How to Unlock a Carrier Locked iPhone Without Data Loss

Samuel Spenser Published on October 14, 2026Unlock iOS3-min reading

What is a carrier-unlocked iPhone? It is an iOS device that can use and read a SIM card from any compatible carrier. When you buy a new iPhone from a carrier store or add a SIM card, your device is likely locked to that carrier. Before you complete the contract, you cannot switch to other network providers. This tutorial shares proven ways to remove the carrier lock from your phone.

Part 1: How to Unlock an iPhone from a Carrier

In fact, most carriers allow users to unlock their iPhones once they can meet the device unlocking policy. These carriers provide multiple channels to submit requests to unlock a carrier-locked iOS device.

General iPhone Unlocking Policy

• Your iPhone must be active or purchased for a period, such as 60 days.
• Your device has been involved in loss, theft, or fraud.
• Your carrier account is in good standing.
• You have fully paid your bill or contract.

Option 1: Unlock an iPhone from the carrier via Phone Call

One easy way to unlock an iPhone from any carrier for free is to call your carrier's customer support. You need to offer the necessary information, like your phone number, IMEI number, purchase proof, and more. Once your carrier verifies your request, it will unlock your device.

• Verizon: 800-922-0204 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• T-Mobile: 800-937-8997
• AT&T: 800-288-2020
• Mint Mobile: 800-683-7392

Option 2: Unlock an iPhone from a Carrier on the Web Portal

Some carriers provide a web portal to unlock a carrier-locked phone. AT&T, for example, lets users unlock their devices on https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/unlockstep1 in a web browser. You need to provide your phone number, IMEI number, email address, and other information following the on-screen prompts.

Option 3: Unlock a Phone from a Carrier in the App

On some older phones, there is a Device Unlock app preinstalled. You can permanently unlock the carrier lock in the app. Alternatively, you can download the Device Unlock app from your carrier, such as the T-Mobile Device Unlock app, from the Play Store, and get rid of the carrier lock quickly.

Part 2: How to Unlock a Carrier-Locked iPhone with a Third-party Service

If you cannot meet the device unlocking policy of your carrier, you have to unlock your iPhone from any carrier with a third-party SIM unlocker. While there are a lot of unlocking services, you need to look for a reputable one.

Option 1: Go to Settings, General, and About. Find the number next to the IMEI label.

Option 2: Run the Phone app, dial *#06#, and tap the Call button to show the IMEI number.

Part 3: How to Unlock iPhone for Any Carrier on Your Own

Can an unlocked iPhone be used with any carrier? No. After unlocking your iPhone from a carrier, you can use SIM cards from compatible carriers. If a specific carrier is not supported, your iPhone won’t detect the SIM card. imyPass iPassGo is a great option to unlock your iPhone for any compatible carrier offline. Compared to online unlock services, it is more stable and reliable. Moreover, the process doesn’t require a password.

How to Unlock Your Device for Any Compatible Carrier

Run the carrier unlocking software once you install it on your PC. There is another version for Mac OS X 10.12 and above. Choose the Unlock SIM Card mode to continue.

Link your iPhone to your PC with a Lightning cable. If you link the two devices for the first time, make sure to trust this PC. Then, the software will recognize your iPhone immediately. Read the notification and click the Start Now button if you are sure.

Next, check your device information and click the Start Bypassing button. Jailbreak your device, and then set up your iPhone following the on-screen tutorial. Finally, click on the OK button to begin unlocking your carrier-locked iPhone. During the process, you must keep your iPhone connected. When it is done, disconnect your iPhone and use any compatible carrier.

Conclusion

This guide discussed how to unlock a carrier-unlocked iPhone to use any compatible SIM card on your device. If you can meet the unlock policy of your carrier, submit your request via customer support, web portal, or mobile app. If you cannot meet the policy, try a reputable unlocking service. We recommend a desktop unlocking program, imyPass iPassGo. It is able to remove carrier lock from an iPhone without any restrictions. Moreover, it is easy to use for beginners.