I. Introduction

Having an unlocked iPhone can give you the freedom to switch to a different carrier or use your phone abroad without incurring expensive roaming fees. Knowing whether your iPhone is unlocked or not is vital, especially if you’re planning to sell it or buy a used iPhone. In this article, we’ll guide you through different ways on how to check if iPhone is unlocked.

Here are some common reasons why people need to check if their iPhone is unlocked:

• Switching to a different carrier or plan
• Traveling to a different country
• Selling or buying a used iPhone
• Using different SIM cards for different purposes

II. Checking if an iPhone is Unlocked Using Phone Settings

The easiest way to check if an iPhone is unlocked is by using phone settings. However, note that this method may not work for all iPhone models and carriers.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ on your iPhone.
2. Select ‘Cellular’ or ‘Mobile Data.’
3. If you see ‘Cellular Data Network’ or ‘Mobile Data Network,’ your iPhone is probably unlocked.
4. If not, it means your iPhone is probably carrier-locked.

If you see the ‘Mobile Data Network’ or ‘Cellular Data Network’ option, you can proceed to insert a different SIM card to see if it works. If it does, it means your iPhone is unlocked.

Here’s how it looks like:

If you don’t see this option or still can’t use other carriers’ SIM cards, you can try other methods below.

III. Using Third-Party Apps or Websites to Check iPhone’s IMEI Number

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s a unique identification number assigned to every mobile device. The IMEI number is relevant in unlocking an iPhone because it allows the carrier to verify if the iPhone is eligible for unlocking.

There are several third-party apps or websites you can use to check your iPhone’s IMEI status. Here are some of the reliable ones:

• IMEI.info
• iCloud.com
• Swappa ESN Check
• Sprint BYOD Check

Here are the steps on how to check your iPhone’s IMEI status:

1. Find your iPhone’s IMEI number by going to ‘Settings > General > About,’ or dialing ‘*#06#’ on your phone app.
2. Visit one of the third-party apps or websites mentioned above.
3. Enter your iPhone’s IMEI number and select ‘Check.’
4. Wait for the result. If it says ‘Unlocked,’ it means your iPhone is unlocked. If not, it means your iPhone is carrier-locked.

IV. Checking Carrier Lock Status of an iPhone

Carrier lock status refers to the status of your iPhone’s locking from the carrier’s perspective. It means that your iPhone is set to work only with a particular carrier. There’s also an activation lock status, which prevents anyone from using your iPhone without your Apple ID and password after it’s been erased.

You can check your iPhone’s carrier lock status by contacting the carrier or using a third-party website. However, contacting the carrier is preferable because it’s more reliable and accurate. Here are the ways to check your iPhone’s carrier lock status:

Contacting the Carrier

1. Find the carrier’s customer service contact details. You can easily find this on their official website or by dialing 611 on your iPhone app.
2. Call or email the customer service and provide your iPhone’s IMEI number to request for your iPhone’s carrier lock status.
3. Wait for their response. They may ask for more details or require you to submit some requirements before they can provide you the carrier lock status.
4. Once you get the carrier lock status, you can verify it with your iPhone’s current status by inserting a different SIM card.

Using a Third-Party Website

Using a third-party website can be riskier than contacting the carrier because some websites may provide inaccurate or untrue information. Nevertheless, if you choose to use a third-party website, make sure it’s reputable and reliable. Here are the steps:

1. Find a reputable and reliable third-party website that offers carrier lock status check, such as Official iPhone Unlock.
2. Select your iPhone model and carrier.
3. Enter your iPhone’s IMEI number and pay the fee (if there’s any).
4. Wait for their email or message notification about your iPhone’s carrier lock status. They may require you to wait for a few hours or days before they can provide you the carrier lock status.

Remember that you need to have the account holder’s details and iPhone’s IMEI number before contacting the carrier or using a third-party website.

Also, be careful with scams and phishing attempts disguised as carrier service. Always double-check the recipient’s name and contact details before providing any personal or financial information.

V. Checking iPhone’s SIM Card Status

The iPhone’s SIM card status is relevant to the phone’s locking status because the SIM card is responsible for connecting your iPhone to the carrier’s network. If your iPhone’s SIM card is tampered with or replaced, it can affect the phone’s connectivity and locking status.

Here’s how to check the iPhone’s SIM card status:

1. Insert the SIM card into your iPhone’s SIM card slot.
2. Go to ‘Settings > Cellular’ or ‘Settings > Mobile Data.’
3. Check if the cellular data network belongs to the carrier or not.

If the cellular data network doesn’t belong to the carrier, it means that your iPhone’s SIM card has been tampered or replaced. You should contact your carrier immediately to verify and fix the issue.

VI. Checking iPhone’s Compatibility with Other Carriers and Networks

Carrier compatibility refers to the ability of an iPhone to work with different carriers or networks. It’s vital to check your iPhone’s carrier compatibility because not all carriers support all iPhone models or features. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find a trustworthy online tool that offers carrier compatibility check. Some examples are WillMyPhoneWork and FrequencyCheck.
2. Select your iPhone model and carrier.
3. Enter your iPhone’s IMEI number or phone brand and model.
4. Wait for the result. If it says ‘Compatible,’ it means your iPhone can work with that carrier or network. If not, it means your iPhone is not compatible.

Remember that carrier compatibility is not the same as carrier lock status. Even if your iPhone is not carrier-locked, it may still not be compatible with other carriers or networks due to technical or operational reasons.

VII. Unlocking an iPhone

If your iPhone is carrier-locked, you may want to consider unlocking it to use other carriers or networks. There are different methods of unlocking an iPhone: contacting the carrier or using third-party unlocking services.

Contacting the Carrier

Contacting the carrier is the safest and most legitimate way of unlocking your iPhone. However, not all carriers provide unlocking services, and if they do, they may have different requirements and fees. Here’s what you should do:

1. Contact your carrier’s customer service and request for iPhone unlocking. Some carriers may require you to meet some prerequisites, such as completing the phone’s contract or paying off any outstanding balances.
2. Provide the necessary details and requirements, such as your iPhone’s IMEI number, account holder’s details, and proof of purchase or ownership.
3. Wait for the carrier’s confirmation and further instructions on how to unlock your iPhone.

Unlocking an iPhone through the carrier may take some time, usually a few days or weeks, depending on the carrier’s policies and procedures.

Using Third-Party Unlocking Services

Using third-party unlocking services can be a quicker option than contacting the carrier and may offer more flexible terms and fees. However, it can also be riskier and more expensive. Some third-party unlocking services may not be legitimate, reliable, or effective.

Here are the steps on how to use third-party unlocking services:

1. Research and evaluate different third-party unlocking services. You can use online reviews, forums, or recommendations from other users to help you decide.
2. Select a reputable and reliable third-party unlocking service, such as DoctorSIM or iPhoneIMEI.
3. Submit your iPhone’s IMEI number and pay the fee (if there’s any).
4. Wait for the unlocking confirmation and follow the provided instructions on how to complete the unlocking process.

Always be careful when using third-party unlocking services because some may require you to jailbreak your iPhone, which can void your warranty and expose your phone to security risks.

VIII. Warning Signs and Scams When Buying a Used iPhone

Buying a used iPhone can save you money, but it can also put you at risk of getting scammed or receiving a stolen or damaged phone.