In this post, we will cover multiple options on How to Unlock an iPhone. The focus will be on the SIM Locks of an iPhone, and the goal to successfully apply an iPhone Unlocking solution.
How to Unlock an iPhone Guide
Many things have changed to the iPhone Unlocking topic in the latest years. iPhone Unlock Methods, Network Unlock Policies, Legal Complications, and iPhone Model incompatibilities.
It is extremely easy to get confused and take a wrong turn when you dealing with a locked iPhone but no matter what, we will guide you through the whole iPhone Unlocking process and provide you all valid and Legal iPhone Unlock services so you can remove the SIM Lock once and for all.
Step 1: The iPhone IMEI Check
The very first mistake most people do is trying to Carrier unlock an iPhone without IMEI checking it first. Since you are reading this article, you belong in one of these two categories of iPhone Unlockers.
- You are the original owner of an iPhone
- You bought a refurbished SIM Locked iPhone
What most people don’t get is that Mobile Networks have different iPhone Unlock policies and they develop them in such a way so it will be extremely difficult to unlock your phone even if you are the original owner.
But a Cellular Network SIM Unlock policy is a minor issue compared to a ton of others which can void any iPhone Unlock process.
iPhone IMEI Check info
Before you even think about iPhone Unlocking, an IMEI lookup will reveal all possible obstacles.
Without all the data below, your chances of successful iPhone unlocking are extremely low (not to say ZERO).
The only requirement is the IMEI number of the iPhone and here are all the ways to find it
PRO tip: Next time, think about using an IMEI Check Service BEFORE you buy a second-hand iPhone
Step 2: How to unlock your iPhone
After the IMEI Check, you are ready for iPhone Unlocking because:
- You are sure that your iPhone can be SIM unlocked
- If it can’t then you know the exact problems and how to deal with them without using needless services
Based on the iPhone IMEI Check Results, this is how you unlock an iPhone.
How to unlock an iPhone when it is eligible for Network Unlocking
This is the best possible situation. The IMEI Check report ensures the compatibility of your iDevice for a SIM Lock Removal Request from the blocking Carrier.
No matter if you are the original owner or not you should contact the Mobile Network and ask for iPhone Unlock. You have earned it.
We strongly believe that contacting your Lock carrier and send a Network Lock Removal request should be your first step.
Generally, the Network Lock Removal request is either FREE or has very small fees. The fees will only apply IF the unlock request is accepted by the Mobile Network, so the actual request is free of charge.
But there is a good chance that the Wireless Network refuse to unlock your iPhone even when everything is alright.
— Details about how Mobile Networks react to iPhone Unlocking requests —
There is something called “Unlocking Commitment” which is forced to all Mobile Networks. What basically does is to instruct ALL Mobile Networks to develop their devices in such a way, so they can get unlocked if the customer requests it.
Now, this is something that most (if not ALL!) Mobile Networks do not really want, so they have the right to create their own rules and procedures, in order for a subscriber to request a Network Lock Removal. Those rules are complicated and the subscriber has one try per year. The reason behind this complicated and “stupid” procedure is to discourage people from requesting an unlock and increase the chances for a rejection from their side (So the subscriber will stay with their services for one extra year).But there are solutions.
How to unlock an iPhone with a third-party iPhone Unlock service
So, the Carrier rejected your SIM Deactivation request or your iPhone can’t be unlocked through the Cellular Network’s iPhone Unlock services.
Now it is the right time to use an iPhone Unlock Company. But is iPhone Unlocking legal or remains “shady”?Do not get “very” alarmed with the phrase “shady” that I used, since nowadays, you can get your iPhone unlocked legally. It is approved by Apple and ALL Mobile Networks worldwide.
There was a period when some countries (Including USA I believe) were against iPhone Unlocking, but those days are long gone.
How to unlock an iPhone with Software SIM Unlock Method
This is maybe the first iPhone unlock method ever developed. Do not confuse it with all the other Software iPhone Unlock scams. Only this is the real deal.
Software iPhone Unlock through Jailbreaking was solid and free but:
- It is an Outdated iPhone unlocking method
- Only iPhone 2G, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3Gs & iPhone 4 are supported
- It is functional up to iOS 6.1.6
- First, you Jailbreak your iDevice, then you download the software unlocking tool [Ultrasn0w or blacksn0w] from Cydia
How to unlock your iPhone with Hardware Network Unlock Method
While this iPhone Unlock option is still usable I would not recommend it. These specially designed SIM Card Interposers (R-SIM, GPP, Turbo-SIM, etc.) are supposed to unlock all iPhone models but I never saw them succeed after iPhone 5.
- It will void Apple Warranty or AppleCare+
- Dangers: Permanent damage to your SIM-Tray and SIM-Card. Over 65% failure rate. Low voice Quality & sudden call drops.
On the other hand, I have found a new method of Hardware Network Unlock which doesn’t have anything to do with what I mentioned above. I personally tested it and the results are amazing.
How to unlock an iPhone with IMEI iPhone unlocking Method
If you asked me two years ago about Factory iPhone unlock I would say that it is the best SIM Unlocking service.
- IMEI iPhone unlock Services are still active
- Supported iPhone models: All iPhone models
- You need to know which network is locking your iPhone & purchase a specific iPhone unlock service for this carrier,
- Unfortunately, it is quite expensive
The best way to unlock an iPhone
The Network Lock removal request procedure is being “sabotaged” by the Carriers since they want to avoid losing their subscribers (And lose money!). Those policies are constantly changing which means that your attempt for a Network Lock removal request will most likely fail.
The best approach will be to authorize a company with experience on Network Lock Removal requests, in order to be 100% sure that the due process will be followed.
There is always one iPhone Unlock provider that comes to my mind when you require legal and successful iPhone Unlocking solutions and it is iPhoneUnlock.Zone.
Their SIM Unlocking experts know all the dirty tricks of Cellular Networks’ Unlock Policies and how they manage to deceive their customers with extensive paperwork or strange carrier unlocking requirements.
The best iPhone Unlock Method in my opinion
- You will provide them with your IMEI Check Report through their questions when you initiate the iPhone Unlock process.
- If you didn’t IMEI Check your iPhone don’t worry because they can also do it for you.
- Based on the results they will first contact the Wireless Network and negotiate your SIM Unlock Request
- If this fails then they will try any other legal and trusted iPhone Unlock Method
- If they don’t manage to unlock your iPhone you will be refunded
Benefits of using a Network Unlock Request service:
- Be 100% sure that the due process will be followed
- Increase your chances for a successful iPhone Unlocking
- Be part of an Official, Legal and Legitimate procedure
- Get the unlock confirmation from the Mobile Network (Not from a third party company)
- Get your iPhone Unlocked permanently
- Save time since you do not have to get involved at all with the whole procedure
You now know all the available iPhone unlocking methods and you know How to unlock your iPhone permanently and legally. Pick the one that best suits you!
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5 comments
Great info.
I tried the iPhoneUnlock.Zone and they found that my iPhone was locked on AT&T USA.
They informed me that they requested from them an unlock with their template, and within the same day my iPhone got unlocked!
I will do the same with a Softbank japan iPhone my brother has! Will update here how it will go 😀
Thanx again!
Good to hear that Dorn!
We will also create an article about Softbank Japan iPhones (Actually we already have one with some information – Go to Unlock Softbank Japan iPhone)
Enjoy your AT&T USA unlocked iPhone. Hope they will manage to unlock your Softbank Japan iPhone as well 😀
Take Care!
Hello Jason,
So, your recommendation is to approach those experts and start a Network lock removal request through them?
Why don’t I just order an IMEI unlock service?
Wouldn’t they help me to find the network lock of my iPhone 6+ and then unlock it?
Thank you
Hey Fransis,
The reason of suggesting the Network Lock removal request as a first step, is because it is FREE.
Now, by contacting the experts that I am mentioning, you will need to pay them for offering you their services, but the price is extremely low comparing it with an IMEI Unlock service.
If your iPhone 6+ is eligible for a FREE network lock removal request, you will be able to permanently unlock your iPhone with the lowest price possible.
Now, if you want to go for an IMEI Unlock service, you need to know before making the order, in which Network your iPhone is locked to, its Blacklist status, its financial status and its contract status (Also the iCloud must be either deactivated or it should be your iCloud account).
If you do not know all the above information, then the chance of purchasing a wrong IMEI Unlock service is high, and not only the unlock will fail, but you will not be eligible for getting a refund (This is the policy in all iPhone unlock providers).
The experts that will handle the network lock removal request for your iPhone, are doing an upfront full iPhone IMEI Check, so in case of a network lock removal rejection from the Mobile Network, you will have accurate information about your iPhone, so you can proceed with an IMEI Unlock order.
Hope that helped!
Oooh ok, now I got it.
Thanx Jason for your help.
I will try them and I ‘ll update here of the results. Hope it will work! 😀