[Used iPhone] How to check the SIM unlock code

"I bought a used iPhone, but I don't know the code to unlock the SIM."

"I'm nervous about unlocking the SIM myself."

Are you considering buying a used iPhone but hesitating because you don't know how to unlock the SIM?

Or have you bought a used iPhone and are struggling to unlock the SIM?

This article clearly explains how to check the SIM unlock code and how to do it yourself for a used iPhone.

 

 

[Conclusion]

The method for checking the SIM unlock code varies depending on the carrier and model. However, the general method is the same for all carriers and models.

There are two ways to check:

• Check from settings if your iPhone is iOS 14 or later

• Enter your IMEI number on the carrier's website to check

You can unlock the SIM yourself.

 

[By reading this article to the end, you will learn]

• How to check the SIM unlock code

• How to unlock a used iPhone's SIM yourself

• Points to note when unlocking the SIM

• Benefits of unlocking the SIM

At the end of the article, we will introduce a Q&A about SIM unlocking.

Unlocking a used iPhone's SIM is easy once you master the method. Learn how to unlock your SIM and expand your options for used iPhones.

 

What is SIM lock?

A SIM lock is a restriction imposed by mobile carriers to allow only their own SIM cards to be used.

For example, an iPhone with a SIM lock from docomo cannot be used with au or SoftBank.

Therefore, to use another carrier, you need to unlock the SIM.

However, due to theMinistry of Internal Affairs and Communications' guidelines in October 2021, SIM locks are now prohibited in principle.

The conditions under which SIM unlocking is not required vary by carrier.

Reference:docomo,ahamo,au,UQ mobile,IIJmio,SoftBank,Y!mobile,LINEMO,Rakuten Mobile

 

When purchasing a used iPhone, check the release date of the model you want and proceed with SIM unlocking if necessary.

 

How to check the SIM unlock code

The method for checking the SIM unlock code varies by carrier.

For online procedures, you can do it 24/7, and there is usually no fee.

 

On the other hand, for phone inquiries or in-store procedures, staff will explain everything carefully, but there may be waiting times.

If it's difficult for you to make inquiries by phone or visit a store during business hours, we recommend the online procedure.

If you are not comfortable with technology and prefer staff assistance, it's best to inquire by phone or at a store.

 

How to unlock a used iPhone's SIM yourself

You can unlock the SIM of a used iPhone yourself.

SIM unlocking varies by carrier. However, the general outline of the unlocking method is the same.

The following three conditions are required to unlock an iPhone's SIM:

• The device was released after May 2015

• Payment for the device has been completed

• More than 100 days have passed since the purchase (conditions vary by carrier)

If these conditions are met, the SIM can be unlocked even if it's a used phone and you're not the original owner.

Follow the steps below to unlock the SIM.

 

When unlocking the SIM, be sure to check the conditions for each carrier in advance, and back up your data beforehand just in case.

 

Precautions for SIM unlocking

When unlocking the SIM, you need to pay attention to the following four points:

•  Check conditions for each carrier

•  Check network usage restrictions

•  Do not unlock using methods not recommended by the official source

•  Back up your data in advance

To avoid problems when unlocking the SIM, be sure to keep these points in mind.

 

Check conditions for each carrier

SIM unlocking conditions vary by carrier.

While specific conditions differ by carrier, the following three points should be checked:

• Contract period

• Purchase method (installment or lump sum)

• Past payment history

Depending on the carrier, the period since purchase and completion of payment may be conditions for unlocking.

If you plan to unlock your SIM, first check the conditions on your carrier's official website or by contacting customer support.

Checking if the conditions are met in advance can prevent procedural delays or failures.

 

Check network usage restrictions

Network usage restriction refers to a state where communication usage is restricted by the carrier due to unpaid device fees, theft, or loss.

In the case of a used iPhone, it may not be usable if the previous owner has a delinquency in payment.

Furthermore, even if you unlock the SIM of a device with network usage restrictions, you cannot use SIM cards from other carriers.

Network restrictions are based on the device's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, and can be checked by entering the IMEI on each carrier's website.

When purchasing a used iPhone, check that there are no network usage restrictions. If there are restrictions, contact the seller or consider using a different device.

PRODIG, an official online store for used smartphones and tablets, only handles products that have passed strict inspection items, including network restrictions.

 

Do not unlock using methods not recommended by the official source

Sometimes, unofficial methods for SIM unlocking are mentioned.

However, using unofficial methods carries the risk of rendering your device unusable, so you should avoid them.

In the worst case, it could lead to legal issues.

Always unlock your SIM using only the official methods provided by your carrier, and prioritize safe procedures.

 

Back up your data in advance

SIM unlocking generally doesn't erase data. However, there is a risk of data loss or settings reset.

To prevent unexpected situations, back up important data such as photos, contacts, and app data to cloud services or external storage.

By backing up your data, you can restore it from cloud services or external storage even if it is lost.

It's a good habit to back up your data regularly, and be sure to check it when unlocking your SIM.

 

Benefits of SIM unlocking

Unlocking the SIM significantly increases the flexibility of using your iPhone.

The three benefits of unlocking the SIM are:

• You can use your preferred carrier

• It becomes convenient for overseas use

• Resale value is likely to increase

Let's explain the benefits of SIM unlocking.

 

You can use your preferred carrier

By unlocking the SIM, you are no longer tied to a specific carrier and can choose your carrier freely.

Even if you insert a SIM card from a carrier different from the device's original contract, you can communicate, significantly increasing your flexibility to switch carriers.

Increased freedom to switch carriers offers benefits such as significantly reducing monthly usage fees and being able to choose communication speeds.SIM unlocking is suitable for those who desire freedom in carrier selection.

 

Convenient for international use

With a SIM-unlocked iPhone, you can smoothly use local SIM cards when traveling or on business trips abroad.

By unlocking the SIM, you can use affordable local SIMs.

Using local affordable SIMs can potentially be cheaper than international roaming charges.

On the other hand, if your SIM is locked, your options for international SIMs will be limited.

If you travel or go on business trips abroad frequently, choosing a SIM-unlocked iPhone with more options is recommended.

 

Resale value is likely to increase

SIM-unlocked iPhones can be used with any carrier, making them in high demand in the used market and tending to sell for a higher price.

If you plan to sell your iPhone in the future, it's a good idea to unlock the SIM.

 

Expand your used iPhone options by unlocking the SIM

SIM locks were, in principle, prohibited in October 2021. However, there are still SIM-locked devices on the market.

If you can unlock a used iPhone's SIM yourself, you'll have a wider range of carrier options. This increased choice will make it easier to find the perfect device to fit your budget and usage scenarios.

If you are considering using a cheap SIM or using it overseas, unlocking the SIM is recommended. Also, when unlocking the SIM yourself, be sure to use official methods and back up your data thoroughly to anticipate unexpected problems.

PRODIG, an official online store for used smartphones and tablets, only handles used iPhones that meet strict quality standards. We offer a wide selection of SIM-unlocked iPhones, so even first-time used iPhone buyers can shop with confidence.

SIM unlock Q&A

Is there a fee for SIM unlocking?

SIM unlocking has been free since October 1, 2023. Previously, there was a fee if you requested unlocking at a carrier shop, but now all unlocking procedures, including those at stores and by phone, can be done for free.

 

Should I SIM unlock my used iPhone myself?

If you are uncomfortable performing the SIM unlock yourself, we recommend proceeding with the procedure at a store or by phone.

At a store or by phone, staff will kindly and carefully guide you through the unlocking process, allowing you to SIM unlock smoothly.

However, there may be waiting times for SIM unlocking at stores or by phone.

 

Can I use another company's SIM immediately after SIM unlocking?

Once the SIM unlock is complete, you can generally use it by purchasing a SIM card from another company.

However, there are cases where it cannot be used due to the following factors:

• Incorrect SIM card size

• Incompatible frequency band

• APN (Access Point) settings required

• The SIM-unlocked iPhone is subject to performance guarantees for the SIM card it uses

If you cannot use another company's SIM after unlocking your SIM, the above may be the cause.

 

Can all data be erased by SIM unlocking?

There is a non-zero possibility that all data may be erased during SIM unlocking. To prevent data loss, back up your data beforehand and carefully check your carrier's information and precautions.

To avoid regrets, we recommend regularly backing up your data.