How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

Can I unlock my iPhone to use it on a different carrier? ›

Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone. Contact them and request an unlock. After you submit the request, it might take a few days to complete. Contact your carrier to check the status of your request.

If you know your Apple ID and password, you can sign into iCloud® on another device to unlock your iPhone without your passcode. Go to iCloud.com on another device and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Select Find My, and sign in if you're prompted.

Does factory reset remove carrier lock? You may be wondering if restoring your iPhone to factory settings will remove the carrier lock if you're considering doing so. In brief, the answer is NO. You will remain tied to your existing carrier contract even after resetting your iPhone to factory settings.

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier, it can be used only by that carrier. You can add multiple eSIMs and plans through that carrier. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About.

Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone. You should contact your carrier's customer support or visit its website to request to have your iPhone unlocked.

Newly purchased phones are "locked" to a specific carrier (meaning they will only work with that carrier's network) to prevent theft and other potentially fraudulent activity. Most carriers use this practice, but a device can be unlocked so you can take your current device to another carrier when you switch.

Wireless service providers are required by law to unlock your phone for free, as long as your account is in good standing and you've fulfilled all contract terms. Contact the FCC if you experience problems unlocking your phone for free with your wireless carrier.

If your iPhone has been permanently locked , it means that it has been disabled due to too many incorrect passcode attempts . This can happen if someone tries to access your phone without your permission or if you forget your passcode .

From your device's Lock Screen, try to enter your passcode until the "[Device] Unavailable" screen appears and your device asks you to try again later. When you're able to, tap the Forgot Passcode? option in the bottom corner of the screen. On the Security Lockout screen, tap Start [Device] Reset to confirm.

Is it illegal to unlock a carrier-locked iPhone? ›

Cell phones often contain access controls that "lock" the phone to a particular network. The DMCA generally prohibits unauthorized removal or modification of cell phone access controls.

A carrier-imposed “lock” is a software code that prevents your phone from working on another cellular network. With an “unlocked” phone, on the other hand, you can get service with any carrier on a compatible network — and that's just one of the benefits of an unlocked phone.

If your phone asks for a subsidy password when you insert your SIM card, that means it has been locked by a specific carrier. Many carriers will lock devices for a pre-defined amount of time before allowing them to be used on another network. Only the phone's original carrier can unlock your phone.

Another method is to do it yourself by getting hold of a code or using a special data cable and software. However, you do need a fair degree of technical know-how to do so. It's not illegal to unlock your phone with either of these methods.

But it's just a myth! Apple has applied various security measures to protect your data, so there is no easy way to get around the passcode. The iPhone passcode is different for each device and user, so it's not like a hotel door that can be opened with a master key.

You can attempt to erase your iPhone directly from the lock screen, depending on your iOS version. On some iOS versions, after entering the wrong passcode a few times, you'll get an "Erase iPhone" option in the bottom corner of the lock screen. This lets you reset it right from there, no computer needed.

If you can't remember your passcode when you try again, use a computer to put your iPhone in recovery mode. Recovery mode allows you to erase the iPhone, giving you access to set it up again. You will need your Apple ID and password to set your iPhone up again.

Contact your network provider

Only your network provider can unlock your iPhone. Contact them and request an unlock. After you've submitted the request, it may take a few days for the process to be completed. Contact your network provider to check the status of your request.

A locked phone can only use SIM cards from one network, while an unlocked phone can connect to any network using any SIM card. That's the only difference. If you want to switch networks or use a different SIM, you'll need it unlocked.

What happens when an iPhone is carrier locked? ›

A carrier-locked iPhone is only compatible with one carrier or network provider. This is done with clever software locks that restrict the use of SIM cards or eSIMs from other carriers.

The carriers provide the unlock service to your iPhone. Generally, it will cost $30 to $200 if you contact the carrier to remove the SIM lock. The charge varies from different carriers and it depends on your iPhone status. Moreover, the carriers will ask you to provide the purchase details.