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How to carrier unlock iPad Air Cellular to use any network provider

This guide explains the easiest way to carrier unlock an iPad Air so you can move to another network provider.

You can only carrier unlock the Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Air.

The carrier lock removal process described in this article is also known as:

  • SIM unlocking.
  • Factory unlocking.
  • Network unlocking.
  • Simlock removal.
  • Subsidy lock removal.

This guide will explain the following:

  • Free carrier unlocking.
  • How to use swap to a different carrier.
  • Specific requirements for unlocking from each major carrier.
  • How to tell if your device is locked.
  • The iPad Air unlock process.
  • Using third-party providers to unlock your iPad Air.
  • Unlocking without a SIM.
  • Unlocking when you don’t know your carrier.

iPad Air Carrier Unlock
Above: iPad Air 5, released in 2022

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This article applies to the following Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad Air models:

Please note that Apple does not have the ability to unlock any Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Air.

Once your iPad Air has been unlocked you can use a SIM card from a different carrier, or swap to a different network provider from anywhere in the world – without any restrictions on your iOS device.

If you would like to unlock your tablet but don’t know your passcode you should read our guide on how to unlock your iPad Air without the passcode. Or if you would like to know how to remove Activation Lock then see our article on how to bypass the iPad Air iCloud lock.

What you need to unlock iPad Air

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The iPad Air, a highly regarded tablet originally released by Apple in 2013, was sold locked to a single carrier in most locations around the world. With its light weight the iPad Air has a unique architecture that requires a dedicated unlocking guide. Indeed, The fifth-generation iPad Air uses the M1 processor, the same chip used in the iPad Pro (5th generation).

If you bought the tablet new and want to have it unlocked by your carrier then normally you have to meet the following conditions:

  • It must be paid off in full with no outstanding debts, and
  • it must not be reported stolen.

If you bought the tablet second-hand and want to have it unlocked by your carrier then you have to meet the same conditions listed above, and also have the original account holder’s details. This allows the carrier to check there are no outstanding debts against the device in your, or the original owner’s name.

If there are any outstanding payments due against the iPad Air the carrier will not unlock it. Instead, you can use a third-party company to carrier unlock your device.

How to unlock iPad Air from your network provider

If you can’t ask your carrier to unlock your iPad Air, the best solution is to use a third-party unlocking service. They can unlock your device from any network provider in the world.

To unlock an iPad Air from any carrier do the following:

  1. Choose a reputable third-party provider. See who we recommend.
  2. Go to the providers’ website to request an iPad unlock.
  3. The provider will ask for the current carrier and the IMEI. To find your 15-digit IMEI number, dial *#06# on your tablet or go to Settings > About.
  4. Pay the fee.
  5. Wait for the unlock to be processed.
  6. Once unlocked, remove the SIM card.
  7. If you have a new SIM card from a different carrier, insert it. It will activate.
  8. If you don’t have a new SIM card, backup your iPad Air.
  9. Once backed up, reset and wipe your iPad Air.
  10. Restore your iPad Air from your backup.

We tested many of the third-party services available online and found DirectUnlocks to be the best overall solution. Using them to carrier unlock your iPad Air will help you get a large reduction in roaming fees and call costs.

Use Direct Unlocks

Direct Unlocks website

You can use DirectUnlocks to remotely unlock your iPad Air for use on a different carrier.

The cost varies depending on the country, network, and device but starts at around $25 USD (£19.99 GBP).

To unlock an iPad Air using DirectUnlocks do the following:

  1. Make a note of the device IMEI. When you place your order you will be asked for your device’s IMEI code. There are 4 ways of getting this code:
    • If you haven’t yet activated and set up your iPad Air you will see a little “i” button on the screen. Click it and it will display the IMEI code.
    • On your device keypad dial *#06#.
    • Look at the back of your Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad Air and you should see your IMEI printed in really small text.
    • Click Settings > General > About on your Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad Air then scroll down and you will see the IMEI listed.
  2. Go to DirectUnlocks and enter your IMEI or device serial number (see below).
  3. The website will recognize the IMEI and ask you which cellular network your device is locked to. Then click Unlock for any SIM card.
  4. The order confirmation page will appear where you can choose the payment method.
  5. Next, you will be asked to pay via secure checkout.
  6. Your device will be unlocked in 1-3 working days.
  7. Once unlocked, remove the SIM card.
  8. If you have a new SIM card from a different carrier, insert it. Your device will activate.

Use IMEInow

IMEInow website

IMEInow is another third-party provider we recommend to unlock your Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad Air.

Pricing is identical to DirectUnlocks with the majority of unlocks completed for around $25 USD (£19.99 GBP) for English-speaking countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and NZ. Non-English speaking countries tend to cost more.

The exact price depends on where you are based and which carrier you use. If you choose your country and carrier on their website it will provide you with an exact cost.

To unlock a Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad Air using IMEInow do the following:

  1. On your tablet keypad dial *#06# or click Settings > General > About to get the IMEI.
  2. Go to IMEInow and enter your IMEI.
  3. The website will recognize the IMEI and ask you which carrier your device is locked to. Then click Unlock Now.
  4. The checkout page will appear where you choose your payment method.
  5. Next, you will be asked to pay via secure checkout.
  6. Your device will be unlocked in 24 – 72 hours.
  7. Once unlocked, remove the SIM card.
  8. If you have a new SIM card from a different carrier, insert it. Your tablet will then activate.

How to carrier unlock iPad Air for free

You will only be able to unlock your iPad Air for free from your current carrier. Some carriers in some territories charge a fee, but most will unlock your iPad Air for free.

Each network has slightly different policies for allowing you to unlock your iPad Air. These are summarized below.

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AT&T

AT&T Logo

AT&T will unlock your iPad Air for free, as long as you meet the following conditions:

  • Your device is active on the AT&T network for a minimum of 60 days.
  • The device isn’t active on another AT&T account.
  • The device doesn’t have a past-due account balance.
  • The device hasn’t been reported as lost, stolen, or involved with fraud.

You can check the status of your device and request your iPad Air be unlocked on the AT&T website.

When you submit a request to unlock your device, you get an email explaining what to do next. Follow the instructions to unlock your device.

To request an iPad Air unlock from AT&T do the following:

  1. Go to the AT&T device unlocking page.
  2. Click Unlock your device.
  3. On the website, fill out the device unlock form.
  4. Wait for approval.

Sprint

Sprint

Due to the way Sprint implemented device locking, the iPad Air 1, and iPad Air 2 can’t be carrier unlocked. More recent tablets, such as the iPad Air 3 or newer, can be unlocked from Sprint.

Up to 2015 tablets and phones were not required by law to be able to be carrier unlocked. As a result, Sprint did not provide this option to their customers. If you need a Sprint iPad Air 1st, or 2nd generation unlocked you need to use a third-party unlocker.

You can ask to have it unlocked for international travel by talking to Customer Support. Before being unlocked for international use, your iPad Air must meet the following conditions:

  • The device must be currently active on Sprint.
  • You must be the Sprint account holder.
  • The device must be capable of international SIM unlocking.
  • The account must have been active for at least 90 days.
  • The account should be in good standing.
  • The device must not have been reported as lost or stolen and linked with any associated with fraudulent activity.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile

Before you can unlock your T-Mobile iPad Air you need to meet the following conditions:

  • The device must have been sold by T-Mobile.
  • The device must not be reported as lost, stolen, or blocked.
  • The account associated with the device must be in good standing.
  • The tablet must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days.
  • All payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
  • If the device is associated with a canceled account, then the account balance must be zero.
  • On pre-paid plans, at least 365 days must have passed since the iPad Air was activated on the T Mobile network.

To request an iPad Air unlock from T-Mobile do the following:

  1. Sign in to your online account.
  2. Click View Account > Lines and Devices.
  3. Select your device.
  4. Submit a request to unlock the device.
  5. Wait for approval.

Verizon

Verizon

Verizon automatically unlocks devices 60 days after purchase unless the device is reported stolen or purchased fraudulently. This means that if your iPad Air is on Verizon it is most likely already unlocked.

If for any reason your Verizon handset has not been unlocked, contact Customer Support to have it done.

How to unlock iPad Air without carrier

If for any reason the carrier refuses to unlock your device, you can still unlock your Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad Air using a third-party service as described above.

This type of service is not free, but it is a good option if you can’t persuade your network provider to unlock your tablet.

How to unlock iPad Air without a SIM card

The process to unlock your Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad Air without a SIM card is as follows:

  1. Choose a reputable third-party provider. See who we recommend.
  2. Go to the provider’s website to request an iPad unlock.
  3. The provider will ask for the current carrier and the IMEI. To find your 15-digit IMEI number, dial *#06# on your tablet or go to Settings > About.
  4. Pay the fee.
  5. Wait for the unlock to be processed.
  6. Once unlocked, remove the SIM card.If you don’t have a new SIM card, backup your iPad Air.
  7. Once backed up, reset and wipe your iPad Air.
  8. Restore your iPad Air from your backup.

It is very easy to get a free SIM card from carriers. Most offer pre-paid cards that you can request.

The question is, which network should you get a pre-paid SIM from?

Since you want to have your device unlocked, you should get a SIM from the network that it is already locked to. That way you can get in touch with them using your online account and request an unlock.

Once your SIM arrives, install it and follow the instructions given to unlock your device for free.

If you don’t have any luck with the current network, try a third-party service. This isn’t free but it will allow you to get your iPad Air unlocked without the help of your carrier.

Unlocking other iPad ranges

If you want to unlock a different range of Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad, see:

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