How Can I Check If Iphone Is Unlocked

Method 2: Check IMEI to Tell If Your Phone is Unlocked or Locked Another method is to check it using mobile tphone IMEI number, which is the International Mobile Equipment Identity number. This unique number is issued to all GSM devices.

• The most reliable way to determine whether or not your iPhone is unlocked is by calling your carrier and, once you make it to an actual customer service rep, asking them to verify your iPhone's status and providing them with any information that they require. You can contact popular carriers at the following numbers: Verizon - 1 (800) 922-0204.
• If the iPhone is SIM-Unlocked, you can use it with any network you want. I suggest doing an iPhone IMEI Unlock check, so iPhone experts can inform you the exact status of your iPhone and how to start using it again.
• A locked iPhone can only be used on the designated network or using a SIM-card issued by the respective provider. When buying a used phone, it should be your priority to check if the iPhone is locked or whether the iPhone is unlocked. This guide demonstrates two ways to check if an iPhone is SIM locked or netlocked.

Network providers restrict some of their subsidized iPhones to specific countries and/or networks. A locked iPhone can only be used on the designated network or using a SIM-card issued by the respective provider. When buying a used phone, it should be your priority to check if the iPhone is locked or whether the iPhone is unlocked. This guide demonstrates two ways to check if an iPhone is SIM locked or netlocked.

This guide is also useful for readers who are planning to sell their iPhone. Most mobile phones can be unlocked by paying a fee to the respective service provider or GSM network. Secondary SIM-cards, for example when traveling abroad, can typically not be used with a locked iPhone. There are two common types of locked iPhones, here’s how you can differentiate between them:

• SIM lock: Which restricts the SIM-card usage to a single, unique card. You will not be able to use any other card with this iPhone, unless the provider is paid to unlock it.
• Netlock/ Network lock/ Subsidy lock

Tip: If you are looking for a guide on how to unlock your iPhone SIM card, you will find more information here.

What is Netlock?

This particular type of locking an iPhone restricts the usage of SIM-cards that do not fit the designated network. If the net lock applies to, for instance, Verizon, you will only be able to use SIM cards which connect to the Verizon network. This type of lock can be achieved with a certain software. Usually a net lock is valid for about 2 months or until the providers fee to unlock the smartphone is paid. As soon as the netlock is lifted, all SIM cards can be entered.

Check if your iPhone is locked or unlocked

Quick method

The simplest way to check if your iPhone has been locked by the provider: Put in another SIM card. Your iPhone will show an alert “SIM not Valid” or “No SIM”, if the locked status prevents usage. Another common error message is “The SIM card inserted in this iPhone does not appear to be supported”. Double-check the SIM for visible damage, dirt or surface irregularities, as these can also cause the “No SIM” warning.

Web method

You can also use a web service to determine whether your desired iPhone is locked, factory locked or has been locked down by the provider. Websites such as imei.info offer a lookup service and only require the IMEI number.

How to get the IMEI on iPhone: You can find the IMEI number at the back of your device, also see our guide for checking the IMEI on iPhone. Another way to retrieve your IMEI number, e.g. if the back of your iPhone has been scratched and is affecting the legibility of the number, is to input a special GSM code in the dialer of your Phone app. Enter“*#06#” without the quotes and iOS will display the IMEI for you. A further way to check the IMEI would be to launch iTunes with the device connected to a Mac or a PC.

Once you have it, simply enter your IMEI number at imei.info and click “SIMLOCK & WARRANTY” to proceed. You will have to register for a free account, though. The website will return detailed information on the status of your device and whether a simlock or carrier lock is likely.

Tip:If you want to sell your iPhone safely online, check out our tips for selling your iPhone safely.

Whether you’re buying a new or pre-owned iPhone, it’s a good idea to take a look at whether it’s locked or unlocked. This can have a big impact on what mobile carrier you’re able to connect with as well as the price you pay for your new phone.

You can’t tell just by looking whether your phone is unlocked though, which is why we’re here to help you check on the status of your iPhone before you buy it.

Have an iPhone that is locked to a carrier and don’t have any options to unlock it to choose any carrier? We have an guide that analyzes the safest and most reliable unlocking services to consider. Read this.

What is an Unlocked iPhone?

The lock is essentially a software code that’s put on the iPhone by the manufacturer to meet operator requirements, attaching the iPhone to a carrier. This means that an unlocked iPhone is a phone that isn’t limited to a particular carrier.

You can switch your phone from one network to another and it will still work just fine. Usually, iPhones bought directly from Apple will be unlocked.

If you buy your phone used or from a specific carrier though, the phone is generally locked until the contract is completely paid off, or until the previous owner’s contract is paid off.

Since iPhones are not branded by specific mobile carriers, you can’t determine the carrier just by looking. You’ll have to check whether the iPhone is locked or not if you’re buying and would like to switch your carrier.

How To Check If iPhone is Unlocked

Unlocking your phone is important if you’d like to change carriers, which is why many people like to perform this check on the iPhone before they buy one.

You have a few different methods you can choose from to perform this check, the simplest one being the SIM card check.

Is My iPhone Unlocked – SIM Card Check

All you have to do is take out your iPhone’s SIM card and put one in for a different carrier. Make a phone call using that SIM card and see if it connects. If the phone call doesn’t connect, then the iPhone is locked.

You can try this method easily if you have a friend using a different carrier for their phone, although not everyone has a SIM card readily available to them.

You might be able to walk into a store for a different carrier and ask to borrow a SIM card though.

This might not work for all other carriers, but some are very accommodating and will simply hand you a SIM card for a few moments. It should only take a few seconds to have your answer.

How to Know if iPhone Is Unlocked – Check Settings App

Head on over to your Settings app and tap into the Mobile Data and Mobile Data Options. Check to see your Mobile Data Network – if you see the option for your network, this means that your phone is unlocked.

If you do not see the option, it won’t appear on locked iPhones. This isn’t completely effective though and should be double-checked.

Call Your Carrier

This solution is a bit more difficult and may not always work, since carriers do not always tell you whether the phone is locked or unlocked over the phone. However, it’s the surest way for you to know the status of your device.

Keep in mind that this method takes some time, since you have to wait for the carrier to get back to you. You may have to spend time on the phone with customer service, but you will know for sure.

Find Your IMEI Number

You can actually use a couple online tools to check if your phone is locked using its IMEI number. This is the serial number of your iPhone that communicates with Apple servers and provides all the information you need about your Apple device.

You’ll have to pay about three dollars to perform the check, but a few tools are free after you locate your IMEI number. You can find your IMEI number using a few methods. First, you can take a look at the back of your iPhone to see if it’s there, or head on into Settings then to About.

You can also find the IMEI number by connecting your phone to your computer and launching iTunes. Just go to Device Summary and click on the phone number.

You also have the option of checking your device’s original packaging and barcode, or even looking at the SIM card tray in some cases.

How To Know If Your iPhone Is Unlocked – Online Tools

Once you have that IMEI, your checker will let you know whether your phone is locked or unlocked. However, it will not unlock your iPhone for you. Regardless of what checker you use, make sure it has GSX access, which connects right to Apple.

This will provide you with the most up-to-date information about your iPhone. You can find this out by looking at the website you’ve chosen to see if there is a GSX report in the “Next Tether Policy” value.

After you’re sure of your website, input the number, prove you’re not a robot with the captcha and take a look at the information given to you by the website. Then, look for the Lock Status to see if you’re locked or unlocked.

Word of Caution

If you’re buying a used iPhone from someone, of course you’ll want to know whether it’s locked or not. However, also check to be sure that it’s not on the GSM blacklist. This is a list of stolen phones that can be identified by their IMEI numbers. You can check this with IMEI checkers or by contacting any wireless carrier. Once you’re sure of your phone’s status, contact a mobile carrier if you’d like help getting it unlocked.

Conclusion

Technology can seem daunting at times, but knowing whether your iPhone is locked or or not doesn’t have to be complicated. Perform a couple of these checks to see if your phone is unlocked and whether you can use it on another mobile carrier.

If you have a iPhone that is locked to a carrier and don’t have any options to unlock it to choose any carrier, we have an article that describes some great services to consider that we tested. Read this.

Even though you can’t tell your phone’s status just by looking at it, our tips make it easy to purchase your phone with peace of mind.

Apple Check Iphone Unlock Status

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How Can I Check To See If Iphone Is Unlocked