If you’re thinking of selling your iPhone, buying a used one, or switching carriers, you’ll first need to check if the device is locked or unlocked. The difference is that an unlocked iPhone can be used on any network (like, only on Verizon, T Mobile, AT&T, etc.) while a locked iPhone can only be used only on the carrier it’s locked to. For example, a Verizon iPhone may be “locked” to work exclusively on the Verizon network and it cannot be activated on a competing carrier’s network. This is also called “SIM lock”.
You can check to see if an iPhone is unlocked by checking the About page in Settings, contacting the carrier, swapping SIM cards with another phone that has a plan with a different carrier, or by checking the IMEI and serial number online.
Outside the U.S. iPhones purchased from Apple or another reseller, are often unlocked by default, so you can use them with any network. In fact an Ofcom ruling in 2020 banned mobile firms from selling locked handsets. This is great news if you are in the U.K. because iPhones that are unlocked can be used on any network, which makes things a lot easier if you are trying to sell a used handset or pass on your old iPhone to a family member.
But in the U.S. iPhones tend to be tied to a particular network, which can make moving networks, handing an older handset down to a family member, or selling a used iPhone tricky.
If you are buying a refurbished iPhone it should be made clear whether it is locked to a particular network or not, but this isn’t always the case if you use private sellers on eBay or Craigslist, so being able to check is a big help.
It’s not possible to tell just by looking at the iPhone whether it’s locked or unlocked: Apple does not allow other phone companies to brand iPhones. (You don’t get T:Mobile or Verizon branded iPhones, for example.) To confuse matters even further, some phones are locked when sold, but are unlocked at a later date when the owner finishes paying off the contract. It is also possible to unlock an iPhone so you can use it on any network.
But don’t worry. It’s relatively easy to find out if your iPhone is locked or unlocked, and in this article, we’re going to show you how.
How to check if an iPhone is unlocked in Settings
The easiest way to check if an iPhone is locked or unlocked is to use the Settings app. Here’s how to access the feature.
- Open the Settings app and go into General.
- Select About.
- Look for the Network Provider Lock or Carrier Lock. If the iPhone is unlocked, it should say that there is No SIM restrictions. Should you see a different status, this means that the iPhone is locked.
How to check if an iPhone is unlocked using a SIM card
Since the iPhone 14 arrived in 2022, all iPhones sold in the U.S. come with dual eSim and no sim tray, and when the iPhone 13 launched most iPhones were sold with eSim only. So, if the phone you are concerned with doesn’t have a sim tray you’ll need to skip to the next section.
If the phone you are concerned with predates the iPhone 13 though, the quickest way to check if it is unlocked is to simply try inserting a SIM from a different network. If a friend uses another network then ask them if you can borrow the SIM for a couple of minutes. Follow these steps to check that the iPhone is unlocked:
- Turn off your iPhone — in the Settings app, go into General and then tap Shut Down.
- Use a SIM card ejector tool (or a paperclip) to remove the iPhone’s SIM card. Insert the paperclip into the hole beside the tray.
- Remove the current SIM card from the tray and replace it with another SIM card from a different carrier.
- Turn on your device.
- Your iPhone will automatically detect the carrier if it is unlocked. if your phone is locked, your iPhone will display a message saying the phone is currently locked. To be 100 percent sure, place a call to see if the call connects. If you can make a call, then your phone is unlocked.
Contact your carrier
It’s not such a quick solution – as it may take a while for the carrier to get back to you – but if you need to know for sure then it may be worth getting in touch with the network provider you’ve signed up to and seeing if they can help. Many carriers can check for you if you provide a handset’s IMEI.
How to check if an iPhone is unlocked with an IMEI lookup
You can also plug your iPhone’s IMEI number into an online checker to see if your phone is unlocked. First, you’ll need to find the IMEI number, and then you can use it online.
- Open the Settings app and go into General.
- Select About.
- Write down the Serial Number, IMEI, and IMEI2 (if there is one — you will only see this if you have an iPhone 11 or later).
- In a web browser, go to IMEIcheck.com.
- Enter the information you recorded from the iPhone’s About screen and click Check.
- In the pop-up window, you should see your phone’s details, including the lock status.
What if your iPhone is locked?
So you checked and learned that your newly purchased iPhone is locked? Call the carrier it’s locked to. The carrier can unlock it. However, carriers often have a few requirements before it can be unlocked. For example:
- Verizon iPhones remain locked for 60 days after they are purchased. Verizon will automatically unlock your device after the 60 day lock period.
- AT&T lets you submit an online unlock request. You can do so by going to https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/](https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/)
- If this is a T Mobile device, you can call them at 1-877-746-0909.