It is sometimes problematic when you spend money for an iPhone 7 or an iPhone 7 Plus, only to find out that device doesn’t turn out to be “unlocked.” This is an issue faced by so many users worldwide as most of these iPhone retailers and sellers “lock” their networks into the phones. It prohibits them from using the phone with other mobile networks. Although it has been reported that the best time to unlock an iPhone is when the device is brand new and where user profiles haven’t been set up yet. However, if you have already setup your iOS and want to unlock it, you’ll have to “restore” it with iTunes or check out picozip for a few options.

Setting Expectations

So just to set expectations: we are not talking about unlocking the lock screen, but the cellular carrier unlocks; meaning there is a need to unlock the device that is locked to a specific mobile network carrier such as AT&T, Verizon, etc. When this is done, you cannot use a different network with a different SIM card. Having the need to unlock their iPhones usually helps for people who patronize traveling, and who wants to increase the resale value of their phones somehow as well.

Here are simple steps as to how to unlock your iPhone:

Step 1: Plug Your iPhone and Fill Information on the Setup Screen

Of course, the first thing you have to do is to get a hold of your iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, plug the device into your computer using your lightning cable and have iTunes load an account setup screen. After iTunes loading up the account setup, enter your zip code and the last four of the account social, then leading you to the activation process.

Step 2: Agree to Terms and Conditions

It is important for you to read both the terms and conditions set by Apple and your mobile network provider, making sure that you have read every detail. Upon ticking the “I have read and agreed to the iPhone Terms and Conditions” clause, you may now click on “Continue” and wait for a few moments to process your data.

Step 3: Notice the Acknowledgement Page and Continue to Setup Your Phone

Usually, on this part of the process, your mobile network should’ve activated and unlocked the iPhone through a page that states, “Congratulations, your iPhone has been unlocked.” Now that your iPhone has been unlocked, you can expect that it can be used with whatever mobile network carrier you wish to use. If ever that this process doesn’t want to work, contact your mobile network provider.