If i buy an iphone from apple is it unlocked

iPhones can be bought unlocked from legitimate vendors (including Apple), but you should know how to tell if an iPhone is unlocked before you make your purchase. Whether you want to make sure your phone is unlocked so it’ll be worth more or you’re just thinking of switching carriers, we’ll show you how to check if an iPhone is unlocked or not.

How Do I Know If My Phone Is Unlocked? 3 Ways to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked

What does it mean if an iPhone is unlocked? We’ll guide you through how to tell if your iPhone is unlocked in three different ways, and help you understand what iPhone unlocked means. At the end, we’ll also cover some top FAQs for how to tell if an iPhone is unlocked!

• How to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked in Settings
• How to Tell If iPhone Is Unlocked with the SIM Card
• How to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked: IMEI Lookup Online

What Does It Mean When an iPhone is Unlocked?

An iPhone that’s unlocked can connect to any carrier, and can bring in a higher price when sold. If your iPhone is unlocked, you could switch from Sprint to Verizon tomorrow and your same phone will work just fine, which is highly desirable! iPhones that have been purchased directly from Apple are likely to be unlocked. But if you bought the iPhone through a carrier on a contract, the phone will be locked until the contract is over and paid in full. It’s also possible to buy a used, locked iPhone that becomes unlocked later when the previous owner has finished their contract. That’s why it’s important to know whether the iPhone you’re buying is unlocked or not. So to recap:

1. Locked iPhones are stuck with a carrier; unlocked iPhones are free to use with any carrier.
2. Paid-for iPhones direct from Apple are usually unlocked.
3. iPhones leased from a carrier will be locked for the duration of the lease.
4. Unlocked iPhones will fetch more money when sold.

First, I want to clarify that you don’t necessarily need to do any of the following steps to check iPhone unlock status. You could call your current carrier and ask them if your iPhone is unlocked. If you’re considering buying a used phone and the phone’s current carrier won’t give you the info over the phone, your only option (aside from trusting the seller) is to try the steps in the methods below. But otherwise, calling the carrier is the best way to check if an iPhone is unlocked. The con of calling the carrier is the time it will take (no one likes spending an hour on the phone with customer service, I know), but it’s guaranteed to be accurate. Not interested? Let’s get into how to know if your iPhone is unlocked.

Worried about the repercussions of using an unlocked iPhone, or have more questions? Check out the Unlocked iPhone FAQ section for more information.

How to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked in Settings

For this method, you’ll need to have the iPhone in question powered on and unlocked (the other kind of unlocked—enter the four or six-digit code to access the phone, if needed). Here’s how to tell if your iPhone is unlocked in Settings:

1. Open the Settings app on the iPhone in question.
    
2. Scroll down and tap General.
    
3. Tap About.
    
4. Scroll to the bottom and look for Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, then your iPhone is unlocked and you’re free to use any carrier or cell service. If it says anything else, then it is probably locked.
    

However, this isn’t quite the end of the story, since some users report that this information isn’t displayed in their About page in Settings. If that’s the case for you, check out one of the other methods detailed below.

How to Tell If iPhone Is Unlocked with the SIM Card

How can I tell if my iPhone is unlocked if it doesn’t say it in Settings? There’s another way, but it’ll require some prep work, since this method requires you to have two SIM cards, each from a different carrier. If you don’t have two SIM cards, you could test this out by borrowing one from a friend’s phone.

1. Power off your iPhone.
2. Use a straightened paperclip or a SIM card tool to open the SIM card tray, then remove the current SIM card.
3. Careful not to touch the metal on the card! These things are fragile.
4. Place the SIM card from a different carrier (must be same size) into the SIM card tray of the iPhone. Push the tray back into place.
5. Power the iPhone on.
6. Now, try to make a call to any working number.
7. If you get an error message that the call cannot be completed, then your iPhone is locked. If you’re able to connect and make the call, then your iPhone is definitely unlocked.

If you’re still unsure or can’t use this method to check if an iPhone is unlocked, try using one of the two online tools I recommend below.

How to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked: IMEI Lookup Online

There are quite a few online tools that allow you to check if your phone is unlocked using the IMEI number; however, the vast majority want you to pay about three dollars to get the info. I found a couple of free tools, though. In general, it’s best to be very cautious about using online tools like this, especially if they’re unverified. As such, I recommend this approach only if it’s your last resort and you absolutely don’t want to call your cellular service provider.

Here’s how to know if your iPhone is unlocked using the IMEI number:

1. Open the Settings app.
    
2. Scroll down and tap General.
    
3. Tap About.
    
4. Scroll down until you find the IMEI number.
    
5. If you have an iPhone X or later, you may notice a second IMEI listing. If this is the case for you, save that second IMEI number; you’ll need it.
6. Finally, make note of your iPhone’s Serial Number, located in the top section on this About screen.
    
7. Now visit https://iphoneimei.net/check-imei or http://www.imei.info/, preferably on a computer.
8. Fill in the requested information and submit.
9. You may need to solve a captcha to prove you’re not a robot.
10. Then the website will present you with an information card. Look for Lock Status.

Unlocked iPhone FAQs

1. Can a Factory Unlocked iPhone Be Updated with Software Updates?

Yes! If an iPhone was officially unlocked by Apple or by a phone service carrier, Apple will still recognize it and the phone can be updated. If an unlocked iPhone was not officially unlocked, it’s considered “jailbroken” and can’t be updated… at least not without serious risk of bricking the phone.

2. What’s the Difference between Unlocking and Jailbreaking an iPhone?

A phone that is sold by Apple without association with a cellular service provider will generally come factory unlocked, which means it’s not tied to a carrier but is officially supported and can be updated. An officially unlocked iPhone is one that has been unlocked by a carrier, and done so in a way that ensures Apple will still support the device for updates.

An iPhone that’s been manually unlocked by a user to untether the iPhone from a service provider is considered jailbroken, and is not eligible for iOS updates and other support.

3. Are Factory Unlocked iPhones Fake or Unsafe?

If you’re purchasing an iPhone from Apple that is unlocked, it’s safe! Apple sells these iPhones without locking them to a service provider because it allows the company to sell iPhones directly, and users can still use them with cellular carriers.

On the other hand, buying an iPhone from an unauthorized vendor that claims the phone is “factory unlocked” does carry the risk that the device will be unsafe or not legitimately unlocked.

4. Is It Legal to Unlock My iPhone Myself?

It’s legal to unlock your iPhone if you own it outright with no remaining payments due. If you’re still in the process of paying off your phone or you have other reasons to be beholden to the carrier, it’s definitely a good idea to check with your carrier prior to unlocking your iPhone.

5. What Is the Disadvantage of Unlocking an iPhone?

The main disadvantage of buying an unlocked phone in the first place is the price—unlocked iPhones cost more than locked ones. If you already own an iPhone that you want to unlock, the main disadvantages of unlocking your phone yourself are potential loss of support from your service provider and Apple, including software updates. Unlocking a phone yourself may void the warranty, but if you get your iPhone unlocked by your carrier, the risks are low. 

6. Will Apple Unlock an iPhone I Already Own?

Unfortunately, no. Apple allows cellular carriers to do this, though, so you can check with your carrier to see if they’ll unlock it for you!

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2 replies

Oct 29, 2013 6:57 AM in response to Robbo1x

If you buy an UNLOCKED iPhone, it will remain unlocked, regardless of the SIM installed.

Oct 29, 2013 6:57 AM in response to Robbo1x

If the iPhone you purchase from Apple is unlocked and not just

contract free (same price in most locations so it is hard to tell –

you must see the word unlocked on the receipt), the iPhone will

stay unlocked as long as you do not jailbreak or hack it. If the iPhone

is merely contract free, it is locked to a wireless provider and will

stay locked unless that wireless provider unlocks it.

If i buy an iphone from apple will it stay unlocked

Every iPhone you buy from us is unlocked. Your new iPhone will work with your network provider, so you won’t have to change your plan or phone number. Once your new iPhone is activated, it remains unlocked, which means that at any time you can decide to switch to any network that provides service for iPhone.

Do iPhones come unlocked from Apple?

Answer: A: Answer: A: Yes. iPhones sold in Apple Stores are unlocked and can take a sim card from any supported carrier.

What happens when you buy an unlocked iPhone from Apple?

The unlocked iPhones sold by Apple are not jailbroken. So, while unlocked iPhones let you use whatever phone company you choose, you’re still required to use the App Store and other official Apple systems for software.

Is there a benefit to buying from Apple Store?

The only benefit in buying directly from Apple is when you want to pay more for a custom configuration of a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Pro, or Mac mini. Since there are no custom configurations in an iPad, iPod, or iPhone, there is no need to buy direct at all.

What is the price of iPhone 12?

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro with 128GB storage is available on Flipkart for ₹1,15,900, whereas the 256GB variant is available at ₹1,25,900. The 512GB variant is retailing for ₹1,45,900.

Can I just buy a phone and put my SIM card in it?

You can often switch your SIM card to a different phone, provided the phone is unlocked (meaning, it is not tied to a particular carrier or device) and the new phone will accept the SIM card. All you need to do is remove the SIM from the phone it is in currently, then place it into the new unlocked phone.

Is it better to buy SIM Free iPhone?

Purchasing a SIM-free iPhone means you will not qualify for the lower iPhone price associated with a contract or a carrier installment plan. If you don’t want a multiyear service contract, or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the SIM-free iPhone is the best choice.

Is it cheaper to buy Apple products at Costco?

Apple products are significantly discounted at Costco. You may be able to find a better deal if you search around, but it’s unlikely. The only disadvantage is that there isn’t a lot of choice. For example, if you buy an iPad, it usually only comes in one color.

Where is the best place to buy Apple products?

Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are currently offering the best Apple deals of the year on all kinds of Apple kit, including Apple’s new iPhone 13 and iPad mini.

Why is Apple store more expensive?

Apple’s reputation and brand allow it to charge a premium for its high-end products like the iPhone 11 Pro Max. And adding memory or storage to these products increases the cost even more. Because of this “Apple Tax” Apple products are often more expensive than its competitors.

Is iPhone 12 coming?

The 6.1-inch iPhone 12 officially launched on Friday, October 23.

Will there be a iPhone 12?

On the front, the Apple iPhone 12S is expected to come with a 12 MP camera for selfies and video chats. The phone is rumored to feature a 6.1 inches (15.49 cm) display with a resolution of 1170 x 2532 Pixels so that you can enjoy watching movies or playing games..

Is iPhone 12 good buy?

The iPhone 12 is a great phone that still has plenty to offer in terms of performance and camera capabilities. For owners of older iPhones like the iPhone X series, going for the iPhone 12 gives you an advanced A14 Bionic chip, plus an OLED screen.

Is it worth spending money on iPhone?

Personally I think, iPhones have the best camera and with an array of extra features in it like the slow motion, Time lapse, Burst Mode. … I really do think that iPhones are totally worth the money if you are seeking for the best of user experience along with the best of design and look of a smartphone.

Is iPhone better than Android?

Apple’s closed ecosystem makes for a tighter integration, which is why iPhones don’t need super powerful specs to match the high-end Android phones. It’s all in the optimization between hardware and software. … Generally, though, iOS devices are faster and smoother than most Android phones at comparable price ranges.

Can I put my pay monthly SIM in a different phone?

If you’re a Pay As You Go customer, you can visit a Three Store or contact us to order a replacement SIM. Remember, you can use your phone SIM in other devices like tablets if you like. You’ll just need a compatible device that isn’t locked to another network.

Can you just switch SIM cards in iphones?

Many people wonder if you can really just switch SIM cards on an iPhone. Yes, you absolutely can. … If you intend to use a third-party SIM card, your phone must be unlocked: This won’t be a problem if you purchased your phone directly from Apple as they generally sell them unlocked.

What happens if you switch SIM cards in iphones?

Answer: A: If you change it for a SIM from the same carrier, nothing happens, the device continues working as before. If you change it for a SIM from another carrier and the phone is locked to the original, then it will work as a fancy iPod, none of the phone capabilities will be available.

Will iPhone 12 be unlocked?

When you buy an iPhone 12 directly from Apple, whether you buy SIM-free or for a specific carrier (phone purchased through Apple can still be attached to your mobile account, for instance) it will come unlocked (with an exception we’ll cover momentarily).

Is it better to buy a SIM free phone?

Lower monthly contract payment: SIM Free contracts (from networks) are usually far cheaper than those that come with a phone, especially modern handsets or flagship models. Higher resale value: An unlocked phone has a far greater resale value as its compatibility is open.

What is the difference between SIM free and pay as you go?

Well, in both cases you’re getting a low-cost SIM card to pop in your mobile; this means you’re only paying for the services you’re going to use and not the mobile itself. With pay as you go you’ll need to purchase a top-up whenever you spend your balance.

Where is the cheapest place to buy Apple products?

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Yes. iPhones sold in Apple Stores are unlocked and can take a sim card from any supported carrier.

Similarly, Can a Verizon iPhone be used on T-Mobile?

Can a Verizon iPhone be used on T-Mobile? Most likely, yes, as long as it’s a newer iPhone! Before switching from Verizon to T-Mobile, be sure to check T-Mobile’s compatibility tool to make sure.

Additionally, Does Apple sell locked phones? iPhones which are sold subsidized or bought directly from a carrier are all carrier locked iPhones. The only way to buy an unlocked iPhone is direct from Apple at full price. This is just the way it is.

Can I check if my iPhone is unlocked by IMEI?

Easiest way: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. An option like Cellular Data Network indicates an unlocked iPhone. … If you can make a call, your iPhone is unlocked. Or, enter the iPhone’s IMEI number into an online service like IMEI Check and see if your device is unlocked.

Will an unlocked iPhone work on any carrier?

Can an Unlocked iPhone Be Used With Any Phone Company? Yes. All modern iPhones can work with any major cell phone companies, including the major U.S. carriers AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. This is because they support both GSM phone networks (used by AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (used by Sprint and Verizon).

Can you use Verizon phones on T-Mobile?

Most Verizon phones are unlocked, but the phone also needs to be compatible with the T-Mobile Network. Once your compatible phone is unlocked, purchase a T-Mobile SIM card and choose a T-Mobile plan.

Can you use a T-Mobile SIM card in a Verizon phone?

Long story short, GSM phones (AT and T-Mobile) used SIM cards and CDMA phones (Verizon) did not. Since 4G LTE phones came around, new iPhones and Android devices are compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks.

Are Verizon iPhones locked?

Devices that you purchase from Verizon and certain devices purchased from our retail partners are locked for 60 days after activation. After 60 days, we will automatically remove the lock. Following the 60 day lock period following device purchase, we do not lock our phones at any time.

Is a locked iPhone worth anything?

Prices depend on your phone’s model, capacity and condition as well as the type of lock placed on your phone. For example, blacklisted and finance locked phones can be worth between 55% to 98% of an unlocked phone’s value. Activation locked phone prices range between 10% and 50% of the unlocked value.

Can you sell a locked phone?

Who Buys Locked Phones? … Good luck getting assistance from Apple or your Android manufacturer, in most cases those phones are now permanently locked even though you are the rightful owner. Even though we cannot get you back into your phone, you can sell your locked phone to us.

Can you unlock stolen iPhone?

Someone can also unlock a stolen iPhone with some professional iPhone unlocking tool, such as AnyUnlock – iPhone password unlocker as below. These unlocking softwares are designed to help users who forgot their iPhone passcode get into the locked phone. Therefore, a locked iPhone can be unlocked through that.

Is there a way to tell if my phone is unlocked?

But in general, you can go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators and tap Search Now to see if the names of other carriers come up. If multiple carrier names show up, your phone might be unlocked.

How can I check if my iPhone is SIM locked?

How to see iPhone carrier lock status in Settings

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Choose General from the root list.
3. Tap About.
4. If you see “No SIM restrictions” next to Carrier Lock, your device is unlocked.

Is my phone unlocked iPhone?

How to Check If iPhone Is Unlocked in Settings

• Open the Settings app on the iPhone in question.
• Scroll down and tap General.
• Tap About.
• Scroll to the bottom and look for Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, then your iPhone is unlocked and you’re free to use any carrier or cell service.

Will an unlocked phone work with any carrier?

An unlocked phone is not tied to a specific phone carrier and can be used on any carrier you choose. That means: You have more models of phones to choose from than what the carriers offer.

Can I put my SIM card in an unlocked iPhone?

Many people wonder if you can really just switch SIM cards on an iPhone. Yes, you absolutely can. … If you intend to use a third-party SIM card, your phone must be unlocked: This won’t be a problem if you purchased your phone directly from Apple as they generally sell them unlocked.

Is it better to buy an unlocked iPhone?

Is it better to get an unlocked iPhone? Well, it’s better to get an unlocked iPhone because it can work on almost any carrier, but unfortunately, you’ll probably end up paying a little more for it. But if you plan to use your phone for international traveling, the extra cost might be worth it!

Do Verizon phones need to be unlocked?

Most Verizon 4G LTE phones are on postpay plans, and those phones come unlocked by default. But if your phone is from a Verizon prepaid plan or an iPhone 3G World Device, you’ll need to unlock your new phone.

How can I tell if my Verizon phone is unlocked?

But in general, you can go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators and tap Search Now to see if the names of other carriers come up. If multiple carrier names show up, your phone might be unlocked.

Can I put a different SIM card in my Verizon phone?

Yes, you can switch SIM cards between phones on Verizon as long as both phones are Verizon smartphones and you have an active Verizon plan. … Like SIM cards are locked to each network’s internet router, your phones are locked to your carrier, and SIM cards from other carriers won’t be working on them.

How do I know if my Verizon iPhone is unlocked?

To tell if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. If you see Cellular Data Network, then your phone is probably unlocked.

Are Verizon iPhones unlocked 2021?

There’s some good news when it comes to Verizon. This carrier has stopped permanently locking iPhones to their network since the iPhone 5 came out. … Of course, you will have to wait for at least 60 days after purchasing an iPhone with Verizon, but Verizon will automatically unlock it for you.

Is my Verizon phone locked or unlocked?

If you’re unsure whether your Verizon phone is unlocked or not, the easiest way to check is to insert a SIM card from another carrier. If your Verizon phone is locked, you won’t be able to use a SIM card from another carrier.

For many years, all iPhones were sold with a software SIM lock that tied the phone to the phone company that you bought it from. Not anymore. These days, you can buy an unlocked iPhone that you can use with whatever phone company you prefer.

You can now buy an unlocked iPhone because customers now pay full price for their phones, rather than getting discounts from phone companies in exchange for multi-year contracts. An unlocked iPhone is more flexible, but it’s not right for everyone. Here are the answers to the most common questions about unlocked iPhones.

An unlocked iPhone is a phone that isn’t tied to any one phone company. This means that you can use it on any compatible cellphone network as long as you have a service plan with that phone company. It also means that you’re not tied to a multi-year contract with the phone company and that you’re free to switch to another company whenever you want.

What Is the Advantage to Having an Unlocked Phone?

The biggest advantage of having an unlocked iPhone is flexibility. As mentioned in the last section, you can switch an unlocked iPhone to another phone company whenever there are better rates or promotions. Unlocked phones are also useful when traveling overseas since you can get a short-term phone plan from a local phone company instead of using your primary phone company’s (potentially expensive) international plans.

Where Do I Buy an Unlocked iPhone?

The simplest way to buy an unlocked iPhone is to buy directly from Apple. In addition to selling new iPhones tied to specific phone companies, Apple also sells phones that are unlocked by default. Apple used to charge extra for unlocked phones, but now they’re the same price as any other phone.

While phone companies may sell unlocked phones, be careful not to buy an unlocked phone on a monthly installment plan. If you do that, you’ll be stuck with that phone company until you’ve paid off the phone and won’t have the freedom that an unlocked phone normally brings.

If you prefer to buy an iPhone in installments, check out Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program instead. All phones sold through that program are unlocked and you can switch phone companies even if you haven’t paid them off.

Can I Unlock My Existing iPhone?

Yes. It’s possible to unlock most iPhones, even if they were not unlocked when you bought them originally.

Assuming you’re not under contract with a phone company, and that you’ve paid off all installments on your phone, you should be eligible to unlock. Your phone company can perform the unlocking for you. To learn all about this process, here’s how to unlock the iPhone on AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.

How to Check If Your iPhone Is Unlocked

There are a number of ways to check if your iPhone is unlocked, such as websites (these often feel a little shady, so we usually recommend against them) or putting a SIM card from another phone company in your iPhone and seeing if you can make a call. Maybe the easiest way, though, is to follow these steps:

1. Tap Settings.

2. Tap General.

3. Tap About.

4. Find the Carrier Lock section. If it reads No SIM restrictions, then your iPhone is unlocked.

Does the Unlocked iPhone Include a SIM Card?

No. If you buy an unlocked iPhone directly from Apple, it does not include a SIM card. But that’s OK. When you sign up for service with a phone company, you’ll get a SIM card from that company.

Can an Unlocked iPhone Be Used With Any Phone Company?

Yes. All modern iPhones can work with any major cell phone companies, including the major U.S. carriers AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. This is because they support both GSM phone networks (used by AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (used by Sprint and Verizon). When you switch from one phone company to another, you may need to get a new SIM card for the new company, but otherwise, your phone will be the same.

Can I Use an Unlocked iPhone With More Than One Carrier at the Same Time?

Yes. To do this, you need to have active service and an active SIM card from the two phone companies. Then, when you want to switch the company (and phone number assigned to the phone) that you use, just swap the SIM cards in the phone.

With the Dual SIM on the iPhone XS/XR/11/12, Do I Need an Unlocked Phone?

Good question! The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, as well as the iPhone 11 and 12, support the use of two SIM cards in one phone at the same time. The first SIM is a physical card, while the second is a software-based eSIM.

Because there are two SIMs, you don’t necessarily need an unlocked phone. You could have the primary SIM tied to a specific phone company and use the second only for short-term situations like overseas travel.

On the other hand, you may prefer to keep both SIMs unlocked for maximum flexibility. It really depends on how you want to use your phone. Some people prefer unlocked phones on principle. For others, the flexibility of the dual SIM configuration may be enough.

Are Unlocked Phones Also Jailbroken?

No. While jailbreaking and unlocking are often discussed in the same breath, they’re not the same thing. The unlocked iPhones sold by Apple are not jailbroken. So, while unlocked iPhones let you use whatever phone company you choose, you’re still required to use the App Store and other official Apple systems for software.

To learn more about jailbreaking and what it offers, check out the definition of jailbreaking on the iPhone.

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