Unlocked Phones

An unlocked iPhone is an iPhone that isn’t restricted to a specific carrier. This gives you the freedom to use any network with compatible bands. With an unlocked iPhone, you can shop around for the best phone plans and switch whenever you’d like. Unlocked iPhones also make international travel easier. Simply pop in a new SIM card and connect to the carrier of your choosing.

Buying unlocked offers a number of advantages such as freedom from carriers and contracts, lower-priced cell phone plans, and a better selection of phones. There are no downsides to buying an unlocked iPhone, but they may cost more money upfront. However, buying unlocked will save you money in the long run when paired with a cheaper cell phone plan.

Activating an unlocked iPhone is incredibly simple. In most cases, all you have to do is insert a SIM card and turn on your device. Once your iPhone is fully powered up, it should automatically activate on your network. Depending on which carrier you are connecting to, you may be required to manually enter a few network details such as APN settings. This information can be found in your SIM card activation kit or by contacting your carrier directly.

Although you are free to stick with your existing carrier, we recommend taking this opportunity to shop around for the best phone plans. After signing up for a wireless plan, your new carrier will mail you a SIM card and activation kit.

If you purchased your iPhone directly from Apple, it is most likely unlocked. However, if you bought your iPhone from your carrier, it is probably locked to that specific network. The best way to make sure is to call your carrier and ask. They may ask for your IMEI, which can be found printed on your iPhone’s SIM tray or by going to Settings > General > About. After providing your device information, your carrier will be able to tell you whether your iPhone is already unlocked or if you are eligible for a free device unlock.

Almost every unlocked iPhone is compatible with all major US carriers. However, some iPhones do not support every band on every network. Visit our Unlocked iPhone Carrier Compatibility Guide to find out which iPhones can be used on your specific network.

The best place to buy an unlocked iPhone is Swappa. You’ll find a wide selection of gently used iPhones on Swappa, ranging from cheap iPhones a few generations old to the very latest flagship models. Regardless of your budget, Swappa will save you hundreds compared to what you’d pay at the Apple Store.

An unlocked cell phone is an Android or iPhone that is not tied to a specific carrier. In other words, you can use an unlocked phone on any carrier that supports your specific device. And on most devices, this is as simple as popping in a new SIM card. In contrast, a (carrier) locked cell phone can only be used with the specific carrier it was purchased from — typically AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or an MVNO.

An unlocked iPhone is an Apple phone that is not tied to a specific carrier. In other words, you can use an unlocked iPhone on any carrier that supports your hardware. And on most devices, this is as simple as popping in a new SIM card. In contrast, a carrier locked iPhone can only be used with the specific carrier it was purchased from — typically AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or an MVNO.

A factory unlocked phone is a special type of unlocked phone that comes unlocked from the factory. This means that as soon as you open up the box, you are free to insert whatever SIM card you would like — assuming the phone is compatible with your carrier’s network bands.

Although most unlocked phones are compatible with any major US carrier, this isn’t necessarily the case. You should always double-check to make sure that the phone you’re buying supports your carrier’s network technology and specific bands and frequencies.