How to check an iPhone is unlocked before buying it

Is your iPhone locked to a specific carrier? This is especially relevant for US-purchased iPhones. Knowing whether your iPhone is locked or unlocked is crucial for a smooth experience when switching carriers, gifting it, or selling it.

Outside the US, iPhones purchased from Apple or authorized resellers are usually unlocked by default. The UK, for example, banned the sale of locked handsets in 2020. This simplifies selling or gifting your iPhone.

However, US iPhones are often carrier-locked, creating complexities when changing carriers, passing the phone on, or selling it.

Unlock Your iPhone Easily with EaseUS MobiUnlock

EaseUS MobiUnlock removes Apple IDs, bypasses screen passcodes (numeric, Touch ID, Face ID), and resolves issues like security lockouts and "iPhone unavailable" errors. Currently offering a 25% discount with code: MACWORLD25

MobiUnlock for iOS MobiUnlock for Android

When buying a refurbished iPhone, the locked/unlocked status should be clearly stated. However, private sellers might not always disclose this information, making it essential to verify independently.

You can't visually determine if an iPhone is locked. Apple doesn't allow carrier branding on iPhones. Furthermore, some phones initially locked might unlock later upon contract completion.

Fortunately, checking your iPhone's lock status is straightforward. Let's explore how:

Checking iPhone Lock Status via Settings

This method works for iOS 14 and later.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Scroll down to Network Provider Lock. "Unlocked" indicates an unlocked device.

Checking with a SIM Card (For iPhones with SIM Trays)

This method is for iPhones prior to the iPhone 14 (which lack SIM trays).

1. Power off your iPhone.
2. Eject the SIM card using the provided tool or a paperclip.
3. Insert a SIM from a different carrier.
4. Power on your iPhone.
5. A message indicating SIM incompatibility means the iPhone is locked.

Contact Your Carrier or Use an Online IMEI Checker

Contacting your carrier is a reliable but potentially time-consuming method. Many carriers can check the lock status using the IMEI number.

Online IMEI checkers offer a quicker alternative, but many are paid services. Free services exist (e.g., IMEI24.com), but use caution and verify their legitimacy.

Unlocking Your iPhone

Our separate tutorial, "How to Unlock an iPhone," provides detailed instructions. You can also contact your carrier or use third-party unlocking services like Doctor SIM, Dr. Fone, or EaseUS MobiUnlock.

Further Information

Once you determine your iPhone's lock status, you can proceed with selling, gifting, or other actions. Our guides on selling iPhones, setting up parental controls, and finding the best iPhone deals can provide further assistance.

The above is the detailed content of How to check an iPhone is unlocked before buying it. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!