How to Check if iPhone is Unlocked
Unlocked iPhones can be purchased from reputable suppliers (including Apple), but it is not possible to tell by looking onto it whether it’s locked or unlocked. Before you buy an iPhone, you should know how to tell if it is unlocked. Unlocking your phone to increase its resale value or simply moving networks are good reasons to do so. We’ll show you how to check if your iPhone is unlocked or locked in this article.
How to check iPhone locked or unlocked using a SIM card
Using a SIM card you can check if an iPhone is unlocked or not. To see if an iPhone is unlocked, simply insert a SIM from a different network and see if it works. so you can test it out. To see if your iPhone is locked, follow these steps:
- First you need to turn off your iPhone if it’s power is on.
- After that you need to change the sim with a different network provider.
- To remove the SIM card from the iPhone, you can use the SIM ejector tool or a paper clip.
- After ejecting the present one, insert your SIM card.
- Turn on your iPhone, simply press the Sleep button on the device’s side.
- After turning on your phone you will see a notice that says something like, ‘The SIM card you installed in this phone does not seem to be supported.’That means the iPhone is locked and can only be activated using a compatible SIM card from an iPhone supported network provider. You must either install the SIM card which came with the iPhone or visit a network provider’s shop to unlock your iPhone.
- If no notice is shown to you, try to place a phone call. If your iPhone is locked you will get an error message. On the other hand if the call Placed & connects, you can count the iPhone as unlocked.
How to check iPhone is unlocked or locked in settings
Using the Settings app is another quick and simple method for determining whether your iPhone is locked or not. The instructions for checking if an iPhone is unlocked or locked throughout the settings are as follows.
- Go to the settings menu on your phone.
- Scroll down and tap on the general.
- Find the about section and click on that.
- Find the Carrier Lock by scrolling all the way to the bottom. If it displays “No SIM restriction,” then the iPhone is unlocked, and you are free to use any cellular service provider or carrier that you choose. If it says anything else, other than “locked,” then it is likely to be locked.
How to Check If my iPhone Is Unlocked through IMEI lookup
You can check If your iPhone Is Unlocked or locked throughout IMEI lookup. For that you might need your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. Follow these steps to validate your iPhone is locked or unlocked through the IMEI lookup.
Step 1 – How to find iPhone IMEI number
Method 1 :
You can get easier access to the IMEI number by pressing *#06# on the keypad. Alternatively, if you have older versions of iPhone like – iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5s, 5c and 5 the IMEI number is printed on the backside of your iPhone.
Method 2 :
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General.
2. Scroll down and tap about.
3. Under the section you will see the phone unique IMEI number
3. Note the Serial Number on a Piece of Paper. For iPhone 11 or later you will see two serial numbers named – IMEI, and IMEI2. Write down both numbers.
Step 2 – Check iPhone Is Locked or Unlocked through IMEI lookup
After finding the IMEI number or numbers you can use an online checker to see the iPhone locked or unlocked .
1. In a web browser, go to https://www.imei.info/check-warranty-unlock/.
2. Enter the IMEI number that you wrote down before from the iPhone About screen and hit the check button.
3. You should be able to view the specifications of your iPhone, including its current lock status, in the pop-up window.
Frequently asked questions about lock or unlocked iPhone
1. What is an unlocked iPhone ?
Ans: An unlocked iPhone is a phone that is not restricted to any one particular carrier. This means that it can be used with any carrier that uses a SIM card.
2. What is a locked iPhone ?
Ans: A locked iPhone is an iPhone that is restricted to a certain carrier or country. It can only be used with that carrier’s SIM card and cannot be used with any other carrier’s SIM card.
3. What is the Difference between Unlocking and Jailbreaking an iPhone?
Ans: In short, unlocking an iPhone refers to making the device work with any carrier, while jailbreaking refers to gaining access to the root file system of the iPhone in order to make changes that are not authorized by Apple.
4. Is It Legal to Unlock iPhone Myself?
Ans: There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your local laws and how you obtained your iPhone. In some instances, it may be illegal to unlock your iPhone if you buy it with remaining due payments. In other cases, it may be legal to unlock your iPhone, as long as you have the device’s ownership.
5. What Are the Disadvantages of Unlocking an iPhone?
Ans: Apple and your service provider may stop providing you with software updates and support if you unlock your iPhone. The warranty may be voided if you unlock a phone yourself, however this is unlikely if you have your carrier unlock your iPhone.
6. Does Apple Unlock an iPhone which I Already Own?
Ans: The answer is no. However, since Apple permits cellular service providers to do this, you can ask your provider if they’ll unlock your phone for you!
7. Are Factory Unlocked iPhones Unsafe?
Ans: There are many people who are wondering if the factory unlocked iPhones are fake or unsafe. There is no doubt that there are many advantages to having an unlocked iPhone, but there are also some disadvantages. Let’s take a look at both sides of the story.
- Having a factory unlocked iPhone means that you will be able to use it with any GSM carrier. This includes AT&T, T-Mobile, and other international carriers. You will also be able to use your iPhone with any WiFi network.
- You will be able to update the software on your iPhone without having to go through the carrier. This is a great advantage because you will not have to worry about the carrier blocking the update.
- You will be able to use any app that is available on the App Store. This is a great advantage because you will not have to worry about the carrier blocking the app.
- Able to use any custom ROM that is available. This is a great advantage because you will not have to worry about the carrier blocking the custom ROM.
