How to Sim Unlock iPhone for Free

When you insert a SIM card into your iPhone, you expect it to just work. However, sometimes, it shows the “SIM Not Valid” or “SIM Not Supported” message instead. This means your iPhone is locked to a specific carrier and you’ll only be able to use a different SIM once that lock set by the original provider is removed.

So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through how to SIM unlock your iPhone step by step. The methods here cover common device models, from older iPhone 5 to the latest iPhone 16. You’ll learn how to unlock iPhone with carrier or without carrier by using Passixer iPhone Unlocker, etc. 

How to SIM Unlock iPhone for Free [iPhone 16 or Earlier]

Unlocking the SIM from your iPhone for free highly depends on the carrier that originally locked it. Here’s how the process typically works, with a few real carrier examples to guide you.

Way 1. Waiting for SIM to Auto-Unlock

Most network providers follow carrier unlocking policies regulated by their telecom ministries. Because of this, they’re required to unlock your phones once certain conditions are met.

In the US, for instance, FCC regulates network providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. By law, they lock the iPhone for a specific period. After that, the device is unlocked remotely and you don’t need to make calls or even contact the carrier. It just happens on its own.

That said, you must meet certain conditions for auto-unlock. In most cases, you’ll need to ensure the following (in the US, at least):

• The phone has been active for a minimum period (usually 60 days).
• It’s not reported as stolen or fraudulent.
• Your account and the phone are fully paid off.

If all of this checks out, the SIM lock will be lifted automatically. So, you can insert any new SIM card without restrictions.

Below is a table showing how different carriers in the US handle auto-unlocking:

Note: This info is based on Reddit comments and current details from the carrier. Still, their policies are not hard-and-fast rules.

Carrier/Brand	Auto-Unlock Policy	Requirements	SIM Lock Duration
Verizon	Unlock automatically after 60 days	60 days of active service; account in good standing; not reported as stolen/fraudulent	60 days
AT&T Apple/Google)	Unlock triggers automatically or upon request if device is > 60 days old	Fully paid; account in good standing; device not lost, stolen, or under fraud; purchased > 60 days ago	60+ days
T-Mobile (Mint, Ultra)	Some paid-off devices unlock automatically; Mint/Ultra unlock after 60 days	Mint/Ultra: 60+ days of prepaid activation; T-Mobile: Device paid off and no recent unlock requests	Mint/Ultra: 60 days (prepaid); T-Mobile: 40–60 days (postpaid)
Visible	Auto-unlock  after 60 days on select models	60 days of active service; device not blacklisted; must be a compatible iPhone model	60 days

Way 2. Contact Carrier for Help

Even after the wait time has passed, your iPhone can still stay locked. So, if auto-unlock doesn’t happen automatically, calling your carrier is the next best step.

Preparations Before Contact

• Find out the IMEI number by dialing *#06# on your iPhone.



• The waiting period is over (e.g., 60+ days for Verizon/AT&T, 40+ days for T‑Mobile).



• There is no outstanding balance: go to the carrier’s website or mobile app and find out this info.



• Make sure your device isn’t flagged as lost or stolen. You can use IMEI checkers or log into iCloud to verify this.

Once all of that is read, you can reach out.

Steps to Use

You can contact your carrier by calling, sending messages/emails, or even visiting their local store, whichever works best for you.

If you are calling. Simply, find out the toll-free number from Google. For example, AT&T’s is 1‑800‑331‑0500 and Verizon’s is 1‑800‑922‑0204.

During your call or message, politely state:

“Please process an unlock for this device”, your IMEI and account info.

Once submitted, most carriers will respond in 1 to 5 business days and handle the unlock from their backend.

Cons

• You’ll need to wait several days, since carriers often follow multi-step internal processes.
• If your iPhone is still under contract or not fully paid, they will refuse.



• Phones marked lost, stolen, or blacklisted typically can’t be unlocked, even if everything else looks good.

How to SIM Unlock iPhone With Paid Services

Many users actually prefer paid services because of convenience and speed. Here are some options to consider if you want near-instant unlocking.

Way 1. Use Desktop SIM Unlocker – Passixer

Cost:

Passixer iPhone Unlocker costs US$29.99 per month for a one-month license and allows you to unlock up to six iOS devices.

What Is Passixer iPhone Unlocker?

Passixer is a top-tier SIM Unlocking tool in the market for near-instant unlocking. You won’t need to wait days or deal with carrier delays. You can simply install the tool on your computer and connect the supported iPhone models to start removing the carrier lock immediately.

Passixer also makes sure that no data is lost on your device during the SIM unlocking process. And it doesn’t matter if your phone is locked by AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Mint, Ultra, or any other carrier, Passixer will work effectively on removing SIM lock from iPhone. It also doesn’t matter where the carrier is from.

Key Features:

• Unlock 7 different iOS locks, from iCloud Activation Lock bypass to MDM restrictions removal.
• Remove screen lock from brand new or second-hand iPhone/iPad without passcode.
• Delete Apple ID from iDevice without data loss when Find My is off.
• Turn off Screen Time without passcode or Apple ID.

Steps to Unlock SIM on iPhone Without Carrier

Step 1. Choose Remove SIM Lock at the lower-right corner of the main Passixer screen.

Step 2. Take a good-quality USB cable and use it to plug your iPhone into the computer. Tap Trust when prompted.

Step 3. Click Start and then jailbreak your iPhone by following the on-screen walkthrough. After the jailbreak, tap Next to continue.

Step 4. Your iPhone details should now appear on the screen. Give them a quick glance—model name, version, etc. When everything looks right, hit Start SIM Lock Removal.

Step 5. Before moving forward, disconnect all saved Wi-Fi networks and completely disable Wi-Fi from your iPhone’s Settings.

Step 6. With Wi-Fi turned off and no saved networks active, the removal process will begin right away.

Step 7. Once completed, you’ll see a confirmation that the SIM lock has been lifted. Your iPhone is now open to any network.

Way 2. Use SIM Online Unlocker

Cost

• Initial fee usually starts at US$25.
• Final unlocking price often ranges from US$150 to US$300–400, depending on phone model, service provider, region, and requested speed.

Online unlocking services ask you to submit your IMEI number, select your carrier, model, and country. And these services will use these simple details to lift the SIM restriction remotely, from their end. Many people fall for their bold claims, but only a few are reliable. Some major platforms include DirectUnlocks, Mobile Unlocked, UnlockBase, UnlockRiver, Cellunlocker, and Dr.Sim Unlock.

Steps to Unlock iPhone SIM with Online Unlocker

Step 1. You enter your 15‑digit IMEI number.

Step 2. Choose your network carrier and country. Provide your device model.

Step 3. Make the initial payment which often checks eligibility. If your device qualifies, you’re prompted to pay more (sometimes double or more).

Step 4. After payment, wait for the unlock confirmation, which will take several days to weeks. Sometimes, you will only get a detailed report on why it was not successful in removing the lock.

Risks & Warnings

• Hidden fees: Initial charges cover eligibility check and additional payment is required afterward.
• High cost: Total charges reach hundreds of dollars.



• Uncertain success rate: Many providers have less than 50% unlocking success (Dr.Sim even states this on their site).
• The unlocking process can extend beyond 60 days.
• Numerous online carrier lock removers show fake testimonials and don’t offer refunds.



• Customer service is often unresponsive after the payment is done.

Our Advice on Choosing a Paid SIM Unlocking Service

When money is involved, advice is never enough. What actually matters are facts and facts placed side by side. So here’s a straight-up comparison between Passixer iPhone Unlocker and Online IMEI Unlocking Services like Dr.Sim, UnlockBase, Mobile Unlocked, and others.

Verdict

If you want an instant SIM unlocking service with a high success rate, then Passixer iPhone Unlocker is a good choice. When you want to unlock your iPhone carrier without software installation or unlock iPhone eSIM and you have enough budget, you can try online SIM unlockers.

External Tip: How to SIM Unlock iPhone with Hardware

Another way users unlock their iPhones is by using hardware-based solutions. These aren’t tools or apps but ultra-thin intercept chips that sit under your physical SIM card inside the tray. They are also known by names like:

• GEVEY SIM
• X-SIM
• R-SIM 15 / 17
• HEICARD
• X-SIM

While some users report decent results, many say these are not a solution for the long run. Plus, make sure you’re buying from a seller with real user reviews, because the fake ones are everywhere. You can learn more about this way via its advantages and disadvantages below.

Pros

• You don’t need your carrier approval to use them. Once delivered, you can unlock your phone quickly.
• No computer or third-party software is needed.
• You can re-use the chip with another iPhone if you remove it carefully.
• The cost is affordable, typically around US$20–US$40.

Cons:

• It won’t work with every iPhone or iOS version. Compatibility is limited.
• It’s common to see “No Service” or weak signal when using the SIM unlock chip.
• There’s a chance that the hardware will damage your SIM tray or not sit correctly.
• Apple has blocked many of these chips in various countries.
• Finding a working chip is tough, because fake versions are everywhere.
• You’ll still need to manually enter ICCID codes and other values from time to time, which is very technical.

Steps to Use Hardware for SIM Unlock [e.g. R-SIM]

Exact steps depend on the brand or model (like R-SIM 15, X-SIM, HEICARD), but here’s the general idea:

• Insert the interposer chip into your SIM tray. Place your physical SIM card on top of it, inside the tray.



• A menu will pop up: select your carrier, country, and sometimes enter the ICCID code.

• Enter details like the SIMtype you need currently.



• Some R-SIM models will ask you to install configuration profiles or adjust network settings.

• Once configured, your iPhone will refresh its signal. If everything goes well, you’ll start seeing service.

If you get “No Service”, try toggling Airplane Mode or rebooting your iPhone. Keep the chip inserted at all times. Removing it will lock the phone again.

Conclusion

So that’s it. You now know how to SIM unlock your iPhone. In most cases, the carrier will do it for you automatically or you have to reach out and ask.

And if that doesn’t work? Simply use Passixer iPhone Unlocker to unlock your SIM instantly. It will allow you to remove the carrier lock without any data loss. Plus, there is no long-waiting whatsoever: install the tool on your computer and unlock the iPhone within 30 minutes.