How to check if my phone is unlocked

Some things are better locked—like a safe or your car’s trunk—but your phone isn’t one of them. An unlocked phone isn’t tied to a specific carrier, letting you switch networks easily. Whether you’re moving to a new carrier or want flexibility, unlocking your phone is key. In this blog, we’ll show you how to check if your phone is unlocked and what to do if it’s not.

Why check if your phone is unlocked?

It’s crucial when switching carriers. Imagine canceling your overpriced plan, only to find your phone is still locked to your old provider—new service, no phone. Or, you buy a new phone for an international trip, only to discover it’s locked and won’t work with a local SIM. Knowing your phone’s lock status avoids these headaches.

How can I tell if my phone is unlocked?

There are a few ways to check:

Ask your carrier

Contact your current carrier and ask if your phone is unlocked. If not, request they unlock it. You’ll need your phone’s IMEI number, which you can get by dialing *#06#. You can also check online or visit a store for help.

Try another SIM card

Swap your current SIM with one from another carrier. If your phone connects to their network, it’s unlocked. If it asks for an unlock code, it’s still locked.
Simple as that!

How to check if your phone is unlocked:

For iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → General → About.

2. Scroll to “Carrier Lock.”

• “No SIM restrictions” = unlocked.

• “SIM locked” = locked.

For Android:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Network Operators.

• If multiple networks appear, it’s likely unlocked.

• To be sure, go to “More connection settings” → “Network unlock” to check.

If your phone is locked:

Contact your carrier to request an unlock. Your phone must be paid off or not leased.

Now that you know how to unlock your phone, if your carrier isn’t cutting it, switch to REALLY Wireless.