When selling your iPhone, one of the most important factors affecting its value is whether it's carrier locked or unlocked. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about selling both locked and unlocked iPhones, including how to check your phone's status and how to unlock it for maximum value.
Locked vs Unlocked: What's the Difference?
Carrier Locked iPhone
A carrier-locked iPhone is tied to a specific mobile carrier (like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile). It can only be used with that carrier's SIM card until it's officially unlocked. If you purchased your iPhone through a carrier with a payment plan, it's likely locked until the device is paid off.
Unlocked iPhone
An unlocked iPhone can work with any carrier's SIM card, both domestically and internationally. iPhones purchased directly from Apple at full price are typically unlocked, as are devices that have been officially unlocked by their carrier.
Value Impact: Unlocked iPhones typically sell for 10-20% more than carrier-locked models because buyers have the freedom to use any carrier they choose.
How to Check If Your iPhone Is Locked or Unlocked
Before selling, you need to verify your iPhone's lock status. Here's how:
1Check in Settings
Go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to "Carrier Lock" or "Network Provider Lock." If it says "No SIM restrictions," your iPhone is unlocked. If it shows a carrier name, it's locked to that carrier.
2Try a Different SIM Card
Insert a SIM card from a different carrier. If it works and shows signal, your phone is unlocked. If you get an error message about an unsupported SIM, it's locked.
3Contact Your Carrier
Call your carrier's customer service or check their website. They can confirm your device's lock status and eligibility for unlocking.
How to Unlock Your iPhone Before Selling
If your iPhone is locked and you want to maximize its resale value, here's how to get it unlocked:
Carrier Unlock Requirements (Most Carriers)
- Device must be fully paid off
- Account must be in good standing (no past-due balance)
- Device hasn't been reported lost or stolen
- Device has been active on the network for a minimum period (usually 60 days)
Unlocking Through Major Carriers
AT&T:
- Visit att.com/deviceunlock
- Submit an unlock request online
- Processing takes 1-5 business days
Verizon:
- Most Verizon 4G LTE and 5G devices are automatically unlocked after 60 days
- Prepaid devices unlock after active for 60 days
- Contact customer service if needed
T-Mobile:
- Use T-Mobile app or contact customer service
- Device must be paid off and active for 40 days
- Account must be in good standing
Warning: Avoid third-party "unlock services" that promise quick unlocks for a fee. Many are scams, and unofficial unlocks can be reversed by Apple software updates. Always use official carrier unlocking methods.
Step-by-Step: Selling Your Locked iPhone
Can't unlock your iPhone? Don't worry - you can still sell a locked device. Here's how:
1Determine Your Carrier
Know which carrier your iPhone is locked to. This information is important for buyers and affects pricing.
2Backup Your Data
Use iCloud or iTunes to backup all your photos, contacts, and data before proceeding.
3Sign Out of iCloud
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off. This removes Activation Lock.
4Factory Reset
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
5Get a Quote and Sell
Get quotes from buyback services. Be sure to accurately indicate that your phone is carrier locked.
Step-by-Step: Selling Your Unlocked iPhone
1Verify Unlocked Status
Confirm your iPhone shows "No SIM restrictions" in Settings > General > About.
2Backup Your Data
Back up to iCloud or your computer to preserve your data before selling.
3Unpair Apple Watch (If Applicable)
If you have an Apple Watch paired to your iPhone, unpair it first through the Watch app.
4Sign Out of Everything
Sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and App Store. Also sign out of iMessage in Settings > Messages.
5Factory Reset
Erase all content and settings to return the phone to factory condition.
6Remove SIM Card
Take out your SIM card - you'll need it for your new phone, and you don't want your personal SIM going to the buyer.
7Get Your Quote
Get an instant quote and enjoy the higher value for your unlocked device!
Price Difference: Locked vs Unlocked
Here's a general comparison of how lock status affects iPhone values:
| iPhone Model |
Locked Value |
Unlocked Value |
Difference |
| iPhone 15 Pro |
$350-400 |
$420-480 |
+$70-80 |
| iPhone 14 |
$220-280 |
$280-340 |
+$50-60 |
| iPhone 13 |
$180-230 |
$220-280 |
+$40-50 |
Ready to Sell? Whether your iPhone is locked or unlocked, CashiPhone offers competitive prices for both.
Get your instant quote now and see how much your iPhone is worth!
Final Tips
- Try to unlock first - The extra value is worth the effort
- Be honest about lock status - Misrepresenting can lead to price adjustments
- Remove iCloud lock - This is different from carrier lock and essential for any sale
- Keep your original receipt - May help with carrier unlock requests
Get your instant quote from CashiPhone today - we buy both locked and unlocked iPhones at great prices!