Full Guide to Unlock a Sim-Locked iPhone

A SIM–locked iPhone means you can only use the SIM card from one specific brand on the iPhone. When you try to insert a SIM card from a different carrier, you’ll see messages like “SIM Not Supported” or “SIM Not Valid”. You can’t even activate an eSIM profile from another provider.

If you are dealing with a SIM-locked iPhone, you can find the solutions to remove SIM lock from your iPhone here. We will show you how to unlock a SIM–locked iPhone safely, from official carrier unlocks to instant SIM unlock solutions like Passixer iPhone Unlocker.

FAQs About Sim-Locked iPhone

Many readers don’t know their options, the costs, and the basic facts about SIM-locked phones. So, here’s a short FAQ section to clear the usual doubts.

Can a SIM-Locked iPhone Be Unlocked?

Yes, unlocking is possible, but who and how to unlock it depends on your device’s situation. You can SIM unlock your iPhone via carrier (if your device is not under contract), SIM online unlock service, or instant SIM unlocker e.g. Passixer iPhone Unlocker. We will discuss the best solution for you in the next section.

How Much Does It Cost to Unlock a SIM-Locked iPhone?

Actually, the cost depends on the way you choose. Unlocking via carrier generally costs US$0.00 (if you have no pending bills). A third-party tool or an IMEI service can range from US$20 to as high as US$400, such as $29.99 for using Passixer. 

Can You Use an iPhone That’s SIM-Locked?

Yes. A SIM-locked phone means everything related to carriers, such as the balance for regular calls, text messaging, and mobile internet, is tied to a single service provider. You can recharge that provider’s plan and use the device normally, but you can’t switch to another SIM brand unless you unlock the device first. You also cannot activate an eSIM profile from a different carrier.

Apart from carrier restrictions, the iPhone itself will function as usual. Even without an active plan, you can use the internet through Wi-Fi. You can download WhatsApp or Telegram to make calls and send messages. You can even contact emergency services in some regions (iPhone has this feature in some countries).

Is It Okay to Buy a SIM-Locked iPhone?

SIM-locked iPhones are cheaper upfront and often subsidized at the start. However, they will be tied to one carrier and their resale value is usually lower. So, it’s up to you to decide. And in case you are buying a second-hand locked phone, you can still use an unlocking service like Passixer to remove the SIM lock.

That said, the general rule is to avoid them if you can afford an unlocked model from the start.

3 Ways to Unlock Sim-Locked iPhone

Now we come to the three main methods to remove SIM lock from your iPhone.

• You’ll see how long each method usually takes.
• You’ll know the preparations needed before starting.
• You’ll also get a clear set of steps for each process.

So, you can choose the best option. All the three methods will not erase any data from your iPhone. The only difference lies in the success rate and time taken to unlock your iPhone.

Way 1. Unlock iPhone SIM with Passixer

Required Time:

The entire process usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes.

Preparations:

You’ll need:

• A Windows or Mac computer with network connection
• A certified USB cable
• Passixer iPhone Unlocker installed on your computer
• The iPhone you want to unlock

Why Is Passixer Recommended?

Passixer can remove carrier lock from your iPhone without carrier or IMEI, allowing you to use a new SIM from another provider without restrictions. It is especially helpful if your carrier is unreachable or you’ve bought a second-hand iPhone with a lock. Or, you’re in a foreign country with no option to contact your original carrier.

Passixer supports bypassing SIM lock from popular carriers worldwide. So, you don’t have to think twice whether it will support your carrier in your region or country. Whether it’s Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint or AT&T in the USA, EE in the UK, Orange in France, and countless others, Passixer can unlock your iPhone with high success rate. 

Key Features:

• Unlock your unavailable iPhone when you’re stuck on the lock screen. 
• Remove iCloud Activation Lock and make the device usable again.
• Sign out of an existing Apple ID without its password, enabling you to sign in with your own.
• Remove Screen Time passcode or MDM restriction without losing your data.

Steps to Use Passixer to SIM Unlock Your iPhone

Step 1. Open Passixer iPhone Unlocker and select Remove SIM Lock on the main screen.

Step 2. Use a certified USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer and click Start.

Step 3. Choose iOS Jailbreak Tutorial and follow the on-screen instructions to safely prepare your iPhone for SIM lock removal. Once done, click Next.

Step 4. Passixer now identifies the iPhone’s details. Confirm that everything is correct. Then click Start SIM Lock Removal.

Step 5. Go to your iPhone’s Settings to remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and switch off Wi-Fi entirely. Click OK to move on. 

Step 6. After a short while, a SIM Lock Removed Successfully message will appear. Now, it’s time to use your new network on the iPhone!

Way 2. Remove iPhone SIM Lock via Carrier

Required Time

The time frame depends entirely on the provider.

• Some networks like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have auto-unlock policies, where the lock is lifted after a certain period on its own. If the carrier lock isn’t removed itself, you will also need to contact the carrier for unlocking.

For carriers that require you to submit an unlocking request, it usually takes 2 days to a week to get your phone unlocked.

Preparations

Most carriers will ask for:

• Your IMEI number
• Account information (name or phone number)
• Proof of purchase such as an invoice or receipt
• Device activation date
• Confirmation that all bills are cleared

Note: Your device must not be reported as missing or stolen.

Steps to Unlock iPhone SIM via Carrier

You can reach your carrier by phone, through their official website, or via online chat.

Carrier	Contact Number	Website Link
AT&T	1‑800‑331‑0500	att.com/deviceunlock
Verizon	1‑800‑922‑0204	https://www.verizon.com/business/support/equipment-devices-services/wireless-devices/unlock-device/
T‑Mobile	1‑877‑746‑0909	https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/unlock-your-mobile-wireless-device

When you speak to a representative or visit the website: opt for an Unlock Request. They will verify the usual details and confirm if your device is eligible or not.

If everything checks out like your bills are cleared: the unlock will commonly complete in 48 hours. It really depends on the carrier and some can take even more.

Way 3. Unlock iPhone Carrier Using doctorSIM

Required Time

With doctorSIM, the duration depends on the plan you choose:

• Premium Express: Around 3–4 hours
• Standard Service: About 24 hours
• In rare cases, it will take up to 15–20 days, depending on carrier and region

Preparations

• IMEI number
• Email address (for order updates and confirmation)
• Payment method — credit card or cryptocurrency

Steps to Use doctorSIM to Remove iPhone SIM Lock

• Visit the doctorSIM website and select Unlock iPhone.



• Choose your iPhone model and select the original carrier, including both country and provider.



• Enter your 15‑digit IMEI number and email address. Then confirm your email.



• The next screen will show available options like: estimated delivery times, prices, and estimated success rate (for example, at the time of testing, AT&T showed only 15%).



• Review the order summary and click Next.



• Complete the payment using your preferred method: Credit Card or Crypto.
• Wait for the unlock confirmation. doctorSIM will give a detailed report if it couldn’t unlock the iPhone.

What Does It Mean When an iPhone Says the SIM Card Is Locked?

 “The SIM Card Is Locked”message means that a SIM PIN is set by you to prevent others from benefitting from your data plans. It is different from carrier lock that is to prevent you from using SIM cards from other network providers on your iPhone.  

The message appears when you insert the SIM into another iPhone or even an Android phone. It can also appear after a device restart. Some SIM Cards come with a lock already enabled. In that case, the default PIN is often 1234 or 0000. So, you can enter and remove the SIM lock. However, many users even change this PIN later to a custom one via the Settings menu on iPhone. 

So, when you see the “SIM Locked” pop-up: contact your carrier to get the default code (if you haven’t set one) or enter the custom one you’ve set.

However, if you enter the wrong PIN repeatedly, up to 10 incorrect attempts, the SIM becomes locked with a PUK code. And the PUK code can only be provided by your carrier.

How to Unlock iPhone SIM PIN

To remove or disable a SIM PIN from your iPhone:

• Open Settings.
• Tap Cellular, Mobile Service or Mobile Data, depending on your region.
• Select SIM PIN.



• Toggle SIM PIN off.
• Enter your current 4‑digit PIN and tap Done at the top right.

That’s all it takes. Your SIM will no longer ask for a PIN at startup.

Final Words

Now you know your SIM unlocking options on the iPhone. The official carrier unlocking route is the best if you aren’t in a hurry. Sometimes, though, calling them isn’t possible, such as when you’re in a foreign country. In such cases, you still have other options:

• Online services like doctorSIM are one solution, but as you’ve seen, the success rate is quite low and when the service charges hundreds of dollars, it feels highly unreasonable.
• If you want an immediate service or one with a high success rate, Passixer iPhone Unlocker stands out. It removes the SIM lock from your iPhone fast so you can use SIM cards from other brands and save money.