at 0% APR for 24 months (iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13) or 30 months (iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max), subject to carrier credit qualification, and iPhone availability and limits. Taxes and shipping not included in monthly price. Sales tax may be assessed on full value of new iPhone. Requires eligible unlimited service plan. Requires trade‑in of eligible device in an eligible condition. Must be at least 18 to trade in. Apple or its trade‑in partners reserve the right to refuse or limit any trade‑in transaction for any reason. In‑store trade‑in requires presentation of a valid, government‑issued photo ID (local law may require saving this information). In‑store promotion availability subject to local law; speak to a Specialist to learn more. Limited‑time offer; subject to change. Additional terms from Apple, Verizon, and Apple’s trade‑in partners may apply. Price for iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini includes $30 Verizon instant discount. Activation required.

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