Ever picked up a used iPhone and wondered, “Is this thing even unlocked?”
Or maybe you’re thinking about switching carriers and want to know if you’re free to move? Either way, you’re not alone — figuring out if your iPhone is unlocked can feel a little like trying to solve a mystery.
But here’s the good news: it’s not that complicated once you know where to look, especially if you use your iPhone’s IMEI number. Stick with me — I’ll walk you through everything, step-by-step, with no boring tech jargon.
Key Takeaways
- Your iPhone’s IMEI number is the fastest way to check if it’s unlocked. You can easily find it in Settings, by dialing *#06#, or even on the original box or SIM tray.
- Knowing if your iPhone is unlocked gives you freedom. It lets you switch carriers, travel internationally with ease, and even boosts your phone’s resale value.
- There are multiple ways to verify unlock status. You can contact your carrier, use trusted IMEI check websites, or simply try inserting a SIM card from another carrier.
- Always double-check before making big moves. Whether you’re selling, traveling, or switching networks, a quick IMEI check can save you tons of stress and surprise costs.
What Does It Even Mean for an iPhone to Be “Unlocked”?
Let’s start simple.
When an iPhone is locked, it’s tied to a specific carrier — like AT&T® or Verizon® — and you can’t just pop in another company’s SIM card and expect it to work.
On the other hand, an unlocked iPhone is like a free bird. You can use it with almost any carrier, here or abroad. Total freedom.
If you buy directly from the Apple® Store, lucky you — your phone’s usually unlocked right out of the box.
If you get your iPhone from a carrier (especially with a contract or payment plan), it’s almost always locked until you fulfill the contract terms and fully pay it off.
Buying a used iPhone?
It’s unlocked only if the previous owner finished their contract and cleared any outstanding balance.
Simple idea, right? But how do you know for sure?
How to Check If Your iPhone Is Unlocked (The Quick Ways First)
Before we dive deep into IMEI stuff, let’s knock out the quick, easy methods.
1. Check With Your Carrier
Yeah, I know… no one really wants to call customer support.
But if you already have the phone, calling your current carrier is hands down the most official way to check if your iPhone is unlocked.
You’ll usually need:
- Your iPhone’s serial number (Settings → General → About)
- Your IMEI number (don’t worry, we’ll get to how you find that in a second)
- Visit your new carrier’s website and plug the IMEI into their “bring your own device” checker.
Pro tip:
Most carriers also let you check online now — it’s faster and spares you the dreaded 30-minute hold music experience.
Also Read: How to Check if a Phone is Unlocked Without a SIM Card
2. Peek Into Your iPhone Settings
Honestly, this method feels almost too easy. Here’s what you do:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General → About.
- Scroll down to Carrier Lock.
If you see No SIM Restrictions, congrats! Your iPhone is unlocked.
If it says SIM Locked or anything similar, it’s still tied to a carrier.
Heads up though:
Sometimes Settings doesn’t tell the full truth, especially after recent carrier changes. If you want to double-check, the IMEI method is your best friend.
Now… What’s an IMEI and Why Does It Matter?
Think of the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) as your iPhone’s fingerprint — a one-of-a-kind, 15-digit code that identifies your device.
While your SIM card connects you to the network, the IMEI connects the phone itself.
Carriers and third-party checkers use your IMEI to tell if the phone:
- Is locked or unlocked
- Has unpaid bills
- Was reported stolen
- Is eligible for activation
Long story short: your IMEI holds the secrets you’re looking for.
Also Read: How to Unlock Your Phone to Any Network for Free
How to Find Your iPhone’s IMEI Number (Super Easy)
Here’s the deal:
You could technically find it printed inside the battery compartment…
BUT that would mean opening your iPhone, which — trust me — is a terrible idea if you don’t want to wreck your warranty or your nerves.
Luckily, you have easier (and safer) options:
Method 1: Dial a Code
This one feels almost magical.
- Open your Phone app.
- Dial
*#06#.
Boom. Your IMEI number pops up automatically on the screen.
Method 2: From Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General → About.
- Scroll down a bit and you’ll find your IMEI listed there.
Method 3: If You Don’t Have the Phone In-Hand
Maybe you lost it. Maybe you’re eyeing a secondhand deal online.
No worries.
- Go to appleid.apple.com.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Click Devices, pick the device you want — and there’s your IMEI number.
Pretty slick, right?
How to Use the IMEI Number to Check If Your iPhone Is Unlocked
Alright, now you’ve got your IMEI. Here’s where the real detective work begins.
Step 1: Use an Online IMEI Checker
There are tons of IMEI checker websites out there — just Google “free iPhone IMEI check.”
BUT: Most free ones tease you with partial info and then slap a paywall when you actually want the good stuff (like SIM lock status).
Still, they can be super helpful. Just punch in your IMEI, and within minutes you’ll know if your phone’s unlocked.
Heads-up Tip:
Some legit online IMEI checkers are:
(Always double-check reviews first if you’re using an unfamiliar site.)
Step 2: Cross-Check with Your Carrier (Optional)
If you’re feeling extra cautious — maybe you’re buying an expensive used iPhone — it’s smart to double-check with the original carrier too.
You don’t want surprises like a hidden unpaid bill tying up the device.
Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 13 Pro Max for Any Carrier
An Extra Old-School Trick: Swap SIM Cards
Let’s say you don’t trust online IMEI sites (or you just love a good DIY test).
Here’s a classic, simple way:
How to Do the SIM Swap Test:
- Turn off your iPhone.
- Use a paperclip or SIM eject tool to open the SIM tray.
- Remove your current SIM card.
- Insert a SIM card from a different carrier.
- Turn the iPhone back on.
- Try making a call.
If the call goes through?
Your iPhone is unlocked!
If you get an error like “SIM Not Supported”?
Sorry, it’s still locked.
One little tip: Make sure both SIMs are the same size (Nano SIMs are the standard nowadays).
Real-Life Example: How I Got Burned (And How You Can Avoid It)
Quick story.
A couple years ago, I bought a used iPhone off Facebook Marketplace. The seller swore it was unlocked. I was in a rush — didn’t check anything properly.
Got home, popped in my SIM — and… boom, error message.
The phone was locked to Sprint®, and it took weeks to sort it out.
Moral of the story?
ALWAYS check the IMEI before you hand over your money.
And if you’re buying online, ask the seller for the IMEI and do your homework. Don’t let smooth talk blind you.
Why It’s So Important to Know If Your iPhone Is Unlocked
Besides avoiding nasty surprises, there are some major perks to having an unlocked iPhone:
- Freedom to switch carriers anytime.
- Use local SIM cards abroad (no crazy roaming fees!).
- Better resale value — unlocked iPhones are hotter on resale sites.
And seriously, who doesn’t want options?
Quick Recap: How to Check If Your iPhone Is Unlocked Using IMEI
- Get your IMEI number (
*#06#or from Settings). - Use a trusted online IMEI checker to verify lock status.
- Cross-check with carrier for extra peace of mind.
- Or do a quick SIM swap test yourself.
Trust me — taking 10 minutes to double-check now can save you a ton of headaches later.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking, “This sounds like a lot of steps…” — honestly, it’s really not once you’ve done it once or twice.
Checking if your iPhone is unlocked using the IMEI is one of those smart tech habits that future-you will seriously thank yourself for.
So next time you’re upgrading, switching carriers, or snagging a sweet used iPhone deal, you’ll know exactly what to do.
No more guessing. No more surprises.
Just confidence — the way it should be.
FAQs
What does it mean if my iPhone is unlocked?
If your iPhone is unlocked, it means you can use it with any carrier you choose. You’re not tied to the company you originally bought it from. For example, if you purchased your phone from AT&T® but later want to switch to T-Mobile®, an unlocked iPhone would let you do that without any problems. It gives you flexibility, especially when traveling or hunting for better phone plans.
How do I quickly find my iPhone’s IMEI number?
The fastest way to find your iPhone’s IMEI number is by dialing *#06# on your keypad. As soon as you hit call, the IMEI will pop up on the screen automatically. You can also find it by going into Settings, tapping General, and then About. There, you’ll see your IMEI listed along with other device information. If you don’t have the phone in front of you, you can also check it by logging into your Apple ID online.
Can I use an online IMEI checker for free?
You can start the process for free, but most online IMEI checkers will eventually ask you to pay for the full report. Some websites show basic details at no cost but charge a small fee to reveal whether the iPhone is locked or unlocked. It’s always smart to research and use a reputable IMEI checker, especially if you’re planning to spend money on a secondhand device.
Will checking my IMEI number unlock my iPhone?
No, checking your IMEI number will not unlock your iPhone. The IMEI simply gives you information about the phone’s lock status, but it doesn’t actually change anything. If you find out that your iPhone is locked, you’ll need to contact the carrier or use an official unlocking service to remove the carrier restrictions legally.
Is the Settings app method always accurate for checking if my iPhone is unlocked?
The Settings app is usually a reliable way to check if your iPhone is unlocked, but it’s not perfect. Sometimes, if there has been a recent carrier change or if the device was unlocked very recently, it might take a little while for the status to update in Settings. If you want to be absolutely sure, it’s a good idea to check the IMEI status online or do a SIM card swap test.
What should I do if my iPhone is locked but I want to unlock it?
If you discover that your iPhone is locked, the best thing to do is reach out to the original carrier. Most carriers will unlock your phone for free if your contract is complete and the phone is fully paid off. You’ll usually need to meet a few basic requirements, like having an account in good standing. If you’re buying a used iPhone, make sure the seller has cleared any remaining payments, or you could get stuck with a locked phone you can’t use freely.