On an iPhone, open Settings, General, then About and check Carrier Lock. If the phone is locked, request an unlock from its current carrier. Android checks vary by device and carrier.
Check an iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Open General, then About.
- Find Carrier Lock. A result of No SIM restrictions means the iPhone is unlocked.
If the phone is locked
Ask the carrier that locked the phone to unlock it. Apple cannot perform the carrier unlock. Follow that carrier’s eligibility and request process, then check the status again after the carrier confirms completion.
If you use Android
There is no single lock-status menu shared by every Android phone. Use your current carrier’s device-unlock help or contact that carrier with your model and IMEI. Ask specifically about using the device on another network.
Keep the two checks separate
A phone’s carrier lock is different from a transfer PIN or a number-transfer protection setting. An unlocked phone can still have a number transfer that needs authorization. Once the phone’s lock status is resolved, use the transfer-details guide for your current carrier.
If the phone is already on your Previ account
For a Previ phone you want to use on another carrier, request the unlock through Previ support. Previ checks the payoff, account standing, and carrier time-in-service requirements, then handles the request with the network.
Video transcript
Here’s how to check a carrier lock and request an unlock.
On your iPhone, open Settings, then General, then About. Find Carrier Lock. No SIM restrictions means the iPhone is unlocked.
If it is locked, ask the carrier that locked it to unlock it. Apple cannot do this for the carrier. Follow the carrier’s requirements, then check the status again after completion.
Android phones do not share one universal lock-status menu. Use your carrier’s unlock instructions, or contact the carrier with your phone model and IMEI.
Carrier lock and number-transfer authorization are different checks. An unlocked phone may still need a transfer PIN or a protection setting changed. Use the transfer-details guide for your current carrier.
If the phone is already on your Previ account and you want to use another network, request the unlock through Previ support. Previ checks the applicable account, payoff, and carrier requirements.
Use the steps for your own line and device. If the screen or result is different, contact Previ support with the message you see.