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

Is your iPhone carrier locked or unlocked? It’s crucial to know, especially if you plan to switch carriers while traveling abroad. While purchasing the iPhone, you should confirm your device carrier is unlocked from settings. The carrier-locked iPhone allows only one carrier at a time. There are different methods to check the carrier lock. In this article, I will discuss the carrier lock, and steps to check your iPhone carrier locked or unlocked.

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What is carrier lock and unlock? 

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.

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

There are different ways to check carrier unlocking for eSIM activation on iPhone. Some are discussed here.

1. Check from iPhone Settings

• Go to your iPhone Settings app
• Click General
• Then tap the About button
• Now scroll down to Carrier Lock
• If shows No SIM Restrictions, the device carrier is unlocked otherwise, it is locked

2. Carrier Lock Check with SIM Card

You can check your iPhone carrier lock by inserting the SIMs of different networks. Borrow the SIM Cards from your friends for a few minutes to check the device carrier. Follow these steps with a SIM card.

• First of all, Power off your iPhone
• Eject your SIM card from the iPhone 
• Insert the new SIM
• After inserting the SIM, Turn on the iPhone
• On your screen, if you show lines such as, the SIM doesn't support your iPhone, insert the compatible SIM that supports your network provider to activate the iPhone. This means your iPhone is carrier-locked.

In such a case, you can consult your network provider.

3. Reach out to Carrier

You can contact your service provider for your device carrier lock, but it is not a quick solution. It works but takes time. You can call your provider to find out your iPhone carrier lock.

You can also visit the carrier's website or app for further information. For this, your iPhone serial number and IMEI number will be required. 

FAQs

Can I verify if my iPhone is unlocked by using IMEI?

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

Can I unlock my iPhone carrier myself?

No, you can check if your iPhone is carrier-locked, but you cannot unlock it on your own. You should contact your network provider or visit their website for your iPhone unlock.

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.