To unlock an AT&T iPhone so it works with another carrier, submit a free unlock request at AT&T’s device unlock page. AT&T approves the request if the iPhone was bought more than 60 days ago, is paid off in full, hasn’t been reported lost or stolen, and your account isn’t past due. Once AT&T emails you that it’s approved, put in another carrier’s SIM card (or set up their eSIM), and the iPhone is unlocked.
Below are the full requirements, the steps to request the unlock, how to check whether your iPhone is already unlocked, and what to do if you’re not an AT&T customer or have a prepaid iPhone.
Check if your iPhone is already unlocked
- Open Settings.
- Tap General > About.
- Scroll to Carrier Lock.
If it says No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is already unlocked and you can use it with any compatible carrier. If it says SIM locked or names a carrier, keep reading.
AT&T unlock requirements
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Purchased more than 60 days ago | The iPhone must have been bought more than 60 days ago and can’t be active on another AT&T account. |
| Paid in full | Your installment balance must be zero. Pay off the remaining balance first if you’re on a payment plan. |
| Not lost, stolen or involved in fraud | The IMEI can’t be reported or blocked. |
| Account current | If you’re an AT&T customer, your bill can’t be past due. |
| Prepaid phones | AT&T Prepaid phones can be unlocked after twelve months of service. |
These requirements come from AT&T’s unlock page and can change, so check the page before you submit.
How to request an AT&T iPhone unlock
- Find your iPhone’s IMEI. Go to Settings > General > About and scroll to IMEI, or dial *#06#. Touch and hold the number to copy it.
- Go to att.com/deviceunlock on any device.
- Select Apple as your device brand and start an unlock request.
- Enter your IMEI, your AT&T wireless number if you have one, your name and email address.
- Confirm the request from the email AT&T sends you. The request isn’t submitted until you do.
- Wait for the approval or denial email. It includes your request number.
Finish unlocking your iPhone
For an iPhone, the unlock is applied by Apple’s activation servers once AT&T approves it. There’s no unlock code to type.
- Back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer.
- Insert the new carrier’s SIM card, or follow the new carrier’s steps to add an eSIM.
- Follow any activation prompts. If the iPhone says the SIM isn’t supported, restart it, connect to Wi-Fi, and check Carrier Lock again.
If Carrier Lock still shows a restriction after approval, erasing and restoring the iPhone from a backup forces it to check its unlock status again.
If you’re not an AT&T customer
Bought a used AT&T iPhone? You can still request the unlock. On AT&T’s unlock page, choose the option for non-customers and submit the IMEI. AT&T will check that the device is paid off and not reported lost or stolen. You may be asked for proof of purchase.
Before buying a used iPhone, check its Carrier Lock status and ask the seller to confirm it’s paid off. A phone with an unpaid balance or a blocked IMEI can’t be unlocked.
Special cases
- Prepaid iPhones: Need twelve months of AT&T Prepaid service, and iPhones need a submitted unlock request.
- Military deployment: AT&T can unlock an iPhone before it’s paid off if you’re deploying. Mention it in your request and send your deployment papers when asked.
- Business iPhones: Devices on a business contract can be unlocked once the service commitment ends. Your company’s account administrator may need to request it.
Why unlock your iPhone
- Switch to another carrier and keep your iPhone.
- Use a local SIM or eSIM when traveling abroad instead of paying for roaming.
- Sell the iPhone for more, since unlocked phones are worth more on the used market.
- Use a second line from a different carrier with dual SIM.
Avoid third-party unlock services
Websites that charge to unlock iPhones are unnecessary when your phone is eligible, because AT&T unlocks it for free. Some of these services can’t actually unlock a carrier lock, and others only work temporarily. Paying off the phone and using AT&T’s request form is the reliable route.
Related: set up call forwarding on an iPhone.
Related: activate Spectrum Mobile.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to unlock an AT&T iPhone?
Nothing. AT&T unlocks eligible devices for free, though you’ll need to pay off any remaining balance on the phone first.
How long does an AT&T unlock take?
AT&T emails you once it has processed the request. Most requests are handled within a few business days.
Does unlocking erase my iPhone?
Unlocking itself doesn’t erase anything. You may only need to erase and restore if the unlock doesn’t apply after you switch SIMs.
Is Carrier Lock the same as Activation Lock?
No. Carrier Lock ties the iPhone to a carrier. Activation Lock ties it to the owner’s Apple Account and is removed by signing out of Find My, not by the carrier.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.