Table of Contents
If you have recently purchased a second-hand iPhone or planning to sell your existing one, it’s essential to know which carrier the iPhone is locked to. The carrier lock restricts the user to use only one carrier’s network, which can affect your iPhone’s performance and might not work in other countries. Knowing which carrier the iPhone is locked to can help you either unlock your device or switch to a different network carrier. In this article, we will talk about how to check which carrier iPhone is locked to and the methods to do it.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Check Which Carrier iPhone Is Locked to
The challenge that iPhone users face when trying to know which carrier the phone is locked to is due to the button layout. iPhone buttons are quite different from Android phones, and with different iOS systems, the layout could also differ. It’s difficult, especially for new iPhone users, to navigate and understand the functions of specific buttons. Additionally, some carrier locks may not be visible or could be easily overlooked.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you start with any of the methods to know which carrier the iPhone is locked to, there are a few things that you need to have in place. These are:
1. A fully functional iPhone with an active internet connection
2. Your iPhone’s IMEI or MEID number
3. A computer or any other device with internet connectivity
Method 1: Carrier Website
Using: This method involves visiting the carrier’s website to find out which carrier the iPhone is locked to. Different carriers provide a tool on their website that can help you check which carrier your device is locked to.
1. Visit the website of the carrier in which your iPhone is locked to. For instance, if the phone is locked to AT&T, visit the AT&T website.
2. Locate the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ or ‘IMEI Checker’ tool, which should be on the carrier’s homepage.
3. Enter your iPhone’s 15-digit IMEI or MEID number. You can find it by Dial *#06# or go to Settings, then General, then About to locate your device’s IMEI number.
4. Click the ‘Check’ button to proceed.
5. After a few seconds, the carrier’s website will display the carrier information and the contract terms associated with your iPhone.
Pros:
– Straightforward and easy to use.
– Can check carrier information for multiple devices.
– Works with most carrier’s websites.
Cons:
– May not work with some carrier’s websites.
– Slow internet connectivity can affect the loading time.
Method 2: iTunes
Using: Users can also check which carrier their iPhone is locked to by using iTunes on a computer.
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable and launch iTunes on your computer.
2. Click the ‘Device’ button in the iTunes application.
3. Go to the ‘Summary’ tab and click ‘Phone Number’ to access your iPhone’s IMEI or MEID number.
4. Click on the link to view details about your phone.
5. The carrier information is located next to ‘Carrier:’.
Pros:
– Can be carried out from any computer with iTunes installed.
– Easy to use and no additional software is required.
Cons:
– Requires the device to be connected to a computer.
– Slow internet connectivity can affect the loading time.
Method 3: Contact Carrier
Using: This method involves calling the carrier’s help center to enquire about carrier information.
1. Call the customer care center of the carrier in which your iPhone is locked to.
2. Request the customer care representative to provide carrier information for your device.
3. The customer care representative might ask for your iPhone’s IMEI or MEID number to provide you with the required information.
Pros:
– Users can get firsthand information from customer care officials.
– This method can be used when other methods fail.
Cons:
– Busy lines or unresponsive customer care centers may cause delays.
– Long waiting periods may cause inconvenience.
Why Can’t I Check My iPhone’s Carrier?
There could be several reasons why you may not be able to check which carrier an iPhone is locked to. Some of these are:
1. The device is not connected to the internet: Most methods to find the carrier the iPhone is locked to requires internet connectivity. So, if the device is not connected to the internet, you will be unable to check.
2. The iPhone’s IMEI or MEID number is unavailable: If you don’t have your iPhone’s IMEI or MEID number, you will be unable to proceed with the process.
3. The carrier’s website tool is offline, or there is a technical issue: Sometimes, the carrier’s website tool could be offline due to maintenance or other technical issues that could make it difficult to access information about the iPhone.
Additional Tips
1. Always backup your iPhone when connected to iTunes before performing any action on the phone.
2. Only purchase a second-hand iPhone from a trusted seller.
3. Ensure that you get the IMEI or MEID number of an iPhone you sold to clear it off from your account.
5 FAQs About How to Check Which Carrier iPhone Is Locked to
Q1: How do I get my iPhone’s IMEI or MEID number?
A: You can find your iPhone’s IMEI or MEID number by dialing *#06# or go to Settings, then General, then About.
Q2: Does checking the carrier information of my iPhone involve any charges?
A: Generally, checking the carrier information of your iPhone is free. However, some carrier websites request users to pay a fee to use their service.
Q3: Can I unlock my iPhone if I know the carrier it’s locked to?
A: Yes, you can unlock your iPhone if you know the carrier it’s locked to. Contact your carrier or opt for a third-party unlocking service.
Q4: Does carrier information affect an iPhone’s performance?
A: No, carrier information doesn’t affect an iPhone’s performance. It only limits the carrier network your iPhone can work with.
Q5: Is it safe to use third-party unlocking services?
A: There is a potential risk in using third-party unlocking services as it could void the warranty of your device. Ensure that you use reputable unlocking services and do your research before making a final decision.
In Conclusion
Knowing which carrier the iPhone is locked to is vital if you plan to sell your device or need to switch to another carrier. With the methods discussed in this article, knowing the carrier information of your iPhone should be easy and straightforward. Remember to only use trusted methods to check carrier information and ensure that you backup your device before proceeding with any unlocking process.