How to Unlock iPhone Carrier Lock [AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile/Verizon]

“The SIM card inserted in this iPhone does not appear to be supported. Only compatible SIM cards from a supported carrier may be used to activate iPhone. Please insert the SIM card that came with your iPhone or visit a supported carrier store.”

Many iPhone users purchase their phones from third-party carriers or from Apple stores, so their devices are locked to a specific carrier and its network. If you are not using the corresponding operator, you will not be able to obtain mobile network and communication services. So if you want to change carriers or sell your iPhone, you’ll need to unlock it.

Part 1: Everything You Should Know About Unlock iPhone

A. What is iPhone unlocking?

Unlocking your iPhone means removing restrictions that only allow it to be used with certain carriers. When you buy an iPhone from a mobile carrier with a fixed contract or payment plan, your phone is locked to that carrier. You can only use iPhone with your current carrier’s SIM card and mobile network. But whether you’re traveling abroad or want to save money by choosing a different carrier, there are a number of reasons why you might need to know how to unlock it.

B. How to check whether iPhone is locked?

There are many ways to check whether your iPhone is locked, such as using the iPhone’s built-in settings, changing the SIM card, contacting the operator, etc.

Here’s the simplest way to check whether iPhone is locked:

Step 1. Open Settings > General > About.

Step 2. Scroll down to Carrier Lock.

Step 3. See “No SIM restrictions,” your iPhone is unlocked.

Tips: Another easy way to check is to insert a SIM card from another operator. If you can’t make calls, your iPhone is locked.

C. Why do I need to unlock my iPhone?

The most common reason for wanting to unlock your iPhone is to change carriers. For example, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon offer their customers iPhones connected to their networks. But if another mobile provider offers a better cellular plan, faster speeds for your phone in your area, or just a lower price, you may want to switch.

You may also want to increase the resale value of your iPhone. Unlocked iPhones are more attractive to potential buyers and can be sold for a higher price than locked iPhones. Because buyers can use unlocked iPhones with SIM cards from different carriers without having to re-apply for a phone card from a specific carrier.

Additionally, if you want to buy an iPhone from an individual, make sure the device is not locked to a carrier and does not have bloatware downloaded. Finally remember to find out if it’s not jailbroken yet, as your iPhone could be dangerous if jailbroken.

D. How do I delete an existing carrier without a new SIM card?

You can remove your existing carrier without a new SIM card by restoring your device:

Step 1. Back up your iPhone (learn how on Apple’s website).

Step 2. Erase your iPhone.

Step 3. If you want to use the phone yourself, restore the phone.

Step 4. If you want to give it to someone else, do not restore it so that the person you give it to will be able to set it up as a new device.

Part 2: How to Unlock Your iPhone From AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile/Verizon

Preparation Work:

Step 1. Make sure your bills are paid and that you don’t owe the carrier any fees in the previous months

Step 2. Your iPhone should also not be reported lost, stolen, or involved in any fraud.

Step 3. The iPhone can only be active on your account. (If you have an agreement with someone else, such as a parent, they will have to contact the carrier to unlock your iPhone.)

Once your preparations are complete, you can officially start unlocking your iPhone.

Different iOS system processing processes:

For iOS 14 and above devices:

Step 1. Go to Settings > General, then click About.

Step 2. Under Carrier Lock, you should see a message: “No SIM restrictions.” If you don’t see this message, please contact your carrier.

For iOS 13 or earlier:

Step 1. Please contact your carrier to confirm that they have applied the unlock on the system.

Step 2. Restore your iPhone to factory settings.

Step 3. Restore your iPhone from backup.

How to contact your iPhone Carrier？

For AT&T

Step 1: Head to “Settings” > “General” > “About”

Step 2: Find your “IMEI number” under the “Primary” heading.

Step 3: Enter the AT&T’s unlock portal and input your IMEI number.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to unlock your iPhone

Tip: If you encounter any issues, just dial *#06# on your iPhone for AT&T customer support.

For Sprint

Step 1: Prepare the SIM card provided by the new operator in advance.

Step 2: Call their customer support line at 1-844-665-6327.

Step 3: You need to provide your IMEI number to customer service.

Step 4: Wait for Sprint to finish unlocking the your iPhone.

Tip: If you refuse to use Sprint service again, Sprint service will be terminated after full unlocking. Please insert the new SIM card in time to avoid being unable to communicate.

If you’re interested in keeping your service with Sprint, tell your customer service representative so they don’t interrupt your service.

For T-Mobile

Step 1: Log in to your MyT-Mobile account using a secure browser like Safari or Chrome. (Not using MyT-Mobile APP)

Step 2: Select Account at the top of the screen.

Step 3: Choose the line of service your iPhone is linked to.

Step 4: Click “Check device unlock” status under “Device”.

If “Device Locked” is displayed, you need to contact T-Mobile customer support by dialing *6 from your iPhone.

Tip: If the status is “Device Unlocked”, luckily your iPhone is unlocked and you can use it.

For Verizon

Verizon’s device unlock policy page states: If a user purchases a device from Verizon or one of its authorized retailers, the device will be locked for 60 days after purchase. After 60 days, Verizon will automatically unlock it unless the device is deemed stolen or purchased fraudulently. Verizon will not lock the phone at any time after the 60-day lock period. ”

So if you purchased your phone from a Verizon authorized retailer, just wait 60 days and it will automatically unlock.

Part 3：What Can I Do After Unlock iPhone Carrier

You should use the new mobile carrier settings on your unlocked iPhone:

Step 1. Turn off your iPhone and remove your old SIM card.

Step 2. Insert a new SIM card from your new carrier into your iPhone.

Step 3. Turn on your iPhone. Follow the instructions to complete activation.

Step 4. Connect to Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Step 5. Update carrier Settings if necessary. If needed, your phone will prompt you to download and install the update.

Step 6. Test the carrier. Call or send a message to others to see if the new carrier works.

Bonus: If I can’t unlock my IPhone lock screen, what should I do？

If you can’t unlock your iPhone’s lock screen, your carrier won’t help you unlock your iPhone. Here’s a guide to unlocking your iPhone when you don’t know the passcode.

All you need to do is first download and install Passixer iPhone Unlocker for free. This is a technologically advanced unlocking software dedicated to unlocking services for iOS devices. If you have other iOS devices at home that cannot be unlocked, you can use it to unlock them.

Passixer iPhone Unlocker’s functions are very powerful, including:

• Unlock second-hand/refurbished/disabled/unresponsive iPad/iPhone without password.
• Easily remove Apple ID from iPad/iPhone without password.
• Bypass iCloud activation lock in minutes
• Help you get rid of annoying problems Screen Time passcode, and more.

Unlock the steps are quick, let’s have a look!

Step 1: Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer with the cable and launch Passixer iPhone Unlocker.

Step 2: ChooseWipe Passcode from the top of the screen and it will detect your device automatically.

Step 3: Please check to make sure that the information about your iPhone/iPad that you want to unlock is absolutely correct. Click Start and it will download the firmware package for your unlocked device.

Step 4: Passixer iPhone Unlocker will ask you to enter “0000” to confirm the unlock. After confirming the unlocking, the program will start to unlock your iPhone/iPad.

Step 5: Wait for the unlocking process to continue. Once completed, your device will be successfully unlocked.

FAQs:

Q1: Unlock iPhone From Carrier, is it legal?

Unlocking your iPhone is legal in most countries if you follow the instructions provided by your carrier. You should contact your current carrier and ask them to unlock your iPhone, but you may have to wait a few days for your request to be fulfilled. Check your carrier’s website for unlocking procedures.

Q2: Which carriers can I use after unlocking?

In general, you can insert any SIM card into your iPhone and that SIM will start working once unlocked from your current carrier.

Step 1. Visit Settings > General > About on your iPhone to find your phone’s model number.

Step 2. Once you find your generic phone model, click the “Technical Specs” link next to the phone you own.

Step 3. Scroll down and find the model number of your phone. There are many different models of each iPhone designed to run on carrier networks, which may also be regionally locked.

Conclusion

Mobile devices are an essential part of our lives, and your time and money are precious. If there is a more affordable carrier you would like to purchase, check to see if your device is locked by a specific carrier before unlocking it and switching to a new carrier.

The above article has fully explained why you need to unlock your iPhone, how to unlock your iPhone through your carrier, and what you need to do after unlocking. If you still need additional unlocking services, you can download Passixer iPhone Unlocker for help.