How to Check If Your Phone Is Network Locked (IMEI & Other Methods)

Part 2. Why Checking Network Lock Matters

Knowing whether a phone is locked or unlocked is crucial when purchasing or using one. Before making a purchase, a lot of individuals want to know how to check if a phone is network locked. You can avoid a lot of issues later by taking this little step.

You must first learn how to determine whether a phone is locked to a network before purchasing a used phone. Only one carrier will be able to use a locked phone. It won't connect if you insert a SIM card from a another company. This implies that you are unable to use your device freely.

When you intend to switch carriers is another reason to look. Suppose you discover a more affordable plan, but your phone is locked and you are unable to use it. This is the reason why individuals look for how to check if phone is locked to a network or not.

This problem also affects travelers. A locked phone will not function if you travel overseas and use a local SIM card. You can prevent expensive roaming fees by knowing how to check if your phone is locked to network.

To put it briefly, verifying the lock state ensures that your phone is compatible everywhere, protects your money, and gives you flexibility. Prior to purchasing, selling, or switching networks, always make sure.

Part 3. Methods to Check if a Phone is Network Locked

Checking for network lock is crucial when buying a new or used phone. A locked phone only works with its carrier, while an unlocked phone operates with any SIM card. Before switching carriers or selling your phone, check the lock state. Luckily, this is easy to determine.

This section covers four simple ways to check if a phone is network locked. Despite your lack of IT skills, these strategies are easy to follow.

Method 1: Dr.Fone Online Unlock (Free IMEI Network Lock Check)

The easiest and most reliable way to check if a phone is network-locked is with Dr.Fone Online Unlock. This free IMEI checker provides complete phone information. The good news is that no app or program is needed. Everything may be done online in minutes.

Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Visit Dr.Fone's IMEI Check. Choose your check type from the alternatives. You can check carrier lock, blacklist, warranty, and activation lock. Dr.Fone gives over 20 checks for varied needs.

Step 2. Search for your iPhone or Android phone's IMEI number and select "Check Now." Dr.Fone has detailed tips to finding your IMEI on iOS, Android, and even feature phones.

Step 3. A full IMEI report is available in seconds. This contains carrier lock, warranty, and blacklist status of your handset. To preserve results, click "Save Report." Sharing the confirmed report while selling or buying a phone is helpful.

Method 2: Check Phone Settings

Another fast way to know if a phone is network locked is in its settings. The settings menu on iPhones and Android phones indicates lock status.

For iPhone User:

Step 1. Go to "Settings > General > About."

Step 2. Scroll down to Carrier Lock.

Step 3. Phones with "No SIM restrictions" are unlocked.

Step 4. Phones with carrier names are locked to that network.

For Android Users:

Step 1. Go to "Settings > Connections or Mobile Networks."

Step 2. Tap Network Operators and then turn off Select automatically. If your phone is unlocked, carriers will appear.

Step 3. The current carrier will appear on a locked phone.

This method is easy and internet-free. Results may not always be accurate. Even a simple check gives you a good notion.

Method 3: Try Another SIM Card

For a direct test, try another SIM card. The most practical approach to verify if phone is locked to network is with this method.

What to do:

Step 1: Turn off your phone to avoid any damage while removing or inserting the SIM card.

Step 2: Use a SIM ejector tool or a small pin to open the SIM tray and carefully remove your current SIM card.

Step 3: Insert a SIM card from another network provider into the tray, making sure it fits properly.

Step 4: Restart your phone and check if calls, texts, or mobile data work with the new SIM to confirm compatibility.

What Next?

1. If you can make calls on the new network, your phone is unlocked.
2. The phone is locked if it says "SIM not supported" or requires an unlock code.

Limitation:

This procedure requires a spare SIM card from another carrier. Without one, you may not test it. However, borrowing a SIM from a friend or family member is a fast way to check.

Method 4: Contact Your Carrier

Ask your carrier if you don't want to complete technical steps. This is the official way to check if a phone is network-locked. Let's see how:

Step 1. Contact your carrier's customer support or visit their office.

Step 2. Dial "*#06#" to find your phone's IMEI.

Step 3. Support checks your phone in their system.

Step 4. If the phone is locked, they will tell you if it can be unlocked.

Benefit:

This method is most accurate because the carrier can verify lock state. If your contract has expired or you've paid in full, they may unlock the phone immediately.

Part 4. What to Do if Your Phone is Locked to a Network

People buy secondhand phones and discover they're carrier-locked. Learn how to check a phone's network lock before proceeding. Inserting another SIM card is simple. If "SIM not supported," the phone is locked. This shows how to know if a phone is network-locked before buying a plan.

First, call your carrier if your phone is locked. If bills are paid, they can unlock it. However, the carrier may refuse if you owe. In such instances, use reliable online unlocking services.

Another iPhone issue is Activation Lock. Dr.Fone's iCloud Activation Unlocker works well for this. It works without Apple ID or password. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. First, install Dr.Fone on your PC. Remove by opening and clicking "Start to remove."

Step 2. USB-connect your iPhone. Select Bypass iCloud Activation Lock.

Step 3. Finish the jailbreak process to proceed.

Step 4. Dr.Fone bypasses the lock. A success message will indicate completion.

Your iPhone is now free to use in any country or on any network.

Conclusion

Before buying or transferring carriers, check if a phone is network locked. Learn how to check if a phone is network locked to avoid future issues. Ask your carrier to unlock your phone. In case they reject, try safe online solutions. Dr.Fone's iCloud Activation Unlocker unlocks iPhones with Activation Lock easily. Follow these steps to make your phone unlimited on any network.