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A SIM lock, simlock, network lock, carrier lock or (master) subsidy lock is a technical restriction built into GSM and CDMA [1] mobile phones by mobile phone manufacturers for use by service providers to restrict the use of these phones to specific countries and/or networks.
May 15, 2024 · An unlocked phone is a device that has no carrier locks or restrictions. It's usually sold at full price. You can use it with any carrier of your choice, whether you're using a physical SIM...
- Overview
- Using the Settings Menu on iPhone
- Using the Settings Menu on Android
- Using an IMEI Checker
- Contacting Your Mobile Carrier
- Using Another SIM Card
Find out if your iPhone, Samsung, or other phone model is locked to a mobile network
This wikiHow teaches you how to figure out if a phone is unlocked when you don't have a SIM card. If you bought a new phone second-hand or from a third-party dealer, you want to make sure it's unlocked so you can use it with your carrier. Otherwise, it can only be used with the carrier it is locked to. The easiest way to check if your phone is unlocked is to use another SIM card. If you do not have a SIM card, you can check if your phone is unlocked using the Settings, but this may not be 100% accurate. You can also contact your carrier, but they may not be able to give you the information you need.
On Android, go to Settings > General > About. If you see "SIM locked" beside "Network Lock" or "Carrier Lock," your phone is locked.
On Android, go to Settings > Connections > Networks > Network Operators > Search Now. If multiple carriers appear, your phone is likely unlocked.
Open the Settings menu .
It's the icon with two silver gears.
You'll find this in the third group of settings.
It's at the top of the menu.
Scroll down to "Carrier Lock."
On some iPhones, this will be called "Network Lock." If you see "SIM locked," the iPhone is locked. If you see "No SIM restrictions," you can use this iPhone on any compatible network.
Open the Settings menu .
To do so, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the icon that resembles a gear in the upper-right corner.
This method won't work on all Android models.
The name of this option varies by Android model.
On some Android models, this will be called
It's generally the last option in the Networks menu. This displays options for connecting to a different mobile network.
This will display your phone's
on-screen. You do not need to hit the send button. The information will pop up automatically as soon as you finish dialing. Write the IMEI down.
This may not work on Verizon phones.
Alternatively, you can find your IMEI number by opening the Settings menu and checking under
or something similar. If you have an iPhone 6 or later, you'll also find
The IMEI number is a unique number used to identify your mobile device. Mobile carriers and third-party companies can use your IMEI number to check if your phone is locked or unlocked or if it's been blacklisted after being reported lost or stolen.
Dial 611 or the customer service number for the carrier you are switching to.
Most carriers have access to a list of IMEI numbers that are compatible with their network. However, it's possible the customer service representative may or may not have access to this information or may not be able to tell you over the phone. It's still worth a try. If you know what carrier the phone previously used, you may try contacting that carrier as well. Use one of the following phone numbers to contact customer service:
If you just purchased a phone and want to see if it will work with your current network, you can use your existing SIM card. If you just want to check if your phone is unlocked, you can either borrow a SIM card from a friend that's on a different carrier or take the phone to a mobile store and tell them you want to check if the phone is unlocked. They can check using a temporary SIM.
Make sure the phone is powered off before inserting a SIM.
Most newer phones have a compartment that holds the
on the top or side of the phone. It's an oval-shaped compartment with a pinhole in it. Place a paperclip or SIM card removal tool in the pinhole and press down to eject the SIM tray. Place an alternate SIM card in the SIM tray and reinsert it.
If you have an Android with a removable battery, remove the back of the phone and then remove the battery. The SIM card holder should be below the battery.
Check the user's manual for your phone if you are not sure how to remove the SIM card.
Dec 17, 2021 · An unlocked cell phone is a phone that can be used with any mobile carrier. Most of the time, when you purchase a new phone, you buy it from your carrier or an authorized retailer who will sign you up for a monthly contract when you purchase the device.
An unlocked cell phone is a cellular telephone that can be used with more than one service provider, allowing users the flexibility and freedom to switch between different networks. Staying mobile and connected is a precious commodity today, as is having flexibility with mobile devices.
Jun 22, 2022 · An unlocked smartphone is a phone that can work with any cell phone carrier. Some phones are not unlocked and so they can only be used on one provider like Verizon, or with just AT&T, or T-Mobile, etc. An unlocked phone doesn't have that limitation.
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A mobile phone or cell phone [a] is a portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a radio frequency link while the user is moving within a telephone service area, as opposed to a fixed-location phone (landline phone).
