How To Carrier Unlock iPhone (To Use Any Network)

This guide provides practical steps to carrier unlock an iPhone, based on my experience as an Apple Certified Independent Technician.

With this guide, you can learn how to unlock your iPhone for any network, either by asking your carrier or using a third-party unlocking service.

Unlocking your iPhone can be quick and cost-effective, but it depends on your specific carrier.

This guide covers:

Official methods to unlock your iPhone
The unlocking process for major carriers
Time required for unlocking
Explanation of carrier locks and their function
Steps to check if your phone is carrier locked

This short guide explains how to use any SIM card with your iPhone.

How to enable your device to connect to any network

To unlock an iPhone, you need three details:

Current Carrier
iPhone Model Number
IMEI Code (Dial *#06# to find it)

Using a third-party service

While your carrier may offer unlocking, it may not be the cheapest or fastest option, especially if you’re still under contract. Many third-party services can unlock your iPhone.

After research, I recommend DirectUnlocks as a reputable service.

They can unlock your iPhone by providing:

Location
Carrier
IMEI number

Within a few days, your iPhone will be unlocked.

Unlocking through your carrier

Ask Your Carrier to Unlock the iPhone
Contact your carrier’s support team. If they cannot unlock it, consider a third-party service.
Wait for Processing
Follow any instructions your carrier provides.
Confirm the Unlock
Once unlocked, test your phone with a SIM from a different carrier.

Carrier-specific instructions

AT&T

Go to AT&T’s online portal.
Enter your IMEI number (*#06# to find it).
Provide your cell number and personal details.
Confirm and submit the request.

If AT&T cannot unlock your device, they will notify you.

Sprint

Sprint automatically unlocks phones purchased after February 2015 when they become eligible. For manual unlock:

Call Sprint Customer Service at 888-211-5727.
Request the software unlock code if eligible.
Provide the code to your new carrier to complete the unlock.

This unlock only allows domestic use within the US.

T-Mobile

Ensure your iPhone is eligible for unlocking.
Contact T-Mobile, providing your account and device details, including the IMEI.
Insert the new carrier’s SIM once the unlock is confirmed.
Complete the setup process.

Note: Sprint and T-Mobile have merged.

What is the carrier lock?

A carrier lock restricts the iPhone from using SIM cards from different carriers.

With a carrier lock, only the original provider’s SIM card works. This restriction is also known as:

Network lock
SIM lock
Subsidy lock

Benefits of an unlocked iPhone

An unlocked iPhone gives you the freedom to:

Choose the best carrier based on coverage, pricing, and service.
Switch between carriers whenever needed.
Use a local SIM card when traveling abroad to avoid roaming fees.

Reasons people switch carriers

Better network coverage or service
Improved customer support
Flexibility without long contracts
Family or friend recommendations
Rewards and perks

why consumers switch carrier - graph — Above: Graph showing why consumers switch cellphone carrier in 2021

Checking if your device is SIM locked

To verify if your iPhone is carrier locked:

Go to Settings > General > About.
Look for No SIM Restrictions under Carrier Lock to confirm it’s unlocked.

Alternatively, insert a SIM from a different carrier. If a SIM Not Supported message appears, your iPhone is carrier locked.

How to unlock Apple devices for any network

You can unlock all iPhone models, cellular iPads, and Apple Watches for carrier use.

iPhone unlocking

Guides are available for all unlocking models, from iPhone 4 to iPhone 13.

iPad unlocking

Unlock any iPad model, including iPad Mini, iPad Pro, and iPad Air:

Apple Watch unlocking

Apple Watch is sold unlocked but may require activation with an eSIM carrier plan.

To find out more, see Using Apple Watch with a cellular network.

Other unlocking options

If you need to remove an iCloud Activation Lock or unlock a passcode, see the following guides:

iCloud Unlock: For Activation Lock removal see How to unlock iCloud.
Passcode Unlock: For resetting forgotten passcodes see Unlocking the iPhone passcode.

FAQ

Can I use software to unlock my iPhone?

Software unlocking does not work on modern iPhones. Many sites falsely claim to offer software unlocks, but these don’t work on models newer than iPhone 4. Avoid paying for software unlocks, as they are likely scams.

Is hardware unlocking an option?

Hardware unlocking involves modifying the iPhone hardware to bypass the lock. It voids the warranty and may damage the device. It’s costly and unreliable—best to avoid this method.

What is a Gevey SIM lock?

A Gevey SIM lock uses an interposer chip between the SIM and SIM tray. It can unlock an iPhone, but it may cause overheating, battery drain, or network issues.

How can I tell if my iPhone is carrier locked?

Insert a different carrier’s SIM card and attempt a call. If the call connects without errors, your iPhone is unlocked.

How long does it take to unlock an iPhone?

Unlocking typically takes 2-5 days, though it may extend to 30 days for some carriers.

Is it legal to unlock an iPhone?

Yes, unlocking is legal. However, some carriers require that the phone be paid off and not reported lost or stolen. Check with your carrier to confirm eligibility.

What’s the difference between a locked and unlocked phone?

A locked phone restricts you to the original carrier’s network, while an unlocked phone allows SIM cards from any carrier. This freedom is useful for switching networks or using a local SIM while traveling.

Wrap up

Unlocking your iPhone gives you the flexibility to use any network provider.

Use official methods through your carrier or reputable third-party services to avoid scams and ensure a reliable unlock.

How to Carrier Unlock your iPhone to use any network provider