How To Unlock iPhone, iPad, iPod & Apple Watch: In Depth Guides

There are different types of locks found on the iPhone, iPod Touch, Apple Watch, and iPad. You need to know the type of lock you want to remove before you begin the unlock process

• Carrier or network lock
• Passcode lock

This guide explains everything you need to know to carrier unlock your iPhone, iPod Touch, Apple Watch, or iPad.

So if you need to know how to SIM unlock your Apple device from any carrier worldwide step-by-step you are in the right place.

Following this guide will allow you to use a SIM card from any carrier you want in your device.

All you need to know about how to unlock an iPhone

What is a carrier lock?

A carrier lock prevents you from using a SIM card from a different company in your iPhone. If you swap SIM cards you will no longer be able to make calls or send messages

An error message appears if you try to use a SIM card from another company in your Apple device.

It is also called:

• network lock
• SIM lock
• Subsidy lock

How to network unlock any iPhone from any carrier worldwide

How to check if your iPhone is locked

The easiest way to check if your iPhone is locked is by trying a SIM card from another carrier in your device. Most carriers will send you a free SIM so you can request one and try it in your phone and see if it works:

1. Make sure your phone works properly by making a call.
2. Turn off your Apple iPhone.
3. Remove the SIM from your phone by using a paperclip or the tool supplied by Apple.
4. Insert the new SIM card.
5. Turn on the phone and make a call.
6. If the call works your device is not locked. If the call fails it is locked.

What you need to unlock your iPhone

In order to unlock devices you will need to know the:

• current carrier,
• the model number of iPhone, and
• IMEI code (Dial *#06# on your device to find your IMEI ).

How to unlock your iPhone

Using a third-party locking service

There are a huge number of third-party tools that can get your iPhone unlocked. Your own carrier may not be the cheapest or fastest option. In fact, your current network provider may not be willing to help if you are still under contract.

But which service is the best if your own carrier does not want to help?

After in-depth research and based on personal experience I recommend IMEIdoctor.

Simply provide them with:

• your location,
• carrier, and
• IMEI number

and they will have your iPhone automatically unlocked in a few days.

Get in touch with your carrier

1. Ask your carrier to unlock your iPhone. If they won’t, ask a reputable service provider such as IMEIdoctor.
2. Wait for it to be processed
3. Once notified, complete the unlock. Make sure you follow the instructions you are given
4. Test it – so you know it works

AT&T iPhone unlock

AT&T makes it really easy to get your phone unlocked via their online portal.

It is a simple 3 step process:

• Provide your IMEI (Dial *#06# on your device to find your IMEI number)
• Give them the cellphone number and your details
• Confirm the request and submit it

If they are unable to get your device unlocked they will let you know.

Sprint iPhone unlock services

Sprint unlocks phones purchased from them after February 2015 after they become eligible. You don’t have to request this to be done, it is done automatically.

If you want to request an unlock from Sprint then:

1. Call the Sprint Customer Service line on 888-211-5727. Ask for the software unlock code. The rep will provide the unlock code if you qualify.
2. Call your new carrier and give them your software unlock code.
3. The new carrier will unlock your device and it can be used on their network.

This isn’t a full unlock as it will only unlock the phone for domestic use within the US. It does not allow international use.

Unlock T-Mobile iPhone SIM

1. Firstly, you need to make sure your device is eligible to be unlocked. If it is, you will be sent a message when your iPhone becomes eligible.
2. Next, contact T-Mobile and request the unlock. They will ask you for your account and handset details including your IMEI. Dial *#06# on your device to find your IMEI.
3. Once you have been told the unlock has been done insert the SIM from the new carrier into the iPhone.
4. Complete the first-time use process.

Sprint and T-Mobile have recently merged.

Unlock iPhone UK

Most networks in the UK unlock your iPhone for free as long as you’ve completed your contract.

The process is the same, regardless of the carrier you use:

1. Call your current carrier and ask for your handset to be unlocked
2. Supply all the phones details and the unlock process will begin
3. Wait up to 30 days for the lock to be removed

If you are still under contract or have outstanding payments on your handset the carrier are unlikely to unlock it. Instead, it is better to use a third-party service such as IMEIdoctor.

From December 2021 it will become illegal to sell locked phones in the UK.

Other useful guides

Check out of extensive range of how-to tips & guides that help solve a wide range of problems on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and iPod Touch devices.

FAQ

Is this a paid post?

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that I have experience with all of these companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.

How do you tell if an iPhone unlock worked?

The easiest way to check if the unlock worked is to replace your SIM with one from another company and try making a call. If the call connects and you see no error messages saying ‘invalid SIM’ if it has been unlocked properly.

How long does it take to unlock iPhone?

Typically it takes a few days to process a request to unlock an iPhone although it can take as long as 30 days.

Is it legal to unlock your iPhone?

It is legal to unlock your iPhone in most countries as long as you have finished paying for it. If you don’t fully own the device you are best to check with your carrier. In some places such as Canada, Chile, China, Israel, and Singapore, it is illegal for providers to sell SIM-locked devices.