You just got your new iPhone, and you can already smell the usual “Apple” scent as you open this brand new iPhone box. You inserted a SIM card and turned on your iPhone for the first time. This happens…
Your new iPhone says “SIM Not Supported,” and for you, it’s the end of the world.
When you purchase an iPhone directly from an Apple Store, your phone is not SIM restricted usually. This means that you can use any SIM card of your choice in your country, or even abroad. But it’s a different case when you purchase your iPhone from a carrier’s store. Most of the time, it is carrier-locked.
Suppose you also prefer purchasing a used iPhone instead. In that case, it is important to check if the iPhone is carrier-locked or not. To avoid these hassles in the future, there are a few steps that will help you check if an iPhone is SIM locked or not.
Make sure to check if your iPhone has iOS 14 or later before proceeding with these steps.
1. Go to your iPhone’s Settings.

2. Tap “General”.

3. Tap “About”.

4. Scroll down and find “Carrier Lock” or “Network Provider Lock”.
If you see “No SIM restrictions” it means that you can use any carrier SIM of your choice. Otherwise, your iPhone is still locked to its specific carrier.

There you have it. Before deciding to purchase a new iPhone for yourself or as a gift, consider performing the steps above first to enjoy your new iPhone.
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So, if it is locked, can we just buy a new SIM card that isn’t locked? Or is it the device itself that is locked?
I have the same question cause my iPhone is locked.
So if it shows a carrier company does that mean you can only use your phone by staying with that carrier? Or is there a way to go another carrier with your phone?
I have an iPhone 8 showing ATT vs no carrier restriction.
How do you get it unlocked if one has it locked? Or can it be? I was thing about buying another iPhone on the near future, and never thought about this.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201328
Just checked mine says no Sims restrictions
Thank you
What should I do if it is locked? I am planning to buy a new phone this May.
Thank you
Great tip for telling us if our phone in hand is carrier locked or not. But your discusiion is about buying a phone. How do you know before you buy if the one you are going to get is carrier locked or not?
Checked mine no restrictions thanks Pete