If you buy an iPhone with a SIM lock, this means that the smartphone only works with the SIM card linked to it by a provider. But how do you check that?
Check and remove iPhone simlock
Fewer and fewer iPhones have a simlock, but it still happens. If you plan to renew your subscription, an iPhone simlock is no problem, but it is if you are going to change your SIM card or device. For example, if you are going to buy a second-hand iPhone via Marktplaats or eBay, you must make sure that it does not have a lock.
It can be quite a job to have it removed. For example, if you are not in possession of the original SIM card with which the device was offered, you can expect a lot of hassle. This article explains iPhone how to check whether your iPhone has a simlock and what the options are for removing it.
This way you check whether your device has a simlock
An iPhone is SIM-free if you can use SIM cards from all providers without any problems. An iPhone that you buy through Apple is in principle simlock-free and it is usually clearly indicated at resellers. If there is any uncertainty, you can find out whether your device has a simlock in two ways. First of all, you can place a SIM card from another provider in the device. Is it possible to call, text and use the internet after entering your PIN? Then your iPhone is simlock-free.
Do you only have one SIM card, or is everyone at home with the same provider (such as T-Mobile)? Then use the IMEI number. This 15-digit code is unique for each iPhone and can be found via ‘Settings> General> About’. From the iPhone 6S (Plus), this number is also on the SIM card holder.
Go to the website IMEI.info when you found the code. Enter the 15 digits and then click on ‘Simlock status check’. Then enter your e-mail address and you will receive the result by e-mail. You can also view some other data about your device, such as in which year it was made.
Remove iPhone simlock by provider
Nowadays you can have your iPhone simlock removed by providers. With most providers this is free of charge after 1 year. If you want to have this done earlier, you have to pay extra. The costs depend on the value of your device. In general, iPhones made after 2014 no longer have a simlock.
To remove the simlock, request an unlock code from your provider. Filling in an online form is often enough. If the provider does not have the code, it will be requested from the manufacturer of the device. After the code has been requested, the process takes a maximum of seven days. You will receive a confirmation (usually by e-mail) as soon as the unlocking has been successful.
You can now insert your SIM card into the device, after which you have to configure it. Does your iPhone not recognize the card? Then restart the device and reset the network settings if necessary. You do this by going to ‘General’, ‘Reset’ in the settings menu and then choosing ‘Reset network settings’. You will then have to re-enter your mobile internet and saved WiFi networks.
Is your iPhone still not recognizing the SIM card? Then you can try to bring the device to the factory settings. In the same as where you reset the network settings you will also find the option ‘Erase all content and settings’. As soon as you press this, the software will revert to how your iPhone once came out of the box. You will lose all personal data, so don’t forget to make an iPhone backup.
Do it yourself
It is not impossible to remove the simlock from an iPhone yourself, but it is a lot of hassle. You can have it done in various telephone shops. Never those of providers of course, but the kind where covers and other accessories are also sold. These handy Harrys either place an artificial chip in your iPhone so that the device ‘thinks’ it is dealing with a real SIM card, or they order an unlock code via the internet.
There are numerous sites where you will receive a code by e-mail for a fee, which guarantees that your device is simlock-free. The process of getting these codes is rather sketchy and if it doesn’t work you can often whistle for your money. If the store employee indicates that the unlocking process was unsuccessful, but did come up with an invoice, he probably acted this way.
The last option is jailbreaking. This allows you to run non-official apps and use SIM cards from all providers in your device. Jailbreaking against Apple guidelines voids your warranty. So know what you are getting into. You can perform a jailbreak yourself or have it done by another person.
Also read: 3 ways to unlock your iPhone
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