How to Unlock Your iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Has your carrier-locked iPhone ever held you hostage? Whether you want to switch to a completely new network provider, travel to other countries, or simply want to add more value to the resale of your iPhone, here are new avenues unlocked for you. When you unlock your iPhone, it means you give yourself that flexibility and independence that a locked phone just can’t afford you, enabling you to use it with any compatible carrier.

A step-by-step guide on how to safely and legally unlock your iPhone: from what a locked iPhone is and why one should unlock it to the steps involved in doing so-it doesn’t matter if you’re a computer novice or a seasoned user, this write-up breaks it down into actionable information so that you can begin confidently with unlocking.

The process of unlocking your iPhone really means first and foremost understanding what it means for a device to be “locked” and why this practice exists. Understanding the reasoning behind such a practice will better prepare you to make informed decisions as you work through the process of unlocking.

What does it mean when an iPhone is locked?

A locked iPhone is attached to the network of a specific carrier – you can only use that carrier’s SIM card and services. If you put in another carrier’s SIM card, your iPhone will say “SIM Not Supported” or probably “Invalid SIM”, and also you will not be able to make calls, send texts, and even use mobile information from the new network. The locking mechanism is software based and coded into the iPhone’s firmware – it can’t be taken out by changing the SIM card. It’s a restriction that carriers enforce to ensure that the device is used only on their network unless officially unlocked.

Why are iPhones locked to carriers?

Carriers lock iPhones primarily for business reasons. Many carriers offer iPhones at a reduced upfront cost or through installment plans. Locking the device ensures that you fulfill the contract terms or payment plan with them. Additionally, by locking the iPhone to their network, carriers aim to retain you as a customer for a longer period, often tied to a service agreement ranging from 12 to 24 months. Locking devices also helps carriers reduce the risk of someone purchasing a subsidized phone and immediately switching to a competitor, which could lead to financial losses for the carrier.

Benefits of unlocking your iPhone

The benefits of unlocking your iPhone consist of a better user experience and greater flexibility. For one, it lets you switch carriers. Unlocked, you may use any carrier that supports your iPhone’s technology, be it CDMA or GSM, which is really convenient in case you don’t like your current service or find a much better option somewhere else. It is also good when you go on international travels: an unlocked iPhone can feel free to use local SIM cards abroad without paying high roaming charges from the home carrier. It also increases resale value when unlocking, since the buyer enjoys flexibility. You are not confined to the plans offered by one carrier, but you can freely compare other offers that may work for you, be it more data, wider coverage, or probably much lower prices.

Read the law on iPhone unlocking to make sure you understand your rights and avoid problems.

Legal aspects in the USA

In the United States, unlocking your iPhone is legal. The Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act, signed into law in 2014, allows consumers to unlock their phones once they’ve fulfilled the terms of their service contracts or paid off their device in full. This legislation empowers you to switch carriers legally, provided you meet certain conditions set by your carrier.

Carrier policies on unlocking

Each carrier has different policies regarding unlocking. For example, AT&T requires the device be in use for at least 60 days with no past-due or unpaid balance. Verizon locks devices for 60 days after purchase, then they unlock automatically. T-Mobile wants at least 40 days of active service and the full payment for the device. Sprint (now merged with T-Mobile) has the same policies, but older devices may have different requirements. Check with your carrier for the most current policy because they might change.

Apple position on unlocking

Apple sells locked and unlocked iPhones alike. In general, when customers purchase iPhones straight from Apple at full price, these are unlocked devices. Apple does not unlock iPhones that are tied to a particular carrier. Apple usually forwards users to their respective carriers regarding queries about unlocking via their support pages.

Proper preparation leads to an easy unlocking process. Here’s what you need to do before sending an unlock request.

Verify your iPhone’s eligibility

Check that your iPhone meets your carrier’s unlocking requirements. Unless specified by the carrier, the device mustn’t be in an active contract. All bills and installment payments for the device should be paid in full. Several carriers have to have the device be in their network for a specific amount of time.

Backup your data

Though unlocking shouldn’t wipe your data out, you should still backup your iPhone in case something goes wrong. To Backup using iCloud, connect Your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network, then simply select Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup then Back Up Now. In case you prefer to make use of a computer, plug your iPhone into a computer, open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (macOS Mojave or earlier or on Windows PC) and then select your iPhone when it appears and click Back Up Now.

Upgrade to the latest iOS

Updating ensures compatibility and can avoid problems during unlocking. For the Update, visit Settings → General → Software update on your iPhone. In case there is an update available, tap Download and Install.

Locate your iPhone IMEI number

Your carrier needs an IMEI number. The IMEI is found under Settings → General → About, scroll down. Alternately for iPhone 6s and later the IMEI is on the SIM tray and for much more current versions it’s etched on the rear of the unit.

There are several ways to unlock your iPhone that have different steps, requirements, and considerations.

Unlocking through your carrier

The simplest way to unlock your device is through your carrier. Almost all carriers require a current account with no overdue bills, no iPhone to report lost or stolen, and no service contracts or installment plans must be canceled. The general steps entail contacting your carrier, sending an unlock request together with your account details and IMEI number, waiting for confirmation and then following any further instructions the carrier offers you to complete the unlock.

Using a third party service

If unlocking through your carrier isn’t an option, reputable third-party services can help but be careful. These services submit your IMEI to Apple’s database and mark it as unlocked and charge a fee (these charges vary widely). Research the service before buying to avoid scams, be wary of prices that seem too good to be true and be aware that unauthorized unlocking could invalidate your warranty.

Preventing unauthorized methods

Jailbreaking and software hacks are available but not recommended. These techniques could expose your iPhone to malware, make your iPhone behave unpredictable and also violate terms of service and void your warranty.

Unlocking through your carrier is recommended for safety and legality. Here’s how to do it.

Contacting your carrier

Gather the account holder’s name & account number, the IMEI number of your mobile along with the telephone number related to the iPhone. You could call your carrier via phone, online at the carrier’s website, and at a carrier’s retail shop.

Submitting an unlock request

For example, in AT&T, go to AT&T Device Unlock Portal, select “Unlock a Device,” enter your details and an IMEI number, click submit and note the confirmation number. With T-Mobile, you’d log into your T-Mobile Account, go to Account → Lines and Devices → iPhone, select “Request a Network Unlock” and follow the instructions.

Confirmation and next steps

Wait for approval, which could take several hours to several days after sending your request. Once approved, you should get an email with unlocking instructions. For the unlock process to finish you may need to backup your iPhone, Erase it (Settings → General → Reset → Erase All Content & Settings) and then restore your iPhone out of your backup during setup.

You now have your iPhone unlocked to setup with your new carrier.

Inserting a new SIM card

To insert a new SIM card: switch off your iPhone, find the SIM tray (typically on the edge of your iPhone), eject the SIM tray, put the brand new SIM card into the tray, insert into the iPhone, and boot up your device.

Configuring carrier settings

You may be prompted to change carrier settings. When the prompt appears, tap “Update”. In case you do not get a prompt, you are able to check manually through Settings → General → About. In case an update is available, you’ll be asked to install it.

Common problems troubleshooting

In case you get “No Service,” make sure the SIM card is inserted and the plan is active. If you get an “Invalid SIM” message, restart your iPhone or contact the new carrier. If data is not working, make sure that cellular data is enabled under Settings → Cellular.

Unlocking your iPhone gives you more flexibility and freedom wherever you go. In case you follow the proper steps, unlocking your cellphone is easy whether you’re crossing borders, changing carriers, or trying to sell it for more resale value. Hope this guide helped you unlock your iPhone easily. In case you have gone through the process, share your experiences or even ask questions.

Having troubles with unlocking your device? No problem, sell your iPhone to us and we will take care of it.

Resources

• AT&T Unlock Portal: att.com/deviceunlock
• Verizon Device Unlocking Policies: verizon.com
• T-Mobile Unlock App: t-mobile.com
• Apple Support on Unlocking: support.apple.com