There are a few different paid services that allow you to unlock your iPhone if it is currently locked to a specific carrier. Unlocking your iPhone allows you to use it with different carriers or internationally. The main paid unlock services are through your current carrier, third-party unlocking services, or buying factory unlocked phones.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about paid iPhone unlock services:
- Carrier unlocking services – AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and other carriers may offer iPhone unlocking services directly for a fee. This allows you to unlock your iPhone from their network.
- Third party unlocking services – Companies like DoctorSIM, UnlockBase and others offer paid iPhone unlocking services, usually remotely.
- Factory unlocked iPhones – Buying an iPhone that is already factory unlocked allows you to use it on any GSM network.
- Cost – Paid unlock services typically range from $15-$50 depending on your carrier and service.
- Eligibility – Carriers often require your iPhone to be fully paid off before it can be unlocked.
- Limitations – Unlocking does not work for all iPhone models and firmware versions.
What Does It Mean to Unlock an iPhone?
When you purchase an iPhone directly from a carrier like AT&T or Verizon, it is often “locked” to only work on that carrier’s network. This locking is implemented in the iPhone’s software and prevents you from using it with other carrier SIM cards.
Unlocking an iPhone removes this software lock, allowing you to use your iPhone on other carrier networks or internationally. For example, unlocking an iPhone purchased from AT&T would allow you to use it on Verizon’s or T-Mobile’s network.
Here are some examples of what an unlocked iPhone allows you to do:
- Use your iPhone with different domestic carriers
- Swap out SIM cards when traveling internationally
- Avoid roaming charges by using local carrier SIMs
- Use prepaid SIMs from other carriers
- Sell your iPhone to anyone, not just users of your carrier
Unlocking gives you more flexibility over carriers and SIM cards you can use with your iPhone. However, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Locked iPhone models may not be unlockable yet
- Some firmware versions cannot be unlocked
- Unlocking does not work for CDMA networks like Verizon/Sprint
- Factory unlocked iPhones may still have limitations
How To Get Your iPhone Unlocked
There are a few main options if you want to unlock your existing iPhone from its current carrier:
Carrier Unlocking Services
Most major carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint offer official iPhone unlocking services for a fee. The process and eligibility requirements vary between carriers:
- AT&T – Offers domestic and international unlocks for $45 per device. Must be fully paid off and not reported lost/stolen.
- T-Mobile – Charges up to $350 per device depending on your account status. Must be fully paid off and used on network for 40+ days.
- Verizon – Unlocks devices automatically after 60 days of service. International unlocks may require fee.
- Sprint – Unlocks eligible devices automatically or by contacting customer service.
Contact your carrier directly to determine if they offer iPhone unlocks and what their specific fees and requirements are.
Third Party Unlocking Services
There are many third party phone unlocking sites that offer paid remote iPhone unlocking services. Some examples include:
- DoctorSIM – Unlocks for $49.99-$69.99 depending on iPhone model.
- UnlockBase – Unlocks starting at $49.99.
- Unlocks.com – Prices start at $24.99.
- UnlockZone – Offers unlocks starting at $44.99.
These services work remotely using your iPhone’s IMEI number and may require jailbreaking or temporarily installing unlocking software. Pricing varies but is generally $25-$70 per device.
Factory Unlocked iPhones
Purchasing an iPhone that is already factory unlocked eliminates the need to use an unlocking service. Factory unlocked iPhones can be purchased directly from:
- Apple – Sells official unlocked iPhones at full retail pricing.
- Apple Resellers – Retailers like Best Buy offer factory unlocked models.
- Online Sellers – Websites like eBay, Amazon, etc. sell new and used unlocked iPhones.
The main advantage of buying a factory unlocked iPhone is that it works on GSM networks worldwide right out of the box. No unlocking required. The downside is that unlocked models are often more expensive upfront.
Unlocking Service Requirements
Carriers and third party services have certain requirements that must be met to successfully unlock your iPhone.
Device Requirements
- Must be a compatible iPhone model (older models may be excluded)
- Cannot be currently reported lost, stolen or blacklisted
- Must contain valid IMEI/MEID number
- Some firmware versions may not be supported
Account Requirements
- iPhone must be fully paid off (no outstanding balance or lease)
- Account must be in “good standing” with no past due amounts
- Active service with carrier for minimum period of time (often 40+ days)
- Not currently active on a service contract
Requirements vary between carriers. Contact them ahead of time to confirm you and your iPhone will qualify for unlocking services.
How Much Does It Cost To Unlock an iPhone?
The cost to unlock an iPhone depends on the method you choose:
| Unlock Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Carrier Unlocking Service | $25 – $50 per device |
| Third Party Unlocking Service (remote) | $15 – $70 per device |
| Factory Unlocked iPhone (new) | $100+ premium over locked prices |
| Factory Unlocked iPhone (used) | Varies, similar to locked used prices |
As you can see, carrier and third party unlocks typically cost $25-$70 per device. Buying a factory unlocked iPhone often costs $100+ more compared to a locked model from a carrier.
Pros and Cons of Unlocking
Here is a quick overview of the main pros and cons to weigh when considering unlocking your iPhone:
Pros
- Use on other domestic/international carriers
- Swap out SIMs when traveling
- Avoid roaming fees by using local SIMs
- Not tied to one carrier’s network
- Higher resale value since it works worldwide
Cons
- Costs money to unlock via carrier or third party service
- Factory unlocked models are more expensive upfront
- Older models may not be eligible for unlocking
- No guarantee of unlocking success
- Voids manufacturer warranty on device
Overall, the pros often outweigh the cons for frequent international travelers who want more flexibility over SIM card use. But there are risks with using third party unlocking services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Unlocking My iPhone Legal?
Yes, unlocking your iPhone is 100% legal in the United States thanks to bipartisan legislation passed in 2014 called the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act. Apple also fully supports users unlocking their iPhones, provided the request is made through official carrier channels.
Does Unlocking Void the Warranty?
Using third party services to unlock your iPhone will void Apple’s manufacturer warranty, since you are allowing third party software modifications to the device. Going through your carrier for unlocks will not void the warranty.
Can All iPhones Be Unlocked?
Unfortunately no, some older iPhone models cannot be unlocked yet, and iPhone models designed for CDMA networks like Verizon and Sprint cannot be unlocked for use internationally. Contact your carrier to see if your specific iPhone model is eligible.
Is Unlocking Permanent?
Yes, once successfully unlocked, the iPhone will remain unlocked even after upgrading iOS, resetting the device, or using a new SIM card. Re-locking an iPhone requires intentionally reversing the unlock process.
Can I Unlock An iPhone With Bad IMEI?
No, you cannot unlock iPhones that have been blacklisted, reported lost/stolen, have invalid IMEI numbers, or are tied to iCloud accounts. Unlocking services verify device status using the IMEI and will deny blacklisted devices.
Conclusion
Hopefully this overview gives you a better understanding of the paid services available for unlocking your iPhone. The main options are carrier unlocks, third party unlocks or buying a factory unlocked device. Each has their own pros and cons to weigh for your specific situation.
Be sure to check if your iPhone model and account status even qualify for paid unlocking services first. There are also risks in using third party unlocking sites. But the flexibility and travel benefits of an unlocked iPhone are often worth the time and money for frequent international travelers.
