A lot of ways which one can easily check and detect if an iPhone is unlocked without SIM are stated out there but most of them seem confusing and complicated to a layman, here on this post we are going to be looking at ways which you can detect if an iPhone is unlocked or not.
This is a necessity especially when you are buying a refurbished iPhone or probably a second-hand Phone from someone. You may likely be a debtor by paying someone’s bills you never enjoyed. This is the point we drove at before setting this article to enable you not fall victim to paying debts you never enjoyed.
Basically, there are three ways you can check if the iPhone is unlocked which may either be Settings, with the SIM card or using an online resource tool which will be provided on this tutorial.
And now, the big question is “what do I mean when I say an unlocked iPhone? Sure, it’s a pretty much difficult answer for some, while others already understand what it means by an unlocked iPhone. But whichever category you might find yourself, just pay attention.
Simply put it this way, an unlocked iPhone is a type that is not associated with any special carrier and can, therefore, be used to connect with any carrier. Unlocked iPhones, when sold used, are worth more as well. There are a few reasons you might have a locked or unlocked iPhone, which we’ll go over in detail below. Once we cover what it means when an iPhone is unlocked, I’ll show you how to check if your iPhone is unlocked.
There are lots of iPhone IMEI checkers online, and some of them allow you to check if your iPhone is unlocked. I’ll recommend a resource that works to check if your iPhone is unlocked. However, some iPhones allow you to check if it’s unlocked from within settings. You can also use the SIM card from the iPhone to check if it’s unlocked. If you just need to check if your iPhone is unlocked, jump to the how-to. But if you have questions about what unlocked iPhone means, we’ll cover that next.
Quick Tips to Locked iPhones
Locked iPhones are stuck with a carrier; unlocked iPhones are free to choose. Paid-for iPhones direct from Apple are usually unlocked. iPhones bought through a carrier will be locked for the duration of the contract. Unlocked iPhones will fetch more money when sold.
Difference between a Locked and Unlocked iPhone |
|
---|---|
Locked Phones are Stuck with a single carrier | An Unlocked iPhones are free to use any Carrier |
iCloud Installed to Prevent thieves | No iCloud activated |
Inability to surf the internet | Free Surfing of the Internet |
Restricted access to phone calls | Free Phone Calls with any Carrier |
Require Apple ID to Sign in | Require no Sign in |
Cannot connect to the internet | Can connect to any Carrier Network and Wifi |
Usually bought Secondly new | When bought from Approved Apple Store is usually Unlocked |
They are very cheap when sold after use | They sell higher as fairly used |
Cannot connect to the internet | Can connect to any Carrier Network and Wifi |
Truth be told about unlocked iPhones, I like to say that you may not need to do any of the following steps. 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 refused to give you the right information over the phone, you’re only option (aside from trusting the seller) is to try these steps. But otherwise, calling the carrier is definitely going to tell you if the iPhone is unlocked or not. The con of this method 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? Alrighty then, let’s get into how to know if your iPhone is unlocked.
How to check if an iPhone is unlocked Via SIM card
Seriously, it could be so heckled to see your iPhone being locked thereby putting you in a pretty regret of buying the cell. However, you don’t need to die in silence as it is better to know if the phone is truly unlocked or not which will either leave you with the option of changing to another phone or returning to the seller.
This step is the simplest to perform as it does not require any spending. You can either use someone else’s carrier SIM or get two carrier SIM for your self with different network providers. How this is done? Purchase two different network providers SIM cards and follow these steps.
- Make a phone call using the current SIM card that is inside your iPhone and sees if it will work. Make sure it connects.
- Power off the iPhone. Hold down the Sleep/Wake button and use the Slide to Power Off option to switch off the iPhone. Insert your second SIM-card via the ejector tool (or a paper clip) to eject the SIM card from the iPhone.
- Insert your second SIM card. Press the Sleep/Wake button to wake up the iPhone. Make a phone call. Check that the iPhone can connect a call using the new SIM card.
- If the phone call does not connect with the new SIM card, then the iPhone is locked.
How to Know if Your iPhone is Unlocked with an Online Tool
Apparently, there are quite a few numbers of online tools that can allow you check if your phone is unlocked using the IMEI number; notwithstanding, the most of these online tools will want you to pay about three dollars to get the right info. But no grumbles, you are secured and we have a free tool we may recommend, IMEI24.com. Subsequently, there’s no accurate and quality assurance from Techsphare.com, because I’m not sure if it actually fulfils its promises of accurately say that my iPhone is unlocked. Alternatively, if you don’t mind paying $2.99, IMEI.info is a great, very professional website that will tell you for a small fee.
How to check if an iPhone is unlocked via Settings
Above all steps, I reserved the simplest option to come last so you can profit from it if other methods don’t work. Actually, the easiest way to check if an iPhone is unlocked or not is by going through this step which usually takes less than 5 minutes. Simply follow these steps now;
- Open your iPhone Settings
- Click on Mobile Data
- Now tap on Mobile Data Options. (Tip: In earlier versions of iOS you will just have to tap Mobile – or Cellular if the device is set to American English.)
- Check for an option named Mobile Data Network (or Cellular Data Network). If you see an option for Mobile Data Network then your iPhone is most likely unlocked. This option should not appear on locked iPhones.
Thanks and now you are able to detect if you are using a locked or an unlocked iPhone. Information shared here are for educational purposes and Techsphare will not be liable for damages, loss of data or any of such. Kindly refer to our disclaimer for more information.