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.

Many iPhone users purchase their phones from a mobile carrier or the Apple store, so their devices are locked to the specific carrier and its network. If you want to switch carriers or sell your iPhone, you will need to unlock it.

Find carriers around the world that support eSIM on iPhone. 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.

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.

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.

If you don't want to switch carriers and your device is locked because you forgot the passcode, you don't need to use the steps in this article. Learn how to reset your passcode. Apple can't unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier. Only your current carrier can unlock your iPhone.

Once you've found your IMEI number, you can see if your iPhone is unlocked by plugging it into an online database. There are many of these sites available (search “online IMEI checker”) but most or all will take you to a paywall to find out the device's SIM lock status or carrier status.

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.

Can I use another Apple ID to unlock my iPhone? ›

Each Apple device is linked/associated with an Apple ID of the person who did the setup. Activation Lock prevents anyone who is not the owner from using this iPhone. To unlock the Phone, you need the Apple ID and password of the previous owner, that were used during set up.

Please note that devices locked with a passcode are protected by passcode encryption, and Apple can't help remove the passcode lock without erasing the device. For security, Apple requires and verifies legal documentation before we can assist with a deceased person's account.

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. Some phones can use the T-Mobile Device Unlock app to complete the unlocking process.

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.

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.

Unlocking your iPhone 12 offers several benefits, particularly in terms of carrier freedom: Flexibility to Switch Carriers: Once your iPhone is unlocked, you can switch between different network providers without restrictions.