Top 4 Ways to Determine If iPhone Is Locked (And Optimal Remedy)

Part 1. Why You Need to Determine if an iPhone Is Locked？

You might want to learn how to determine if iPhone is locked because of the following reasons:

• Switch Carriers Easily: An unlocked iPhone lets you changecarriers anytime for better deals or coverage. Locked phones can’t.
• Travel-Friendly: You want to use local SIMs or eSIMswhen traveling to avoid high roaming fees. Locked phones often can’t.
• Higher Resale Value: Unlocked iPhones sell for more sincemore people can use them.
• No Activation Issues: Avoid “SIM not supported” errors whenswitching SIM cards by checking if your phone is unlocked.
• Know If You Can Unlock: Carriers usually unlock phones only ifthey’re fully paid off. Knowing your phone’s status helps you plan.

Part 2. How to Determine if Your iPhone Is Locked to a Carrier？

Here’s how to check if iPhone is locked or unlocked in 4 ways. Not all methods might function in all scenarios. So, pick one based on your situation:

Method 1: Check in Your iPhone Settings

You can check in your iPhone settings if your phone is locked to a carrier or not. This is a simple method that doesn’t require the use of an external checker. However, this method is only for iOS 14 and above. Here’s how to check if iPhone is unlocked in Settings:

• Head to “Settings.” Then, choose “General.” Tap “About.”
• Move down to “Carrier Lock” or “Network Provider Lock.”

• If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your iPhone is unlocked. However, if it displays a carrier name (e.g., “AT&T” or “T-Mobile”), your iPhone is locked to that specific carrier.

Method 2: Use an Online IMEI Checker Tool

You can also learn how to check if iPhone is unlocked with IMEI Checker tool. It allows you to check if your iPhone is locked without using a SIM card. The IMEI is a unique number that can show if your phone is tied to a carrier. This method is helpful when buying a used iPhone or if you don’t have another SIM to test.

Some carriers, such as AT&T, offer online tools to check the unlock status. There are also free IMEI tools that give basic info, while paid ones offer full details. However, if your phone was just unlocked, it might take a little time for the update to show its unlocked status. Here’s how to know if IMEI is locked with the help of an IMEI Checker tool:

• Head to “Settings.” Then, choose “General.” Tap “About.”
• Move down to “IMEI.” You can also dial #06# to see the IMEI number on screen or examine the SIM tray or back of older iPhones.

• Head to sites like “IMEI.info,” “IMEI24,” or Apple’s official site. Enter your IMEI number and submit.

• The report will say if your iPhone is locked or unlocked. Some IMEI Checker tools also show the original carrier (like AT&T or Verizon).

Method 3: Contact Your Carrier Directly

If you’re unsure about your SIM-locked iPhone and wish to unlock it, the best way to confirm its lock status is by contacting your carrier. They give the most accurate info and can tell you if your phone is eligible to be unlocked, like if it’s fully paid off. They can also help clear up any confusion from online checks. Here’s how to check if iPhone is blocked by contacting your carrier directly:

• Step 1: Find your iPhone’s IMEI number. Then, call your carrier:
• AT&T: (800) 331-0500
• T-Mobile: (877) 453-1304
• Sprint: 1-(888)-211-4727
• Verizon: (800) 922-0204
• You can also use online chat on the carrier’s website or visit a carrier store in person.
• Give them your IMEI number and ask questions like “Is my iPhone locked or unlocked?” or “Can it be unlocked?” if it’s still locked.

Method 4: Insert a SIM Card From a Different Carrier

The easiest way to see if your iPhone is unlocked is to put in a SIM card from another carrier. If it works and connects to the network, your phone is unlocked. If it doesn’t, it’s still locked to your original carrier. Here’s how to tell if an iPhone is carrier-locked by inserting a SIM card from another carrier:

• Switch off your iPhone. Use a SIM tool or paperclip to open the tray and take out your SIM.


• Use a friend’s SIM from another carrier or a prepaid/international SIM (like Mint or Lycamobile). Insert it into your iPhone.

• Switch on your phone. Then, check the screen for signal bars.
• If you see a signal and a carrier name, your iPhone is unlocked. But if it says “No Service,” “Invalid SIM,” or “SIM Not Supported,” this means your phone is locked.

Part 3. Best Way to Unlock Your iPhone (All Lock Types)

If you’ve bought a second-hand phone and don’t know its passcode or have forgotten it, you can unlock it with the help of a third-party tool. Though it can’t remove a carrier lock, Tenorshare 4uKey is the best option to remove many types of iPhone locks, like PIN, pattern, screen lock, biometric, and Face ID etc. Here’s more info on this tool:

• Remove4-digit/6-digit, customnumeric, and alphanumeric passcodes from iOS devices in a singleclick.
• RemoveApple ID and MDM Profile without a passcode with high success.
• BypassScreen Time passcode and iCloud Activation Lock without the previousowner.
• RemoveiPhone locks with zero data loss and jailbreaking.
• Allowsyou to find stored WiFi and Apple ID passcodes.
• SupportsiOS 26, iPhone 16, Windows, and macOS.

Here’s an example of removing an iPhone passcode with the help of 4uKey:

• Install and execute 4uKey on your PC or Mac. Hit “Start.” Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.

• If not detected by 4uKey, follow the guide to enter “Recovery Mode” or “DFU Mode.”


• Hit “Download” to get the latest firmware. After it downloads, 4uKey will begin removing the lock screen.


• Keep your iPhone connected during the process. Once done, set up your iPhone as new. Restore it from iCloud or iTunes if you have a backup.

Part 4. FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Locked iPhones

Q1. Is it legal to unlock an iPhone?

Unlocking an iPhone is legal in most countries, including the U.S., due to a 2014 law. However, it must follow your carrier’s rules, like your phone needs to be fully paid off, not stolen, and meet any contract terms. Only the carrier can approve the unlock, and Apple doesn’t do it.

Q2. How can I find out which carrier my iPhone is locked to?

You can find out which carrier your iPhone is locked to with the following methods:

• Checkin Settings: Head to Settings > General > About. If it says “No SIMrestrictions,” your iPhone is unlocked.
• TryAnother SIM: Insert a SIM from a different carrier. If you see “SIM NotSupported,” your phone is locked.
• Usean IMEI Checker: Visit sites like IMEI.info and enter your IMEI to checklock status.

Q3. Are new iPhones usually locked or unlocked?

New iPhones bought directly from Apple at full price are usually unlocked. But if you buy through a carrier with a payment plan, the phone is often locked until it’s paid off or used for a certain time. Some carriers, like Verizon, automatically unlock phones after 60 days.

Q4. How do I verify if my iPhone is original or fake?

You can verify if your iPhone is original or fake with the following methods:

• Check Serial Number: Head to Settings > General > About and enter the serial on Apple’s Coverage Check page. Fakes won’t show valid info.
• Look at Build Quality: Fake iPhones may have cheap materials, off-center logos, or features that don’t work (like Face ID).
• Match IMEI/Serial: Make sure the IMEI/serial number on the phone matches the box. If not, it could be tampered with.

Conclusion

If you figure out how to determine if iPhone is locked, this helps you switch carriers, avoid high roaming fees, increase resale value, and prevent activation issues. You can check this through your phone settings, IMEI checker, by calling your carrier, or using a different SIM card. If your iPhone is locked due to a forgotten passcode or screen lock, Tenorshare 4uKey is a simple and effective tool to remove it. It can also remove screen locks, Apple & Face ID, MDM, biometric, and more without data loss or jailbreaking.

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