
If you do not have a new SIM card yet (like you’re waiting to travel), back up your iPhone, reset it, then restore it with all of your data.ĭoing a reset will ensure it is unlocked and ready for international travel. Now that the carrier has (hopefully) unlocked your phone, put the new carrier’s SIM card into your phone. If you got your phone as part of a contract, your phone would be locked to their network only until the contract terms, lease, or installment are met. If you go to the original carrier’s website, you may have luck, but you’ll need the original account number and other key pieces of information the seller may not be willing to give you. Most of these sites charge a fee, and some aren’t even accurate. But, as always, there are risks with this as well. Your next option is to use a third-party website to run the IMEI for you. But, if you’re buying the phone on eBay or having it shipped to you, this isn’t an option. Your best bet is to meet the seller at your Carrier’s store and activate the service on the phone before paying for it (most honest sellers will do this). Of course, you could check with your carrier to see if the IMEI is compatible, but this won’t always tell you if the phone is unlocked. If you purchase a locked phone from the original buyer, you’ll be at their mercy to unlock it. One common issue with phones that aren’t unlocked is when they’re sold to another person. If you’re in this bracket, it’s just a simple case of flicking Airplane mode on and off and restarting the phone – or reseating the SIM card.įind Out if a Phone is Unlocked Before Buying If your iPhone is locked, you’ll get error messages such as “Invalid SIM” or “No SIM card installed.” This message might not mean that your phone is locked – it could just be a glitch in the iOS system.

Just pop out your existing SIM and try a new one from another carrier. Not sure if your phone is locked? Well, this bit’s pretty easy. There are a couple of different ways to find out if your iPhone is unlocked. The latter keeps you from accessing a phone while the carrier lock keeps you from using another network provider (if you have Verizon, you can’t use AT&T until the device is carrier unlocked). Just keep in mind a carrier lock is different from a screen lock.

We’ve reviewed all of the information you need to understand carrier unlocks below.
