Have you received a message saying your SIM card is locked on your iPhone? When you switch to another SIM card on your iPhone, you will encounter this problem if your iPhone is restricted to a specific carrier. In this guide, we will explore why your iPhone is locked to SIM and how to unlock a SIM locked iPhone. Furthermore, we will share a tip about how to remove passcode from iPhone when locked. Let's dive into the details.
- Part 1. What Does SIM Locked Mean on iPhone?
- Part 2. Why Is My SIM Locked on iPhone?
- Part 3. How to Unlock a SIM Locked iPhone
- Part 4. Bonus Tip: Remove Passcode from Locked iPhone
- Part 5. Conclusion
Part 1. What Does SIM Locked Mean on iPhone?
What Does SIM Locked Mean on iPhone?
When an iPhone is SIM locked, it means that the device is tied to a specific carrier that originally sold the device, preventing you from using SIM cards from other provides. This is a common practice among mobile carriers to ensure that customers remain within their service contracts. Locked iPhones cannot accept SIM cards from other carriers unless they are officially unlocked.
Locked vs Unlocked iPhone: What's the Difference?
Most users don't know the differences between SIM locked and unlocked iPhones. In fact, there are many restrictions on the SIM locked iPhone. The following are key differences between unlocked and locked iPhones.
| Feature | Locked iPhone | Unlocked iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier Restrictions | Locked to one provider | Works with any carrier |
| Initial Cost | Lower (with contract) | Higher (full price) |
| Resale Value | Lower | Higher |
| Travel Convenience | High roaming charges | Use local SIMs easily |
| Preinstalled Apps | Carrier apps included | No bloatware |
| Upgrade Flexibility | Subject to carrier policies | Can upgrade freely |
How to Check If iPhone Is SIM Locked?
There are three methods to help you check if your iPhone is SIM locked. If you are unsure whether your iPhone is locked by a SIM card, you can follow these steps to check.
Method 1. Check in Settings
Step 1. Go to Settings > General > About.
Step 2. Look for Carrier Lock. If it says "No SIM restrictions," your iPhone is unlocked.
Method 2. Insert a Different SIM Card
Step 1. Remove your current SIM card and insert one from another carrier.
Step 2. If you receive an error message like "SIM Not Supported," the device is locked.
Method 3. Contact Your Carrier
Call your network provider and ask if your iPhone is locked or eligible for unlocking.
Part 2. Why Is My SIM Locked on iPhone?
Carriers lock the iPhone primarily for business and financial reasons. Here are the reasons an iPhone is locked by a SIM card.
Reason 1. Contract Commitments: To ensure customers complete their contractual obligations.
Reason 2. Device Subsidies: Phones purchased under installment plans are locked to prevent switching carriers before full payment.
Reason 3. Security Reasons: Carriers implement locks to prevent unauthorized use if the device is stolen.
Unlocking your iPhone can remove these limitations, providing greater flexibility in choosing network providers. If you want to unlock your SIM locked iPhone, read on, and you'll find some useful methods in the following content.
Part 3. How to Unlock a SIM Locked iPhone
Unlocking your iPhone allows you to use it with different carriers worldwide. But can you unlock a SIM locked iPhone by yourself? The answer is yes, but it is a bit difficult to turn off SIM lock on an iPhone without the support of a carrier. Here's how to remove SIM lock on iPhone.
Method 1. Contact Your Carrier
Most of the iPhone can be legally unlocked by contacting the original carrier. Here's how to disable SIM lock on iPhone by contacting your carrier.
Step 1. Visit your carrier's website to understand their specific unlocking requirements.
Step 2. Check if you meet certain criteria, such as full payment of the device.
Step 3. Call customer support or visit the carrier store to submit an unlock request.
Step 4. Wait for the carrier to process the request and replace the old SIM with a new one.
Method 2. Use a Third-party Unlocking Service
If your carrier refuses to unlock your SIM locked iPhone, you can use trusted third-party services to unlock your iPhone. Here's how to remove SIM lock on iPhone by using a third-party service.
Step 1. Research and select a reputable online unlocking service.
Step 2. Find your iPhone's IMEI by dialing *#06# or going to Settings > General > About.
Step 3. Follow the provided instructions to unlock a SIM locked iPhone.
Step 4. Insert a new SIM card and restart your iPhone to activate the unlocked status.
Method 3. Jailbreak iPhone to Remove SIM Lock
Jailbreaking is a final method that can modify iOS to remove carrier restrictions. However, it comes with significant drawbacks. After jailbreaking, your iPhone will encounter crashing, bugs, and performance issues. In addition, your iPhone will be exposed to malware and security vulnerabilities. What's more, Apple does not support jailbroken devices.
Part 4. Bonus Tip: Remove Passcode from Locked iPhone
With the above methods, you can unlock a SIM locked iPhone easily. But what to do if your iPhone is locked by a screen lock passcode? Here we do recommend that you use an iPhone unlocking tool to help you get into a locked iPhone. If you have an iPhone unlocking tool, regardless of whether your device is locked by a passcode or Face ID. MagFone iPhone Unlocker could be a good option when it comes to using an iPhone unlocker.
MagFone iPhone Unlocker is developed with advanced unlocking technology, enabling you to remove screen locks from iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. If your iPhone is stuck on the locked screen, you can use MagFone iPhone Unlocker to get your device unlocked. What's more, MagFone iPhone Unlocker can be used to remove Apple ID, MDM, and Screen Time passcode easily. Follow the below steps to unlock your iPhone with MagFone software.
Key Features of MagFone iPhone Unlocker
* Security Verified. 5,481,347 people have downloaded it.
- Unlock various screen locks like Face ID and Touch ID on all iOS devices
- Remove Apple ID from iPhone and iPad without password and data loss
- Bypass Screen Time passcode and MDM restrictions without passcode
- Support the latest version of iOS and iPadOS, as well as, iOS devices
Step 1 Get iPhone Connected to Computer
Connect between your locked iPhone and your computer with a USB cable. After your device is detected by the computer, open MagFone iPhone Unlocker and enter into the Remove Screen Lock mode, then click the Start button.
Step 2 Enable iPhone into Recovery Mode
Then you have to put your locked iPhone into recovery mode by following the steps shown on the software. When you cannot get your device into recovery mode, you can click the link at the bottom of the software to boot it into DFU mode.
Step 3 Download the Firmware for iPhone
All the device information, including the device model, series number, and more, will appear on the software. You need to carefully check the information, then you can click the Download button to access the firmware package for iPhone.
Step 4 Start to Get into a Locked iPhone
Now you can click the Unlock button to start unzipping and verifying the firmware package for iPhone. MagFone iPhone Unlocker will help you remove screen passcode from your device. Then you can get into your iPhone without entering the passcode.
Part 5. Conclusion
A SIM locked iPhone can limit your options, but unlocking it provides the freedom to switch carriers, use international SIM cards, and increase the resale value of your device. Whether you choose to go through your carrier, a third-party service, or other methods, always ensure you follow a safe and legitimate process.
Dylan Jones
Editor in chief
