How Can I Check If Iphone Is Unlocked



Way 1: Use Another SIM Card to Check if an iPhone is Unlocked One of the best and easiest ways to know if iphone is unlocked is to use a SIM card that didn't come with your iPhone. That means, if your phone came with an AT&T SIM card, try using a T-Mobile SIM card in your device. So, grab a SIM card that your phone didn't come with. IPhone Carrier Check. The iPhone can be unlocked based on the IMEI Number, the carrier in which it is currently used (the network in which it was originally purchased) and the origin Country of the device. Once more, you can get access to that information by using the Carrier Lock status.

  1. Go to Settings on your iPhone Go to Cellular Cellular Data Options. Find the option “Cellular Data Network” or “Mobile Data Network.” In case you find either of these two, your phone is most likely unlocked, whereas if you don’t, that means your devices may be locked.
  2. Use Another SIM Card to Check if an iPhone is Unlocked. One of the best and easiest ways to know.

Network providers restrict some of their subsidized iPhones to specific countries and/or networks. A locked iPhone can only be used on the designated network or using a SIM-card issued by the respective provider. When buying a used phone, it should be your priority to check if the iPhone is locked or whether the iPhone is unlocked. This guide demonstrates two ways to check if an iPhone is SIM locked or netlocked.

How Can I Tell If My Iphone Is Unlocked At&t

This guide is also useful for readers who are planning to sell their iPhone. Most mobile phones can be unlocked by paying a fee to the respective service provider or GSM network. Secondary SIM-cards, for example when traveling abroad, can typically not be used with a locked iPhone. There are two common types of locked iPhones, here’s how you can differentiate between them:

  • SIM lock: Which restricts the SIM-card usage to a single, unique card. You will not be able to use any other card with this iPhone, unless the provider is paid to unlock it.
  • Netlock/ Network lock/ Subsidy lock

Tip: If you are looking for a guide on how to unlock your iPhone SIM card, you will find more information here.

What is Netlock?

How can i check if iphone is unlocked phone

This particular type of locking an iPhone restricts the usage of SIM-cards that do not fit the designated network. If the net lock applies to, for instance, Verizon, you will only be able to use SIM cards which connect to the Verizon network. This type of lock can be achieved with a certain software. Usually a net lock is valid for about 2 months or until the providers fee to unlock the smartphone is paid. As soon as the netlock is lifted, all SIM cards can be entered.

Check if your iPhone is locked or unlocked

Quick method

Check

The simplest way to check if your iPhone has been locked by the provider: Put in another SIM card. Your iPhone will show an alert “SIM not Valid” or “No SIM”, if the locked status prevents usage. Another common error message is “The SIM card inserted in this iPhone does not appear to be supported”. Double-check the SIM for visible damage, dirt or surface irregularities, as these can also cause the “No SIM” warning.

Iphone

Web method

You can also use a web service to determine whether your desired iPhone is locked, factory locked or has been locked down by the provider. Websites such as imei.info offer a lookup service and only require the IMEI number.

How to get the IMEI on iPhone: You can find the IMEI number at the back of your device, also see our guide for checking the IMEI on iPhone. Another way to retrieve your IMEI number, e.g. if the back of your iPhone has been scratched and is affecting the legibility of the number, is to input a special GSM code in the dialer of your Phone app. Enter“*#06#” without the quotes and iOS will display the IMEI for you. A further way to check the IMEI would be to launch iTunes with the device connected to a Mac or a PC.

Once you have it, simply enter your IMEI number at imei.info and click “SIMLOCK & WARRANTY” to proceed. You will have to register for a free account, though. The website will return detailed information on the status of your device and whether a simlock or carrier lock is likely.

Tip:If you want to sell your iPhone safely online, check out our tips for selling your iPhone safely.

How helpful is this article?
  • 1. Unlock iPhone Locked Screen
  • 2. SIM/iCloud Unlock iPhone
  • 3. Fix Disabld iPhone
  • 4. Reset Locked iPhone
  • 5. Unlock iPad/iPod Tips
  • 6. Unlock MDM Tips

by Jenefey AaronUpdated on 2019-12-26 / Update for iPhone Tips

When you consider buying a new iPhone like iPhone X, 8 Plus or iPhone 8, you will need to make sure that it is an unlocked one unless you are going with a carrier that has a really great deal you can't miss out on. An unlocked iPhone means the phone can be used with any carrier in any country regardless of whom you have bought it from.

For example, you can buy an unlocked iPhone in the UK and be able to use it in the USA with any carrier as long as the carrier is a GSM one. While the retail shops will be able to tell you whether the iPhone you are going to buy is an unlocked one or not, if you are buying it personally from a person then the person may or may not be able to tell if the phone is unlocked.

Fortunately, there are ways using which you can check if iPhone is unlocked. These ways will tell you whether you are going to get an iPhone that can be used with all carriers or if it is a locked iPhone that only works on a specific carrier.

Here's how to tell if iPhone is unlocked:

Way 1: Use Another SIM Card to Check if an iPhone is Unlocked

One of the best and easiest ways to know if iphone is unlocked is to use a SIM card that didn't come with your iPhone. That means, if your phone came with an AT&T SIM card, try using a T-Mobile SIM card in your device.

So, grab a SIM card that your phone didn't come with. Insert the card into your device and see if you get network coverage. If you do, then see if you can place a call. If you can, your phone is unlocked and it should work on all the carriers in the world.

If your phone was locked, it wouldn't accept the other SIM card and it wouldn't let you make a call.

Way 2: Check From iPhone Settings

Another way to check if an iPhone is unlocked or not is to go to the Settings menu and find a specific option.

First off, tap on Settings on your iPhone's homescreen and then tap on Cellular on the following screen. Then, see if you see the Cellular Data option. If you do, your phone is unlocked. If you don't, your phone is locked.

This isn't the full-proof way, however, it works on most iPhones and it will do on yours, too.

Way 3: Use IMEI Number to Verify If iPhone is Locked

Each iPhone has its own IMEI number or called serial number containing all the device information, so you can use the IMEI number to tell if your iPhone is unlocked. This way is much realiable and secure.

Go to Settings > General > About > IMEI.

Determine If Iphone Is Unlocked

Then contact the carrier provider to verify the status. Popular carriers numbers are listed below:

  • Verizon - 1 (800) 922-0204
  • AT&T - 1 (800) 331-0500
  • Sprint - 1 (888) 211-4727
  • T-Mobile - 1 (877) 453-1304

Way 4: Use a Third-Party Website to Check iPhone Unlock Status

There are websites that can help you check if your iPhone is unlocked or not by having you input your phone's IMEI number and the website then retrieves data from its database.

One of these website is called IMEI Info that lets you check for your iPhone's lock status. It can tell you whether your iPhone is unlocked or not and all you have to do is enter your phone's IMEI and it will take care of the rest for you.

Head over to the IMEI Info website and get yourself registered. You need an account before you can run a search. Finish the account opening process.

Once that's done, confirm your email for the site and then enter in your iPhone's IMEI number on the website and click submit. You will see the following:

Lock Status: Locked - this indicates that your phone is indeed locked. It can't be used with other carriers.

How Can I Check If My Iphone Is Unlocked

Lock Status: Unlocked - this indicates your phone is unlocked and you can use it with whatever carrier you want.

How Can I Check If Iphone Is Unlocked Phones

So, now you have an answer for how to know if iPhone is unlocked. If your iPhone is locked and you could contact your carrier to get it unlocked or.

Extra Tip: How to Unlock iPhone Screen without Passcode

Another situation about locked iPhone we ofter talk is that iPhone is locked with passcode and we cannot get into the device. In this case, I strongly recommend you give Tenorshare 4uKey a trial, which can help you remove the lock screen within minutes, no matter you are using 4-digit or 6-digit passcode, touch ID or face ID. Once unlocked, you are free to use your iPhone.