How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

Can I unlock my iPhone to use it on a different carrier? ›

Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone. Contact them and request an unlock. After you submit the request, it might take a few days to complete. Contact your carrier to check the status of your request.

The owner would need to provide their Apple ID and Password to unlock it. If the phone was purchased used, then it was not properly reset to factory settings and your only option would be to contact the previous owner. There is no way to bypass Activation Lock on a device purchased from a third party.

Open the Find My app on another device.

You don't need a computer to unlock your iPhone and reset the passcode, but you will a different device that supports the Find My app (such as another iPhone or an iPad).

Typically, yes. Phones can usually be unlocked, regardless of which carrier you bought them from including AT&T and T-Mobile. As long as they're compatible with your new desired carrier's network, they can be used with that specific carrier.

Yes, it is possible to unlock a phone without carrier permission. However, the process may be more difficult and may involve a fee. There are a few different ways to unlock a phone without carrier permission: Contacting a third-party unlocking service: There are many companies that specialize in unlocking phones.

The safest way to remove the activation lock is to contact Apple Support, though this method is not 100% foolproof as Apple can deny your request. You can use DNS bypass to get past the activation lock, though it may not work on every device.

A: Removing the previous owner's Apple ID without a password is easy. All you have to do is go to your device settings, select the 'General' option, and look for the option 'Reset'. Then select 'Erase All Content and Settings'. This will remove the old account and allow you to start fresh with a new account.

Use Activation Lock bypass code

You can use the Activation Lock bypass code in place of a password to unlock a device and erase it. In the Profile Manager sidebar, click Devices. Select a device, click the About tab, then click the Security triangle, and locate the activation lock bypass code.

Yes, you can. Using iCloud allows you to unlock iPhone with Apple ID remotely. You can do it on another iOS device with the same Apple ID. However, if you have not turned the Find My iPhone feature on, this method will not be feasible.

Use a security key to unlock your Apple ID

You can use your security key to unlock it. Tap Unlock Account, then follow the onscreen instructions to unlock your Apple ID. If you think your account might have been locked because someone else knows your password, tap Change Password and enter a new one. Tap Done.

What happens after 10 failed passcode attempts on an iPhone? ›

When your iPhone says "iPhone is disabled, connect to iTunes" after 10 failed passcode attempts. It means that you have no chance to enter a passcode anymore. So how to unlock a disabled iPhone without a passcode becomes a question. Apple provides two solutions by using iTunes and iCloud.

The carriers provide the unlock service to your iPhone. Generally, it will cost $30 to $200 if you contact the carrier to remove the SIM lock. The charge varies from different carriers and it depends on your iPhone status. Moreover, the carriers will ask you to provide the purchase details.

Method 1: Using Online IMEI Checking Tools

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to check if an iPhone is unlocked is by using online IMEI checking tools. These tools allow you to enter the IMEI number of the iPhone and provide you with instant results regarding its lock status.