hi i am getting an iphone as a gift from my Portuguese partner, which was bought in Apple counter (not Apple Store) within local deparment store e.g. FNAC. i will use it mostly in the UK but wonder if phones sold there is carrier locked or not?
iPhone 13 Pro Max
It really depends. It could be unlocked, or it could be a prepaid phone that is locked to a certain porteguese phone service. In that case, it will only be usable over wifi. Here is how to check the lock status: How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier - Apple Support
It really depends. It could be unlocked, or it could be a prepaid phone that is locked to a certain porteguese phone service. In that case, it will only be usable over wifi. Here is how to check the lock status: How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier - Apple Support
We can't answer your question as we are all users here on this user to user only forum. Before this phone is purchased, you need to know the answer to your question. If it comes carrier locked and you live in the UK, you may well wind up owning a phone you can't use in the UK.
Your partner needs to confirm this with the store at purchase. They will know.
Also, if you live in the UK, the phone won't have warranty in the UK. It would honestly be a much better thing if your partner sent you the money to purchase your phone in the UK.
In my experience your iPhone has a warranty and Apple seems to agree. I’m a former Apple Store manager. Here’s what Apple has to say.
https://store.apple.com/Catalog/Images/worldwidewarranty.html
is iphone sold by department store in Portual carrier locked?
