If your iPhone is carrier-locked, it can limit your ability to stay connected abroad. But what is a carrier-locked iPhone, and how can you unlock it? In this guide, we'll walk you through what it means to have a carrier-locked iPhone, how to remove a carrier lock, and how this unlocks (see what we did there?) new ways to stay connected when you travel.
You'll learn:
- What is a carrier-locked iPhone?
- Why is myiPhone carrier-locked?
- Can I buy an unlocked iPhone?
- What are the limitations of a carrier-locked iPhone?
- How do I know if my iPhone is carrier-locked?
- How do I unlock my iPhone?
- What can I do with an unlocked iPhone?
- Stay connected with an eSIM
What Is a Carrier-Locked iPhone?
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.
Why Is My iPhone Carrier-Locked?
Did you get a discount on your iPhone when you signed a contract with your carrier? If so, it's probably carrier-locked. Carriers will often subsidize the cost of a device in exchange for your commitment to using their services.
Can I Buy an Unlocked iPhone?
Yes, you can. Apple offers unlocked iPhones that can be used with any carrier. These are typically sold at full price from an Apple Store or retailer and aren't tied to a contract with a mobile provider.
What Are the Limitations of a Carrier-Locked iPhone?
Having a carrier-locked iPhone can pose significant challenges when you travel. Here are a few limitations you may encounter:
- Expensive roaming charges:Using your carrier's international roaming services can lead to pricey (and often, surprise)roaming fees. Making calls, sending texts, and using data can quickly drain your travel budget.
- Inability to use local SIM cards:With a carrier-locked phone, you can't swap out your SIM card for a local one from another country. This means you'll be stuck with expensive roaming rates, even if there are cheaper local options available.
- Restricted network compatibility:Different countries use different network technologies. If your carrier-locked phone is incompatible with the network technology used in the country you're visiting, you may find yourself without service.
Related:A Traveler's Guide to Roaming Fees
How Do I Know If My iPhone Is Carrier-Locked?
You can dive into your iPhone's settings to check if your device is carrier-locked. Here's how:
- Go toSettings
- TapGeneral>About
- Scroll down to "Carrier Lock" or "Network Provider Lock"
- If your iPhone is locked, you'll see the name of your carrier
- If your iPhone is unlocked, you'll see "No SIM restrictions"
How Do I Unlock My iPhone?
The safest way to unlock your iPhone is to contact your carrier and request an unlock. Keep in mind that carriers have different policies around unlocking phones. You may need to complete your contract term or pay off any outstanding balances before they will unlock it for you.
What Can I Do With an Unlocked iPhone?
When your iPhone is unlocked, you aren't tied to a specific carrier. Now, you have the freedom to switch carriers and use local SIM cards or eSIMs when you travel.
Stay Connected With an eSIM
An eSIM is an embedded SIM that's already built into your iPhone's hardware. It works 100% digitally, so you can purchase, install, and activate a mobile service plan right from your smartphone. There's no need to find a SIM card vendor, swap out your physical SIM, or manage multiple SIM cards when you travel.
Here are just a few benefits of using an eSIM from Airalo when you travel:
- Connect to a mobile network within minutes of arrival.
- Choose from flexible local, regional, and global data plans.
- Eliminate the need to find a local SIM vendor.
- Say goodbye to expensive roaming charges.
- Store multiple eSIM data plans on your device.
- Running out of data? Top up in the Airalo app.
Find eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions worldwide in the Airalo store.
Alisha Whitley
Alisha is a Canadian expat based in Portugal. She’s an avid traveler and writes about all things travel and tech for Airalo.
FAQs
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.
Can you unlock an iPhone that is carrier locked? ›
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.
Why does my iPhone say carrier lock? ›
Basically, a locked phone is tied ("locked") to a specific carrier, like AT&T or Verizon. Locked phones have a software code on them that prevent the user from using other networks. Carriers usually have good deals on smartphones.
What to do if iPhone is locked to wrong carrier? ›
Call your carrier, and request them to remove the carrier lock. It's usually there when you have purchased the phone on a payment program…. Often it's removed once you have paid the phone off, but it's possible that you may have to request it.
Can you sell an iPhone that is carrier locked? ›
However, if you still have an old iPhone or other smartphone locked to a network, don't worry! You can still sell your device without any trouble if you have fully paid off your contract. So, if you are wondering whether you can sell your iPhone if it's locked to an old network, the answer is a YES: you can!
How much does it cost to unlock a carrier iPhone? ›
The carriers provide the unlock service to your iPhone. Generally, it will cost $30 to $200 if you contact the carrier to remove the SIM lock. The charge varies from different carriers and it depends on your iPhone status. Moreover, the carriers will ask you to provide the purchase details.
What happens if your phone is carrier locked? ›
That is, if one provider sold you a "locked" phone, then you would not be able to use that phone on another provider's compatible network. "Unlocking" a phone removes those technical limitations, although it does not resolve all technological compatibility issues with switching networks.
Can you activate a locked phone? ›
When a handset is locked it means it will only work with the provider that you bought it from. If your phone is locked it won't automatically become unlocked when your contract expires with your provider. You'll have to specifically ask your carrier to unlock it.
Why does an iPhone get locked? ›
Why is my iPhone disabled? An iPhone will disable for 1 minute after six failed passcode attempts in a row. The seventh incorrect passcode attempt will lock you out for 5 minutes, the eighth attempt for 15, and the tenth for an hour.
What does iPhone SIM locked mean? ›
(Subscriber Identity Module lock) A function in GSM cellphones that restricts the phone's use to a particular cellular carrier identified by a SIM card. SIM locks are used to ensure subscribers finish their service contracts. If the contract period is over, the phone may be unlocked by entering a code from the carrier.
The carrier is the company that you pay your cellular service bills to. You can also remove the SIM card on your iPhone and then check the carrier's name on it. If you have active cellular service on your iPhone, then the carrier name will appear on the top left corner of the Lock Screen.
How do you check if an iPhone is activation locked? ›
On a device with iOS or iPadOS 15 or later that is protected by Activation Lock, you see an "iPhone Locked to Owner" screen when you turn on or wake the device. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's protected by Activation Lock.
Can I unlock a carrier-locked iPhone? ›
If your iPhone is locked, the only way to unlock it is through your carrier. If your contract is complete and your device is paid off, your carrier can unlock your iPhone for you. Either call them or go online to make a request to unlock your phone.
Why did my iPhone become carrier locked? ›
When you buy your iPhone from a mobile carrier with a fixed contract or payment plan, your phone is locked to that carrier. You can only use the iPhone with your current carrier's SIM card and mobile network.
Can you update a carrier locked iPhone? ›
You cannot update iOS on a locked device. When you try to update via iTunes(which is the only possible in this situation), it will ask you to unlock the iPhone. It is simply not possible to update or restore a locked iPhone or any iOS device.
Can you jailbreak a carrier-locked iPhone? ›
While jailbreaking the iPhone directly doesn't result in unlocking a carrier-locked iPhone, it is certainly an essential step forward. All you need is a reliable and trusted tool to unlock your carrier-locked device. One such example is EaseUS MobiUnlock, which is a powerful tool that can remove carrier locks.
Is it okay to buy a carrier-locked iPhone? ›
Inability to use local SIM cards: With a carrier-locked phone, you can't swap out your SIM card for a local one from another country. This means you'll be stuck with expensive roaming rates, even if there are cheaper local options available.
Can a carrier refuse to unlock a phone? ›
Participating providers do not have to unlock devices for customers or former customers that are not in good standing or have not satisfied the applicable service contract, device financing plan, or paid the applicable early termination fee.
Can you unlock a phone that's not paid off? ›
You can contact your mobile phone carrier and request that they unlock your phone. They will set the terms of unlocking and unlock your phone once you meet these requirements. While the demands vary, many carriers require you to settle your outstanding balance and pay an early termination fee.
