How to Unlock Your AT&T iPhone to Switch to Another Carrier
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By default, Apple’s iPhone is a world phone — meaning that, all variables notwithstanding, you’re able to take the handset anywhere in the world, and utilize any SIM (on any carrier, domestic or international) — simply by swapping out the SIM card at your discretion. That is, of course, if you purchase the unlocked iPhone variant direct from Apple’s website or retail store (or win one from us).
And while some domestic carriers — such as Verizon Wireless, for instance — sell an already unlocked device, even via their own retail channels, not every single U.S. carrier affords customers the same freedom to switch at their leisure. AT&T, for example, that nation’s second largest wireless carrier, intentionally locks Apple’s iPhone to its networks — so even if you wanted to, say, switch to a T-Mobile SIM card, for instance, you wouldn’t be able to do that.. At least, not without unlocking the device yourself.
“But how do I do that?” you might be wondering, and it’s with that sentiment in mind that we’ve gone ahead and broken down the process. So read on to find out — not only how to determine if your AT&T iPhone is locked or unlocked, already, but also, how to unlock it in the event that it is.
For starters, AT&T WILL unlock your iPhone however, there’s a certain, discreet set of criteria you’ll have to meet in order for Big Blue to even consider your request…
1. The iPhone in question must be designed for use on, and currently locked to, AT&T’s wireless network.
2. It has to be YOUR iPhone — it cannot have been recently reported as lost or stolen, obviously.
3. The iPhone cannot be associated with fraudulent activity.
4. Pending or pre-existing service agreements, and/or monthly installment plans, must be fulfilled; and, if applicable, all early termination fees must be paid in full.
5. The iPhone in question cannot currently be active on another AT&T customer’s account.
6. You’ll have to wait out the full, 14-day buyer’s remorse period before you can request an iPhone unlock — that is, if you took AT&T up on it’s early upgrade program.
7. Your account will have to have been active for at least 60 days, with no past due or unpaid balances, in order to qualify.
Also, if you’re unsure if you qualify, you can always check AT&T’s website for yourself. Once it’s determined whether or not you do, however, AT&T will send you information on how to navigate the process of unlocking your iPhone — which leads us to the next step:
How to Unlock Your iPhone on AT&T
1. Visit this website from your Desktop computer.
2. Carefully read through and agree to all of the eligibility requirements if you so choose to.
3. Complete and submit the form.
After this, you should receive a confirmation email from AT&T with your unlock request number. Simply click the link in the email within 24 hours of receipt to confirm your unlock request. Also, if your request is approved, pending the criteria above is met, AT&T will then email an approval within just two business days.
Keep in mind, of course, that not every request is approved — “just like that.” AT&T might very well end up rejecting your request at first, or perhaps require you to send them additional information. Once you receive the email approving your unlock request, however, you can simply go ahead and remove the AT&T SIM card and insert the new carrier SIM to start the set up process.
Once you insert the new SIM card, be sure to power off and restart the device. Doing so should initiate your new carrier’s set-up process — at which point, you can just follow the simple, on-screen instructions to get yourself up and running.
Have you unlocked your AT&T iPhone yet? Let us know in the comments!
