How to Tell if iPhone Is Unlocked: Easy Guide Today

An iPhone is unlocked if it shows “No SIM restrictions” under Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock/Network Provider Lock.
Alternate checks: insert a different SIM, or use an IMEI-based lookup tool.

Introduction

Wondering how to tell if iPhone is unlocked? It’s a simple question, yet many buyers and users face it. An unlocked iPhone gives you the freedom to switch carriers and use local SIM cards when you travel.

A locked phone, on the other hand, limits you to one carrier. Knowing the difference can save time, money, and stress.

In this guide, you’ll learn clear ways to check your phone’s status. From quick settings checks to using your IMEI number, each step is easy to follow.

Let’s get started and make sure your iPhone works anywhere.

Peeking Inside Settings: Spot the ‘No SIM Restrictions’

This method is quick and easy for every iPhone user. It gives you a direct answer from your device itself.

How to check if iPhone is unlocked in Settings:

• Go to Settings → General → About
• Look for Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock
• If it says “No SIM restrictions” → iPhone is unlocked
• If it shows a carrier name → iPhone is locked

This option was added with iOS 14 in 2020, making it simple for users to confirm their device status. Before that, people had to rely on trial-and-error methods or external tools.

“It’s as simple as checking your About screen,” says tech-savvy YouTuber MKBHD. His advice highlights that you don’t need to be a technician to do this.

Using this method is fast, secure, and doesn’t need internet access. The wording “No SIM restrictions” is the most reliable sign. If you see it, you can change SIMs anytime.

Switch SIM, See the Truth: SIM-Swap Test

Sometimes a hands-on test makes the answer clear. A SIM-swap does exactly that.

Steps for the SIM-swap method:

• Insert a SIM card from another carrier
• Restart the phone if needed
• Check if you can make calls and use data
• If you get “SIM not valid” → phone is locked
• If it works normally → phone is unlocked

This method is practical and leaves no doubts. However, note that iPhone 14 and later in the US only support eSIM. For those models, you’ll need to add another carrier’s eSIM profile instead of swapping a card.

People often try this after buying a used device. It also comes in handy when traveling abroad, as you may want to use a local SIM card.

IMEI Lookup: The Digital Route to Unlock Status

When you want online confirmation, the IMEI method helps. It uses your phone’s unique code.

How to check if iPhone is unlocked IMEI

Steps to find your IMEI:

• *Dial #06# on your iPhone
• Or go to Settings → General → About → IMEI
• Note down the number carefully

Steps to check status online:

• Go to a trusted IMEI lookup site like imei.org or imei.info
• Enter the IMEI number
• View carrier lock details and SIM restrictions

This method can confirm whether your phone is locked or unlocked. Still, not all services are accurate, and some may charge fees. The most reliable path is often asking your carrier, since they access Apple’s database directly.

“IMEI checks are good for peace of mind—but go with credible tools,” notes tech writer iJustine. Her comment reflects the importance of avoiding scams.

The IMEI check is especially useful before buying a secondhand iPhone. It tells you not only the lock status but sometimes warranty details too.

Carrier-Assurance: Contact Them or Use Official Support

If you want the most reliable confirmation, go straight to the source. Carriers hold the final authority over lock status.

Steps to confirm with your carrier:

• Call or chat with your carrier’s customer support
• Provide your iPhone’s IMEI or account details
• Ask them to confirm lock status
• Request an official unlock if your contract is complete

Apple states that only carriers can process unlocks. Once approved, you may need to reinstall your SIM card or restore the device.

Post-Reset Check: Tell If iPhone Is Unlocked After Factory Reset

A factory reset clears your phone back to original settings. Many people worry if this action changes the lock status.

How to tell if iPhone is unlocked after factory reset:

• Repeat the Settings check: Go to Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock.
• Look for “No SIM restrictions”: If it appears again, the phone is still unlocked.
• Try the SIM-swap test: Insert a SIM from another carrier and see if it works.
• Use a restore with another SIM: Activate the device with a different carrier’s SIM card to confirm.

Resetting the device does not lock it again. Lock status is tied to the carrier’s database, not the phone’s memory. If your phone was unlocked before the reset, it will stay that way after.

Bonus Tip: Verify IMEI Isn’t Blacklisted or Stolen

Even if a phone is unlocked, a blacklist can block it. This happens if the device was reported lost, stolen, or tied to unpaid bills.

Steps to check IMEI blacklist status:

• Find IMEI number: Dial *#06# or check in Settings → General → About.
• Enter IMEI on a blacklist database: Many carriers and third-party sites allow checks.
• Review the result carefully: A clean IMEI means the phone is safe to use.

This step is especially important when buying secondhand. An unlocked iPhone with a blacklisted IMEI will not work on most networks worldwide. Checking the IMEI gives you extra security and confidence before making a purchase.

Unlock Status? Quick Check, Then Unlock with Confidence

You now know the clear ways to check if an iPhone is unlocked. Start with Settings and look for “No SIM restrictions.” Try a SIM-swap or run an IMEI check for more proof. Contact your carrier if you need official confirmation. These steps are quick and easy.

Don’t guess about your phone’s freedom. Check today and enjoy the freedom to use any carrier with confidence.

FAQs