If you are planning on upgrading to the latest iPhone model then selling out your old iPhone is, probably, the right idea. However, it is important that you first unlock your iPhone before selling it. People are always ready to pay more for used iPhones that are unlocked. Furthermore, considering the fact that it is possible to use unlocked iPhones with almost any network, your phone will be sold a lot quicker. But you may ask how to unlock iPhone before selling it? Well, let’s get into some more details.
Jump To Section
- What Your Carrier May Require
- How To Unlock iPhone On Different Carriers
- How To Unlock iPhone On AT&T
- How To Unlock iPhones On T-Mobile
- How To Unlock iPhone On Verizon
What Your Carrier May Require
Before we get into the process of unlocking iPhones, it is important to know that there are certain requirements from most of the carriers that you first have to fulfill. If you want your iPhone 5 unlocked,for instance, some of the things that may be required by most of the carriers include:
- The iPhone must not be reported stolen
- The iPhone must not be reported lost
- You shouldn’t owe any kind of money on that iPhone
Some carriers usually offer limited unlocks every year for every single account you may have. So, it is important to ensure that you’re trying to unlock only when you are certain of doing it.
Once you have confirmed with the carrier that you meet all the above mentioned requirements, you’ll be provided with the unlock code and then you can proceed with the unlocking process.
How To Unlock iPhone On Different Carriers
The way you can unlock your iPhone basically depends on the carrier you may be using. You have to contact the carrier for requesting your unlock code without which it is not possible to continue with the unlock. When you have to unlock the iPhone to a certain carrier, you must still be their customer otherwise it may not be possible for you to proceed.
Here we’ll provide you with the carrier-specific details to unlock your iPhone.
How To Unlock iPhone On AT&T
If you have bought your iPhone from the AT&T carrier then it’ll be locked to that network and won’t work on a SIM card from any other provider. In order to unlock your iPhone you will first have to meet specific AT&T requirements for unlocking the phone and then you can continue with the unlocking process.
AT&T iPhone Unlock Requirements
Before you request for your AT&T iPhone unlock code, you must make sure that you meet these requirements mentioned below besides the general ones that were specified earlier.
- Your iPhone must be AT&T locked
- It must not be involved in any kind of illegal or fraudulent activity
- The iPhone is active only on the AT&T customer account
- In case of recent upgrade to the iPhone, it’s necessary to wait for 14 days “buyer’s remorse” time prior to requesting for the unlock
How To Request iPhone Unlock Code With AT&T?
According to AT&T, your requests for unlock codes are responded to inside 2 business days. Here is the process to place your request.
- Visit AT&T official website and browse the device unlock section
- Go through complete eligibility requirements for iPhone unlock
- Fill in the request form and submit
- You will get the confirmation email containing the reference number for your unlock request
- Click the link in the email inside 24 hours for confirming the unlock request
- You get AT&T’s response inside 2 business days
- You are given instructions for unlocking the device in case of request approval
It is important to note here that going through the process doesn’t guarantee successful unlock. Any request may be denied and one may be asked to complete certain additional steps before getting the unlock code.
How To Unlock iPhones On T-Mobile
Just like it is with any other carrier, you’d want your iPhones to be unlocked from the T-Mobile network if you want to change the SIM or just have to sell it out. So, let’s take a look at their specific requirements and the process to unlock.
T-Mobile Unlock Requirements For iPhone
There are certain conditions that you have to fulfill in order to be able to unlock your iPhone on T-Mobile. Let’s run through these requirements one by one.
- You must have bought the iPhone from T-Mobile
- You can’t have asked for more than 2 unlock codes in last year for each service line
- The iPhone you have must satisfy all the unlocking terms & conditions set forth by T-Mobile
- Purchase proof may be requested by T-Mobile
How To Request Unlock Code With T-Mobile
The most convenient and simple option you have for this is to contact T-Mobile customer support to initiate the process. You can also visit the nearest T-Mobile shop and place your request personally.
T-Mobile has also specified that they have the right for denying requests on their discretion.
How To Unlock iPhone On Verizon
When you have a Verizon unlocked iPhone, you can shop around to find best plans from different carriers. However, you need to remember that all the carriers won’t accept every unlocked iPhone as well but if you just have to sell the iPhone after unlocking it then you should proceed without any hesitation.
Verizon iPhone Unlock Requirements
The company says that they don’t lock their iPhones mostly. To be precise, the 4G LTE phones are not locked and no codes are needed for unlocking them to use other carriers.
In other words, if you have iPhone 5 or later that you’ve purchased with Verizon, it should be unlocked already. Even older iPhones, such as iPhone 4S, don’t need to be unlocked because they only lock non-iPhone 3G devices.
So, one would say, Verizon is definitely the easiest of carriers when it comes to iPhone unlock restrictions and requirements.
How To Request Unlock Code With Verizon
As the iPhones are not locked by Verizon, therefore, there is no need to request for an iPhone unlock code. Your iPhone is already ready to move to whatever carrier you want to continue with. But it is always better to be sure, so contact customer support from Verizon to further inquire about the matter and then act accordingly.
So, if you want to sell your iPhone, you should better know how to unlock iPhone for the carrier that you have been using. The process may vary from provider to provider but, at the end of the day, you are definitely going to get a better price and your phone will go quickly as well.