How to check if my iPhone is unlocked to use it abroad

Many iPhones are locked to a specific network and you will not be able to use a SIM card or an eSIM from another carrier. Unlocked iPhones can be used on any network. If you are not sure if yours is unlocked, here’s how to check for it:

Since iOS 14, Apple has included a new section called Network Provider Lock which will instantly tell you the status of the device. To access it go to Settings > General > About 

Scroll down to locate the Carrier Lock section. If your iPhone is unlocked, it will say that there are “No SIM restrictions”. Should you see a different status, it means that your iPhone is locked.

You can also check if an iPhone is unlocked by using a SIM card.

Since the iPhone 14 arrived in 2022, all iPhones sold in the U.S. come with dual eSIM and no SIM tray. When the iPhone 13 launched most iPhones were sold with eSIM only. So, if the phone you are concerned about doesn’t have a SIM tray you can skip to the next section.

If your iPhone predates the iPhone 13, the quickest way to check if it is unlocked is to simply try inserting a SIM from a different network. If a family member or a friend uses another network then ask them if you can borrow the SIM. 

Follow these steps to check if the iPhone is unlocked:

Power off the iPhone

Use the SIM-card ejector tool (or a paper clip) to eject the SIM card from the iPhone

Insert the borrowed SIM card

Power on the iPhone

If you see a message along the lines ‘The SIM card inserted in this iPhone does not appear to be supported. Only compatible SIM cards from a supported network provider may be used to activate the iPhone. Please insert the SIM card that came with your iPhone or visit a supported network provider’s shop’, then your device is locked.

You can contact your carrier and request to unlock your iPhone, or use a third-party unlocking service.

If you can’t access another carrier’s SIM card you can contact your carrier directly by phone and ask them to check for you.