Related Article: How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier

Unlock my phone carrier refuses to do it

I want to unlock my phone. Apple won’t do it nor will Xfinity since they say the phone wasn’t purchased from them. I inherited the phone from my deceased brother. He had Xfinity as his carrier. How do I do this myself?

iPhone XR, iOS 16

Posted on Jul 4, 2023 6:17 AM

Reply
9 replies

Jul 4, 2023 6:36 AM in response to gudhands

If the phone has a Carrier Lock, then only the carrier can unlock the phone. Information on the status of the carrier and if it has a Carrier Lock can be viewed at Settings > Cellular. If the phone shows Carrier Lock and the cellular service is provided by Xfinity, then they are the ones that have to remove the lock, whether it was purchased from them or not. Xfinity would not be able to provide service to the phone if it was locked from another carrier.


If the phone is locked, meaning you are unable to open it or access your brothers Apple ID, then contacting Apple may help at the below link.

How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple account - Apple Support


Jul 4, 2023 11:41 AM in response to gudhands

We've provided the answer multiple times, but I'm still not sure if you understand yet that if you want to use this phone with another carrier....that the only way that you will get this working is to first have Xfinity remove the current carrier lock on the phone. Only Xfinity can do this.


You can remove the current SIM card and insert another SIM card if you want, but you will find out that the phone will still be locked to Xfinity.


That's the bottom line with your current phone. There are no other options.The FCC will not help.




Unlock my phone carrier refuses to do it

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