How to check what carriers and countries work with your iPhone - 9to5Mac (2024)
Are you getting ready to travel or move to another country? Or maybe just want to know what other carriers you can use? Read on for how tocheck what carriers and countries work with your iPhone.
Each iPhone model that Apple makes has multiple variants with different cellular radios. If you’re planning on using your iPhone with a new carrier in a different country from where you bought it, it’s good to check compatibility first.
You’ll also want to make sure that your iPhone is unlocked before making a switch like this. You can contact your current carrier as well as Apple support to ask about your locked/unlocked status.
Head toSettings → General → About →and tap onModel
For more recent iPhones, use that model number to check your country and carrier compatibility at Apple’s support document(note: there are multiple models for the same iPhone)
Search the carrier’s website you’re thinking about using for compatibility details for your specific iPhone (most carriers have this, even regional ones) or call customer support
Here’s an example of Apple’s support page that breaks down LTE bands and carrier compatibility by country:
Keep scrolling to see other countries:
For more help getting the most out of your Apple devices, check out our how to guide as well as the following articles:
Tap Mobile or Mobile Data. Then: If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Mobile Data, then tap Mobile Data Options, turn on Data Roaming and other settings suggested by your network provider.
Tap Mobile or Mobile Data. Then: If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Mobile Data, then tap Mobile Data Options, turn on Data Roaming and other settings suggested by your network provider.
To use data abroad, it is necessary to have an unlocked iPhone. Some carriers might lock your phone to avoid using another network carrier other than their own. If your device is locked (not unlocked), you can contact your carrier to request an unlock.
Every phone has a unique number—15 digits that tells you the make, model, and if it's ready to use on our network. Most phones are compatible. IMEI STATUS CHECK: Dial *#06# to get your phone's IMEI, or find it in phone settings.
Find out which manufacturer and carrier can help you
On most phones, you can find your manufacturer and carrier in the Settings app. Open your device's Settings app. To find manufacturer info, tap Model & hardware. To find carrier info, tap SIM status and check under "Network."
Phones connect using frequency bands. Different countries have specific bands for mobile networks. Ensure your phone supports the frequency bands of the country you're traveling to. Multi-band phones, supporting several frequencies, offer better international compatibility.
If you're traveling internationally, make sure that your device is set up for data roaming. In Settings, tap Cellular or Cellular Data. Then: If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options.
→ Services → Mobile → SIM settings and select the mobile number you want to view. You'll see the option for 'Roaming and international' which you can turn on or off which should update the same day. Turning this setting on will allow you to make calls, text and use data abroad.
In Settings > General > About > Model Number, tap the number listed and you'll see something like A2849. I'm pretty sure you'll learn your iPhone was manufactured for the Australia/New Zealand markets.
It means that some apps you enjoy using may not be available in countries you visit or vice versa – apps you'd like to use may be unavailable in your region. If you're moving to another location, changing your iTunes and App store region will allow you to use and purchase apps accessible in your new home country.
You can find out if your iPhone is locked by going to Settings > General > About. If "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Service Provider Lock, your iPhone is unlocked.
If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States but will use it while living in a different country or region. You can activate an unlocked iPhone 14 model or later that you purchased in the United States with over 400 carriers in 100 markets worldwide that support eSIM on iPhone.
Mobile telephone networks differ from country to country, and your phone may be incompatible with the networks in the country you are visiting. Your phone might work for voice calls, but other functions – such as text messaging or sending and receiving data – might not.
To see the version of carrier settings on your device, tap Settings > General > About and look next to Carrier. To see additional carrier information, tap the version number. To verify that you have the latest carrier settings installed, contact your carrier.
You need to go to Network & Internet or an option with similar wording inside your settings. Go to the Mobile Networks action and then tap on Network Operators. Next, select Search Now, and you will see a list of the networks your device can connect to.
Introduction: My name is Jeremiah Abshire, I am a outstanding, kind, clever, hilarious, curious, hilarious, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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