How to Get a Factory Unlocked Android Phone or iPhone

Penny Warren Published on October 21, 2024Unlock Android3-min reading

When purchasing an Android phone or iPhone, choosing between different configurations might become necessary. Another factor that you should consider is whether your phone is factory unlocked. However, most average people do not understand this term at all. This comprehensive guide tells you what does factory unlocked mean, how to check your phone status and other knowledge that you should know about factory unlocked phones.

Part 1: What Does Factory Unlocked Mean

Before moving on, you should know what factory unlocked means. A factory-unlocked phone is a device that is not restricted to a specific carrier. In other words, you can switch to any compatible network provider or use any SIM card if you purchase a factory-unlocked iPhone or Android phone. Most carriers, retailers, and manufacturers provide factory-unlocked phones.

Benefits of Factory Unlocked Phones

1. Freedom to use any compatible network carriers. With a factory-unlocked phone, you can switch to any carrier to get better plans, speed, signal, and coverage.

2. Use dual SIM cards. Today, more and more smartphones come with the dual SIM capability. However, a factory-locked phone won't let you use other SIM cards on your device.

3. Increase value when selling on a second-hand market. You can get extra payment if your phone is factory unlocked. Plus, such devices are more popular than carrier-locked counterpart.

4. High level of customization. Carriers add software and apps on locked devices in order to prevent users from switching to other network providers. A factory-unlocked phone delivers more space and flexibility.

Disadvantages of Factory Unlocked Phones

1. Higher price. A factory-unlocked phone is usually more expensive than the carrier-locked counterpart.

2. Limited or no warranty plans.

3. Lack of carrier benefits. Carriers usually offer specific benefits for locked devices.

Part 2: How to Check If Your Phone Is Factory Unlocked

The easiest way to check if your Android phone or iPhone is factory unlocked is using a SIM card from another carrier. If your device displays No Signal, SIM Not Supported, or similar error, it means that your device is carrier-locked. Without a second SIM card, you can check the status in the Settings app.

How to Check If an Android Phone Is Factory Unlocked

How to Check If an iPhone Is Factory Unlocked

Part 3: How to Unlock a Phone from Carrier

It is possible to unlock your phone with IMEI number even if you purchase a carrier-locked device. Most carriers allows customers to unlock phones following the device unlock policy. The carrier locks your phone by the IMEI number, so you have to find it before moving on.

Option 1: If you have met all conditions of your carrier's device unlock policy, contact its customer service, inform the representative, offer your IMEI number, and request an unlock code.

Option 2: If you cannot factory unlock your phone from your carrier, you have to look for a reputable third-party unlock service to free your device from a specific network. The process is different, but most services provide on-screen instructions. You can check the content in next part to learn the detailed steps.

Part 4: How to Unlock a Phone with Third-Party Unlocking Service

You cannot factory unlock your phone from carrier if you are not eligible with the carrier's unlocking policy. That's where a trusted third-party unlocking service can step in to assist. Here we use Doctor SIM as an example to show you the workflow.

Conclusion

This guide has told you what does factory unlocked mean and how to tell whether your device is factory unlocked. An unlocked device provides a variety of benefits. Of course, you face disadvantages too. Moreover, we also told you how to unlock a locked phone properly. If you have other questions involved with this topic, feel free to leave a message below this post and we will reply to it quickly.