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In this article we will show you how to Check if Your iPhone Is Unlocked. If your smartphone is unlocked, you can take it abroad and use it with different carriers. Most of the time, your phone will work with a SIM card from another network or provider, so you can still make calls, surf the web, and send texts as usual.
Some iPhones are locked to a single cellular network, while others are unlocked and can be used with any SIM card and provider. It’s important to know what kind of iPhone you have because it could make or break your experience when you get a new iPhone or want to switch networks.
When you pay full price for an iPhone, it is already unlocked. But an iPhone bought from a network is usually locked because it is part of a contract. When you buy a refurbished iPhone, it should be clear if it is locked or not. However, if you buy from private sellers on eBay or Craigslist, this isn’t always the case, so being able to check is a big help.
Ways to Check if Your iPhone Is Unlocked
Using Settings Menu
Checking the Settings menu is the easiest way to see if your iPhone is unlocked. Even though this method isn’t always right, it’s a good place to start. You can also go to the official Apple support site to know more information.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
- Look for “Cellular Data Network” or “Mobile Data Network” as a choice. If you see either of these, it’s likely that your phone is unlocked. If you don’t see these choices, it’s likely that your phone is locked.
Using an IMEI Service
The international mobile equipment identifier (IMEI) number on your phone tells you everything you need to know about it.
There are a number of online services that will check IMEI number databases and tell you if your iPhone is unlocked or not. But most of them cost money, the free ones aren’t always accurate, and both kinds are sometimes wrong.
- Find the service that you want. IMEI Info is one of the most reliable services. It does a basic check for free, but if you want more information, you can pay for it. IMEI24 is another free option, but the results might be different, and the service might even run out of time before it can give you results.
- On your iPhone and tap Settings > General.
- Tap About and scroll down to the IMEI number. This appears just below the serial number, Wi-Fi address, and Bluetooth information.
- Enter your IMEI number into the search bar of the IMEI service you chose.
- Select Check and fill out any verification information the website requires. It will then attempt to match your IMEI number again those stored in the databases.
- If you entered your number correctly, you’ll be able to see a lot of information about your phone, like when it was made, which carrier it’s tied to, whether it’s locked or not, and more. The IMEI number will also show if a device has been stolen or not.
via a SIM Card
If you go out of the country, your phone won’t work unless you have a really good service plan. Switching your existing SIM card for a local SIM is easier and cheaper. This will give you a new phone number to use in that country, but you will still be able to use your phone and data while you are traveling.
- The first step is to power off your iPhone.
- Locate the SIM card on your iPhone. Look for a small circular opening about the size of a pinhole.
- Use a SIM card ejector tool to remove the iPhone’s SIM card. These tools simplify the process of removing a SIM card, but you can also use a safety pin or a paperclip.
- Look at how your existing SIM card fits into the tray. Set it to the side in a safe location and place the new SIM card into the tray in the same fashion.
- Re-insert the tray into the iPhone. Press until you hear a soft click.
- Power the iPhone back on.
- Try to call someone. If a new SIM card can connect your iPhone to the network, it’s unlocked. Your device is locked if your phone can’t connect to the network. You can get around this in a number of ways, such as by calling your carrier and asking them to unlock the device or by using a third-party service.
- You’re done!