How to Unlock Your iPhone to Use With a New SIM

For any iPhone owner, there is a common question that users share: ‘how do I unlock my iPhone so I can use a SIM from another mobile provider?’

While for some people, the easiest and fastest way to do this is to have the iPhone jailbroken or hacked. But if you would like to legally unlock your iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5s, or 5c, here is a guide on how you can achieve this.

Through this guide, you can learn how to unlock your iPhone for free using the free unlock code that your mobile phone company has. Additionally, this guide will let you know how you can get an old iPhone 4s unlock code so your old iPhone can still work on a new network. And finally, you will learn how to unlock your iPhone without the need to jailbreak your device. It is possible for you to get a free and legal unlock code so you can unlock your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:

Letting go of your current network

If you recently received an old iPhone as a gift, you may be bewildered as to why the phone isn’t working with your mobile network. The reason for this is because your iPhone has been locked to a certain carrier. Since new iPhone models have usually been SIM locked to a particular carrier, you will need to unlock it so you can use the phone without letting go of your current SIM card.

Once you have identified this, the next thing you have to determine is how you can unlock your iPhone. Regardless of the iPhone model you are using, there is a way for you to use your SIM card without changing networks. All you need to do is unlock your phone.

A common perception is that iPhone unlocking is illegal. And for some others, they believe that unlocking an iPhone is hard. Thankfully, these are all misconceptions about iPhone unlocking. You can easily get a free iPhone unlock code from the network operator you have. Here’s how:

Unlocking older iPhone Models (iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5s, or 5c)

The first thing you have to know is that when you unlock your iPhone, it can help transform an old phone. It is possible for you to unlock your iPhone. However, it might not be as easy to do as with other iPhone models. There are factors that make unlocking your iPhone a difficult process—and it all depends on your phone and mobile provider.

The good news is, if you have already finished the initial contract period, your network will unlock your iPhone for you for free. But if you still haven’t finished doing this, your provider may not provide you with the unlock code. In this case, you can attempt to unlock your iPhone on your own. Take caution, however, that this may not be as easy or cheap as you want it to be.

Is unlocking an iPhone legal?

In most cases, it is perfectly legal to unlock your iPhone. This is particularly true if you purchased your phone outright or you have already finished your contract with your network provider. The only time it isn’t considered legal is when your phone is still locked under contract. If you insist on unlocking your iPhone, your carrier may do it for you even while under contract; but you may be charged with a small amount.

Do every iPhone model need to be unlocked?

No, especially if you decided to purchase your iPhone from an Apple Store. However, if you purchased the phone from a carrier, it will likely be locked to their own carrier.

How to determine if your iPhone is locked

The easiest way you can determine if your iPhone is locked to a network is to try to insert a different SIM card into your phone. Make sure that you are using the right kind of SIM card on the iPhone so you can use it right away. Once you have inserted the SIM card, you should try to make a call. If it functions, then your iPhone is unlocked.

How to have your new network unlock your iPhone

If you are switching to a new carrier, you can check if they can unlock your older iPhone for you. Usually, these network carriers will require you to pass a criteria so your iPhone can be unlocked. Make sure you check with your network to see if this is possible for you. Normally, it will take up to seven days for the unlock to work.

Updating your unlocked iPhone

Now that you have unlocked your iPhone, you will receive a confirmation message on your phone. The next thing you need to do is to update your iPhone. Follow these steps:

Power down your iPhone. Hold the Sleep/Wake button. Move your finger across the screen.
Use a straightened paper clip to eject your SIM card holder.
Remove previous SIM card. Replace it with the new SIM card that you wish to use.
Reinsert SIM card holder into your iPhone.

Updating an unlocked phone without SIM card

If you haven’t received the original SIM card and need to unlock your iPhone, you will have to reset your phone before unlocking it. But before anything, make sure that you have already requested an unlock code from your carrier. After you have obtained this, you can follow these steps:

Back up your iPhone either through Backup (Settings> iCloud> Storage & Backup> Backup> Back Up Now) or by connecting your iPhone to a computer.
Erase your iPhone by clicking on Settings> General> Reset> Erase All Content and Settings.
Complete your setup assistant and restore using your last backup.

After this, your iPhone will be unlocked.

On the other hand, if you have a SIM card from a different carrier and you already received confirmation of your unlocked iPhone, you just need to follow these steps:

Eject your old SIM card and insert the new one.
Complete setup process.

iPhone unlocking service

You can also contact your carrier to have them unlock your iPhone with a mobile phone unlocking service. Usually, this will cost you a small amount. Your carrier should be able to unlock your device for free. But if you use a third party company, you might have to pay for it.

Source: MacWorld

[coupon couponid=’16717′ name=’Youtube Secrets’]