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See this article for methods on how to know if your iPhone is unlocked. If you're thinking about selling your iPhone®, buying a used one, or switching carriers, you'll first need to confirm that your device is unlocked.
There are several ways to check this, including contacting your carrier, checking your SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, or looking up this information using your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.
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What does it mean for an iPhone to be jailbroken?
An iPhone is either locked (connected to a carrier) or unlocked (free to use with any carrier).
- When you buy one from a carrier, like VIVO® or Claro®, you're typically tied to them — the phone is locked — for the duration of the contract.
- When you buy a new iPhone from the Apple® store, it is unlocked by default.
- A used iPhone is unlocked if the person you are buying it from has finished the contract and paid in full.
How to know if your phone is unlocked
Here's a quick rundown of the different ways to find out whether or not your phone is unlocked to work on any network.
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Check with your carrier
The most accurate way to find out if your phone is unlocked (or unlock it) is to call your carrier. But the call can be time-consuming, and you'll only be able to get information about your own device, not a phone you're interested in buying.
You can also visit your carrier's website for free to check if your phone is unlocked. You may need to enter your iPhone's serial number (go to Settings > General > About and look for the serial number) as well as the IMEI number.
Check if your phone is unlocked using IMEI
Every iPhone comes with a number Unique 15-digit IMEI. While SIM cards are typically tied to the user, the IMEI number is permanently tied to the device and can be used to check whether it is connected to a particular network.
An iPhone IMEI Check It's a great tool to prevent stolen devices from being activated and to see if you are free to use a previously owned phone with your network of choice.
HOW TO FIND YOUR IPHONE'S IMEI NUMBER
You'll find the IMEI number printed inside your iPhone's battery compartment, or you can access it more easily by typing *#06# on your keyboard.
USE AN ONLINE IMEI CHECKER
Once you find your IMEI number, you can see if your iPhone is unlocked by connecting it to an online database.
There are many such sites available (search “online IMEI checker”), but most or all will take you to a paywall to find out the device's SIMlock status or carrier status.
They are the same thing: they both tell you if your iPhone is unlocked.
Check settings
Another quick and easy way to find out if your iPhone is jailbroken is to check the Settings app.
- Open it Settings.
- Tap General > About.
- Search for Carrier lock. If it is written No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is unlocked. If you say SIM locked or anything else, it's probably blocked.
If that doesn't work, or if you want to check again – sometimes your settings can be inaccurate – try checking your SIM card.
How to check your SIM card to see if your iPhone is unlocked
Checking your SIM card to find out if your iPhone is unlocked will take some planning.
You will need to have a SIM card from two different carriers, but they both need to be the same size. If you only have one SIM card, you will need to borrow one from a friend. Follow these steps:
- Turn off your iPhone: If your phone has a Home button, press and hold the button Side until the slider To switch off appear and drag him out; If your phone has Face ID, press and hold the button Volume up and Side button until the slider To switch off appear and drag it out.
- Use a straightened paper clip to open the SIM card tray .
- Remove the SIM card. Caution: Do not touch the metal of the SIM card as it is very fragile.
- Put the other SIM card at tray SIM card and gently push it back into place.
- Turn on your iPhone by pressing and holding the button Side.
- Make a call. If you receive an error message, your iPhone is locked. If the call connects, your device is unlocked.
If you've already tried these steps and still need a little help. Schedule a repair at Smartech store closest to you and our certified experts can get your device up and running again the same day.
