When you Google for quick ways to remove a SIM lock on iPhone or Android, IMEI unlock software usually shows up first, whether it’s an online service or a mobile app. The problem is that most people don’t know which tools are really worth trying. From Reddit feedback, many of these IMEI unlockers make bold promises, take your money, and don’t respond. That’s why we put this guide together. It reviews the eight most talked-about IMEI unlock tools for unlocking phone carrier which you can use on a computer or Android device.
In addition to IMEI unlocking services, we also introduce you Passixer iPhone Unlocker which unlocks iPhone SIM lock in about 30 minutes without IMEI or carrier.
What Is IMEI Unlock Software?
IMEI unlock software refers to tools or online services that remove carrier restrictions from iPhone and Android. When using such tools, you commonly only need to provide the unique IMEI number of your device and pay a fee. And the services will unlock your phone carrier remotely.
Note: Most IMEI unlock services avoid unlocking blacklisted phones which are reported as lost, stolen, or linked to fraud.
How It Works
These tools act as middlemen between you and the carrier, often forwarding your unlock request through their own contacts or systems.
Pricing:
- US$30 for basic iPhone models.
- US$100 or more for premium carriers or faster service.
Needed Time:
Most online IMEI services promise results within a few hours. However, when you test them or read other users’ experience, you will find that they can take anywhere from a week to several months before confirming the unlock.
Cons
- Hidden fees are common, as many services first charge for an eligibility check and then ask for a higher amount to complete the unlock.
- Scams are also widespread.
- Delays are frustratingly common.
Pros
- You don’t need to deal with the carrier directly, which is helpful when you’re overseas.
- It also helps in cases where the seller is unreachable when the second-hand phone is carrier-locked.
Best 5 IMEI Unlock Software to Unlock iPhone/Android on PC
Here are five mostly-used online IMEI unlock software in the market. User reviews and personal testing confirm they do work in some cases.
Still, keep in mind that their success rate is low: only around 30–40% of unlock requests submitted on these sites are completed successfully. With that said, let us move on to the list itself.
1. Official SIM Unlock
From the name, Official SIM Unlock sounds like an official unlock tool sanctioned by carriers or phone companies. Actually, it operates as an independent IMEI-based unlock provider online.
Coming to the site’s compatibility. It supports nearly every iPhone model, right up to the iPhone 16 Plus Pro and Pro Max. On the Android side, the list includes Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, LG, Nokia and more. Carrier coverage is equally broad, supporting U.S. and other international providers.
Its Trustpilot ratings are 3.2 stars, based on 4,000+ reviews, with only a very few saying that the service has worked for them. One thing to note is that the refund claims of Official SIM Unlock are especially weak—many users failed to get their money back.
Cost
- Unlocking starts at US$24.99 for most models. Follow-up charges often rise to US$80–160.
- A carrier check tool is offered at US$3.99 to see eligibility.
- Discount codes, usually around US$10, are sometimes available on the site.
Completion Time
- The site advertises 24–72 hours. In reality, many users say it can take weeks.
Support Response Time
- Support is slow. You can contact them via the displayed phone and email on the site.
2. doctorSIM
doctorSIM is the veteran among IMEI unlock services. Its name has been around for years and that longevity gives it global reach and some credibility. Apart from unlocking phones, it also offers recharges for carriers worldwide and lets you purchase gift cards of services like Netflix or Spotify.
When it comes to carrier unlocking, doctorSIM is one of the only providers that speaks plainly. It openly says the success rate for removing locks from any carrier at the most is around 50%.
In personal testing with an AT&T-locked iPhone 14, the results were even lower, closer to 15%. This honesty is unusual in the industry, but it still means the tool works only sometimes.
Cost
doctorSIM sells its unlock service in different tiers: Standard, Express, Premium, and Premium Express.
Prices start around US$4.95 for basic service but can rise well above US$100–200 depending on urgency and carrier. The faster you want it done, the more expensive it becomes.
Completion Time
Opting for the Standard service will deliver results in around 20-90 days on average. Premium Express is faster, completing in two to three days.
So, at the very least, even with the top tier, you should expect to wait about 48 hours.
Support Response Time
Support is relatively fast compared to other IMEI unlock sites. They provide both 24-hour email support and a 24/7 live chat option.
3. DirectUnlocks
DirectUnlocks is another visible name in the online IMEI unlocking space. Its reputation, however, is mixed at best. On Trustpilot, the reviews sit somewhere between average and positive while Redditors criticize it for failing to deliver results. Users have mentioned that refunds are rarely processed, even after multiple attempts.
The service supports both iPhone and Android devices across a wide range of countries.
It is particularly used by U.S. users tied to regional carriers like Alltel, Bluegrass Cellular, Carolina West, Cincinnati Bell and Consumer Cellular.
Cost
DirectUnlocks follows a two-step pricing model.
- First, you pay around US$25–28 for an IMEI check.
- After that, the site usually asks for an additional US$50–100 (depending on device and carrier) to complete the actual unlock.
Completion Time
The company advertises a window of 24 hours to 6 days. In reality, users often complain of far longer delays. Some report waiting weeks or months without a clear update.
Support Response Time
Support is rated very poorly.
4. UnlockBase
UnlockBase is one of the oldest IMEI unlock providers, with many years of experience behind it. It boasts support for more than 835 carriers and over 200 different phone brands, including both iPhone and Android devices.
One unique feature is its business-to-business platform, where bulk unlocks can be purchased at heavily discounted prices.
In terms of trust, feedback is mixed. Refunds particularly remain an area of disappointment.
Cost
Range of US$20–60 depending on the carrier and device model.
Completion Time
The advertised timeline is five to fifteen days. While some orders finish within that window, delays often occur.
Support Response Time
Support is handled by email. Most replies arrive within 24 hours, which is relatively fast compared to others in this space.
5. CellUnlocker
CellUnlocker once held a strong reputation, especially among Canadian users, for quick unlocks and fast refunds. That image has faded sharply. Today, very few people rely on the service. The main reason is that it no longer delivers consistent success. And more importantly, it has stopped responding reliably to user queries.
The website now can be difficult to navigate and users sometimes report that the submission form for unlock requests is missing altogether.
Cost
The typical cost ranges between US$20–60 depending on the device and carrier.
Completion Time
Unlocks are usually quoted at one to five days. As with competitors, delays are not unusual, so actual completion times can stretch longer.
Support Response Time
Fast: multiple contact options, including live chat, phone support and even WhatsApp.
How to Use IMEI Unlock Software to Unlock Phone on PC
Almost all the IMEI-based unlock tools work in the same manner. Still, for a quick overview, let’s use Official SIM Unlock as our showcase:
Step 1. Go to Official SIM Unlock’s website. Select the carrier your phone is locked to and enter your IMEI number (dial *#06# or check Settings > General > About).
Step 2. Make your payment. Almost instantly—often within 15 minutes, otherwise within 24 hours, the system begins processing your unlock. You can track progress using their Order Tracking page.
Step 3. Once the unlock is completed, you’ll get an email confirmation. On iPhone, the unlock applies over the air. For Android devices like Samsung, you’ll receive a code to enter manually when prompted.
That’s all it takes. The device remains in your hands and never needs to be mailed.
Best 3 IMEI Unlock Software to Unlock Phone Directly on iPhone/Android
Here are IMEI unlocker apps that can be installed directly on the phone to unlock it. The first is a general recommendation that is worth everyone’s attention because it is the official way to unlock a carrier lock. Along with that, we have suggested two third-party IMEI unlocker apps.
1. Official Carrier App
Every major carrier today has its own app on the App Store or Google Play. You can install it directly on your iPhone or Android, log into your account, and place an unlock request. Some apps even allow you to unlock other devices linked to your account but not just the one you’re using.
The unlock feature is usually easy to find. Simply look for options like Submit Unlock Request or Request Unlock. After the submission, carriers will approve the request if your device meets their policies. Most carriers require that the line has been active for a minimum period, such as 60 days for AT&T and Verizon and that all bills are fully cleared.
The clear advantage of this route is safety. Carrier apps are official, direct and risk-free. You don’t need to worry about scams or shady transactions.
Cost
Free once your device meets the eligibility criteria.
Completion Time
Anywhere between 24 hours and 7 days, depending on the carrier.
Support Response Time
Immediate confirmations through the app and email. If needed, you can also reach carrier support.
2. IMEI Unlock – Phone Info (Third-Party App)
This third-party Android app is mostly known for IMEI information checks but also can be used to provide carrier unlocks. It generates unlock codes within 24 to 72 hours and advertises support for other locks like FRP or even iCloud bypass.
Its rating is solid — 4.6 stars from around 1.7k reviews, which suggests positive experiences. However, some users warn about money not being refunded if the unlock fails.
Cost
US$20 to US$100 depending on carrier and device model.
Completion Time
24 to 72 hours (as advertised).
Support Response Time
Slow: ticket-based support.
3. Unlock Phone and IMEI Checker (Third-Party App)
This app also lives on Google Play and markets itself similarly to the previous one. The main difference is that it does not process requests directly inside the app. Instead, it redirects you to an external website, possibly to stay compliant with Google’s policies.
It has over 100k downloads and a 4.2 rating from 600+ reviewers. However, on platforms like Reddit reported that the app has a reputation for failing to deliver consistently.
Cost
US$25 to US$90 depending on device and carrier.
Completion Time
24 to 72 hours (as advertised).
Support Response Time
Only in-app ticket options are available and responses can take time. Users often complain about silence after submitting requests.
How to Use IMEI Unlock Software to Unlock Your Phone Directly on the Device
Here’s how to request a SIM unlock from official carrier apps on iOS or Android.
Step 1. Open the carrier app (myAT&T , My Verizon) on the device you want to unlock.
Step 2. Find the option named Device Unlock, Unlock Request, or similar. The app will check if your device meets the carrier’s unlock requirements.
Step 3. Once approved by the carrier, the iPhone/Android will be unlocked in a few minutes or up to 48 hours.
Bonus: How to Unlock iPhone SIM/Carrier Without IMEI Unlock Software
Passixer iPhone Unlocker is the desktop-based carrier remover that offers a direct way to remove SIM or carrier locks from your iPhone. Just install the software on your Mac or Windows computer and then handle the entire unlocking process yourself. Within 30 to 40 minutes, your iPhone will be ready to accept a new SIM card. Calls, texts and mobile data start working immediately with the carrier of your choice.
What makes Passixer stand out is its wide carrier support. Whether your device is locked to AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or nearly any carrier worldwide, its advanced algorithm bypasses the SIM lock and frees your phone for everyday use.
Its reliability and stability is also much higher than IMEI-based unlocking services, as you can deal with the carrier lock removal without waiting for the service responds and the unlock stays remained until your factory reset your device.
Comparison Between IMEI Unlock Software and Passixer
Here’s a clear side-by-side look at Passixer and the IMEI-based unlocking services. This breakdown should help you decide which option makes the most sense for you in 2025:
| Factor | IMEI Unlock Software (Examples: CellUnlocker, DoctorSIM, etc.) | Passixer iPhone Unlocker |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Varies widely (US$20–US$120 per unlock, depending on carrier and device) | Fixed US$29.99, supports up to 6 iOS devices |
| Completion Time | Typically 1–7 days, sometimes longer if carrier delays approval | 30–40 minutes, done directly on Mac/Windows |
| Success Rate | Low: around 15–40% based on personal testing and Reddit and Trustpilot’ reviews | High: consistently strong success rate, praised by community |
| Supported Carriers | National and international mobile carriers | Works global carriers—regional, national, or international |
| Customer Support | Many users report poor or no response from services | 24/7 support |
| Reliability | Carrier dependent and unpredictable outcomes | Independent of carriers, far more consistent |
| Platform Support | iPhone and Android (various models) | iPhone only |
| Ease of Use | Requires submitting forms and wait on carrier approval | Simple desktop software, user completes process directly |
How to Remove SIM Lock from iPhone with Passixer
Step 1. Open Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your Mac or Windows computer and then select the Remove SIM Lock feature.
Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a certified USB cable. Hit Start to move on.
Step 3. Follow the steps on-screen carefully to jailbreak the iPhone and click Next to proceed.
Step 4. After jailbreaking, confirm the iPhone details displayed (model, version, etc.) and click Start SIM Lock Removal.
Step 5. Follow the onscreen guide to remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and turn off Wi-Fi entirely. Once done, click OK in the app to proceed.
Step 6. The removal process begins automatically. Wait for the confirmation message—your SIM lock will be removed shortly.
Final Words
So that is the so-called “best” IMEI unlock software in the market. As you’ve seen, none of them delivers consistent results.
As for the “real” best SIM unlocking method in 2025 with a proven, high success rate, it is Passixer iPhone Unlocker. It removes the SIM lock in under an hour, works across carriers worldwide.