FoneTool Unlocker > iPhone Unlock Tips & Tricks > [Ultimate Guide] How to Unlock An iPhone to Any Network

[Ultimate Guide] How to Unlock An iPhone to Any Network

Looking for how to unlock an iPhone to any network legally? Click this guide to learn effective methods and check whether your iPhone is locked or not.

Scarlett by Scarlett Updated May 26, 2025
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What happens when an iPhone is network-locked?

Many iPhone users purchase their iPhone from a mobile carrier or the Apple store, so their iPhone may be stuck with the specific carrier or associated with it. Do you want to know what happens when your iPhone is network-locked and how to unlock an iPhone to any network? Please check the texts below first:

  • Carrier restrictions. The iPhone only accepts SIM cards from the carrier it is locked to.
  • Function. The iPhone will not be able to make calls or send texts.
  • Resale value. Network-locked iPhones have a lower resale value compared to unlocked ones.
  • Travel restrictions. If you travel frequently, you have to pay high roaming charges.

Now you know what happens when your iPhone is network-locked, please use the ways below to solve the “iPhone SIM unlock free” issue.

Unlock network-locked iPhone from a carrier

If you are wondering how to unlock an iPhone to any network for free, the best way is to contact your carrier. If you meet the carrier’s requirements, the American carriers must unlock your iPhone for free. Next, I’ll cover the most famous carriers to make your life easier.

AT&T

AT&T

Step 1. You need to get your IMEI number first.

Step 2. Visit AT&T’s unlock site and tap No to enter your IMEI number.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to unlock iPhone carrier free.

Verizon

Verizon

Verizon’s unlocking policy says that devices bought from them are locked for 60 days after purchase. They will unlock iPhone SIM free automatically after 60 days.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile

Step 1. Log in to your T-Mobile account at the top left of the screen.

Step 2. Select the line you wish to unlock.

Step 3. Click Check device unlock status under the Device.

Step 4. If the status is device unlocked, your iPhone is already unlocked. If it is device locked, you will need to contact T-Mobile Customer Care. Call 611 from your T-Mobile phone.

Sprint

Sprint

Step 1. If you want to unlock an iPhone used on the Sprint network, you will need to provide certain details, including

  • Your account number associated with your Sprint device.
  • The name of the Sprint account holder.
  • The phone number attached to the Sprint iPhone.
  • The IMEI number.
Tip: You can also learn how to unlock iPhone free with IMEI number for more information.

Step 2. Once they verify the provided information, they will give you the unlock code. Then you can insert your new SIM card and enter your unlock code to use the new network seamlessly.

Note: Before calling for the unlock code, you need to pay all the dues for your iPhone.

Unlock network-locked iPhone via third-party tools

If you can’t meet the qualifications, you can also unlock your iPhone with some third-party tools. Before using, please pay attention to the following key points:

  • Find a reputable service with positive customer reviews.
  • Back up your data before the unlocking process.
  • Verify the legality of the tool.
  • Ensure your data security.
  • Avoid affecting the iPhone warranty.
  • Third-party tools often charge a fee.
  • Have a money-back guarantee.
Limitation:✎...
Due to differences in radio frequencies and technologies used by carriers, your iPhone may not work on all networks.
Using third-party tools may prevent your iPhone from receiving future software updates.

How to check if my iPhone is locked or not

After trying the ways, you can check if your iPhone is successfully unlocked.

Way 1. Insert a different carrier’s SIM card

The simplest way to check whether your iPhone is unlocked is to insert a SIM card from a different carrier. If your iPhone sees the new SIM and connects to the network, your iPhone is unlocked.

Insert SIM card

Way 2. Use the Settings

You can also check the carrier settings on your iPhone if you don’t have a different carrier’s card.

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > About.

Step 2. Look for the Carrier section. If it shows Unlocked, then your iPhone is unlocked.

Way 3. Make a call to your carrier

You can call your carrier to check whether your iPhone is unlocked to any network. We list all famous carrier customer support contact numbers to make your way easier.

  • Verizon number: 1 (800) 922 - 0204
  • Sprint number: 1 (888) 211-4727
  • T-Mobile number: 1 (877) 453-1304
  • AT&T number: 1 (800) 331 - 0500

Famous carrier customer support caontact number

Note: You may need to provide your IMEI numbers.

FAQs about unlocking iPhone

Q1. How to unlock iPhone when unavailable?

You can wait for the timer to expire or reset the device. Meet iPhone unavailable no timer? Click to learn specific steps.

Q2. How to unlock iPhone carrier free?

Unlocking your iPhone carrier free has various methods. One method is contacting your carrier, you may need to provide information such as iPhone’s IMEI number. Or you can use safe third-party tools to unlock your iPhone.

Q3. How to check if iPhone is unlocked IMEI?

You can contact your carrier or use an online IMEI checker to check is your iPhone is unlocked or not.

Bonus: Unlock iPhone without passcode easily

If your iPhone is locked again after it is unlocked or forget your password/Apple ID when you use your iPhone, FoneTool Unlocker, a safe and professional unlocking tool, can help you unlock your iPhone easily and quickly.

   
★Highlights:
  • Remove all passcodes with simple clicks.
  • Remove Apple ID from iPhone, no tech knowledge is required.
  • A high success rate of up to 99.99%.
  • The latest iOS versions/devices are supported.
 

 Now, please free download FoneTool Unlocker and unlock your iPhone without passcode:

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP

Step 1. Launch FoneTool Unlocker > Connect iPhone to PC via a USB cable.

Tip: Please turn off the Find My feature to prevent data loss.

Step 2. Go to Remove iOS Screen Passcode > Click Remove Now.

Click Remove Now

Step 3. Confirm the notes on the screen > Click Next.

Click Next

Step 4. Choose the Firmware File you need > Click Download to get it.

Click Download

Step 5. Once the firmware files are downloaded, you can click Remove Now to unlock your iPhone efficiently.

Click Remove Now

Tip: FoneTool Unlocker is a powerful unlock tool, you can also use it to remove Screen Time passcode and iTunes backup encryption without a passcode in simple clicks. You can also use it in the following scenarios:

Conclusion

Knowing how to unlock an iPhone to any network is important if you purchase your iPhone from a carrier. We have explored various ways and resources to help you unlock iPhone SIM lock free in this guide. If you don’t want to switch carriers and your device is locked because you forgot your passcode, FoneTool Unlocker can help you unlock your device easily and safely.

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