How to Unlock iPhone 8 or 8 Plus and Use it with Any Carrier

You just got a new iPhone 8 or 8 Plus. You love the sleek design, the gorgeous display, and the powerful performance. But there's one catch - it's locked to a specific carrier. You're stuck in a contract you don't want or can't get the coverage you need.

Unlocking your iPhone can fix these issues and allow you to use it with any carrier you want. With a few simple steps, you can have complete freedom over cellular providers. This guide will walk you through everything you need to unlock your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus step-by-step.

>> Click Here to Unlock iPhone 8 or 8 Plus and Use it with Any Carrier

Overview of Unlocking iPhones

What Does It Mean to Unlock an iPhone?

When you purchase an iPhone from a cell provider, it comes locked to their network. This restricts you from switching to another carrier, even if you own the device outright. Unlocking removes that restriction and allows you to use any GSM network worldwide.

Why Would You Want to Unlock an iPhone?

There are a few great reasons to unlock your iPhone:

• Switch carriers - If you're unhappy with your current cell provider, unlocking lets you change networks seamlessly.
• Save money - Smaller carriers often have much cheaper cellular plans.
• Enhance international travel - Unlocked phones can connect to foreign carriers, avoiding roaming fees.

>> Click Here to Unlock iPhone 6s/6s plus and Use it with any Carrier

Is Unlocking Legal?

Yes, unlocking cell phones became legal in the United States with the passage of the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act in 2014. However, each carrier has different qualifying requirements you may need to meet before they will provide an unlock.

Requirements to Unlock iPhones

Before going through the unlocking process, it's important to ensure you meet the requirements:

• Your device is not currently reported lost or stolen - Carriers will not unlock phones that have been marked lost or stolen. You can check your iPhone's status for free using Apple's lookup tool .
• Your account is in good standing - You cannot have any outstanding fees or be under contract. Pay any account balances and fulfill your contract term before the unlock.
• You device is eligible - The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus must be paid off in full and used on the carrier's network for a specified length of time, usually 40 days. This prevents fraud or abuse.
• The original owner requests the unlock - Third-party unlocks violate most carriers' terms and may not work correctly. Only the original owner should submit an official unlock request.

As long as you meet these requirements, your carrier should unlock your iPhone without issue. Now let's look at how the process works.

How to Unlock an iPhone 8 or 8 Plus

There are three main methods to unlock your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus:

1. Through Your Current Carrier - Submit an official unlock request to your service provider.
2. With a Third-Party Unlock Service - Companies can unlock your iPhone remotely using software.
3. By Completing a Factory Reset - Wipe your device to remove the carrier lock.

The easiest, fastest way is asking your current carrier - let's start there.

Unlock Through Your Current Carrier

All major carriers in the United States will provide an official iPhone unlock once you meet their requirements. Here are direct links to unlock request forms:

• AT&T iPhone Unlock Request
• T-Mobile iPhone Unlock Request
• Verizon iPhone Unlock Policy
• Sprint iPhone Unlock Request

The process varies slightly:

• AT&T - Fill request form and provide unlock code you receive. May take up to 72 hours.
• T-Mobile - Login to your account and submit request. Instant approval.
• Verizon - Unlocked automatically 60 days after activation.
• Sprint - Meet requirements then chat/call to get unlock. Done in minutes.

Contact customer support if you run into any issues with these carrier unlocks.

Use a Third-Party iPhone Unlock Service

Companies like Cellunlocker.net and DoctorSIM specialize in unlocking iPhones remotely. They purchase unlock credentials directly from carriers and apply them instantly using device ID data.

The process only takes 1-3 days and has high success rates. Prices range from $15 to $50 depending on phone model and carrier. This method works well if you meet unlock requirements but have issues getting it done officially.

Here is how third-party iPhone unlocks work:

1. Select service - Choose site with money-back guarantee, strong reviews/ratings.
2. Provide details - Submit your IMEI number, carrier, and payment.
3. Get unlocked - A code removes the SIM lock allowing any GSM SIM worldwide.
4. Check unlock status - Confirm unlocked status by inserting new carrier SIM before the process is complete.

For convenience, third-party services get the job done. But try your carrier first if possible to save money.

Factory Reset to Finish Unlock

In some situations, you may need to wipe and factory reset your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus to complete the unlock after requesting it:

• If you acquired the used device already unlocked
• Switching from domestic to international SIM
• Fixing issues from using third-party unlock service

Here are the simple steps to factory reset your iPhone:

1. Backup iPhone data to iCloud or iTunes. A full wipe erases all content.
2. Open the Settings app then tap General > Reset.
3. Select "Erase All Content and Settings" to confirm wipe.
4. Restore device from your iCloud or iTunes backup once completed.

The factory reset removes all locks and restrictions letting you use any GSM carrier worldwide. Insert a foreign nano-SIM before restoring backup data to prevent locks from returning.

Using Your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus With Other Carriers

You went through the unlock process...congratulations! Now it's time to enjoy using any carrier you want. Here are some top tips:

• Insert new SIM card - Backup data then replace the existing SIM with your new cellular provider's card.
• Update carrier settings - Go to Settings > General > About to refresh network profile.
• Toggle cellular data/roaming - Turn these on or off depending on your plan and needs when traveling overseas.
• Change APN settings - Sometimes required to connect properly to foreign networks. Contact the new carrier for access point names.
• Contact customer support - If you have issues, let your new carrier's tech support team troubleshoot.

That covers the basics of using your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus with other carriers after unlocking!

FAQ - Common Questions About Unlocking iPhones

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about unlocking your iPhone 8, 8 Plus or other models:

How long does it take to unlock an iPhone?

• Through carrier - 24 hours to 1 week
• Third-party service - Typically 1-3 business days
• Factory reset unlock - Instant after wipe completes

Does unlocking void Apple warranty?

• No, Apple allows all user-initiated software modifications like unlocking under warranty guidelines. Hardware defects are still covered.

Can I relock my iPhone if needed?

• Yes, you can contact previous carrier to relock although fees sometimes apply. Reliability may be inconsistent after third-party unlocks.

Do I need to update iOS after unlocking iPhone?

• No iOS update is required although latest firmware optimizes performance and compatibility. Remember to backup data before any updates.

How much does it cost to unlock an iPhone?

• Carrier prices vary greatly. Third parties charge $15-$50 USD. Factory reset unlocks require no payment.

Is it safe to unlock my iPhone with third-party websites?

• Yes top-rated services are secure. Search for guarantees, positive reviews, site lock badges before submitting payment.

Those cover the basics! Still have questions? Contact us below in the comments section.

Conclusion

Unlocking your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus offers newfound freedom and flexibility when selecting a carrier. The process is quick, easy, and legal no matter which method you use. Just remember to backup your data, meet all requirements for approval, and enjoy the new openness.

Where will you travel once your iPhone is network unlocked? Let us know if this guide helped unlock your device!