How to Check If Your iPhone Is Unlocked

Many people never realize their iPhone has a carrier lock because everything works fine on their current network. The problem shows up later when they try to switch carriers, activate an eSIM, use a local SIM while traveling, or hand the phone to someone else. Since carrier locks are not always obvious, it is smart to confirm the unlock status ahead of time to avoid activation errors, unexpected limitations, and issues when reselling the device.

If you are not sure how to check whether your iPhone is unlocked or carrier-locked, this guide walks you through the process step by step. You will also learn the difference between locked and unlocked iPhones, so you know what to expect.

Locked vs Unlocked iPhone: What It Means

Carrier locking is a network restriction applied by a mobile provider. It controls which SIMs or eSIMs the iPhone can use.

Feature	Locked iPhone	Unlocked iPhone
Carrier compatibility	Works only with the original carrier	Works with any compatible carrier
SIM usage	Restricted to one carrier SIM or eSIM	Accepts SIMs and eSIMs from multiple carriers
Switching networks	Not possible without an official unlock	Switch carriers anytime
International travel	Requires roaming on the same carrier	Use local SIMs or eSIMs abroad
Dual SIM support	Limited to the same carrier	Mix carriers freely with dual SIM
Resale value	Lower due to carrier restriction	Higher and easier to resell
Purchased through	Carrier contracts or installment plans	Apple Store or unlocked retail
Unlock required	Yes, through the carrier	No unlock required

What Is a Locked iPhone?

A locked iPhone is restricted to a single carrier at the network level. The lock is added by the carrier and enforced during activation using Apple’s activation servers.

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What Is an Unlocked iPhone?

An unlocked iPhone works with any supported carrier. You can insert any compatible SIM or set up any eSIM without restrictions.

How to Check if Your iPhone Is Unlocked

If you want to check whether your iPhone is unlocked, follow the steps below. These methods work on most models and iOS versions.

1. Check Carrier Lock in Settings

This is the fastest way for anyone running iOS 14 or newer.

1. Go to Settings → General → About.
2. Here, scroll down to Carrier Lock and check the status next to it.
3. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your iPhone is unlocked.
4. If you see a specific carrier name or a SIM-locked message, it means the device is locked.

2. Test With a SIM From Another Carrier

While the “No SIM restrictions” status in iPhone settings is the quickest way to confirm whether your iPhone is unlocked, you can test it with another SIM card for hands-on confirmation. Moreover, this is the only manual way to check the unlocked status on iPhones running on older iOS versions.

Simply turn off your iPhone, remove the SIM tray, swap the SIM card, reinsert the tray, and turn the iPhone back on.

If the iPhone connects to the network and shows signal bars, it is unlocked. But if you see a “SIM not supported” or “invalid SIM” message, the iPhone is locked.

3. Verify With Your Carrier Using IMEI

If the iPhone claims to be unlocked in Settings but you still cannot use another carrier, it may be an activation or provisioning issue.

In such cases, contact your carrier and ask them to verify the unlock status using your iPhone’s IMEI number.

To find the IMEI on your iPhone, go to Settings → General → About, and scroll down to find the IMEI number.

If the issue persists even after the carrier confirms the unlock status, contact Apple Support to determine whether the problem lies with your iPhone.

4. Check Apple Purchase Records

iPhones bought directly from Apple are usually unlocked unless stated otherwise. This is helpful for second-hand or gifted devices.

Try the following:

• Search your purchase invoice or Apple Store receipt.
• If you no longer have them, contact Apple Support and provide the serial number.

They can confirm if the device was originally sold locked or unlocked.

Why It Matters to Confirm Unlock Status

An unlocked iPhone does not gain new software features, but it offers real-world benefits:

• Freedom to switch networks at any time.
• Cheaper travel with local SIMs or eSIMs abroad.
• Higher resale and trade-in value.
• No disputes when buying or selling used devices.

If you plan to upgrade, trade in, sell your iPhone, or move to a better data plan, knowing the unlock status removes guesswork.

What to Do If Your iPhone Is Locked

If the device turns out to be locked, the only legitimate and safe method is to request an official unlock.

Steps to follow:

1. Contact the original carrier.
2. Complete any pending payments or eligibility requirements.
3. Wait for confirmation.
4. Restart the iPhone. In some cases, a backup and restore helps apply the change.

Avoid third-party unlocking tools and shady services. These can be illegal or leave your device blocked from activation.

Before You Switch Carriers

Now you know how to check if an iPhone is unlocked using Settings, SIM testing, carrier verification, or Apple purchase details. Making sure the device is fully unlocked avoids activation errors that usually show up during an eSIM setup or when using a new physical SIM.

If you have recently switched networks or purchased a used iPhone, check the unlock status before making changes.

Also read:

• Best Places to Buy Refurbished iPhone in 2026
• How to Check if Your iPhone Is Original, Refurbished, or Fake