This discussion is about your phone being locked to your carrier’s web connection.
Head toSettings > General > Aboutand find theCarrier Lockfield.
If you seeNo SIM restrictionshere, your iPhone is unlocked.
Image Credit: wk1003mike/Shutterstock
Conversely,SIM lockedmeans that your iPhone is locked to your carrier.
The simplest method isn’t perfect, but is worth a try.
To check the unlock status of your Android machine, head toSettings > online grid & internet.
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Next toSIMs(orMobile networkon older Android versions), look for aPlusbutton and hit this.
The above refers to stock Android; the process may be different on your phone.
To be sure, you should continue to the next method.
This gives you concrete proof of whether your phone is locked.
If this isn’t an option, try a cheap prepaid SIM available at drugstores or Walmart.
If the call goes through with the second SIM, your phone is unlocked.
To reduce the wait, try visiting a retail store if it’s more convenient.
Phones purchased directly from your carrier, especially ones still on a payment plan, are likely locked.
What Does It Mean When a Phone Is Unlocked?
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As mentioned above, an unlocked phone is available to use on different cell carriers.
Your phone will only work with Verizon unless Verizon unlocks it.
What If My Phone Is Locked?
However, this differs by company, so you’ll have to ask to verify.
You might be able to request it online, while others require a phone call.
Seeour guide to unlocking your smartphonefor more details on this.
But if you’re fed up after looking into this, you shouldconsider buying unlocked phones in the future.
With unlocked phones, you avoid getting locked into one carrier’s pricing for 24 months at a time.
Next time you buy a phone, double-check to check that that it’s unlocked.
Otherwise, you may end up with a unit that you’re free to’t use.
Now you know how to test whether your phone is unlocked and what this means for you.
With a bit of luck, your carrier will unlock your locked unit so you might use it anywhere.
