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The Essential Tutorial On How To Unlock An iPhone 6s Plus

The Ultimate Guide On How To Unlock iPhone's


So, you have at long last made the last payment on your iPhone and it's officially all yours. So you’re able to use it while traveling overseas with a domestic SIM card and are free to move networks as you please, right? Don’t start booking your flight to Australia or running to Verizon quite yet because, unfortunately, it’s not quite that straightforward.

So as to stop people from shifting to a rival’s network before they’ve payed off their iPhone or fulfilled their contract, loads of carriers put a sim lock (commonly known as as a network lock) on their smartphone's. This consequently guarantees that you, or whomever you sell your second hand iPhone to, are saddled with them for the long term. If you’re thinking this sounds like a fairly dysfunctional working relationship, we're inclined to agree with you. Fortunately, with a bit of effort as well as an account in good order, you can be on the right track to a network-unlocked iPhone in no time!


Before we proceed, just a quick note on the type of unlock's that are avialable, and the one's you should stay clear of! There is software around that provide the cabability to unlock your device yourself, however they require you to jailbreak your cell phone, and this is a dumb move, for numerous reasons. You can do your own homework into jailbreaking, but it's fraught with danger, and not recommended. The simplest way to unlock your iPhone is actually by talking directly with your network provider. The journey to a carrier-unlocked iPhone relies largely on your network, with the procedure being either relatively quick and painless or painfully tedious. To help you get a step closer to a life free of carrier-locked tyranny, we rounded up all the steps to be able to obtain an iPhone unlock with this comprehensive guide. Please be aware that while this was written with iPhone owners in mind, a great deal of the recommendations may be carried over to other smartphones.


What Is Network Unlocking?


As mentioned previously, when you purchase an iPhone or some other smartphone from a network carrier, that mobile phone will only operate on that specific network until you either request to have your network unlock it or your carrier automatically unlocks it for you (read more about that later). Often known as a SIM unlock, factory unlock, or network unlock, carrier unlocking means removing a network’s restrictions on a device, so that you can use it with a different cellular provider.


Fortunately, not all iPhones need to be unlocked. For example, if you buy your iPhone directly from Apple and pay it off in full, it should be unlocked and ready to use on a varitey of networks.


Take note, however, that not all phones bought outright from third-party retailers are automatically unlocked. For example, although sold as “unlocked”, smartphones bought at Best Buy are in fact considered universal. So, if you insert a Sim for the first time, the iPhone will essentially lock itself to the provider linked to the SIM card. Subsequently, given that certain networks like T-Mobile may only unlock your iPhone if you got it directly from them, you can end up with an permanently network-locked device. Simply put, you find yourself paying factory-unlocked prices to get a carrier-locked smartphone.


Having a carrier-unlocked iPhone incorporates its fair share of benefits including the freedom to use (almost) any service provider in both the US and overseas as well as heavily elevated resale prices.


Why would I Unlock My iPhone?


Possessing a factory-unlocked iPhone comes with a number of rewards such as the ability to use (just about) any network within the US and overseas together with higher second-hand values.



  1. SIM-unlocking offers you the flexibility to use your mobile phone with the service provider of your choice, almost wherever and whenever you want (with several exceptions, as you’ll find out in a while). For example, if you are currently using T-Mobile but are relocating to a new part of the country with bad T-Mobile coverage, you'll be able to switch to AT&T in a heartbeat


  2. A Carrier-unlocked iPhone makes international travel a breeze. Unlocking also offers you the ability to use your mobile phone in foreign countries. Global roaming fees, expensive international plans, and mad dashes for WiFi are a thing of the past with an unlocked iPhone. Simply put in a SIM card from a local carrier and you’re in business.


  3. IMEI-unlocked iPhones have higher resale values.


Even when you don’t plan on switching service providers or going overseas any time soon, unlocking your iPhone remains a good idea. If you intend on trading in your old iPhone once you upgrade, you’ll usually get more cash for it if the iPhone is carrier unlocked because of a higher demand for them on the resale market.


Is it against the law to Network Unlock your mobile phone?


Absolutely not! Due to Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act, finalized into law by President Barack Obama in 2014, all US-based cellular providers must allow people to unlock their phones. However, the circumstances under which a service provider will unlock a smartphone vary widely from provider to provider. For the most part, the majority of carriers require you to complete your contract, cover your financial obligations in full, or at a minimum have an account in good standing before they’ll will let you unlock your iPhone.


The best way to determine whether your iPhone is Unlocked


Before starting the carrier-unlocking process, you’ll first need to check if your iPhone has already been unlocked (no need in under-going the hassle when you don’t absolutely need to). All you need to do is make sure that you’re connected to WiFi and insert a brand-new SIM card from another service provider and your mobile phone will do everything else automatically. This authentication check usually takes under a minute to accomplish after a SIM has been inserted.


During the verification procedure, you’ll note that your iPhone will boot to a white screen and attempt to check that it has been unlocked with your service provider. If Apple confirm that your iPhone is network-unlocked, it will go back to the home screen and service bars should appear from the new network. However, if a white screen appears that says SIM Not Supported, your smartphone will not be unlocked.


How to Unlock iPhones from a Provider


Once you establish that your phone is definitely locked to your current network provider, next you will need to look at your service provider’s unlocking eligibility conditions. Should your iPhone meet their unlocking criteria, you can then request that the device can be unlocked from their network. As hinted at before, both the eligibility requirements and the unlocking process vary from service provider to service provider. Each has been outlined below for the major carriers including T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Sprint.


Please note that, provided you’ve met the unlock conditions and so are completing the network-unlocking directly with your service provider, requesting that your iPhone be unlocked is likely to be completely free. If you want to use a third party unlocking company, you have to pay for the service, but using a 3rd party company is your only option if you are not the original owner of the phone. Before you spend any money, try using the directions below as a first step.


How To Locate An iPhone’s IMEI Number


When IMEI-unlocking your iPhone, you'll need to supply your provider your device’s IMEI number. This unique, 15-digit identifier is essentially your smartphone’s VIN or social security number. To locate your IMEI, on your phone, select Settings > General > About and search to the bottom of the list where you'll see it listed next to IMEI.


You could also search for the number on the cell phone casing itself. For older iPhone models (1st-generation SE, 5s, 5c, 5, 6, 6 Plus), the IMEI number may also be imprinted on the back or the SIM tray.


When you’ve located the IMEI, it highly advisable that you keep it somewhere for safekeeping.


Unlock an iPhone on AT&T


Unlocking an iPhone from AT&T is about as simple as 1-2-3. Just pop on over to the AT&T website, answer a couple of questions, and you'll be well on your way to IMEI-unlocked freedom.


After you submit your request, use your IMEI and request reference numbers to review your AT&T unlock status. After you acquire your confirmation text or email, simply open it up and click on the confirmation link. That’s it! AT&T will unlock your iPhone within 2 working days.


For any iPhone to get unlocked from AT&T, it must satisfy the following requirements:



  • If it is a work phone, you must have your employer’s permission to unlock it
  • If it is an AT&T PREPAID phone, it must be active for at least six months
  • Must not be reported as lost, stolen, or blocked
  • Must not have a past-due balance
  • Must not be active on a different AT&T account


If your iPhone is included in term agreement or installment plan, it needs to also meet these requirements:



  • The device must be active on the AT&T network for at least 60 days
  • The installment plan must be paid off
  • The term agreement must be complete


For in-depth eligibility conditions, click here.


Unlock an iPhone on Sprint


Based on when you bought your phone and if it has got SIM-unlock capabilities, you have a few different unlock options. In the event you obtained a new iPhone from Sprint after February 2015 (it will be SIM-unlock capable) and it is currently being used on their network, Sprint will unlock it automatically once it meets their eligibility requirements. So, you really don’t need to do anything apart from keep your account in good order. However, if your iPhone hasn't been activated or was purchased prior to February 2015, you’ll need to speak to Sprint Customer Service directly to request an unlock (either dial *2 on your Sprint phone or ring 888-211-4727).


We have seen reports from some Sprint users that the auto-unlock program doesn't necessarily work as it needs to, so it’s certainly a very good idea to confirm that your iPhone has been unlocked before trying to move to another provider or advertising your iPhone as unlocked, if you wish to sell it to a buyback company or on auction web sites.


In order for an iPhone to get unlocked from the Sprint network, it needs to satisfy the following requirements:



  • Must have SIM-unlock capabilities (if it doesn’t, it is MSL (Master Subsidy Lock) locked and you will need to call Sprint for the MSL code)
  • Must be active on the Sprint network for at least 40 days
  • Must be on an account in good standing
  • Must not be reported as lost, stolen, or associated with fraud


If your iPhone is part of a service agreement, lease agreement, or installment plan, it must also satisfy these conditions:



  • If leased, the end-of-lease purchase option must be fully paid
  • Any early-termination fees must be fully paid
  • Any lease or installment payments must be fully paid


For in-depth eligibility prerequisites, click here.


Unlock an iPhone on T-Mobile


If your reading this and own an Android mobile phone and your device meets the eligibility conditions, consider yourself fortunate: You can unlock it right from the phone itself. For those iPhone owners out there, you’ll have to contact T-Mobile’s Group of Experts directly (either dial 611 from a T-Mobile iPhone, call 877-746-0909.


For an iPhone to be unlocked from T-Mobile, it needs to satisfy the following prerequisites:



  • Must not have been reported as lost, stolen, or blocked
  • For prepaid accounts, it must have been active on the account for at least 12 months
  • Must have been purchased directly from T-Mobile
  • Must be paid for in full


If the iPhone is part of a postpaid plan, it has got to also fulfill the following conditions:



  • The account must be in good standing
  • Must have been active on the account for at least 40 days


For detailed eligibility conditions, click here.


Unlock an iPhone on Verizon


Verizon is, hands down, the top network to work with for unlocking an iPhone. Why? Because Verizon will automatically unlock your phone 60 days after the purchase of the device. If you bought your iPhone from a retail partner, it can be unlocked automatically 60 days after device activation.


There are no catches. You don’t have to pay off your phone, meet any unique demands, or even contact them to ask to unlock your phone from their network. Provided your iPhone hasn’t been reported lost or stolen, simply wait sixty days following purchase or activation and your phone will be good to go.


Hard to believe? Just click here.


Now I've Unlocked my iPhone — what do I do now?


In the old days, you’d have to connect your iPhone to iTunes and conduct a software restore to perform the unlock procedure. Thankfully, it’s much easier today. All you have to do is go through same steps you took earlier to check whether your phone was already unlocked to start with.


In the event you don’t have access to a SIM card from another carrier, you may still verify that a iPhone has been unlocked using an iTunes software restore. Just hook up your iPhone to a computer running iTunes and hit the “restore” option. After the restoration process has finished, you should see a message which says “Congratulations, your iPhone has been unlocked.”


Congratulations! You successfully factory-unlocked your iPhone! Which means you can use whatever network you would like to now, yes? We hate to break this to you, but no. Due to the two different kinds of systems in use in the US, GSM and CDMA, your available network providers will depend on the type of your iPhone as well as the original network it's locked to. Specifically, Verizon and Sprint are CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks, while AT&T, T-Mobile, and most providers abroad are GSM (Global System for Mobiles) networks.


As you may have guessed, these two different network types will not talk to each other (because that's too logical). Fortunately, as we move closer to world-wide 5G access and as older networks are retired, it will hopefully cease to be a challenge.

To find out which carriers you can access determined by both these factors, continue reading.


AT&T


GSM networks only (AT&T, T-Mobile, international GSM carriers):  Original iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X


Any carrier worldwide:  iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max


Sprint


International networks only:  iPhone 4s and iPhone 5


Any carrier worldwide:  iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max


T-Mobile


GSM networks only (AT&T, T-Mobile, international GSM carriers): Original iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X


Any carrier worldwide: iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max


Verizon


Compatible with any carrier in the world, but with limitations when using GSM networks: iPhone 4s, iPhone 5


Any carrier worldwide:  iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max


Will the Unlock last forever?


Yes! Once your phone has been officially-unlocked, it will stay that way for the life span of the handset. You can restore your iPhone or up-date applications without worrying about your unlock disappearing afterwards.


About This Author


Kaplan VillarrealKaplan Villarreal
Joined: February 3rd, 2021
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