If you're thinking of selling your iPhone®, buying a used one, or switching carriers, you'll first need to confirm that the device is unlocked. There are several ways to verify this, including contacting the carrier, checking the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, or looking up this information by using the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Show
Whether it's setting up your new iPhone or turning off the Find your iPhone feature, Asurion Experts are armed with the tools to help with and resolve all of your iPhone repair and optimization needs. Here's our guide to why you would need to unlock your iPhone and how to do it. What does it mean for an iPhone to be unlocked?An iPhone is either locked (connected to one carrier) or unlocked (free to use with any carrier).
How to tell if your phone is unlockedHere’s a quick rundown of the different ways you can find out whether or not your phone is unlocked to work on any network.
Check with your carrierThe most accurate way to find out if your phone is unlocked (or to get it unlocked) is to call your carrier. But the call might be time-consuming, and you will only be able to get information about your own device—not for a phone you're interested in buying. You can also visit your carrier's website for free (here are links for AT&T and Verizon) to check if your phone is unlocked. You may need to enter your iPhone's serial number (Go to Settings > General> About and look for the Serial number) as well as the IMEI number. Check if your phone is unlocked using IMEIEvery iPhone comes with a unique, 15-digit IMEI number. While SIM cards are typically linked with the user, the IMEI number is permanently connected to the device and can be used to check if it's connected to a certain network. An iPhone IMEI check is a great tool to prevent stolen devices from being activated and to see if you are free to use a previously-owned phone with your network of choice. How to find your iPhone IMEI numberYou'll find the IMEI number printed inside the battery compartment of your iPhone, or you can access it more easily by entering *#06# on the keypad. Use an online IMEI checkerOnce 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 SIMlock status or carrier status. These are the same thing: Both tell you if your iPhone is unlocked. iPhone® screen repairs—starting at $79 From color and resolution to touch response and battery usage, we’ll help you find an option that’s right for you. Learn more Check the settingsAnother quick, easy way to find out if your iPhone is unlocked is by checking the Settings app.
If this doesn't work, or you want to double-check—occasionally your Settings can be inaccurate—try checking your SIM card. How to check your SIM card to see if your iPhone is unlockedChecking your SIM card to find out if your iPhone is unlocked will require some planning. You'll need to have a SIM card from two different carriers—but both have to be the same size. If you only have one SIM card, you'll need to borrow one from a friend. Follow these steps:
Protect your phoneFor more than 25 years, Asurion has helped 300 million customers protect, connect, and enjoy the tech they love most. And smartphones are no exception. Your life is on your device, make sure it’s protected. Learn more about Asurion phone insurance plans today. *The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.* How do I know if my Verizon cell phone is unlocked?This carrier automatically locks any phone bought through Verizon for 60 days. After that 60-day period, your phone is unlocked—with no extra steps needed. To confirm that your phone is unlocked, you can dial *611 from the device or call Verizon's customer service at 800-922-0204. Here's Verizon's SIM unlock policy.
How do I check if my Verizon phone is unlocked by IMEI?Check with your carrier
You can also visit your carrier's website for free (here are links for AT&T and Verizon) to check if your phone is unlocked. You may need to enter your iPhone's serial number (Go to Settings > General> About and look for the Serial number) as well as the IMEI number.
How do I know if my Verizon iPhone is unlocked?How to check if your iPhone is unlocked in Settings. Start the Settings app and tap General.. Tap About.. Look for Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, it's unlocked.. Can I check if my phone is unlocked?Method #1. First go to Settings and then Cellular. If you see a Cellular Data option under the Cellular menu, then your iPhone is unlocked. If you don't see “Cellular Data Network” as an option under Cellular, then the phone is locked.
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