The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit code used to identify every iPhone. This number plays an important role in determining if an iPhone can be unlocked from its carrier.
To unlock an iPhone for free with the IMEI number, you first need to obtain the IMEI by going to Settings > General > About on the iPhone. You can also find it on the SIM card tray or original iPhone packaging.
Once you have the IMEI number, you can check the unlock eligibility by contacting your carrier or using online IMEI checking tools. The iPhone typically needs to be fully paid off, active for 40-60+ days on the carrier, and have no outstanding bills.
If confirmed as eligible, you can request the iPhone unlock directly through your carrier by providing the IMEI number. Most major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile will unlock eligible iPhones for free.
Alternatively, you can use third-party unlocking services like CellUnlocker.net or UnlockBase.com to unlock the iPhone free if the carrier refuses.
The unlocking process takes 1-3 business days in most cases. Once complete, you can insert a new carrier’s SIM card to finish unlocking the iPhone and use it on other networks worldwide.
Unlocking with the IMEI number allows you to safely remove the carrier lock without voiding the warranty or erasing data. When eligible, it provides a free and easy way to use your iPhone on any GSM network.
What is IMEI and Why it is Important for Unlocking iPhones
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile phone, including iPhones. It is used to identify your specific device on cellular networks.ee
Knowing your iPhone’s IMEI number is important for several reasons:
IMEI is Required for Unlocking
The IMEI number is required if you want to request an iPhone unlock from your carrier. When you submit an unlock request, you’ll need to provide your device’s IMEI so they can confirm it is eligible to be unlocked.
Identifies Your Specific Device
The IMEI reveals details about your specific iPhone model and can be used to track or block lost or stolen devices. Carriers use it to identify which device is being used on their network.
Checks Blacklisting Status
You can check your iPhone’s IMEI number against global blacklisting databases to make sure it hasn’t been reported lost, stolen or blocked from cellular networks. This is important to verify before unlocking.
So in summary, the IMEI number is your iPhone’s unique fingerprint. Knowing it allows you to accurately check the unlocking eligibility and blacklist status for that specific device.
How to Find Your iPhone’s IMEI Number
There are a few quick ways to find the IMEI number on your iPhone:
On the iPhone Device Itself
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General > About.
- The IMEI number will be listed on this screen.
From the SIM Card Tray
- Eject the SIM card tray from your iPhone.
- Locate the tiny silver tray that holds your SIM card.
- The IMEI number is engraved or printed on the SIM tray.
On the Original iPhone Packaging
- Locate the iPhone box your device originally came in.
- Find the label sticker on the box.
- This sticker displays the IMEI number of the iPhone.
So those are the 3 easiest ways to find and get your iPhone’s unique IMEI number. Write it down or save it somewhere for the unlocking process.
How to Unlock iPhone Free with IMEI Number
There are two main options to unlock your iPhone using the IMEI number:
Option 1: Remove SIM Lock by Yourself
You can remove the SIM lock on your iPhone by yourself using an unlocking service. Here is the process:
- Find Your iPhone’s IMEI Number: Locate the IMEI number on your iPhone’s settings, SIM card tray, or original packaging. Write it down.
- Confirm the iPhone is Unlock-Eligible: Use an IMEI checking site like IMEI.info to confirm your iPhone qualifies to be unlocked.
- Purchase Unlock Code: Buy an affordable unlock code for your specific iPhone model and carrier from sites like UnlockLocks.com or UnlockBoot.com.
- Backup iPhone Data: Do a backup of your iPhone data to iCloud or iTunes before unlocking.
- Insert Non-Carrier SIM Card: Put in a new SIM card from a different carrier than your iPhone is currently locked to.
- Enter Unlock Code: When prompted, enter the unlock code you purchased to remove the SIM lock.
- Restore iPhone Data: Once successfully unlocked, you can restore your data back to your iPhone.
This DIY method allows you to unlock your iPhone yourself using an affordable unlock code purchased online.
Option 2: Remove SIM Lock by Contacting the Carrier
You can also unlock your iPhone for free by contacting your carrier directly:
- Find iPhone IMEI Number: Locate and write down the unique IMEI number for your iPhone.
- Contact Original Carrier: Call or chat with customer service for the carrier your iPhone is currently locked to.
- Request Unlock: Ask them to unlock your iPhone and provide the IMEI when prompted.
- Wait for Confirmation: If eligible, the carrier will process the request and send confirmation when done.
- Insert New SIM Card: Once unlocked, eject old SIM and insert a different carrier’s SIM card.
This official carrier-based method works if you meet their unlock eligibility requirements. It allows you to unlock your iPhone through them directly, usually for free.
In summary, using your iPhone’s IMEI number, you can unlock it yourself with an affordable unlock code or through your carrier for free if eligible. Both options allow you to use other carriers.
How to Checking iPhone Unlock Eligibility with IMEI
Now that you have your iPhone’s IMEI number, you can check if it is currently eligible and able to be unlocked from the carrier. Here’s how:
Contact Your Original Carrier
The best way is to contact your original carrier (the one the iPhone is currently locked to). Provide them the IMEI number and ask them to check if your iPhone is eligible to be unlocked.
They will let you know directly if your device qualifies based on their unlocking policies. This includes checking:
- If the iPhone is fully paid off and not financed.
- If it has been active on their network for a certain minimum time period (usually 40-60+ days).
- If the account it is attached to is in good standing.
Use Third-Party IMEI Checkers
There are also many free online IMEI checking tools you can use:
- IMEI.info – Allows you to enter the IMEI to see general info and the original carrier.
- IMEIPro.info – Checks the unlock eligibility of an iPhone based on the IMEI number.
- IMEICheckr.com – Checks carrier and blacklist status of a device.
These websites have databases to check the unlock status of an IMEI number. However, they may not be 100% accurate compared to checking directly with the carrier.
Check General Unlock Requirements
If you can’t directly check eligibility with the carrier, review their general iPhone unlocking requirements:
- Device must be paid off in full.
- Active on their network for a minimum time period (ex. 40 days).
- Account in good standing with no past due bills.
- Not reported lost or stolen.
- No other unlock requests in last 12 months.
As long as you meet all those requirements, your iPhone has a good chance of qualifying. But directly contacting the carrier will let you know for certain.
Unlocking Services to Unlock iPhone for Free
If your iPhone is eligible, there are a few services you can use to get it unlocked for free using the IMEI number:
Through Your Current Carrier
The carrier your iPhone is locked to may unlock it for free directly if you meet their requirements. Simply contact them and provide your IMEI when requesting the iPhone unlock.
The major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint will often do this for free after the unlock requirements are met.
Third-Party Unlock Services
If your carrier won’t unlock your eligible iPhone for free, you can use third-party unlocking services:
- CellUnlocker.net – Unlocks eligible iPhones from most carriers for free.
- DirectUnlocks.com – Unlocks iPhones from many carriers for free when eligible.
- UnlockBase.com – Provides free iPhone unlocks after confirming eligibility.
These services work directly with carriers to unlock eligible iPhones at no cost. They earn commissions when you get optional add-on services.
DIY Unlock with Unlock Code Services
Some sites provide the factory unlock code so you can DIY unlock your iPhone:
- iUnlocker.com – Low cost unlock codes to unlock your iPhone yourself.
- UnlockLocks.com – Affordable unlock codes from major carriers.
- UnlockBoot.com – Unlock code service with 100% money back guarantee.
While not free, these services are much more affordable than paying the carrier directly for an unlock code. Prices can be as low as $5-$20 depending on iPhone model and carrier.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock iPhone with IMEI
Follow this step-by-step process to successfully unlock your eligible iPhone for free using the IMEI number:
1. Find Your iPhone’s IMEI Number
Locate your IMEI number using one of the methods described above. Make sure to write it down.
2. Check iPhone Unlock Eligibility
Confirm your iPhone qualifies to be unlocked either through your carrier directly or using an IMEI checker website.
3. Request Unlock from Carrier (if eligible)
Contact your original carrier and request they unlock your iPhone if it is eligible – provide IMEI.
4. Use Third-Party Unlock Service (if carrier won’t unlock)
If your carrier refuses to unlock your eligible iPhone, use a free third-party unlock service instead.
5. Receive Unlock Confirmation
You will receive official confirmation from the carrier or unlock service when complete.
6. Insert Non-Carrier SIM Card
Eject your current SIM card and insert one from a new carrier to complete unlock.
And that’s it! With a few simple steps you can unlock your iPhone from any carrier for free using just the IMEI number – as long as your device is eligible.
How to Unlock iPhone without IMEI Number (Multiple Ways)
While the IMEI number is the best way to unlock an iPhone, there are some alternative methods you can try if you don’t have access to it:
Use a SIM Unlock Service
Third party unlocking services like DoctorSIM.com or UnlockRiver.com can unlock iPhones without the IMEI number in many cases. You’ll need to provide the iPhone model number and carrier details.
The process takes 3-5 business days and costs $15-$30 on average. This method works if the IMEI is not readily available.
Contact Carrier with Account Details
Your original carrier may be able to look up your device details and unlock eligibility if you provide your account information.
Call customer service and give them your full name, wireless number, account password/PIN to verify identity. Ask them to unlock your iPhone.
Use Unlock Code Generator Tools
Some sites like iUnlocker.com have unlock code generator tools that find codes based on the iPhone model, carrier, and OS version.
You enter in your device details, the tool calculates the correct unlock code, and you use it to unlock your iPhone.
Unlock with iTunes on a Computer
Connecting your iPhone to a computer and restoring it through iTunes may trigger the unlock process in some cases, bypassing the need for IMEI.
This method is hit or miss but works occasionally when no IMEI is available.
Jailbreak to Bypass Carrier Lock
Jailbreaking your iPhone with tools like checkra1n or unc0ver can remove the carrier restrictions allowing use of any SIM card.
However jailbreaking is complex, risks bricking your device, and may void the warranty. Try other options first.
So in summary, not having the IMEI number makes unlocking more difficult but not impossible. These alternative unlocking methods can help get your iPhone unlocked without access to the IMEI.
How to Unlock iPhone with IMEI Number by Yourself
Unlocking your iPhone on your own using the IMEI number involves getting an unlock code and entering it manually. Here are the steps:
1. Find Your iPhone IMEI Number
- Go to Settings > General > About to view your iPhone’s IMEI number.
- You can also find it on the SIM card tray or original box.
- Write down or save this 15-digit code.
2. Confirm Unlock Eligibility
- Use IMEI checking sites like IMEI.info to verify the iPhone is able to be unlocked.
- It must meet requirements like being fully paid off and active for 40-60+ days.
3. Purchase Unlock Code
- Buy an unlock code for your specific iPhone model and carrier.
- Unlock code seller sites include UnlockLocks.com, UnlockBoot.com, and iUnlocker.com.
- Prices range from $5-$30 depending on phone and carrier.
4. Backup iPhone Data
- Do a full iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPhone before unlocking.
5. Insert Non-Carrier SIM Card
- With iPhone powered off, eject current SIM and insert a SIM from a different carrier.
6. Enter Unlock Code When Prompted
- Power on iPhone and enter the unlock code when the prompt appears.
- If correct, the SIM lock will be successfully removed.
7. Restore iPhone Data
- Once unlocked, you can restore your data back to your iPhone from the backup.
And that’s it! With an affordable unlock code and a few steps, you can permanently unlock your iPhone from home using just the IMEI number.
How to Unlock iPhone SIM Card with IMEI Code (Easy Ways)
The IMEI code provides the key to unlocking your iPhone SIM card from its carrier. Here are simple methods to do it:
Using Carrier Unlock Portal
Many carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile have online unlock portals for submitting IMEI unlock requests.
- Go to your carrier’s unlock request page.
- Enter your IMEI code and any required account credentials.
- If approved, the carrier will email your iPhone unlock code within 1-3 days in most cases.
- Use this code to unlock your SIM card and use other networks.
Through Customer Service Chat
You can also get assistance via live chat on your carrier’s website:
- Initiate a chat session with a customer service agent.
- Provide them with your full name, wireless number, and account PIN.
- Give the agent your iPhone’s IMEI code.
- Ask them to process the SIM unlock request.
- If eligible, the unlock code will be sent to you.
Using Third-Party Unlock Services
For eligible iPhones, third-party services like CellUnlocker.net and UnlockBase.com can unlock the SIM card:
- Select your iPhone model, carrier, and enter the IMEI code.
- Complete checkout for the unlock request.
- The service will work with your carrier to obtain the SIM unlock code.
- You will receive the unlock code by email within 1-3 business days in most situations.
In summary, using your IMEI number, you can easily unlock your iPhone’s SIM card through DIY methods, your carrier, or third-party unlock services. This allows you to use other carriers worldwide.
How to unlock iCloud activation lock without password (Easy Ways)
If you are locked out of your iPhone due to the iCloud activation lock screen, there are a few options to bypass it:
Remove from Previous Owner’s Account
- Contact the previous owner and have them sign out of iCloud and remove the device.
- This will clear the activation lock allowing you to setup the iPhone yourself.
Use iCloud Unlock Services
- Websites like iRemovalPro.com or IMEIUnlock.net can remotely unlock iCloud for a fee.
- This works if you provide proof of purchase and correctly submit unlock request.
Take to Apple Store
- Make a Genius Bar appointment and show valid purchase invoice.
- Apple can unlock iCloud after verifying you own the iPhone.
Setup as New iPhone
- Erase iPhone completely by entering wrong passwords 10 times.
- This resets it to factory settings so you can setup as new device.
- Data is deleted but activation lock is removed.
Jailbreak the iPhone
- Use checkra1n or unc0ver to jailbreak and bypass activation lock.
- Risky process that may brick iPhone and voids warranty.
In summary, providing proof of purchase to Apple or third-party unlock services can safely remove iCloud activation lock without the previous owner’s password needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About IMEI Unlocking
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about unlocking your iPhone using the IMEI number:
Is Unlocking With IMEI Safe for My iPhone?
Yes, using the official IMEI unlocking method is completely safe and does not void your iPhone warranty or require any firmware modifications. It is the safest way to unlock.
Will Unlocking Delete My Data or Contacts?
No, the IMEI unlocking process will NOT delete any of your personal data, contacts, photos, notes or apps from your iPhone. It simply removes the carrier lock.
Can Lost/Stolen iPhones Be Unlocked?
No, carriers will not unlock iPhones that have been marked as lost or stolen in their databases. Checking the IMEI shows if it has been blacklisted.
What iPhone Models Can Be Unlocked With IMEI?
Virtually all iPhones from iPhone 4 and newer can be unlocked with IMEI as long as they meet carrier unlock eligibility requirements.
Will Unlocked iPhones Still Get Updates?
Yes, unlocked iPhones will continue to receive over-the-air software updates directly from Apple as usual. Unlocking does not impact this.
Does Unlocking Allow Use of Any SIM Card?
Yes, unlocking means your iPhone will work with any GSM network SIM worldwide like AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Claro, etc. Verizon/Sprint use CDMA networks.
How Long Does IMEI Unlocking Take?
The process only takes 1-3 business days in most cases. Some carriers can even unlock immediately once eligibility is confirmed via the IMEI number.
Conclusion
Unlocking your iPhone using the IMEI number is the best way to get it unlocked quickly and easily for free. As long as your device is fully paid off and eligible, you can generally get the carrier lock removed at no cost either directly through your carrier or via third-party unlock services. Just provide your iPhone’s IMEI when requesting the unlock. This will allow you to use any GSM SIM card from other carriers worldwide. With an few simple steps, you can safely unlock your iPhone without voiding the warranty or losing any data.