Every major US carrier can unlock an eligible iPhone, but each has its own eligibility rules, and those rules change over time. This guide covers what's common across all three and what to check before you start.
What you need before you start
- 1Your IMEIDial *#06# or check Settings → General → About. See how to find your IMEI.
- 2Which of the three networks it's locked toCheck the SIM currently in the phone, or the carrier on your account statement.
- 3Confirmation the device is paid off (if financed)Check your account for a remaining installment balance.
AT&T
AT&T-locked iPhones are generally eligible once the device is paid off, the account (or the device, if it was never on a postpaid account) is in good standing, and it isn't reported lost or stolen. AT&T's own published requirements are the definitive source and can change, so we verify current status automatically when you submit your IMEI rather than relying on a static rule.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile (and its Metro by T-Mobile brand) generally requires a device to have been active for a minimum period, fully paid off if financed, and not reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraud. T-Mobile has historically also limited how many lines can be unlocked per account in a year — again, treat the exact figures as carrier policy that can change rather than something we'd want to misstate here. Metro-branded devices and mainline T-Mobile devices can also carry slightly different requirements.
Verizon
Verizon's unlock policy has changed more than once in recent years, including moves away from a flat automatic-unlock timer toward rules that depend on when a line was activated. Because of that history, this is the carrier where "check the current rule for my exact phone" matters most — which is exactly what happens automatically when you enter your IMEI in the order box. Verizon also has a long-standing exception for deployed military personnel with valid relocation orders, independent of the standard timing rules.
After you're unlocked
Once an iPhone unlock completes, Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should read "No SIM restrictions." From that point, inserting a SIM from any compatible network — including a local SIM abroad — should connect without any further action. If it doesn't, a restart usually resolves it; if it still doesn't, Help & FAQ is the fastest way to reach us with your order ID.
| Carrier | General approach |
|---|---|
| AT&T | Paid off + account in good standing + not reported lost/stolen |
| T-Mobile | Minimum active period + paid off + per-account unlock limits |
| Verizon | Rules vary by activation date and have changed in recent years |
None of this is a reason to expect a difficult process. In practice, the steps you take are identical regardless of which of the three you're on: submit the IMEI and current carrier, and let the automatic check tell you where things stand. The differences above mostly explain why one friend's iPhone unlocked in a straightforward pass while another's needed the balance paid off first — not that one carrier is harder to deal with in general.
Does the process differ much between the three carriers?
From your side, no — you enter your IMEI and current carrier once, and we handle the carrier-specific steps. What differs is eligibility rules and typical timing, not the effort required from you.
Can I unlock an iPhone that's still showing a balance owed?
Generally no — most carriers require the device to be paid in full first, since the lock is tied to that installment agreement.
What if my iPhone was on a different carrier than these three?
The same general order process applies — enter your IMEI and current network in the order box and we'll confirm what's needed for that specific carrier.
Do prepaid iPhones from these carriers follow the same rules?
Broadly yes, though prepaid lines sometimes carry their own minimum-activity requirement separate from the postpaid rules described above — again, checked automatically rather than something to guess at.
Enter your IMEI and network to see your price.
