How to Factory Unlock iPhone: Most Useful Guide

Obtaining a factory unlock for your iPhone can be crucial as it grants you enhanced network flexibility and accessibility. This is why the popularity of unlocked phones is on the rise, as they are considered more convenient. With an unlocked phone, you can save money on international roaming charges and freely choose any network you prefer.

However, individuals who are unfamiliar with the process of factory unlocking iPhones should proceed with caution. It is important to learn about the concept of factory unlocking, the correct procedure for doing it, and the potential risks associated with unlocking iPhones.

This post aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of iPhone factory unlocking, including the correct method and other relevant information, empowering you to make well-informed decisions. Continue reading to familiarize yourself with all the details.

What is iPhone factory unlock?

As a smartphone user, it is crucial that you understand how to determine whether a device you plan to purchase is locked or unlocked to a single carrier, especially if you are interested in buying a used iPhone. When an iPhone is locked to a specific carrier, it cannot be used with a different SIM card. While a factory or carrier unlocked iPhone may be slightly more expensive than a GSM locked iPhone, it allows you to use any carrier of your choice without limitations.

The primary advantage of owning an unlocked iPhone is the ability to activate it with any carrier without the need to jailbreak the device. Jailbreaking a smartphone voids the manufacturer's warranty. By purchasing a factory unlocked iPhone, you can enjoy the flexibility of using any carrier without resorting to jailbreaking. It is worth noting that unlocked phones tend to be slightly more expensive than locked ones, but if you frequently travel and require access to multiple networks, a factory unlocked iPhone is the ideal choice.

How to factory unlock iPhone via Carriers?

From this part, we will introduce 4 major carrier brands to help you finish the iPhone 15/14/13/12 factory unlocked process. 

1. How to factory unlock a T-Mobile iPhone

T-Mobile offers a more flexible unlocking process compared to other carriers. If certain requirements are met, the device automatically qualifies for unlocking.

To be eligible, the mobile device must not have been reported as stolen, lost, or blocked through the IMEI. It should be associated with an account that is still active and in good standing, meaning it has not been closed. For postpaid accounts, the device must be fully paid for and active for a minimum of 40 days.

Additionally, the device should have received prepaid recharges totaling more than $100 from the initial usage date, or it should have been active for at least one year.

T-Mobile typically completes the unlocking process within two business days, eliminating the need for you to visit any T-Mobile customer service locations. However, there may be rare cases where certain models are not eligible for remote unlocking. In such situations, T-Mobile will inform you of the appropriate procedure for your device.

2. How to factory unlock an AT&T iPhone

If you meet all the necessary requirements below, you are eligible for unlocking your AT&T device.

Here are the criteria to fulfill:

1. You must have an active connection for a minimum of 60 days.

2. You need to settle all termination costs and any outstanding installation expenses.

3. There should be no complaints filed against your device, such as it being reported as stolen, lost, or used for fraudulent purposes.

4. You must wait for 14 days after updating your iPhone before requesting an unlock.

Your device should not be associated with another AT&T account. If you have multiple active subscriptions, AT&T will pause the unlocking process. You need to cancel any additional subscriptions before proceeding with the unlock request.

Unlocking an AT&T phone involves a slightly more complicated process compared to other carriers. While there are a few additional steps to follow, the overall procedure is not difficult to complete.

Here's how you can unlock your AT&T phone:

1. Visit AT&T's authorized unlocking request page.

2. Review the qualifying conditions, which will be explained below.

3. Fill out the request form, providing your wireless status, AT&T mobile number/IMEI number, and agreeing to the terms and conditions.

4. You will receive an unlock request number via email. Within 24 hours, click on the provided link to officially accept the request.

5. After a few days, you will receive further instructions from AT&T on how to unlock your device.

3. How to factory unlock a Verizon iPhone

 

Verizon's unlocking process is similar to other mentioned providers. If you have followed their terms and conditions and met all the criteria, your device will be automatically unlocked after 60 days of activation. In case you encounter any issues, you can contact customer service for further assistance.

Here are the requirements to qualify for Verizon unlocking:

1. You must have cleared all outstanding balances as of the activation date.

2. At the time of unlocking, you should have an active Verizon account. If you have multiple active subscriptions, it is necessary to cancel them before proceeding with the unlocking process to avoid delays.

3. You must have been an active user for at least 60 days. Once the 60-day mark is reached, your device becomes eligible for unlocking.

4. The iPhone should not be reported as stolen, lost, or involved in any illegal activities.

If you fulfill all these requirements, you are eligible for unlocking with Verizon as your provider.

4. How to factory unlock a Sprint iPhone

All SIM card-based devices released after 2015 are automatically eligible for unlocking. However, if you purchased your smartphone before 2015, Sprint will notify you of the specific date when your device becomes eligible for unlocking. At that point, you will need to request an unlock. It's important to note that Sprint has separate processes for domestic and international unlocking. Therefore, you will need to make two separate requests to ensure that your smartphone is unlocked for both local and foreign use.

To qualify for Sprint provider unlocking, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You should have a national SIM card that is capable of being unlocked.

2. The device must not be reported as lost, stolen, blocked, or associated with any fraudulent activities.

3. It should be linked to an account that is in "good standing."

4. The phone must have been in use for a minimum of 40 days. Even if you meet all the other conditions, if you are a new user and have not used the device for at least 40 days, you will not be eligible for unlocking.

5. There should be no overdue payments or outstanding fees. Before unlocking, ensure that all payments have been made. You can check your portal to view any remaining payments.

If you satisfy all these requirements, you are qualified for unlocking with Sprint as your provider.

Bonus: How to protect iPhone data from loss

Apple users have always been concerned about the security of their iPhone data. FoneTool, an all-in-one iPhone data management tool, has become highly popular among a large user base. With its exceptional features, FoneTool provides an unparalleled experience for backing up, transferring, and erasing iPhone data.

Highlights:

 Lightning-fast data transfer/backup: FoneTool boasts remarkable speed, allowing you to transfer or back up all your iPhone data within minutes. For instance, it can move 100 photos in a mere 3 seconds.
 Comprehensive or selective backup options: FoneTool enables you to perform either a complete backup of your iPhone or selectively back up specific items such as photos, videos, music, contacts, and messages.
 No limitations with Apple ID: FoneTool efficiently facilitates data transfer between Apple IDs. It simplifies the process of transferring WhatsApp data between two Apple IDs.
 Extensive compatibility: FoneTool seamlessly works with a wide range of iOS devices, from iPhone 4 to iPhone 15, including iPad/Pro/Air/mini, iPod Touch, and the latest iOS 17.

Now you can download it to explore how to back up or transfer iPhone data. Here we take moving photos from iPhone to PC as an example.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer > Launch FoneTool > Go to Phone Transfer > iPhone to PC and click Get Started.

Step 2. Click the Photos option > Select the targeted photos and click OK.

Step 3. Change the destination from the Transfer Settings button > Click Start Transfer to begin.

Conclusion

Now you can know how to factory unlock iPhone via various carriers. Hope these 4 ways can help you finish the process efficiently. If you need a professional iPhone data management tool to back up or transfer iPhone data to PC, FoneTool might be your most ideal choice!