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January 11, 2024

How to Unlock an iPhone: Everything You Need to Know

Wondering how to unlock an iPhone? Before that, let’s delve into why most people opt for locked iPhones. Don’t all carrier phone prices look too attractive to miss out on? Yes, carriers usually have impressive deals on smartphones. Thanks to various seasonal offers, you can buy an iPhone for cheaper from a carrier rather than purchasing it from Apple itself.

But let’s burst the bubble here. It’s not the same phone. If you’ve already purchased a locked phone but need to unlock it, several methods are available to help you for unlocking iPhone.

Here’s how to unlock iPhone in no time:

Note: Using a reliable VPN that protects your digital privacy on your iPhone is essential. Meanwhile, it’s important to know that using a VPN won’t trick your carrier, and they’ll still be able to see your mobile data usage.

Can You Do Anything With a Locked iPhone?

You can only access standard features, like the Camera, Siri, Home Features, etc. Other features like dialing a phone number, accessing Live Photos, and using Game Center are disabled.

Generally, locked iPhones are priced lower compared to unlocked devices. Individuals with plans compatible with the locked device might find it cost-effective. However, the downside of a locked iPhone lies in its lack of flexibility. Buyers are restricted from exploring and selecting the most economical plan for the device. This potentially leads to higher monthly service expenses.

Is It Possible to Unlock an iPhone That Is Locked?

Unstocking a locked iPhone is possible, but only your carrier can do that. This article’ll primarily cover a section on “how to unlock an iPhone.”

Unlocking iPhone involves limiting its limitations to a particular carrier. If you acquire an iPhone through a mobile carrier with a predetermined contract or payment arrangement, the phone becomes tethered to that carrier.

This implies that the iPhone is exclusively compatible with the current carrier’s SIM card and mobile network. Nevertheless, various reasons could prompt the need to unlock iPhone.

Is It Legal to Unlock an iPhone Yourself?

It’s legal to unlock iPhone in most countries as long as you adhere to the guidelines provided by your carrier. If you ask your carrier for iPhone carrier unlock, it’s legal. Whereas, if you try to unlock iPhone, it’s illegal.

To initiate the unlocking process, please contact your phone’s carrier and request them to unlock your iPhone. However, there might be a waiting period for the request to be fulfilled. To understand the specific procedure for iPhone carrier unlock, consult your carrier’s website.

It is a prerequisite to clearing all outstanding bills with your carrier to qualify for an iPhone carrier unlock. Carriers will not unlock your device if you have unpaid bills or your phone has been flagged for fraud. Additionally, certain carriers may stipulate a minimum duration of customer engagement, often up to 60 days, before agreeing on an iPhone carrier unlock. This requirement serves as a measure to prevent theft and fraudulent activities.

You must abide by the official unlocking methods provided by your carrier or Apple. Resorting to unauthorized third-party methods or software can violate terms of service, void your phone warranty, breach your contract, and even lead to legal consequences. It’s crucial to exercise caution as websites offering instructions for unauthorized unlocking methods may host harmful ads and links.

How to Unlock an iPhone with Carrier: The 5 Simple Steps

To start the process to unlock iPhone, get in touch with your carrier’s customer support or visit their website and follow these steps:

1. Eligibility Check

  • Ensure full payment for your device.
  • Fulfill all contractual obligations with your carrier for iPhone unlock.
  • Complete payment periods if on a plan.

2. Contacting Customer Support

  • Reach out to your carrier through phone, email, or live chat regarding iPhone unlock.
  • Submit an unlock request on the carrier’s website, if available.

3. Identity Verification

  • Confirm your identity with the carrier.
  • Provide a mobile phone number, personal details, and necessary information.

4. Waiting for Confirmation

  • Allow the carrier time to process the unlock request.
  • Wait for a period ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks for iPhone carrier unlock.

5. Completing Unlocking Process

  • Follow the carrier’s instructions to finalize the iPhone unlocking process.

Once you follow this guide for “how to unlock iPhone” expect a confirmation message from your carrier indicating the successful unlocking of your iPhone.

How Much Does It Cost to Unlock a Carrier-Locked iPhone?

With Demand Sage reporting, the global count of active iPhone users has surpassed 1.46 billion in 2023, constituting 21.67% of the total smartphone users worldwide. Various iPhone users purchase their locked iPhones and later unlock them at high rates.

Unlocking phones typically incurs a cost ranging from $20 to $30 per device. To unlock an iPhone locked to a carrier, you should have a minimum of $200.

Carrier unlock services for iPhones generally fall from $80 to $120. However, the expenses could escalate to $150-$250 for premium and advanced-guarantee unlocks.

FAQs - How to Unlock an iPhone

How can I get into my iPhone when the screen is locked?

You can unlock your iPhone through your computer. Here's how you can unlock your iPhone. Put your iPhone in recovery mode through your desktop computer. Although, you must also know that this will lead to erasing your iPhone data.

How to unlock iPhone carrier?

Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone. Contact your carrier and request an unlock. Meanwhile, you must pay them for unlocking iPhone.

How do you unlock an iPhone if you forget the password?

If you forget your phone's password, you must restore your iPhone for unlocking iPhone. Here's how to erase your iPhone: Locate your iPhone in Finder or iTunes on the computer you connect to. Click Restore once you see the "Restore" or "Update". Let the process finish. Disconnect your iPhone once it gets refreshed.

How to unlock iPhone carrier AT&T?

Here's how to unlock an iPhone carrier AT&T: Submit the unlock request when you get your monthly bill.

Wrapping Up

This article covered ways to unlock an iPhone and how to contact your carrier. Along with that, we mentioned the cost of unlocking iPhones from your carrier, too.

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