Iphone has been 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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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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