How Do I Know if My Phone Is Unlocked

If you’re thinking of selling your iPhone®, buying a used one, or switching carriers, you’ll starting time need to ostend that the device is unlocked. In that location are several ways to verify this, including contacting the carrier, checking the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) carte, or looking up this information by using the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.

Whether it’southwardsetting up your new iPhone orturning off the Find your iPhone characteristic, Asurion Experts are armed with the tools to aid with and resolve all of your
iPhone repair
and optimization needs. Here’southward our guide to why you would need to unlock your iPhone and how to do information technology.

What does it mean for an iPhone to be unlocked?

An iPhone is either locked (connected to one carrier) or unlocked (gratuitous to use with any carrier).

• When you lot buy i from a carrier, such as AT&T® or Verizon®, you are typically tied to them—the telephone is locked—for the duration of your contract.
• When yous buy a new iPhone from the Apple tree® shop, it is unlocked by default.
• A used iPhone is unlocked if the person you are buying it from has finished their contract and paid in full.

How to tell if your telephone is unlocked

Hither’s a quick rundown of the dissimilar ways you can find out whether or non your telephone is unlocked to work on any network.

Bank check with your carrier

The about accurate way to notice out if your phone is unlocked (or to get it unlocked) is to call your carrier. Simply the telephone call might exist time-consuming, and you volition merely be able to get information most your ain device—not for a phone you’re interested in ownership.

You lot can too visit your carrier’s website for free (hither are links forAT&T andVerizon) to bank check if your phone is unlocked. You lot may demand to enter your iPhone’southward serial number (Go toSettings >General>About and look for the Serial number) as well equally the IMEI number.

Check if your phone is unlocked using IMEI

Every iPhone comes with a unique, 15-digit IMEI number. While SIM cards are typically linked with the user, the IMEI number is permanently connected to the device and tin exist used to bank check if it’s connected to a certain network.

An iPhone IMEI bank check is a great tool to prevent stolen devices from being activated and to see if you are free to apply a previously-owned phone with your network of choice.

How to find your iPhone IMEI number

Yous’ll find the IMEI number printed inside the battery compartment of your iPhone, or you can access it more easily past entering *#06# on the keypad.

Utilize an online IMEI checker

In one case you’ve found your IMEI number, you can see if your iPhone is unlocked by plugging it into an online database. In that location are many of these sites available (search “online IMEI checker”) but most or all volition have you to a paywall to detect out the device’due south SIMlock status or carrier status. These are the same thing: Both tell you if your iPhone is unlocked.

Cheque the settings

Another quick, piece of cake manner to find out if your iPhone is unlocked is past checking the Settings app.

1. OpenSettings.
2. TapGeneral >Nearly.
3. Look forCarrier Lock. If it saysNo SIM restrictions, then your iPhone is unlocked. If it saysSIM locked or anything else, it is probably locked.

If this doesn’t work, or you lot want to double-bank check—occasionally your Settings can exist inaccurate—endeavour checking your SIM card.

How to check your SIM card to see if your iPhone is unlocked

Checking your SIM card to find out if your iPhone is unlocked will require some planning. You’ll demand to have a SIM card from two unlike carriers—but both take to be the same size. If y’all only take i SIM menu, you lot’ll need to borrow one from a friend. Follow these steps:

1. Plough off your iPhone: If your phone has a Home button, press and hold theSidebutton until thePower Off slider appears, then drag it off; if your phone has Face ID, printing and agree theBook Upbutton andSidebutton until thePower Off slider appears, and then drag it off.
2. Use a straightened paperclip to open theSIM card tray.
3. Remove theSIM menu. Caution: Exercise not touch on the metal on the SIM bill of fare as it is very frail.
4. Place the otherSIM card into theSIM bill of fare tray and gently push it back in identify.
5. Plough on your iPhone by pressing and holding theSidebutton.
6. Place a call.If you become an error message, your iPhone is locked. If the call connects, your device is unlocked.

*The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the belongings of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the corresponding owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.*