Q: how to unlock an iPhone 5

If you mean a carrier lock, ask the carrier.

If you mean the activation lock, ask the person who locked it to do so, or if you're the iPhone's original owner, take it and its purchase receipt to a physical Apple Store.

(143283)

Shakamanas wrote:

 

HOW CAN I UNLOCK AN IPHONE 5

How to unlock your iPhone for use with another carrier - Apple Support  - the carrier that needs to unlock the iPhone is the original carrier for the iPhone.

Unlock your iPhone

First, your carrier will need to process your unlock request. Then you'll back up, erase, and restore your iPhone to unlock it.

Start the process:
1.See if your carrier offers unlocking. Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone.
2.Contact your carrier and request an unlock. You might need to meet requirements to qualify for unlocking. After you submit the request to your carrier, it might take a few days to complete. Contact your carrier for the status of your unlock request.
3.After your carrier confirms that your iPhone unlock has been processed, go to the next section.

If you have a SIM card from a carrier other than your current carrier, follow these steps:
1.Remove your SIM card and insert the new SIM card.
2.Complete the setup process.

If you don't have another SIM card you can use, follow these steps to complete the process:
1.Back up your iPhone.
2.When you have a backup, erase your iPhone.
3.Restore your iPhone from the backup you just made.