If you got your iPhone XS as part of a contract with your carrier, chances are that the phone is locked for that particular carrier. However, if you want to use a different SIM card or sell your iPhone, the device shouldn’t be carrier-locked.
There are a few methods to unlock your device and all of them utilize the IMEI number to unlock the smartphone. Read on to find out more about different unlocking methods and the IMEI number.
What Is the IMEI Number?
IMEI is short for International Mobile Equipment Identity. This 15-digit code is unique to your iPhone XS, and it is the key element when you want to unlock the phone.
You might be wondering how to find this number on your phone. There are a few places where you can easily find your IMEI, so let’s take a look at them:
1. Dial *#06#
The quickest way to find your IMEI would be to dial *#06# on your keyboard. As soon as you type the code, the IMEI number will appear on your screen.
2. The Carrier Contract
If you kept the contract with your carrier, the document should also list your IMEI number. Find the page which lists all of the iPhone’s specifications and your IMEI number will be there.
3. The Settings
Another place to locate the IMEI number is the Settings app. Launch the app, select General, and go to the About menu, then swipe up to the IMEI. You can easily copy and paste the number by pressing on it.
4. iPhone XS Box
You can also find the IMEI number on the box that came with your iPhone. The number is usually on the underside of the box.
Unlocking Your iPhone XS
After you have found the IMEI number, there are a few tried and tested methods to unlock your iPhone. These include the following:
1. The Carrier
It might come as a surprise, but some carriers would accept to unlock the phone for you. Before you contact the carrier about unlocking the device, you need to make sure that there are no legal or financial obstacles.
Some carriers go the extra mile and allow you to use their online portal to unlock the smartphone on your own. AT&T, for example, has a simple and straightforward online unlocking option for all its users.
2. Unlocking Specialist
Almost all phone repair shops have an unlocking specialist onboard. You can take your smartphone there, but you should know that the unlocking fees might be hefty. In addition, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to unlock your phone, so you should factor that in, as well.
3. Unlock Your Phone Online
If you are a bit tech-savvy, you should be able to unlock your iPhone XS via one of the online unlocking services. The prices are usually reasonable and you just need to follow a simple process.
Access the Unlocking Website > Enter Model and IMEI > Pay the Service > Wait for the Code
When you get the code, you can use it to unlock your iPhone for any carrier.
Endnote
Unlocking your iPhone XS for any carrier is not as complicated as it seems. This write-up should help you find the best method to unlock your phone. However, if you are not really sure about unlocking the device, it is best to consult with a specialist.
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