Ultimate Guide: Unlock SIM Card on iPhone for Any Carrier

by Aria Ford

Updated on 2024-07-26

5min read

If your iPhone is assigned to a specific network carrier, chances are you’ll encounter the “SIM card is locked” error when you insert a SIM from another network carrier into your device. So, if you’re looking to change your service carrier, you need to unlock SIM card on your iPhone. But how do you go about this?

Well, in this comprehensive iPhone SIM unlock guide, we’ve discussed simple yet effective methods to unlock SIM card on iPhone for any carrier without causing any harm to your device.

Part 1: Is It Possible To Unlock SIM On iPhone Without Carrier?

Yes, it is possible to unlock SIM on iPhone without carrier.  Perhaps you need to unlock a SIM-locked iPhone, you want to change the service carrier, you want to sell the iPhone, or you bought a SIM card-locked iPhone. There are methods that can help you unlock a SIM-locked iPhone without the need for carrier assistance. However, it’s important to note that some of these third-party unlocking methods might void your warranty and could potentially violate the terms of service with your carrier.

If you’re interested in unlocking your SIM card without involving the carrier, this guide has covered the steps to do so. Firstly, let’s take a look at the steps to unlock SIM on iPhone with the help of carrier.

unlock SIM on iPhone | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Part 2: How To Unlock SIM On iPhone With The Help Of Carrier

 There are different methods available to unlock SIM on iPhone with the help of carrier, depending on your carrier. Here we’ve discussed the steps to unlock your iPhone with T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon.

Method 1: Unlock SIM Card iPhone With T-Mobile

The procedure to unlock SIM card with T-Mobile is quite straightforward. However, you need to comply with the unlock requirements to be able to get the job done. For postpaid users, you must have been actively using the T-Mobile network on a specific line on your iPhone for a minimum of 40 days, while prepaid users must have been actively using the T-Mobile network for a minimum of 365 days. You can read the “T-Mobile Unlock Policy” to find out more about the unlock requirements.

Once you’ve completed the requirements, follow the steps below to unlock your iPhone SIM card using T-Mobile:

Step 1: Open the My T-Mobile official website in any of your browsers and log in to your account.

My T Mobile official website | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Step 2: Tap on Account at the top left corner of your screen. Then, select the “Service Plan” to which your iPhone is subscribed.

Step 3: Tap on “Check device unlock status” under Device.

Step 4: If the status reads “device locked,” you contact T-Mobile customer service by calling 1 (800) 922-0204 from your iPhone to request an unlock. You might be required to provide some important information about your iPhone for the process to be successful.

Method 2: Unlock SIM Card iPhone With AT & T

If your iPhone SIM is locked to the AT&T carrier network, you can unlock it within a few steps via AT&T’s official website. But just like T-Mobile, you must satisfy the unlocking requirements to be eligible. For example, the wireless number assigned to the device must be active for at least 60 days, and you must have completed payment for your monthly bill and the locked iPhone before you can submit an unlock request.

If all goes well, use the steps below to unlock SIM card on iPhone with AT&T;

Step 1: Go to AT & T’s official unlock website and click on “Start a Unlock Request”.

Start a Unlock Request | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Step 2: Enter your IMEI number into the relevant area and follow the on-screen instructions to unlock SIM card on your iPhone.

Enter your IMEI number | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Note: If you run into any problems, please contact AT&T Customer Service at 1-800-331-0500.

Method 3:  Unlock SIM Card iPhone With Sprint

Unlock SIM Card iPhone With Sprint | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

To unlock the SIM card iPhone with Sprint, you must have used the device with Sprint network for a minimum of 40 days, and completed the Sprint contract before proceeding to unlock the device. Also, your iPhone must be unlock-eligible.

If you meet these requirements, contact Sprint support via *2 or 888-211-4727 to request an unlock. However, this process might take some days to complete.

Method 4: Unlock SIM Card iPhone With Verizon

Unlock SIM Card iPhone With Verizon | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Verizon’s unlocking policy is quite similar to AT & T’S. However, it’s stated under the Device Unlocking Policy on Verizon’s “official website that “devices purchased from an authorized retailer are locked for 60-days after activation. After 60 days, they’ll automatically remove the lock unless the device is reported stolen or purchased fraudulently. After the 60-day lock period following device purchase, your iPhone cannot be locked at any time.”

Part 3: How To Unlock SIM-Locked iPhone Without Carrier

If you’re not willing to wait for your network carrier to help you unlock your iPhone, you can get the job done on your own. But as mentioned earlier, some of these methods might void your iPhone’s warranty. The techniques outlined below explain how to unlock a SIM-locked iPhone without carriers.

Method 1: Unlock SIM-Locked iPhone Without Carrier Via Settings App

This is one of the best ways to unlock SIM locked iPhone without a carrier. It involves using your SIM card PIN to unlock your SIM. All you need is to get your SIM’s default PIN (you can find in the SIM card in the manual that came with your SIM card), and follow the steps below to execute the unlock operation:

Step 1. Go to “Settings” app on your iPhone and tap on “Phone”.

Step 2. Select “SIM PIN”.

Step 3. Turn off the toggle next to SIM PIN. Then, provide your “SIM PIN’ when prompted to confirm the operation.

provide SIM PIN | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Method 2: Unlock SIM-Locked iPhone Via Phone App

Another way you can unlock a SIM-locked iPhone is by using the Phone App. The “Phone App?” Yes, you heard that right. This is a simple technique that has worked for many experts, and it also involves using your SIM PIN to operate. Here is how it works;

Step 1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone and go to “Contacts.”

Step 2. Initiate a call with any contact. (Any invalid number is OK, because now the phone is still in the state of not being able to call normally, do not worry about disturbing others.)

go to Contacts | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Step 3. A dialog should appear on your screen with an “Unlock” button. Tap on the “Unlock” button.

Step 4. Finally, enter your SIM PIN and tap on the green button to unlock your SIM card on your iPhone.

Bonus: How To Unlock Locked iPhone Without Password Or Apple ID

Are you struggling to remember your iPhone screen passcode? You need a powerful iPhone unlock solution like Passixer iPhone Unlocker. This is an industry leading software that serves users with any level of experience the ideal tools to unlock iPhone without requiring password or Apple ID.

Passixer iPhone Unlocker can be used to bypass iPhone lock due to any scenario, including forgotten passcode, iCloud activation lock, and screen time passcode. And it’s compatible with all iPhone models and iOS versions.

Also, Passixer iPhone Unlocker can be used to remove Apple ID, iTunes backup password, and Mobile Device Management (MDM), on iPhone without causing any harm to the device’s function.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive Screen Lock Bypass:

Effortlessly bypass any iPhone screen lock, from traditional passcodes to cutting-edge Face ID and Touch ID security measures.

  • Swift Access with Advanced Algorithms:

Passers iPhone Unlocker employs state-of-the-art algorithms for quick and efficient access to locked iOS devices, ensuring a seamless user experience.

  • Versatile Lock Bypass Capabilities:

Besides screen locks, Passixer iPhone Unlocker supports bypassing various other iPhone lock issues, including screentime passcodes, iCloud activation locks, iTunes backup passwords, MDM, and more.

  • High Success Rate Across iPhone Versions:

It boasts an exceptionally high success rate in bypassing all lock errors on every iPhone version, and it supports even the latest iOS 17.

Step 1: Open Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your Mac or Windows and click on the “Wipe Passcode” feature.

Wipe Passcode | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to computer using its cable to establish a between your device and the app.

  • Once you complete the above, your information will appear on your screen, and you can check the information to confirm it. Then, click the “Start” button to download the firmware pack that’s required to unlock your device.

click Start | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Step 3: Once the firmware package is downloaded, press the “0000” code to unlock your iPhone.  

press the 0000 code | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

Step 4: Finally, Passixer iPhone Unlocker should unlock your iPhone, and you can easily start using it without a passcode. If your “Find my” is off, congratulations, you can directly reset the lock screen password. If “Find my” is on, you need to erase the password and then log in to Apple ID to reset the device. If you don’t have Apple ID information, you can also use Passixer’ remove Apple id function to unlock it.

log in to Apple ID | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

FAQ

Q1: Why Does My iPhone Say SIM Locked?

If your iPhone says SIM locked, it’s because your SIM has a PIN, and you need to enter a PIN to unlock the SIM. Also, it could be due to your iPhone being locked to a specific network carrier.

Q2: Is it possible to unlock a SIM-locked iPhone?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to unlock a SIM-locked iPhone. You can either contact your carrier to help you unlock your SIM-locked iPhone or utilize an online SIM lock service.

Q3: Will Jailbreak Unlock SIM-Locked iPhone?

Yes, of course. By jailbreaking your SIM-locked iPhone, you’ll enjoy more freedom, including unlocking a SIM-locked iPhone.

How Do I Change SIM Pin Code On iPhone?

To change your iPhone SIM pin code, so the following;

  • Go to “Settings” and select “Cellular.”
  • Select “SIM PIN.”

Select SIM PIN | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

  • Tap on “Change PIN” and enter your current “SIM PIN.” Tap “Done” to proceed.

Change PIN | Unlock SIM Card on iPhone

  • After that, enter your “New SIM PIN” and confirm it. Then, tap “Done.”

Conclusion

Unlocking a SIM card on an iPhone can be a challenging task, especially if you are not familiar with the process. Fortunately, the article above has explored several techniques to get the job done without any compromise. Whether you want to do it with the help of your carrier or without it, you just need to follow the steps outlined, and your iPhone SIM will be unlocked. However, if you encounter a screen lock problem, Passixer iPhone Unlocker is the ideal solution for a seamless bypass.

Was this information helpful?

TrustScore 5 | 5
Previous article Best 7 iPhone Carrier Unlock Services That You Can't Miss In 2024 [Free One Included]