Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Make unlocked via the provider
• Method 2 of 2: Unlock using a paid service

If you buy an iPhone through a telephone provider, it could well be that there is a simlock on your iPhone. You can then only use the phone for one year in combination with a SIM card from that provider. If you are traveling, or if you want to switch to another provider earlier, it is a good idea to make your iPhone unlocked. Unfortunately, jailbreaking is no longer possible on newer versions of iOS, but fortunately there are other options. Read on!

To step

Method 1 of 2: Make unlocked via the provider

1. Call your provider to ask about their SIM unlock policy. The regulator ACM (formerly Opta) has agreed with the mobile providers that the SIM lock is allowed for one year. After that year you can have the simlock removed for free at your own provider. This allows you to use the device again with SIM cards from other providers. If you want to have the simlock removed earlier, the provider may charge a fee for this.
2. Contact your new provider. Some companies can unlock an iPhone with a competitor simlock. Ask them what their policy is in this area.

Method 2 of 2: Unlock using a paid service

1. Find a company. There are many companies on the internet that provide codes for a fee that you can use to unlock your iPhone.
2. Do enough research. Before paying anything, you need to make sure the company is in good standing, so do plenty of research. Search for user experiences and ask for advice on forums. Be wary of scammers, especially if what you're paying for isn't in line with your provider's terms and conditions.
3. Find the IMEI code of your iPhone. Your iPhone will be added to Apple's official list of iPhones that are SIM-free. This means that the iPhone will remain simlock-free even after installing a new operating system. To get the iPhone on this list, the company you pay money to needs your IMEI code, which is a unique code that identifies your iPhone. There are a number of ways to find the IMEI code:
   • Call * # 06 #, your IMEI code will then be displayed.
   • On the first iPhone or on the iPhone 5, the number is on the back of the device, at the bottom.
   • On an iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, and 4S you will find the code on the SIM card slot.
   • In iTunes you can click on your (mounted) iPhone, you will find the IMEI code in the "Summary" tab, under the storage capacity.
4. Pay for the service. You often have to wait a few hours or even a few days before you receive the code with which you can unlock the iPhone. That is because the companies often have people working for them who have to find out the code from the provider.
   • Please provide the correct info about your phone or else the code will not work.
5. Unlock the SIM lock. When you receive the confirmation that your iPhone is unlocked, you will need to activate the unlock.
   • Insert the SIM card of the new provider into your phone. If network dashes now appear, you are immediately done. If not, read on.
   • Activate the iPhone. If you are asked to activate the iPhone, you can do this in two ways:
     • Directly from the iPhone with a WiFi connection.
     • By connecting your iPhone to your computer and activating the iPhone in iTunes.
   • If you are still unable to activate your iPhone, restore the iPhone to the latest version of iOS. If your iPhone is jailbroken, this will remove the jailbreak. When the phone is restored you should get network again.