Unlocking your iPhone can seem complicated, but understanding the role of your device's IMEI number makes the process easier. Whether you're facing a SIM lock that restricts your carrier options or an iCloud Activation Lock that blocks access, you might wonder: is there a way to unlock iPhone free with IMEI number? The answer is yes. This guide walks you through locating your IMEI and explores both free and paid unlocking methods. Read on to take full control of your iPhone.
- Part 1. What Is an IMEI Number?
- Part 2. How to Unlock iPhone Free with IMEI Number
- Part 3. How to Remove Activation Lock without IMEIHOT
- Part 4. How to Check If an iPhone Is Unlocked with IMEI
- Part 5. Conclusion
Part 1. What Is an IMEI Number?
An IMEI number stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique 15-digit serial number assigned to every mobile device in the world, including smartphones, tablets with cellular capabilities, and smartwatches. Every iPhone has its own IMEI number, which reveals its brand, model, and other specifications. You may require it in several scenarios.
Scenario 1. Unlock Activation Lock or Carrier
If you want to unlock a carrier-locked phone, the carrier uses your IMEI number to officially change its status in Apple's database, allowing it to accept any SIM card. Or if you forget your Apple Account credentials, you can remove Activation Lock with IMEI.
Scenario 2. Blacklist Lost or Stolen Phones
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can report your IMEI number to your cellular carrier. They will place the number on a global database blacklist. Once blacklisted, the phone is blocked from connecting to any cellular network.
Scenario 3. Device Identification and Legitimacy
Before buying a used phone, you can run its IMEI through a free online checker to verify if the phone has been reported stolen, if it is still financed by a carrier, or to confirm its exact model, age, and warranty status.
How to Find IMEI Number on iPhone
To unlock your iPhone with an IMEI code, you must first locate it on your device. There are a few quick ways to find the IMEI number of the iPhone.
Option 1. Get IMEI on iPhone on the Back
For many phones, the IMEI number is engraved directly on the back glass or metal of the phone. Some iPhone users can directly seek out the IMEI number on the back of those older models like iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, or iPhone SE (1st generation).
Option 2. Get IMEI on iPhone from the SIM Tray
For newer models such as iPhone 13, the IMEI code is printed in tiny text on the physical SIM card tray. You can eject the SIM card tray on the side of your iPhone and check the IMEI number. It needs to be noted that iPhone 14 and later in the United States doesn't have a SIM card.
Option 3. Get IMEI on iPhone in the Settings Menu
All the detailed device information of the iPhone, including the model number, serial number, MEID, IMEI, and so on are listed in the Settings menu. You can go to Settings > General > About and scroll down to find the IMEI number of the device.
Option 4. Find iPhone IMEI from Another Apple Device
On another Apple device signed in with the same Apple Account, you can easily retrieve your iPhone's detailed information like the IMEI number. In the Settings menu, go to your Apple Account, scroll down to find your locked iPhone, and find IMEI under the DEVICE INFO section.
Part 2. How to Unlock iPhone Free with IMEI Number
If you want to remove Activation Lock or unlock a carrier-locked iPhone by using the IMEI number, you can need to distinguish between the two because the removal methods with the IMEI number are a bit different. Go with the approach that fits your case.
Note:
SIM Lock is tied to your cellular carrier like T-Mobile or Verizon. It restricts your phone so it can only connect to that specific carrier's network, preventing you from putting a different company's SIM card into the phone until it is fully paid off or unlocked by the carrier.
iCloud Lock is tied to your Apple Account on Apple devices. It is an anti-theft feature that locks the entire device to your personal credentials, preventing anyone else from erasing, resetting, or using the phone if it gets lost or stolen.
| Methods | Lock Type | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact the Carrier | SIM Unlock | Free (Sometimes Paid) | 1-7 business days |
| Ask Apple to Unlock | SIM & Activation Lock | Free (Sometimes Paid) | 1-5 business days |
| Use IMEI Unlock Services | SIM & Activation Lock | Mostly paid | 1-10 business days |
How to Check Whether the iPhone Is Blacklisted?
It's important to check whether the device is locked due to the blacklist. An IMEI is blacklisted if the phone has been reported as lost, stolen, or involved in fraud, which leads carriers to block it from their networks. To legally unlock your iPhone, you must first resolve the issue, such as paying outstanding bills or recovering the device legally, and then request the carrier to remove the blacklist. Below is a free way to check your iPhone's IMEI status.
Step 1. Go to the IMEI24 blacklist check page, and then enter the IMEI code of your iPhone.
Step 2. After clicking the CHECK button and completing the human verification, you'll see your iPhone's blacklist status.
Method 1. Contact Your Carrier
To unlock an iPhone tied to one carrier, simply contact that carrier directly. Most carriers offer free SIM unlocks if your contract is fulfilled or the device is fully paid off. You can request the SIM unlock from the carrier's official website, like AT&T, or call them. Once approved, the carrier sends an unlock request to Apple, which then processes it in the system. After that, your iPhone can accept SIM cards from any network.
Step 1. Find your carrier's customer service number or visit their website.
Step 2. Provide your IMEI number and account details.
Step 3. Request a SIM unlock and follow their instructions.
Step 4. Check for a confirmation message via email or SMS.
Step 5. Insert a new SIM card to check if it's unlocked.
Method 2. Ask Apple to Unlock
Apple doesn't offer the service of unlocking devices on its own, but once your carrier approves the request, Apple can assist in completing the process. You can check the update iPhone status through iTunes, Finder, or Apple Devices. For iCloud Activation Lock, if you can verify the ownership like a purchase receipt, Apple may help you to remove the Activation Lock or guide you through recovery steps.
Method 3. Use IMEI Unlock Services
There are a number of online services that claim to unlock iCloud Activation Lock and SIM lock using IMEI for free. However, neither the free online iCloud unlock service nor the SIM unlock service are officially supported and scams are common. If you decide to try one, do through research and avoid sharing your personal information. Be sure to use caution, as these services may not deliver results or could violate the terms of service.
Part 3. How to Remove Activation Lock without IMEI
A reliable, safe and popular way to remove the iCloud Activation Lock on an iPhone without using an IMEI number is to use a third-party iCloud Activation Lock removal tool like MagFone iPhone Unlocker. It is available for removing the Activation Lock on Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Whether your iPhone is locked to the original owner or stuck on the Activation Lock screen, this tool can help you quickly bypass these restrictions.
MagFone iPhone Unlocker
Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch without the original Apple ID or password.
Unlike other iCloud Activation Lock removal tools, MagFone iPhone Unlocker simplifies the Activation Lock removal process, which doesn't require jailbreaking the device and requires an IMEI number. It works efficiently on various iPhone models. Here is a video demonstration and a step-by-step guide, showing how to remove Activation Lock from iPhone without IMEI.
Step 1Connect Your iPhone and a PC
Access MagFone iPhone Unlocker after linking your iPhone to a computer. Select the Remove iCloud Activation Lock feature on the main screen and click on the Start button to the next step.
Step 2Finish the Activation Lock Bypass
Proceed to put your device into recovery mode by following the onscreen instruction. Now wait to complete the removal process. In the whole process, keep your device connected.
Part 4. How to Check If an iPhone Is Unlocked with IMEI
When the iCloud Activation Lock is removed from the iPhone, the Activation Lock screen disappears and you can use your iPhone normally. To check if your iPhone is unlocked using an IMEI number, you can follow these simple steps to verify the SIM lock status and ensure your device works with any carrier you choose.
Confirm with Your Carrier: For full accuracy, contact your carrier's customer support and provide your iPhone's IMEI number. They can tell you if your device is unlocked or still locked to their network. The most reliable way to verify if your phone is unlocked is this.
Use a Free Online IMEI Checker: Go to a trusted IMEI checking website like IMEI.info, Swappa, or your carrier's official site. Enter your iPhone's IMEI number to get a detailed report showing whether your phone is locked or unlocked, plus additional info like carrier and blacklist status.
Try Using a Different SIM Card: Swap in a SIM card from a different mobile service provider. If your phone connects, makes calls, and uses data without error, it's unlocked. If you get a message like "SIM Not Supported" or can't connect, your iPhone is still locked to the original carrier.
Use iTunes or Finder: Link your iPhone to a PC and run iTunes on a Windows PC or Finder on a Mac. Select your device, and if you see the message "Congratulations, your iPhone is unlocked," it confirms your phone is no longer tied to any carrier restrictions.
Part 5. Conclusion
Unlocking your iPhone can restore full control over your device and expand your network options. Understanding how to check your iPhone's lock status and the role of the IMEI number is essential. Whether you choose free or paid solutions, being informed ensures a smoother unlocking process. With the right approach and tools, unlocking your iPhone becomes a straightforward experience.
Dylan Jones
Editor in chief
