Noah Reed
23-Aug-2024

How to check if your iPhone is carrier locked or Unlocked?

When you purchase a new or used iPhone, you first have to check whether it is carrier unlocked or not. An iPhone which has a carrier-locked feature will be restricted to using only one carrier at that time, and you can not use it with another carrier’s SIM card until it's unlocked. If you plan to switch carriers or use the phone internationally, it is important to know if it is carrier-unlocked or not. I’ll provide the steps you can follow to figure out if your phone is carrier-unlocked or not. First, I will explain what a carrier unlock is. What does it mean? And when it occurs.


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What does carrier unlocked mean?

A carrier-imposed "lock" is a software restriction that prevents your phone from functioning with any other cellular network besides the one it was originally purchased from. While an "unlocked" phone is not restricted to any specific carrier, allowing you to use it with any compatible network. This flexibility offers the benefit of choosing or switching carriers without being tied to a single network.

When does it occur?

In most cases, you will get this when you buy an iPhone from a carrier under a contract or instalment plan. Once the contract ends, the carrier may unlock the iPhone, which allows it to be used with other carriers.


Steps to check if iPhone is carrier unlocked or not 

Here are the steps to check the carrier unlocking for eSIM activation on iPhone:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone
  2. Tap General 
  3. Tap About option
  4. Scroll down to find the Carrier Lock option.
  5. If you see a “No SIM restrictions” there, your iPhone is carrier-locked, and if it shows any other option, then it is definitely carrier-locked to a carrier.

How to check if an android is Carrier Unlocked?

You can check the carrier unlocked feature for eSIM activation on Android by following the steps: 

  • Go to Settings
  • Tap Network & Internet or Connections, depending on your device. 
  • Select network operators or Mobile Networks. 
  • The device likely isn't SIM-locked if it allows you to select different network operators.
  • If you see only one carrier, it means your device is carrier-locked, so you have to contact your current carrier to make it carrier-unlocked.

FAQs

Can I check if my iPhone is unlocked by IMEI?

Yes, you can check if your iPhone is unlocked by using the IMEI number. Find your IMEI number in Settings > General > About or by dialing *#06# on your iPhone. Once you have the IMEI number, use an online IMEI checker tool to determine if your iPhone is unlocked.

How do I check carrier settings on my iPhone?

To check carrier settings on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you will see a prompt to update your carrier settings. You can also check with your carrier for details about your current settings.

What is carrier lock in iPhone settings?

Carrier lock, also known as network lock, restricts your iPhone to use only with the carrier it was originally purchased from. To check if your iPhone is carrier-locked, go to Settings > General > About. If your iPhone is locked, you will see a message stating that your iPhone is locked to a specific carrier.

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