What does “SIM locked” mean on iPhone?

If you see the message “SIM locked” on your iPhone, it means that your device is restricted to a specific carrier and cannot use SIM cards from other providers. Typically, mobile carriers apply the lock to prevent users from switching networks before fulfilling contract agreements. But you might also experience SIM lock if the device owner has enabled a PIN to prevent unauthorized access.

Either way, you’ll need to remove the SIM lock if you want to experience restriction-free usage on your iPhone. This guide will explain everything you need to know, including how to check if your iPhone is locked, and the steps you can take to unlock it.

First, you need to understand the difference between SIM lock and carrier lock.

The two different ways to lock a SIM card

SIM locks can be categorized into two types: carrier locks and PIN locks. These serve different purposes, but both restrict access to the SIM card in specific ways.

A carrier lock or network lock is imposed by mobile carriers to prevent the use of other providers’ SIM cards on a specific device. If you bought your phone through a carrier, they may lock it until you pay off the contract or installment plan. The lock ensures that the customer remains with the carrier until the contract terms are met.

If your iPhone is carrier-locked, inserting a SIM card from another provider will result in an error message like “SIM not supported” or “SIM locked.”

Meanwhile, a SIM PIN lock is a security feature that protects your SIM card from unauthorized access. When enabled, the SIM card requires a Personal Identification Number (PIN) every time the device is restarted or if the SIM is inserted into a new phone. If the incorrect PIN is entered multiple times, the SIM will become locked, requiring a PUK (Personal Unlock Key) to restore access. 

How to enable SIM locking on iPhone

Enabling SIM lock on your iPhone adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that no one can use your SIM card without authorization. If you want to turn it on, simply follow these steps:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app. 
2. Go to Mobile Data or Cellular.
3. Tap SIM PIN to access the SIM security settings.
4. Toggle the switch to On.
5. If you already have a PIN set, enter it now. Or, if prompted, enter a new PIN and confirm it. Make sure it’s a number you can remember. 
6. Tap Done, and your SIM lock is now activated.

To disable the SIM lock later, simply follow the same steps and toggle the SIM PIN switch Off.

How and why does the “SIM locked” message appear?

The “SIM locked” message may appear on your iPhone when the phone detects that the SIM card requires a PIN before it can connect to a mobile network. This happens when SIM lock is enabled.

You may see the message after:

• Restarting or powering on the phone: If the iPhone has been turned off or rebooted, the “SIM Locked” message will appear when it boots back up. 
• Switching SIM cards: If you insert a locked SIM card into a new or different device, you will need to enter the PIN before using it.
• Exceeding incorrect PIN attempts: If you enter the wrong SIM PIN three times in a row, the SIM card will become blocked.

Usually, the “SIM locked” message appears alongside the field to enter the PIN. If there is no way to enter the PIN, then the phone may be carrier locked instead.

Locked SIM card limitations on iPhone

When your SIM card or iPhone is locked, certain functionalities aren’t available. Both SIM PIN lock and carrier lock can disrupt connectivity and usability, but there are some differences.

Limitations when your SIM card is locked

If your SIM card is locked with a SIM PIN, you won’t be able to access mobile network services until entering the correct PIN. That means:

• No calls or text messages: You cannot make or receive phone calls or send/receive SMS messages.
• No mobile data: Your device won’t connect to the local network.
• Risk of SIM block: If you enter the wrong PIN, the SIM may be blocked completely.

Notably, you can still make emergency calls to numbers like 911 or 999. 

Limitations when your iPhone is carrier locked

A carrier-locked phone is restricted to a specific network provider, so you can’t use SIM cards from other carriers. This means you:

• Cannot use a different SIM card: You won’t be able to insert a new SIM card or install a new eSIM. 
• Get limited resale value: Carrier-locked iPhones have lower resale value compared to unlocked ones since they restrict the buyer’s choice of network.
• Are limited when traveling: If you want to use a local SIM card or an international eSIM when traveling, you won’t be able to.

How to remove a SIM lock on an iPhone

If your iPhone’s SIM card is locked with a PIN, you simply need to enter the correct PIN to unlock it. However, if you don’t remember the PIN, you may need to reset it using your carrier-provided PUK. Here’s what to do.

1. Turn on your iPhone and wait for the lock screen to appear.
2. The prompt saying “SIM Locked” will appear. You’ll have a chance to enter the SIM PIN. If you haven’t set one, then you may have a default PIN provided by your carrier.
3. Tap OK to unlock your SIM.

If you no longer want your SIM card to be PIN-protected, you can disable the SIM lock from your iPhone settings. 

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll to Mobile Data or Cellular.
3. Select SIM PIN from the list. Toggle it to Off.
4. When prompted, enter your current SIM PIN.
5. Tap Done, and the SIM lock will be disabled. 

If you don’t remember your SIM PIN, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Contact your mobile carrier’s customer support and request a PUK code.
2. Once you have the PUK code, insert your locked SIM into your iPhone.
3. When the PUK code request appears, enter the code provided by your carrier.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new SIM PIN or disable it completely. 

Be careful not to enter the wrong PUK code too many times, or the SIM card will be permanently locked and you’ll need to request a new SIM from your carrier.

How to remove a SIM carrier lock on an iPhone

A carrier lock is harder to remove since it’s imposed by the provider. As a result, you need to request an unlock from your provider, and the process depends on the carrier’s policies. 

Generally, you’ll need to contact customer support. Depending on the provider, you may need to pay off your phone contract or take extra steps before they will unlock the phone.

After the carrier approves the unlock, you will be allowed to use any SIM card or eSIM worldwide. 

Here’s how to remove the carrier lock with some popular providers.

Remove carrier SIM lock from Verizon on your iPhone

Verizon has one of the most straightforward unlocking policies. Usually, they automatically unlock iPhones 60 days after purchase, so no actions are needed.

If your iPhone is still locked after 60 days:

1. Open Settings, then tap General and About.
2. Scroll down to Carrier Lock – if it says No SIM restrictions, your phone is already unlocked; contact your provider if you’re still experiencing issues.
3. Contact Verizon’s customer support.
4. Provide your account details and IMEI number (found in Settings > General > About).
5. The customer support team will handle your request and let you know the next steps.

Remove carrier SIM lock from AT&T on your iPhone

AT&T allows customers to request an unlock after their contract or installment payments are completed. 

1. First, check your eligibility. Your device must be fully paid off, your account must be in good standing (no unpaid balances), and the phone must not be reported as lost or stolen.
2. Go to the AT&T Device Unlock Portal online.
3. Enter your IMEI number (found in Settings > General > About). Fill in the required details and submit the request.
4. AT&T typically processes requests within 24-48 hours. You’ll receive confirmation once the unlock is approved.

Remove carrier SIM lock from T-Mobile on your iPhone

T-Mobile has specific requirements before allowing a phone to be unlocked, such as paying off your phone. You must have been an active customer on T-Mobile’s network for at least 40 days, or 365 days for prepaid phones.

1. Go to T-Mobile’s online customer support page or use the app. Submit an unlock request.
2. Make sure to include your IMEI number and account information.
3. Wait for approval. Once approved, you’ll receive an email, or further instructions about what to do next.

Do I need to unlock my iPhone to use eSIM?

Whether you need to unlock your iPhone to use an eSIM depends on the carrier you want to use. If your iPhone is carrier-locked, you can only use an eSIM from the same carrier your phone is locked to. However, if your phone is unlocked you can use eSIMs from any provider worldwide, giving you the flexibility to switch carriers whenever you want.

If you’re seeing a “SIM locked” message, meanwhile, you won’t need to do anything to use an eSIM, since it’s the SIM that’s locked and not the phone. You can still switch to a different eSIM at any time.

What does “SIM locked” mean on iPhone? – FAQs

Can I unlock my iPhone to work with any SIM card?

Yes, you can unlock your iPhone to work with any SIM card, but it depends on your carrier’s policies. If your iPhone is carrier-locked, you’ll need to request an unlock from your provider, which may require meeting certain conditions like paying off your contract. Once unlocked, you can use SIM cards from any carrier.

Can I use SIM cards from multiple providers on a single iPhone?

Yes, if your iPhone is unlocked and supports Dual SIM, you can use a physical SIM from one provider and an eSIM from another. You can also switch physical SIM cards at any time. However, if your iPhone is carrier locked, you can only use SIM cards from that specific provider.

Do I need to pin-lock my SIM card on my iPhone?

Using a SIM PIN lock is optional but recommended for security. A SIM lock (PIN protection) prevents unauthorized access if your phone is lost or stolen. If enabled, you’ll need your SIM PIN every time your iPhone restarts or the SIM card is removed and reinserted.

Cintia Soto Tomeu

Adventurer, passionate traveler, and tech enthusiast. On Roami, I aim at sharing the best solutions to help you navigate the complexities of staying connected abroad, ensuring a hassle-free experience. I enjoy playing chess, reading Brian Greene, and exploring different cultures!