iPhone Unlock Services: How to Easily Unlock Your iPhone

Affiliate Disclaimer: If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you!
Photo of author

Jason

Phone Unlock Service

If you’re frustrated by your iPhone being locked to a specific carrier, you’re not alone. Carrier-locked iPhones prevent you from switching providers, using local SIMs when traveling abroad, and getting top dollar when reselling your device.

Fortunately, iPhone unlock services offer a convenient solution to carrier lock-in. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about choosing and using a third-party iPhone unlock service.

What Are iPhone Unlock Services?

An iPhone unlock service is a third-party provider that remotely removes the carrier restrictions on your iPhone, enabling it to work on any carrier’s network. These services usually require only your iPhone’s IMEI number and payment to initiate the unlocking process. Unlocking is permanent, persists through iOS updates and device restores, and doesn’t void your warranty.

There are many reasons you may want to unlock your iPhone:

  • Switch to a carrier with better coverage or rates in your area
  • Use local SIMs to avoid international roaming fees when traveling
  • Sell your iPhone for more by removing carrier restrictions
  • Increase customization options blocked by carrier installed profiles

If you’re looking to unlock your iPhone without using iTunes, third-party services are a great option. They can also help you check if your iPhone is currently locked or unlocked before beginning the process.

How iPhone Locking and Unlocking Works

Most iPhones purchased through a carrier or authorized retailer come locked to that carrier’s network. Even if you’ve finished your contract or paid off your device in full, it will remain locked until you meet the carrier’s unlocking requirements and submit an official unlock request.

Carrier unlocking policies vary, but most require your iPhone to be fully paid off and your account to be in good standing. The big carriers’ unlock requirements as of 2023 are:

  • AT&T: Device paid off, not reported lost/stolen, not associated with fraud. You can unlock your AT&T iPhone through a third-party service if you meet these criteria.
  • T-Mobile: Device paid off, account in good standing, not reported lost/stolen
  • Verizon: 60 days since device purchase, device paid off
  • Sprint: Device active for 50 days, device paid off, account in good standing

Even if you meet all the carrier requirements, official unlocking can be a confusing process involving lots of fine print, waiting periods, and customer support interactions. Third-party unlock services bypass the need to wrestle with your carrier by leveraging databases of unlocked IMEI numbers and inside sources at carriers to directly remove the carrier lock.

IMEI Number

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit identifier assigned to every mobile device. It’s used by carriers to identify valid devices and track lost or stolen phones. The IMEI is also what carriers use to apply and remove network restrictions on your iPhone. All unlock services require a valid IMEI to process your unlock request.

You can find your iPhone’s IMEI in several ways:

  1. Dial *#06# on your iPhone
  2. Check in Settings > General > About
  3. Look for the IMEI etched on your iPhone’s SIM tray
  4. Connect your iPhone to a computer and view in iTunes

With your IMEI in hand, you can unlock your iDevice through a third-party service. This works for iPhones as well as cellular iPads and Apple Watches.

Benefits of Unlocking Your iPhone

The main benefit of unlocking your iPhone is the freedom to use it without carrier restrictions. With an unlocked iPhone you can:

Switch carriers

If you’re not satisfied with your current carrier’s coverage, rates, or customer service, unlocking allows you to take your iPhone to any other carrier that supports your model. This is especially useful if you move to an area with poor coverage from your carrier or find a better deal with a different provider.

Use local SIMs abroad

International roaming fees can add up quickly if you travel frequently. With an unlocked iPhone, you can purchase local prepaid SIM cards in the countries you visit and pay local rates for calls, texts, and data. This can save you a significant amount compared to your carrier’s international roaming plans.

Increase resale value

Carrier-locked iPhones are worth less than their unlocked counterparts due to the restricted pool of potential buyers. By unlocking your iPhone before selling it, you can command a higher price and sell it more quickly. Buyers strongly prefer unlocked iPhones for their flexibility.

Customize settings

Some carriers install custom APN settings, visual voicemail profiles, and other software on locked iPhones that can’t be removed. Unlocking your iPhone allows you to delete these settings and customize your device as you like. You can also take advantage of features like Wi-Fi calling and HD voice on carriers that support them.

Unlocking also allows you to activate iCloud and IMEI-locked iPhones that you may have purchased second-hand.

Potential Risks and Drawbacks

While unlocking your iPhone has many benefits, there are also some potential risks and drawbacks to be aware of:

Warranty issues

Although uncommon, using a third-party unlock service can void your iPhone’s warranty in some cases. Always check the fine print and terms of service before using an unlock service. Stick to reputable services like DoctorUnlock.net with money-back guarantees for the best results.

Unsuccessful unlocks

No unlock service can claim a 100% success rate due to the complex and changing nature of carrier lock systems. If an unlock is unsuccessful, you may need to wait a period of time before trying again with a different service. Always check reviews and choose a service with a good track record.

Scams and illegitimate services

The iPhone unlock market is rife with scams and fly-by-night operations. Some collect payment and never deliver an unlock. Others steal your IMEI or infect your device with malware. Always do your due diligence and choose a reputable service with a strong online presence and verifiable customer testimonials.

Re-locking after updates

In very rare cases, a carrier may re-lock an iPhone after an iOS update or restore. This is usually resolved by contacting the unlock service and requesting a re-unlock. Stick to established unlock providers to minimize the chance of re-locks occurring.

Choosing a Reputable iPhone Unlock Service

With so many unlock services competing for your business, it’s essential to choose a reputable provider for a fast, reliable, and permanent unlock. Here are some tips for selecting a trustworthy unlock service:

Research and compare options

Don’t just pick the first service you find. Research at least 3-5 unlock providers and compare their pricing, turnaround times, and customer reviews. The cheapest option isn’t always the best – you often get what you pay for with unlocks.

Check reviews and testimonials

Legitimate unlock services should have a trail of positive reviews and customer testimonials on sites like Trustpilot and Sitejabber. Check their reviews on multiple sites and look for consistent feedback about reliability, speed, and customer support.

Verify guarantees and refund policies

Reputable unlock services stand behind their work with clear money-back guarantees and refund policies if an unlock is unsuccessful. Make sure this information is clearly stated on their website and in their terms of service. Avoid services without guarantees.

Avoid deals that seem too good to be true

As the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unlocking iPhones costs unlock services money, so they need to charge a reasonable fee to turn a profit. Be very wary of extremely cheap unlocks or “lifetime guarantee” offers – they are almost always scams.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using an iPhone Unlock Service

Once you’ve chosen a reputable unlock service, the process of unlocking your iPhone is usually fast and straightforward:

iphone imei unlock
  1. Select your unlocking service and provide your IMEI. Enter your iPhone’s 15-digit IMEI on the service’s order page or provide it to their customer support if required. Double-check this number as an incorrect IMEI will result in an unsuccessful unlock.
  2. Complete payment. Most unlock services accept payment by credit card or PayPal. For the fastest service, make sure the billing information you provide matches the information on file with your bank or payment provider. Third-party payment processors like Privacy.com can cause delays.
  3. Wait for confirmation email. After payment is processed, most unlock services will send a confirmation email stating that your unlock request is in progress. Turnaround times vary from a few minutes to several days depending on your iPhone model and original carrier. Contact customer support if you don’t receive an email within 24 hours.
  4. Enjoy your unlocked iPhone! When the unlock is complete, you’ll receive an email stating that your iPhone is now unlocked. To verify, power off your iPhone, insert a SIM card from a different carrier, and attempt a call or text message. If the unlock was successful, your iPhone should connect to the new carrier’s network and send the call/text. That’s it – your iPhone is now permanently unlocked!

Some newer iPhones use embedded SIM (eSIM) technology instead of or in addition to a physical SIM card slot. If your iPhone has an eSIM, you can unlock it via a UICC unlock from a third-party service as well.

Unlocking Disabled iPhones

If you have an iPhone that is disabled due to too many passcode attempts, you may still be able to unlock it depending on your specific situation. Generally, disabled iPhones can only be unlocked by completely erasing them via iTunes or iCloud and setting them up as a new device.

For iCloud-locked iPhones, you may be able to use a tool like Checkm8 to bypass iCloud Activation Lock. However, these tools are not always reliable and can damage your iPhone if used improperly. We recommend exhausting all other options before attempting to use an iCloud bypass.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes iPhone unlocks don’t go as smoothly as advertised. Here are some common issues you may encounter and how to resolve them:

  • Unsuccessful unlock: First, double-check that you provided the correct IMEI to the unlock service. If the IMEI was correct, contact the service’s customer support and provide your order details. Most will attempt another unlock free of charge. If that fails, request a refund under their money-back guarantee.
  • Undelivered confirmation email: Check your spam folder for the confirmation email. If you still can’t find it after 24 hours, contact customer support and request an update on your order status.
  • iPhone re-locked after update: This is a rare but frustrating issue. If your iPhone re-locks itself to the original carrier after an iOS update or restore, contact your unlock service right away. Most will re-unlock your phone free of charge within 24-48 hours.
  • Poor customer support: One of the most important factors in choosing an unlock service is responsive, helpful customer support. If you experience long delays or unhelpful responses, consider requesting a refund and trying a different service. Like any business transaction, don’t be afraid to take your issue up the chain to a manager or supervisor.

Top iPhone Unlock Services

To help you choose the best unlock provider for your needs, here’s a comparison of 8 of the most popular iPhone unlock services as of 2024:

ServicePriceUnlock SpeedCompatibilityCustomer Support
IMEIDoctor£19.99<1 hoursAll models/iOSEmail, chat, phone
DirectUnlocks$21.99<1 hourAll models/iOSEmail, support form
UnlockBase$24.99<1 hourAll models/iOSEmail, chat
UnlockBoot$29.99<1 hourAll models/iOSEmail, chat
Cellunlocker$49.99<24 hoursAll models/iOSEmail, chat, phone
UnlockUnit$59.99<12 hoursAll models/iOSEmail, chat
UnlockZone$79.99<6 hoursAll models/iOSEmail, phone

As you can see, pricing and turnaround times vary widely between services. In general, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50 for a quality iPhone unlock from a reputable service with a money-back guarantee. Look for services with turnaround times under 24 hours for the quickest results.

Compatibility also differs between unlock providers. Some specialize in certain iPhone models and iOS versions, while others claim to work with all iPhones and any version of iOS. Check the provider’s website or contact their support to confirm they can unlock your specific iPhone model.

Finally, consider the customer support options provided by each service. While most only offer email support, some provide live chat and even phone support for faster issue resolution. Check their hours of operation, typical response times, and customer reviews of their support before making a decision.

Alternatives to iPhone Unlock Services

If using a third-party unlock service seems too risky or confusing, you have a few other options for unlocking your iPhone:

Carrier-based unlocking

As mentioned above, you can request an unlock directly from your carrier if you meet their requirements. This is the safest and most “official” way to unlock your iPhone, but it can be a tedious and time-consuming process. Consider this option if you have a strong relationship with your carrier and aren’t in a rush to unlock.

Hardware unlocking

Some local mobile repair shops offer hardware-based iPhone unlocking using special equipment. This involves physically modifying your iPhone’s logic board to remove the carrier lock. While it can be a fast and effective solution, it also voids your warranty and risks damaging your iPhone. We don’t recommend this option unless you have experience with phone repairs.

Software unlocking

A few sketchy websites claim to offer “software unlocks” or “unlock codes” for iPhones that don’t require a third-party service. These are scams – there is no way to unlock an iPhone yourself with software. The only safe options are third-party unlocking services and carrier-based unlocking.

FAQs on Unlocking Your iPhone

Q: Is unlocking my iPhone legal?

A: Yes, it’s 100% legal to unlock your iPhone in the United States, Canada, and most other countries after completing any contract.

Q: Does unlocking void my warranty?

A: Unlocking through unofficial means can void Apple’s warranty since it breaks their terms. Use trusted services to minimize this risk.

Q: Can unlocked iPhones still get iOS updates?

A: Yes, you’ll still receive normal iOS updates even after unlocking your iPhone through third parties.

Q: Do iPhone unlocks work permanently?

A: Most iPhone unlocks are permanent, but some carrier updates can re-lock the device. Reach out to the service if this happens.

Q: Can I unlock an iPhone that’s still on a contract?

A: Unlocking contracted iPhones is possible but not recommended. You must still pay the termination fees to avoid issues.

Key Takeaways

Unlocking your iPhone is a great way to get more value and flexibility out of your device. By removing your carrier lock, you can switch providers, use international SIMs, increase resale value, and customize your iPhone to your liking.

While there are some risks involved with third-party unlocks, you can minimize them by choosing a reputable service with positive reviews, clear refund policies, and responsive customer support.

Expect to pay between $20 and $50 for a fast, high-quality unlock backed by a money-back guarantee. Most unlocks complete within 24 hours, but turnaround times can vary up to a week depending on your model and carrier.

Once unlocked, your iPhone will remain unlocked even after iOS updates and device restores. In the rare event your iPhone re-locks, contact your unlock service for a free re-unlock.

Hopefully this guide has given you the knowledge and confidence to safely unlock your iPhone using a third-party service. Enjoy your new mobile freedom!

Jason
Jason

Skilled software testing specialist with expertise in comparisons and research, passionate about blogging, reviews, and creating video tutorials.

More Articles

iN-Box Full Review
iPhone, Reviews, Unlock

iN-Box V4.8.0 Review: Can It Really Unlock iCloud Activation Lock?

If you’ve ever found yourself locked out of your iPhone or iPad due to a forgotten iCloud login or purchasing ...
Apps Similar To Flipagram
Android, Apps, iPhone

Top Apps Similar to Flipagram – Best Alternatives

Search engines often receive queries on apps like Flipagram. If you are reading this article to learn about those apps ...
Unlock Iphone To Use Accessories
iPhone, Repair, Unlock

How to Fix the ‘Unlock iPhone to Use Accessories’ Error Easily?

“Unlock iPhone to use accessories” is an error message related to devices that run on iOS. This message may appear ...