When buying or selling an old iPhone, it’s important to know if it’s tied to a carrier or unlocked. In this article, we’ll show you how to verify and check if an iPhone is unlocked or if you’re merely thinking about switching networks.
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What Does It Mean When an iPhone is Unlocked?
Unlocked iPhones can connect to any network and sell for a premium price. If your iPhone is unlocked, you could transfer from one network to another and still use the same phone, which is incredibly desirable. iPhones purchased straight from Apple are likely to be unlocked. However, if you purchased the iPhone through a carrier on a contract, the phone will be locked until the contract is completed and paid in full. It’s also possible to purchase a secondhand, locked iPhone that will be unlocked when the prior owner’s contract expires. That is why it is critical to know if the iPhone you are purchasing is unlocked or not.
How to Check if an iPhone Is Locked to a Cellular Carrier
If your iPhone has a carrier lock, that means you can only use it with one mobile phone service provider. If you have an unlocked iPhone, you can use it with any telecom provider. Fortunately, it’s simple to determine if your iPhone is locked or unlocked.
To begin, launch the Settings app on your iPhone by pressing the grey gear symbol.
In Settings, tap “General,” then select “About.”
Scroll down to the very bottom of the “About” screen and look for the “Carrier Lock” option. If you see the phrase “No Sim Restrictions,” your iPhone is unlocked. If it reads “SIM Locked” (or something similar), your iPhone is tied to a certain carrier.
After you check if your iPhone is unlocked, and find that is not, there is a solution. If you wish to unlock your locked iPhone, you may contact your carrier and request an unlock. Depending on the condition of your account with them, they may or may not do it. According to Apple’s website, it cannot unlock a carrier lock for you; only the carrier can do so.