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SIM Cards
If you see the message “SIM locked” on your iPhone, it means that your device is restricted to a specific carrier and cannot use SIM cards from other providers. Typically, mobile carriers apply the lock to prevent users from switching networks before fulfilling contract agreements. But you might also experience SIM lock if the device […]
If you see the message “SIM locked” on your iPhone, it means that your device is restricted to a specific carrier and cannot use SIM cards from other providers. Typically, mobile carriers apply the lock to prevent users from switching networks before fulfilling contract agreements. But you might also experience SIM lock if the device owner has enabled a PIN to prevent unauthorized access.
Either way, you’ll need to remove the SIM lock if you want to experience restriction-free usage on your iPhone. This guide will explain everything you need to know, including how to check if your iPhone is locked, and the steps you can take to unlock it.
First, you need to understand the difference between SIM lock and carrier lock.
SIM locks can be categorized into two types: carrier locks and PIN locks. These serve different purposes, but both restrict access to the SIM card in specific ways.
A carrier lock or network lock is imposed by mobile carriers to prevent the use of other providers’ SIM cards on a specific device. If you bought your phone through a carrier, they may lock it until you pay off the contract or installment plan. The lock ensures that the customer remains with the carrier until the contract terms are met.
If your iPhone is carrier-locked, inserting a SIM card from another provider will result in an error message like “SIM not supported” or “SIM locked.”
Meanwhile, a SIM PIN lock is a security feature that protects your SIM card from unauthorized access. When enabled, the SIM card requires a Personal Identification Number (PIN) every time the device is restarted or if the SIM is inserted into a new phone. If the incorrect PIN is entered multiple times, the SIM will become locked, requiring a PUK (Personal Unlock Key) to restore access.
Enabling SIM lock on your iPhone adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that no one can use your SIM card without authorization. If you want to turn it on, simply follow these steps:
To disable the SIM lock later, simply follow the same steps and toggle the SIM PIN switch Off.
The “SIM locked” message may appear on your iPhone when the phone detects that the SIM card requires a PIN before it can connect to a mobile network. This happens when SIM lock is enabled.
You may see the message after:
Usually, the “SIM locked” message appears alongside the field to enter the PIN. If there is no way to enter the PIN, then the phone may be carrier locked instead.
When your SIM card or iPhone is locked, certain functionalities aren’t available. Both SIM PIN lock and carrier lock can disrupt connectivity and usability, but there are some differences.
If your SIM card is locked with a SIM PIN, you won’t be able to access mobile network services until entering the correct PIN. That means:
Notably, you can still make emergency calls to numbers like 911 or 999.
A carrier-locked phone is restricted to a specific network provider, so you can’t use SIM cards from other carriers. This means you:
If your iPhone’s SIM card is locked with a PIN, you simply need to enter the correct PIN to unlock it. However, if you don’t remember the PIN, you may need to reset it using your carrier-provided PUK. Here’s what to do.
If you no longer want your SIM card to be PIN-protected, you can disable the SIM lock from your iPhone settings.
If you don’t remember your SIM PIN, you’ll need to follow these steps:
Be careful not to enter the wrong PUK code too many times, or the SIM card will be permanently locked and you’ll need to request a new SIM from your carrier.
A carrier lock is harder to remove since it’s imposed by the provider. As a result, you need to request an unlock from your provider, and the process depends on the carrier’s policies.
Generally, you’ll need to contact customer support. Depending on the provider, you may need to pay off your phone contract or take extra steps before they will unlock the phone.
After the carrier approves the unlock, you will be allowed to use any SIM card or eSIM worldwide.
Here’s how to remove the carrier lock with some popular providers.
Verizon has one of the most straightforward unlocking policies. Usually, they automatically unlock iPhones 60 days after purchase, so no actions are needed.
If your iPhone is still locked after 60 days:
AT&T allows customers to request an unlock after their contract or installment payments are completed.
T-Mobile has specific requirements before allowing a phone to be unlocked, such as paying off your phone. You must have been an active customer on T-Mobile’s network for at least 40 days, or 365 days for prepaid phones.
Whether you need to unlock your iPhone to use an eSIM depends on the carrier you want to use. If your iPhone is carrier-locked, you can only use an eSIM from the same carrier your phone is locked to. However, if your phone is unlocked you can use eSIMs from any provider worldwide, giving you the flexibility to switch carriers whenever you want.
If you’re seeing a “SIM locked” message, meanwhile, you won’t need to do anything to use an eSIM, since it’s the SIM that’s locked and not the phone. You can still switch to a different eSIM at any time.
Yes, you can unlock your iPhone to work with any SIM card, but it depends on your carrier’s policies. If your iPhone is carrier-locked, you’ll need to request an unlock from your provider, which may require meeting certain conditions like paying off your contract. Once unlocked, you can use SIM cards from any carrier.
Yes, if your iPhone is unlocked and supports Dual SIM, you can use a physical SIM from one provider and an eSIM from another. You can also switch physical SIM cards at any time. However, if your iPhone is carrier locked, you can only use SIM cards from that specific provider.
Using a SIM PIN lock is optional but recommended for security. A SIM lock (PIN protection) prevents unauthorized access if your phone is lost or stolen. If enabled, you’ll need your SIM PIN every time your iPhone restarts or the SIM card is removed and reinserted.
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The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
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