If you purchased an iPhone through TracFone Wireless, you may notice it is network-locked by default. TracFone, like many other carriers, enforces this restriction to ensure customers fulfill their prepaid service obligations, protect subsidized devices, and prevent unauthorized usage. However, this limitation often creates frustration for users—especially when traveling abroad and unable to use local SIM cards, or when wanting to switch carriers but finding themselves stuck with limited options.
That’s why a TracFone iPhone unlock can be a game-changer: it gives you the freedom to use international SIM cards, enjoy seamless carrier switching, and even increase your device’s resale value. In the following guide, we’ll explore four safe and effective methods to unlock your TracFone iPhone so you can regain full control of your device.
Part 1: What to Check Before You Unlock a TracFone iPhone
Before starting the TracFone iPhone unlock process, there are a few important things to verify. You’ll need to make sure your iPhone model and iOS version are supported, that you meet TracFone’s unlock eligibility rules, and that your data is safely backed up. Let’s go through them step by step.
Supported iPhone models and iOS versions for TracFone iPhone unlock:
TracFone generally supports unlocking for all iPhone models from iPhone XR onward, running up to iOS 18.6. This includes:
- iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Gen)
- iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 16 series
Older models such as iPhone X and iPhone 8 (iOS 16–17) have limited unlock support due to hardware and carrier restrictions, while devices prior to iPhone XR are considered vintage and not eligible.
TracFone Unlock Policies & Eligibility:
To successfully unlock a TracFone iPhone, you must meet the following conditions:
1. The device must be powered on and in working condition.
2. It must not be reported as lost, stolen, or involved in fraud.
3. The phone must be activated with a TracFone/Verizon Value service plan.
4. Automatic unlock applies depending on activation date:
- Before Nov 23, 2021 → unlocked remotely after 12 months of active paid service.
- On or after Nov 23, 2021 → unlocked automatically after 60 days of paid service.
Backup & Safety Precautions
While most official unlock methods won’t erase your data, certain third-party tools or factory restores might. To avoid data loss, always create a backup before unlocking.
Option 1. Backup using iCloud Backup:
Step 1: Go to Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup
Step 2: Tap Back Up Now.
Step 3: Wait for confirmation that the backup is complete
Option 2. Backup via iTunes or Finder:
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 2: Open iTunes (Windows/older macOS) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
Step 3: Select your device and choose backup settings.
Step 4: Start the backup and wait until it finishes.
Safety Tips:
- Keep your iPhone charged
- Use a stable internet connection
- Do not interrupt the unlock process
- After unlocking, test by inserting a new SIM card
Find your iPhone’s IMEI/serial number for TracFone unlock:
Do I need to know the IMEI or serial number of my TracFone iPhone? Yes, you certainly should. Let’s see how to find it.
Step 1: Open Settings > About on your iPhone
Step 2: Scroll down to find the IMEI number and write it down
Alternatively, dial *#06# to display IMEI instantly
Part 2: Four Safe Methods to Unlock iPhone from TracFone
Now that you’re ready, let’s look at four safe and effective ways to unlock your TracFone iPhone.
Method 1: Use Professional Software to Unlock TracFone iPhone
While TracFone does provide an official unlocking process, many users prefer a faster and more flexible option. One of the most popular choices is Passixer iPhone Unlocker, a professional tool that not only removes SIM locks from TracFone and other carriers, but also helps with other common iPhone restrictions.
In addition to carrier unlocking, Passixer can also bypass the activation lock, remove screen passcodes, disable MDM without credentials, clear Screen Time passcodes, and even unlock iTunes backup encryption. This makes it a versatile all-in-one solution for iPhone users who want more control over their devices.
Step-by-step Process:
Here are some things to know before you use Passixer for SIM unlocking.
- Supports iPhone 5S to iPhone X running iOS 12.0 – 14.8.1
- Does not unlock devices with blocked IMEIs or blacklisted carriers
- Requires jailbreaking and disabling Find My iPhone to remove the SIM lock.
- A factory reset or iOS update may reintroduce the SIM lock (but you can run Passixer again)
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock TracFone iPhone
Step 1: Go to Passixer Main Screen and select “Remove SIM Lock.”
Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 3: Unlock your iPhone. Tap on “Trust” to detect your PC and configure it.
Step 4: Jailbreak your iPhone by following the instructions. Click Start and select iOS Jailbreak Tutorial. Follow the steps to complete the jailbreaking process.
Step 5: Confirm your device info. After the jailbreak, Passixer detects your iPhone and displays the device details. Confirm your action and click “Start SIM Lock Removal.”
Step 6: Remove all Wi-Fi networks. Disable Wi-Fi.
Step 7: Start SIM Lock Removal. Once you have removed all Wi-Fi networks and disabled Wi-Fi, the SIM Lock Removal process starts automatically.
Your SIM unlocking process is over successfully.
Method 2: Submit an Official TracFone Wireless iPhone Unlock Request
TracFone offers an official method to unlock your TracFone Wireless iPhone. It requires users to send an official request to TracFone on https://www.tfwunlockpolicy.com/.
Step 1: Go to tfwunlockpolicy.com or call 1-888-442-5102. OR open Settings and tap “About Phone.” Find the IMEI number and copy it. Alternatively, you can dial *#06# on your TracFone to see your IMEI number.
Step 2: Check whether your phone is eligible for unlocking. Go to https://tfwunlockpolicy.com/ and enter your phone number or serial number. Verify that you are not a robot. You can see whether your phone is eligible for unlocking. If yes, continue with the following steps.
Step 3: Enter your phone number. You can skip this step if this page does not appear on your phone.
Step 4: Enter your credentials, including your name, email address, and contact number. Tap Submit to get two codes. Copy both the codes in order.
Step 5: Go to your Phone app and dial #TFUNLOCK# or #83865625# to open the TF Unlock Menu.
Step 6: Enter the first code and tap “Submit.”
Step 7: Enter the second code and tap “Submit.”
The unlocking process starts, and you will get the message “Codes processed successfully —- Device unlocked.”
Pros and Cons of the Official TracFone Unlock
Method 3: Unlock TracFone iPhone with a Third-Party IMEI Service
Third-party IMEI unlocking services like OfficialiPhoneUnlock or iPhoneIMEI.net can unlock your TracFone iPhone using its IMEI number.
Step-by-step Process:
Step 1: Go to imei.net
Step 2: Enter your iPhone’s IMEI. The system will detect your model and carrier.
Step 3: Click “Unlock Now”. The process may take a few hours.
Step 4: Receive a confirmation email verifying your iPhone is unlocked.
Method 4: Carrier Alternatives if You Can’t Unlock TracFone iPhone
TracFone iPhones are usually locked to the TracFone network, making unlocking difficult. However, alternatives like eSIMs, international SIM cards, virtual carriers, or temporary SIM swaps can provide limited connectivity.
Key Points:
- eSIM: Digital SIM built into iPhone XS and later; allows multiple carriers without physically swapping SIMs. Locked TracFone iPhones cannot use eSIMs from other carriers.
- International SIMs & Physical SIM Swaps: Only work if the iPhone is unlocked. Locked devices reject foreign SIM cards.
Limitations compared to full unlock:
- Older/prepaid TracFone iPhones may not support eSIM.
- eSIM setup can be complex; coverage may vary by region.
- Temporary SIM swaps require an unlocked device.
Summary: These methods offer partial flexibility but cannot fully replace unlocking a TracFone iPhone.
Part 3: After You Unlock TracFone iPhone – What to Do Next
How do you know if you have unlocked your TracFone iPhone? Here are the steps you should take after unlocking your TracFone iPhone.
1. Test with Another SIM Card
- Turn off your iPhone and remove the TracFone SIM.
- Insert a SIM from another carrier and turn it on.
- If it works normally, your iPhone is unlocked. If you see “Invalid SIM” or “SIM not supported,” it is still locked.
2. Use Dialer Codes
- Open the dialer and enter #TFUNLOCK# or #83865625#.
- If nothing happens, the iPhone is unlocked; otherwise, it will prompt for a code.
3. Check Unlock Status in iPhone Settings.
Step 1: Go to Settings > General > About.
Step 2: Scroll to “Carrier Lock” or “Network Provider Lock.”
Step 3: If you get the message “No SIM Restrictions,” you have unlocked your phone.
4. Use TracFone’s Online Unlock Portal.
Step 1: Visit https://tfwunlockpolicy.com.
Step 2: Enter your phone’s IMEI number or your phone number.
Step 3: The portal will indicate whether the device is unlocked.
Are you still unsure whether your TracFone iPhone is unlocked? Please call TracFone Customer Service at 1-888-442-5102 for assistance.
FAQs
Conclusion
If you are looking to unlock your TracFone iPhone, you can use the instructions given in this article and do the needful. We have discussed multiple ways to unlock your TracFone iPhone. TracFone offers an official method for requesting the unlocking of your iPhone. We have also discussed a suitable alternative in Passixer, where you do not have to place any request with TracFone. You can unlock your TracFone iPhone and switch to any carrier, regardless of where you are located.