How to unlock your iPhone for a different network
If you got your iPhone through a contract deal, you may find that it’s locked to a particular network operator. Here’s how to unlock your iPhone.
While many network operators have stopped locking their phones (at least in the UK), it’s still the case that many older devices have been chained to a single provider.
Here’s what to do if you find that your iPhone is locked to a particular network operator.
What we used
- We used the iPhone 13 Pro, but these methods will work on any iPhone.
The Short Version
- Check that your iPhone is locked
- Contact your network operator
- Swap in the new SIM
Step
1Check that your iPhone is locked
To establish whether your iPhone running iOS 14 is locked, head into Settings > General > About. Scroll down to Network Provider Lock. If you don’t see ‘No SIM restrictions’ next to it, that means your phone is locked.
If your phone is running iOS 13 or earlier, you’ll need to try a SIM from a different network or contact your network operator (see Step 2) to find out.
Either way, while you’re in the About page, note down your IMEI number, as your operator may require it as part of the next step.Step
2Contact your network operator
You’ll need to contact your current (or former, as may be the case) network operator and request an unlock. There may be particular contract-specific stipulations for this to take place, and the process may take a few days to complete.
Here are the appropriate phone unlock websites for EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2.
Users in other countries should consult Apple’s network operator support page.Step
3Swap in the new SIM
Once your network operator has confirmed that they’ve unlocked your phone, swap out your old network SIM for your new one and reboot your phone.
FAQs
If you want to unlock your phone to sell it, simply follow the Step 1 guidance, confirm the unlock with your network operator, and factory reset your iPhone.
Use the metal SIM tool that came with your iPhone, or an unfurled paper clip, and push it into the small hole on the side of your iPhone until the SIM tray pops out.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
