I use an iPhone 13 mini which was originally sold in South Korea so it’s missing some features like the friends tab in Find My. Since I am living in Europe, is there a way to disable these restrictions in any way?
Thank you!
iPhone 13 mini, iOS 18
The iPhone sold in South Korea are physically locked out, regardless of the region you choose in Settings. Yet, there is hope: Apple announced in September that they would unlock the features in Spring 2025.
This announcement states:
Apple plans to introduce the 'Find My' network in Korea in the spring of 2025. Users in Korea will soon be able to use the Find My app to find their Apple devices and personal belongings with their personal information protected, and check the location of friends and family.
Find My allows users to easily locate their Apple devices, as well as their belongings with AirTag or Find My network accessories. If you lose your device or belongings, you can use the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or the Find Devices and Find Items apps on your Apple Watch to find your location on a map, get directions to that location, and play a sound when you get close to find it easy.
Also, through Find My, users can share their location with friends and family to find and keep in touch with each other more easily. If you need to find a friend in a crowded train station or a crowded park, iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro users can be guided to where your friend is located through the Precision Finding feature.
The iPhone sold in South Korea are physically locked out, regardless of the region you choose in Settings. Yet, there is hope: Apple announced in September that they would unlock the features in Spring 2025.
This announcement states:
Apple plans to introduce the 'Find My' network in Korea in the spring of 2025. Users in Korea will soon be able to use the Find My app to find their Apple devices and personal belongings with their personal information protected, and check the location of friends and family.
Find My allows users to easily locate their Apple devices, as well as their belongings with AirTag or Find My network accessories. If you lose your device or belongings, you can use the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or the Find Devices and Find Items apps on your Apple Watch to find your location on a map, get directions to that location, and play a sound when you get close to find it easy.
Also, through Find My, users can share their location with friends and family to find and keep in touch with each other more easily. If you need to find a friend in a crowded train station or a crowded park, iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro users can be guided to where your friend is located through the Precision Finding feature.
Hello~ Have you changed regions? Click on below…
Change your Apple Account country or region - Apple Support
~Katana-San~
Hey, yes I already did that when buying the phone. I am also using a German SIM card, and I’ve not been to South Korea in the last 3 years.
Hello~ Excellent information. Thx!!
~Katana-San~
Removing South Korea Restrictions
