Wondering whether your iPhone is carrier locked? If it is, that means you’ll only be able to use your phone with the designated carrier unless you unlock it. iPhones that you buy at full price from Apple or another electronics retailer are typically unlocked, while iPhones you buy from a wireless carrier may be locked to that carrier. If you’re not sure, we’ll talk you through a few different ways you can check, including looking in your phone’s settings, testing a new SIM card, and contacting your carrier.

Before you start: Make sure your iPhone is charged, and have a SIM card ready from a different carrier if you plan to test.

How to check if your iPhone is carrier locked

Follow these steps to determine if your iPhone is locked to a carrier or not.

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  • First, open your iPhone’s Settings. The easiest way to find out if your iPhone is carrier locked is by checking in Settings. This method works for all iPhones running iOS 14 or later.
  • If you haven’t done so already, you might want to update your iPhone to the most recent version of iOS.
  • Next, tap General. It’s in the third group of options in the Settings menu under your Apple ID.
  • Select About. You’ll see it at the very top of the General menu.
  • Scroll down to Carrier Lock. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your phone is unlocked.

For iPhones running iOS 13 or earlier

  • From the main Settings menu, tap Cellular, Cellular Data, or Mobile Data.
  • Tap Cellular Data Options or Mobile Data Options on the next screen.
  • Look for an option that says Cellular Data Network or Mobile Data Network. If you see it, your phone is unlocked. If not, your phone is probably locked.

Testing with a different SIM card

  • Buy a SIM card for a different carrier. The SIM that you buy can’t be a pre-paid SIM card, and it must be the same size as the one you currently use.
  • If your iPhone is a U.S. version of the iPhone 14, note that it doesn’t have a physical SIM card tray.
  • Turn off your iPhone. Depending on your model, this is done by:
    • Pressing and holding one of the volume buttons and the side button simultaneously for iPhone X or later until the slider appears.
    • Pressing and holding the side button until the power off slider appears for iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd or 3rd edition).
    • Pressing and holding the top button until the slider appears for iPhone SE (first edition), 5, and earlier models.
  • Locate the SIM card slot. If your iPhone has a case, you’ll probably need to remove it to access the SIM tray.
  • Find a small paperclip and straighten it. If you still have the SIM eject tool that came with your iPhone, go ahead and use that instead.
  • Push the paperclip (or tool) into the small SIM tray hole to pop out the SIM tray.
  • Pull the SIM tray out of the iPhone gently, as both the SIM card and its tray are fragile.
  • Remove the current SIM card and replace it with the new one.
  • Slide the tray back into the iPhone gently, ensuring it fits properly.
  • Turn on your iPhone by holding down the side button (or top button on older models) until you see the Apple logo.
  • Open the Phone app. If you see a message about “Activation Code” or unsupported SIM, your phone is likely carrier-locked.
  • Dial a number and press the Call button. If an error occurs or the call cannot be completed, your iPhone is probably locked. If you can successfully call, it’s unlocked.

Verifying with your carrier

  • If your iPhone is running iOS 13 or earlier and you prefer not to update, check with your carrier to confirm if your iPhone is unlocked.
  • You may need to provide your account information as well as your phone’s IMEI number.
  • To find your IMEI number, navigate to Settings > General > About. You can also find it on the SIM tray or back of the phone for some models.

Using an IMEI checker website

  • Visit an IMEI checker website such as IMEI.info or IMEICheck.net.
  • Follow the instructions provided on the site to check your phone’s lock status.

Pro tip: Handle your SIM cards with care to avoid damage, and be wary of free IMEI check services that may provide outdated or inaccurate information.

Knowing whether your iPhone is carrier locked is vital for ensuring you can use it with your preferred network. If locked, the process of unlocking often requires patience, as it typically involves communication with your carrier. Unlocking your phone can often provide more flexibility and freedom, allowing you to switch carriers as needed or travel without incurring extra charges. By following the steps outlined, you can efficiently determine your iPhone’s status and take appropriate action.