What is an Unlocked iPhone – Smartphone? Why do I need one?

Last Update: 7/1/2025

What is an Unlocked iPhone?

When you buy a phone from a cellular carrier, the phone has a piece of software that “locks” your phone into the carrier’s network, preventing you from switching to a different network. It does this by preventing you from swapping out the SIM card or adding new eSIM profiles, which are like key cards that give you access to a carrier’s network.

An unlocked smartphone is one that doesn’t have this software lock. Buying an unlocked smartphone allows you to use the phone with any carrier (such as one of these low-cost no-contract cell phone plans) and switch carriers whenever you’d like. Freedom!

Why Buy an Unlocked Smartphone?

There is a lot of trouble involved in finding the right unlocked and compatible smartphone. What are the benefits of unlocked phones?

• Carrier flexibility – Unlocked phones let you switch carriers at any time without being locked in.
• No contracts – With an unlocked phone, you can use a prepaid service provider with no monthly commitment.
• Travel – If you travel overseas, an unlocked phone is a MUST. With an unlocked phone, you can purchase and use a local eSIM or SIM card to pay the same lower rates for calls and data as the locals do. This allows you to use apps like Google Maps, travel guides, and language translation without exorbitant roaming fees.

Be sure to also read How to use your Smartphone Overseas.

• Variety – Major carriers don’t sell every make and model of every phone. When you go the unlocked route, you have a world of new phones to choose from. Phones under $100, $650+ state-of-the-art phones, phones not sold in the US, you name it!
• Replacing a broken phone – If you ever need to replace a phone, you can keep your cellular data plan by just popping your old SIM card into a new phone.

Considerations Before Buying an Unlocked Smartphone

Let’s say you found an unlocked smartphone that is compatible with your carrier of choice. What other problems might occur?

Cellular data – Calls and text are easy, but sometimes, getting cellular data to work can be complicated. While all carriers follow the same standards for LTE and 5G, their networks use different frequency bands (think of them as radio channels). If you’re not careful, you could end up with a phone that can’t access your network’s channels! Make sure to double check whether your phone is compatible with your network’s frequency bands.

5G is the latest generation of cellular networks, supporting higher download speeds and lower latency than previous generations. The table below has the frequency bands that major carriers use in their 5G networks. If you plan on using one of these networks, make sure your smartphone at the very least supports the network’s low-band (which provides wide coverage) and mid-band (which provides speed) frequencies. High-band frequencies can provide incredibly fast speeds, but they have a very limited range and are only used in dense urban environments. Supporting these bands can be a nice bonus, but they aren’t absolutely necessary.

Cost – You’ll need to pay the full cost of the phone upfront instead of financing it over 2-3 years with a carrier plan. You also won’t have access to the large discounts major carriers often offer.

Support – You won’t have a cellular carrier’s support team helping you along the way. You are on your own. Googling is about all you can do to solve problems.

Special features – It is possible that some features like WiFi calling may not work.

Warranty – Some unlocked phones may have shorter warranties.

Where Can You Buy an Unlocked Smartphone?

Purchasing an unlocked smartphone is not very common in the US. Many retailers such as Amazon, eBay, and Walmart offer unlocked smartphones. You could also purchase directly from manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, or Google.

Smartphones bought from major cell phone carriers in the US (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) are not unlocked, even if you pay full price. However, paying full price upfront can give you the option to unlock your phone quicker in the future because you don’t have to wait for 2-3 years to fully finance your phone.

Unlocking your iPhone or Smartphone

If you already have a phone locked to a cellular carrier but want the benefits of an unlocked smartphone, you have the option to unlock it if you meet certain criteria.

As of February 11, 2015, major cellular carriers are required to unlock your phone by request once you have fulfilled the applicable postpaid service contract, device financing plan, or payment of applicable early termination fee. Prepaid cell phones can be unlocked one year after being activated. They also must unlock cell phones for military personnel. Different carriers have different unlock policies, which can be viewed here: AT&T - Verizon - T-Mobile

If you have an iPhone, you can check if your device is locked by going to Settings > General > About. If Carrier Lock says “SIM locked,” your phone is locked. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your phone is unlocked!

Here’s how to unlock a phone for each of the major carriers in the US:

AT&T – To unlock an AT&T phone, the phone must have been bought more than 60 days ago, and all payments must have been satisfied. First, you will need to submit an unlock request. If you’re an AT&T customer, you will receive an email or text with instructions for unlocking your device. If you’re not an AT&T customer you will get an email with a link to confirm your unlock request.

Verizon – Verizon will automatically unlock your phone for you 60 days after purchase. No extra steps required!

T-Mobile – To unlock a T-Mobile phone, the phone must have been active on T-Mobile’s network for 40 days, and all payments must be satisfied. If you meet all the requirements, you can contact T-Mobile to request to unlock your phone. If you have a different device, T-Mobile's support page has steps on unlocking your phone.

Tips on Using Your iPhone and Others When Travelling

eSIMs are used by most modern smartphones. Phones such as the iPhone XS or newer, or the Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer all use this electronic chip to change mobile providers. In fact, since the iPhone 14, iPhones have used exclusively eSIMs.

When traveling, many buy eSIMs for their phone before arriving at their destination. You need an unlocked phone to use eSIMs. We recommend Airalo (Get $3 off your first eSIM purchase with Code: NORMAN2505). To be safe, we recommend at least 1GB per person, per day. More if you stream a lot of video.

Alternatives

Shoppers should also consider buying a pre-owned smartphone. eBay, and Craigslist have many listed. When shopping from one of these online marketplaces, make sure that the phone works and hasn’t been blacklisted from the network you plan on using. Some people trade in their phones, and these phones often get refurbished and sold to wholesalers. Buying from a legitimate refurbisher like Gazelle or Apple's Certified Refurbished program makes sense. You are given a short warranty and a guarantee the smartphone works on all compatible networks.

Conclusion

There are many factors you need to research before you purchase an unlocked iPhone. There are many advantages to buying one, but there are many disadvantages. If you are replacing a broken phone, need a phone for travel, or want a phone not offered by a carrier, this is a great way to go—just double check that the phone is compatible with the network you plan on using.

Have you purchased an unlocked iPhone? How is your buying experience? Did the phone work on your carriers’ network? Let us know!