Need to find out the carrier of the phone so I can have it unlocked

I bought my I phone XR off of marketplace. It was supposed to be unlocked but is not. I can’t seem to find the carrier that the phone was through before. Is there a way to do that? I can not contact the seller now.

iPhone XR, iOS 15

Posted on May 29, 2023 2:34 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 29, 2023 3:22 PM

If the iPhone, that you purchased, has a SIM card still inserted in the SIM card tray then check what it states on the SIM card. It may have the carrier information on it.

If there is no SIM card inserted in the tray, then open Settings ➡️ General ➡️ About ➡️ Carrier Lock: Does it identify the carrier here?

If none of the above methods help identify the carrier that the iPhone may be locked to, then you can contact 👉 Apple Support but I am not sure whether Apple would be able to help. You can try.


Axel F.

13 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 29, 2023 3:22 PM in response to jenaca128

If the iPhone, that you purchased, has a SIM card still inserted in the SIM card tray then check what it states on the SIM card. It may have the carrier information on it.

If there is no SIM card inserted in the tray, then open Settings ➡️ General ➡️ About ➡️ Carrier Lock: Does it identify the carrier here?

If none of the above methods help identify the carrier that the iPhone may be locked to, then you can contact 👉 Apple Support but I am not sure whether Apple would be able to help. You can try.


Axel F.

May 29, 2023 2:40 PM in response to jenaca128

Who is my carrier:

Go to -> Settings -> Mobile network -> scroll to Network selection you can see who your carrier is.

-----


If you have bought 2nd hand iPhone, you must contact the seller (hopefully it is the previous owner), otherwise you have been scammed.

Each Apple device is linked/associated with an Apple ID of the person who did the setup.

Activation Lock prevents anyone who is not the owner from using this iPhone.

To unlock the Phone, you need the Apple ID and password of the previous owner, that were used during set up.

So you have to contact the previous owner.

 

The previous owner has to read -> this Apple article: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch -> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Then the previous owner has to remove the iPhone from his account, see this Apple article:

Check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in

Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

 

Then you can sign in with your own Apple ID.

 

See the following Apple articles:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

 

How to remove Activation Lock -> How to remove Activation Lock – Apple Support (UK)


👉 Read this before you buy a 2nd hand iPhone.

  

You can also contact Apple support for help, -> Get Support (apple.com)

You have to show proof of ownership of your product, provide all documentation showing your purchase of the device.

If you do not have additional proof of ownership, contact the reseller. They may be able to provide the original purchase document.

Once Apple receive your proof of ownership, Apple will further review your request and provide an update.


See also -> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device

Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device – Apple Support (UK)


----- 

Ask your money back if possible, perhaps you have bought a stolen iPhone.

If you can't get in touch with the seller, you can't use the iPhone.

May 29, 2023 3:46 PM in response to Axel Foley

It does not have a sim in it and the carrier is not mentioned by the “carrier lock”. According to what I read they have a strict policy so they can not help me. Unless I can provide the receipt and prove I’m the original owner. Which I can not. Unfortunately it looks like I may have to take a L on this one! It has been enlightening to say the least . Thank you for your help.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Need to find out the carrier of the phone so I can have it unlocked

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.