Switching carriers can open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to use your device with cost-effective plans or while traveling abroad. Plus, ensuring your iPhone functions seamlessly with your preferred carrier is crucial. If you purchase a new iPhone locked to a specific carrier, you cannot use a SIM card from another carrier. This guide explains how to get a SIM unlock on your iPhone and use your favorite carrier.

Part 1: Is It Possible to Unlock an iPhone SIM Card

Your iPhone might be locked to your carrier, but you can unlock the iPhone SIM lock. However, the method varies, depending on your situation. Most carriers have device unlock policies. If you follow the policy, your device may be SIM unlocked automatically, or you can ask your carrier to unlock your SIM card. If not, you have to use a third-party SIM unlock service.

How to Check If Your SIM Card Is Locked on iPhone

Step 1. Run your Settings app.

Step 2. Go to the General and About.

Step 3. If you don't see No SIM restrictions next to Carrier Lock, it means your iPhone is SIM locked.

Part 2: How to Unlock SIM Card on iPhone from Carriers

As mentioned previously, if you follow your carrier's device unlock policy, you can ask your carrier to unlock the iPhone SIM lock for free. The policy is different, depending on your carrier. We list the common device unlock policy below:

• 1.You must purchase your device for at least 60 days.
• 2.You must purchase your iPhone from your carrier or authorized retailers.
• 3.You must pay in full or in installments the balance.
• 4.Your account status must be current.
• 5.Your device must not be reported stolen or fraudulent.

You can find the device unlocking policy on your carrier's website.

In addition to device unlock policies, you also prepare essential information, such as:

• 1.Your iPhone IMEI number. Open the Phone app, dial *#06#, and check the IMEI number. Or go to the Settings app, navigate to General, choose About, and view IMEI number.
• 2.Your network account and password.
• 3.Your contract and relevant information.

Here are the steps to unlock an iPhone locked SIM:

Step 1. You have three options to contact your carrier:

Option 1: Call your carrier's support number

Verizon: 800-922-0204

AT&T: 800-331-0500

T-Mobile: 877-453-1304

U.S. Cellular: 888-944-9400

Mint Mobile: 800-683-7392

Option 2: Visit your carrier's website.

Option 3: Access your carrier's app.

Step 2. Offer your information.

Step 3. Request SIM unlocking.

Step 4. When your carrier receives your request, it will unlock your SIM card.

Part 3: How to Unlock the SIM Card on an iPhone with a PIN

Some carriers provide the SIM unlocking code or PIN when you purchase your device. When you can meet your carrier's device unlocking policy, you can unlock the SIM card on your iPhone with the code directly. If you forget your iPhone's PIN, you can call your carrier for help.

Step 1. Run the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Go to Cellular, and choose Primary.

Step 3. Toggle on SIM PIN, and enter the PIN.

Part 4: How to Unlock iPhone SIM Card Online

If your iPhone cannot meet the unlocking policy or you cannot provide enough information, you have to unlock your iPhone SIM card using a third-party tool, such as DirectUnlocks. Bear in mind that these services are not free and the prices are different depending to your iPhone model.

Step 1. Go to www.directunlocks.com in a browser.

Step 2. Click the iPhone menu and choose your iPhone model.

Step 3. Select your country, carrier, and enter your iPhone IMEI number.

Step 4. Click the Unlock for Any Carrier button to proceed.

Step 5. Then, pay for your order with a credit or debit card.

Step 6. Leave your email address and other information.

Step 7. After the service unlocks your SIM card, it will email you the unlock code and the remaining steps.

Step 8. Next, take the SIM card from your iPhone and insert it into another phone.

Step 9. When prompted, enter the unlocking code and confirm unlocking the iPhone SIM.

Bonus Tip: A Quick Way to Unlock iPhone Screen

If your iPhone is locked and you forgot the lock screen passcode, you can unlock it using a powerful tool, like Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker. It is able to remove your lock screen passcode without any requirements. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to use.

How to Unlock Your iPhone Screen Without a Passcode

Step 1. Connect to your iPhone

Launch the iPhone Unlocking software after you install it on your PC. There is another version for Mac. Plug your iPhone into your PC with a Lightning cable. Choose the Wipe Passcode mode.

Step 2. Download the firmware

Click the Start button to proceed. Check your iPhone information and correct it if any item is wrong. Click the Start button to download the necessary firmware.

Step 3. Unlock your iPhone

When the firmware download is complete, click the Unlock button. Enter 0000 into the field and confirm unlocking.

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