When you insert a new SIM card into your iPhone, you may see the dreaded “SIM Card is Locked” or “SIM Not Supported” error. This usually means your iPhone is tied to a specific carrier and won’t work with other networks.
The good news is, you’re not stuck. In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven effective ways to unlock SIM on iPhone — using official carrier help, third-party methods, and a bonus solution with Passixer iPhone Unlocker for removing SIM lock quickly and safely.
Note: iPhone SIM Card & eSIM Support by Region
Before trying to unlock SIM on iPhone, it’s important to know that different iPhone models and regions support SIM cards differently: ✅All iPhone Air models globally do not support physical SIM cards. ✅iPhone 17 and 17 Pro base models: physical SIM not supported in mainland China. ✅Hong Kong version: supports dual SIM and eSIM. ✅Japan version: supports dual SIM and eSIM. ✅Australia version: supports dual SIM and eSIM, with added safety features like satellite Find My and roadside assistance. Knowing your iPhone’s SIM capabilities helps determine whether you need to remove SIM lock on iPhone or can use eSIM directly.
Part 1: Is It Possible to Unlock SIM on iPhone Without Carrier?
Yes — you can unlock SIM on iPhone without carrier support. Many users run into this issue when they need to use a different network, plan to resell their device, or purchase a SIM card locked iPhone second-hand. Fortunately, there are reliable methods that allow you to remove SIM lock on iPhone safely, even without contacting your carrier.
That said, keep in mind that certain third-party methods could void your warranty or conflict with carrier policies. If you prefer an official way, you can still request a carrier unlock iPhone directly from your service provider. In the next section, we’ll walk through the carrier-based unlocking steps before exploring other alternatives like Passixer iPhone Unlocker.
Part 2: How to Unlock SIM on iPhone with Carrier Support
If you own a SIM card locked iPhone, the most reliable way is to request a carrier unlock iPhone directly from your service provider. Each major carrier has different requirements and procedures, but once approved, the unlock is official and permanent. Below we’ll explain how to remove SIM lock on iPhone through T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon.
Method 1: Carrier Unlock iPhone with T-Mobile
The process to unlock SIM card iPhone via T-Mobile is fairly straightforward, but you must first meet their eligibility rules. For postpaid accounts, your iPhone line must be active for at least 40 days, while prepaid accounts must be active for a minimum of 365 days. You can check the official T-Mobile Unlock Policy for full details.
Once you meet the requirements, here’s how to unlock SIM on iPhone without carrier codes manually, using your T-Mobile account:
Step 1: Visit the My T-Mobile official website (https://account.t-mobile.com/signin/v2/) and sign in with your account details.
Step 2: Go to Account → Service Plan for your iPhone.
Step 3: Select Check device unlock status under the Device section.
Step 4: If the status shows “Device Locked,” call T-Mobile customer support at 1 (800) 922-0204 to request a formal carrier unlock iPhone. You may need to provide your IMEI and account details for verification.
Method 2: Carrier Unlock iPhone with AT&T
If you have a SIM card locked iPhone on AT&T, you can easily unlock SIM on iPhone through AT&T’s official website. Similar to T-Mobile, you must meet their eligibility requirements. Your wireless number must be active for at least 60 days, and all bills for the iPhone must be fully paid before submitting an unlock request.
Once eligible, follow these steps to remove SIM lock on iPhone and enjoy freedom to use any carrier:
Step 1: Go to AT&T’s official unlock page and click on “Start an Unlock Request.”
Step 2: Enter your IMEI number and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the carrier unlock iPhone process.
If you encounter any issues, contact AT&T Customer Service at 1-800-331-0500 for assistance. Using a professional tool like Passixer iPhone Unlocker can also help unlock SIM on iPhone without carrier in certain cases.
Method 3: Carrier Unlock iPhone with Sprint
If you own a SIM card locked iPhone on Sprint, you must use the device on Sprint’s network for at least 40 days and complete any contract obligations before your iPhone becomes eligible for a carrier unlock iPhone.
Once eligible, contact Sprint Support via *2 or 1-888-211-4727 to request an official unlock. The process may take several days to complete. Using a tool like Passixer iPhone Unlocker can also help unlock SIM on iPhone without carrier if needed.
Method 4: Carrier Unlock iPhone with Verizon
Verizon’s unlocking policy is similar to AT&T. According to their Device Unlocking Policy, devices purchased from an authorized retailer are locked for 60 days after activation. After this period, Verizon automatically removes the SIM lock unless the device is reported stolen or fraudulent. Once the lock period ends, your iPhone remains unlocked permanently.
For any issues, you can contact Verizon support or use a professional tool like Passixer iPhone Unlocker to remove SIM lock on iPhone quickly and safely.
Carrier Unlock Requirements Comparison
• Postpaid: Active for at least 40 days• Prepaid: Active for at least 365 days
• Account in good standing Website: My T-Mobile
Phone: 1-800-937-8997
• Device active for at least 60 days• Bill paid in full
• No past-due balance Website: AT&T Unlock
Phone: 1-800-331-0500
• Device active for at least 40 days• Contract obligations completed
• Unlock-eligible device Phone: *2 or 1-888-211-4727
• Devices locked for 60 days after activation• Unlock applied automatically after 60 days
• Device must not be reported stolen or fraudulent Website: Verizon Policy
Phone: 1-800-922-0204
Part 3: How to Unlock SIM-Locked iPhone Without Carrier
If you don’t want to wait for your network provider, it’s possible to unlock SIM on iPhone without carrier support. Keep in mind that some third-party methods may void your iPhone’s warranty. The techniques below show how to remove SIM lock on iPhone safely, even on a SIM card locked iPhone. For temporary unlock tricks, see our R-SIM guide.
Method 1: Unlock SIM-Locked iPhone Without Carrier via Settings App
This method is one of the simplest ways to unlock SIM on iPhone without contacting your carrier. It uses your SIM card PIN to remove the SIM lock. First, locate your SIM’s default PIN (usually printed in the SIM card manual), then follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Phone.
Step 2: Select SIM PIN.
Step 3: Turn off the toggle next to SIM PIN and enter your SIM PIN when prompted to remove SIM lock on iPhone.
Method 2: Unlock SIM-Locked iPhone via Phone App
Another way to unlock SIM on iPhone without carrier is by using the Phone app. This method works for many users on a SIM card locked iPhone and also relies on your SIM PIN. Follow these steps to remove SIM lock on iPhone:
Step 1: Open the Phone app on your iPhone and go to Contacts.
Step 2: Initiate a call with any contact. (You can use any invalid number; this won’t affect others.)
Step 3: A dialog will appear on your screen with an Unlock button. Tap it to continue.
Step 4: Enter your SIM PIN and tap the green button to successfully unlock SIM on iPhone.
For more advanced users or if these methods don’t work, a professional tool like Passixer iPhone Unlocker can remove SIM lock on iPhone quickly and safely.
Bonus: How To Remove SIM Lock on iPhone with Passixer
If your iPhone is locked to a specific carrier — whether it’s a second-hand device or you’re traveling abroad and need to use a local SIM — Passixer iPhone Unlocker provides a safe and effective solution. With its Remove SIM Lock feature, you can bypass carrier restrictions in just a few clicks, without data loss or complicated steps.
Download Passixer iPhone Unlocker today and remove SIM lock safely in minutes — no data loss guaranteed.
Before you begin, there are a few important things you must know:
- iPhones with a blacklisted or blocked IMEI cannot be unlocked.
- Jailbreaking and disabling “Find My iPhone” are necessary to proceed.
- No personal data will be lost during the process.
- If you factory reset or update your iPhone, the SIM lock will return, but you can reapply Passixer to unlock it again
Steps to Remove SIM Lock with Passixer:
Open Passixer on your computer and choose Remove SIM Lock from the main interface.
Use a reliable USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
Unlock your iPhone and tap Trust on the pop-up message to allow connection.
Click Start, then select iOS Jailbreak Tutorial to follow the on-screen guide. Once jailbreak is complete, click Next to continue.
Verify your iPhone information detected by Passixer, then click Start SIM Lock Removal.
On your iPhone, remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and turn off Wi-Fi completely.
Passixer will automatically begin the SIM lock removal process. Please wait while it completes.
After a few moments, you’ll see a success message confirming that your iPhone SIM lock has been removed.
FAQ
- Go to “Settings” and select “Cellular.”
- Tap on “SIM PIN.”
- Tap “Change PIN,” enter your current SIM PIN, and tap “Done.”
- Enter a new SIM PIN, confirm it, then tap “Done.”
Conclusion
Unlocking a SIM card on an iPhone can seem challenging, especially for a SIM card locked iPhone. Fortunately, this guide has covered both official carrier unlock iPhone methods and ways to unlock SIM on iPhone without carrier. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully remove SIM lock on iPhone and enjoy the freedom to use any SIM card.
If you encounter any issues or need a faster solution, Passixer iPhone Unlocker provides a reliable and safe way to remove SIM lock on iPhone while keeping your data intact.