Many of you might have purchased an iPhone that is locked to a single carrier. This is typically when you buy the device at a subsidized price and sign a two or three-year contract. So here’s a post detailing all the unlocking options you have in 2020.
Methods to Unlock iPhone to Use it on a Different carrier
Unlock iPhone by Carrier
Many carriers are willing to unlock your iPhone if you’ve completed the stipulated contract period, or paid the early termination fee (ETF).
The carrier unlock method is the best out of all options, as it is permanent, persists even after restores, completely official, and doesn’t require a jailbreak or any other hacks. It also works with all iPhone models and all iOS versions.
You can find the steps to how to get your iPhone unlocked depending on your carrier below:
Unlock iPhone by IMEI
If you learn that you’re not eligible for an official carrier unlock or your iPhone is locked with another carrier not mentioned above, then you can opt for an IMEI unlock. It works just like the official carrier unlock, which means it’s permanent, works with all models and OS versions, persists even after a restore, and doesn’t require you a jailbreak or any other hacks.
There are a lot of IMEI unlock providers, but it’s best to go with trusted providers like Express Unlocks, as there are a lot of scammers out there. The price to unlock iPhone varies based on your carrier. They support all iPhone models such as iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5, iPhone 4S and iPhone 4.
Unlock iPhone Using Ultrasn0w
Ultrasn0w is a much older unlocking method, which isn’t very relevant right now for multiple reasons.
- It works only with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.
- It requires your device to be jailbroken.
- Even on supported devices, it requires baseband version 01.59.00, which you most likely don’t have.
- You’ll lose the unlock if you upgrade or restore your iOS firmware.
➤ Guide to Unlock iPhone using UltraSn0w
SAM
SAM or Subscriber Artificial Module is a method that briefly worked, and unlocked your iPhone, but Apple quickly blocked the method, so it no longer works.
Conclusion
The best, and the most widely applicable options are the first two options: an official carrier unlock, or an IMEI unlock. Both are permanent, don’t require a jailbreak and work with all iPhone models and OS versions.
Last updated: January 30, 2020
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