When selling your iPhone, carrier lock status is one of the biggest factors affecting your resale value - yet many sellers don't even know if their phone is locked or unlocked. This guide explains how carrier lock impacts your price and what you can do to maximize your iPhone's value.
Locked vs Unlocked: The Price Difference
On average, unlocked iPhones sell for 10-20% more than carrier-locked models. Here's why:
- Unlocked phones work with ANY carrier worldwide
- Buyers have more flexibility
- International buyers can use them
- Prepaid and MVNO carriers prefer unlocked phones
- Higher resale value for the next owner too
Real Price Comparison
| iPhone Model |
Carrier Locked |
Unlocked |
Difference |
| iPhone 15 Pro (128GB) |
$380 |
$450 |
+$70 (18%) |
| iPhone 14 (128GB) |
$260 |
$310 |
+$50 (19%) |
| iPhone 13 (128GB) |
$200 |
$240 |
+$40 (20%) |
| iPhone 12 (64GB) |
$150 |
$180 |
+$30 (20%) |
How to Check Your Lock Status
Before selling, verify whether your iPhone is locked or unlocked:
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Scroll down to "Carrier Lock" or "Network Provider Lock"
- If it says "No SIM restrictions" - your phone is UNLOCKED
- If it shows a carrier name - your phone is LOCKED to that carrier
Can You Unlock Before Selling?
Yes! And it's worth the effort. Here's how to unlock your iPhone:
Requirements (Most Carriers):
- Device is fully paid off
- No outstanding balance on account
- Active on network for 60+ days
- Not reported lost or stolen
How to Request Unlock:
- AT&T: att.com/deviceunlock - 1-5 business days
- Verizon: Most phones auto-unlock after 60 days
- T-Mobile: T-Mobile app or call customer service
Warning: Avoid third-party unlock services! They're often scams, and unofficial unlocks can be reversed by iOS updates. Always use your carrier's official unlock process.
What If You Can't Unlock?
If your phone can't be unlocked (still on payment plan, etc.), you can still sell it - just at a lower price:
- Be honest about lock status in your listing
- Price competitively for locked phones
- Know that buyback services accept locked phones
- Some buyers specifically want phones on their carrier
Lock Status by Carrier: What to Know
Verizon
Most Verizon phones are automatically unlocked after 60 days of activation. If you've had the phone that long, it's likely already unlocked - check in Settings to confirm.
AT&T
AT&T phones remain locked until you request unlock. The process takes up to 5 business days after approval.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile requires 40 days of active service before unlock. Request through the app or customer service.
Apple (Direct Purchase)
iPhones purchased directly from Apple at full price are typically sold unlocked from day one.
Selling a Locked iPhone? CashiPhone accepts both locked and unlocked iPhones.
Get your quote now - just be accurate about your lock status.
Impact on Different Buyers
Different buyers care about lock status differently:
- Buyback services: Accept both, price accordingly
- eBay/Swappa buyers: Strongly prefer unlocked
- Local buyers: Varies - some need specific carriers
- International buyers: ONLY want unlocked
The Bottom Line
Unlocked iPhones are worth 10-20% more than locked ones. If you can unlock your phone before selling, it's almost always worth the effort. If you can't unlock, you can still sell - just price appropriately and be upfront about the lock status.
Get your instant quote from CashiPhone - we buy locked and unlocked iPhones at competitive prices!