Unlocking your Iphone – one of the great mysteries of life. What does it mean? How does it work? Why would you want to unlock an iPhone? Is it even legal?!

So many questions, why not some answers?

What Is A Locked iPhone?

First off, a “locked” phone means locked to a specific carrier. It’s a software code that prevents the device from using another carrier’s network. This is fine much of the time, but if you’re traveling to an area where your provider doesn’t have service, it can be a real nuisance.

Is Unlocking My iPhone Legal?

There are also retailers and online services that will unlock your iPhone for a fee, but this is not generally recommended.

Can My iPhone Be Unlocked?

The only iPhones that can’t be unlocked are an iPhone that isn’t yours or is locked to a carrier where you’re not a customer. Many carriers also have a waiting period (you have to have paid your bill on time for six months to a year, generally). Probably to discourage real phone pirates. But some, like O2, don’t even necessarily have those basic requirements.

You’ll be able to tell if your iPhone unlocked successfully when you receive a confirmation on the phone that the carrier is unlocked. Simple enough! Then you can switch out the SIM card to your heart’s content – just back up your iPhone first.

What was that? SIM card?

Oh yeah. You may remember switching out SIM cards in older cellphones quite easily. Did you know you could do it on your iPhone too? Once the device is unlocked, all you’ll need is a paperclip to open the SIM card tray (where that is depends on the model) and a SIM card you want to switch out for the old one. Make sure you’ve backed up anything you might need, power down the device, switch out the SIM card, and set up your iPhone again, unlocked and free.

Free as a bird who can use any mobile carrier.