How to Unlock Your iPhone 11 Pro and Use It With Any Carrier
The iPhone 11 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones on the market. Its sleek design, powerful hardware, and user-friendly iOS operating system make it an attractive choice for many consumers. However, one downside of the iPhone 11 Pro is that it comes locked to a specific carrier. This means you can only use it on the network of the carrier you purchased the phone from.
Fortunately, there are ways to get around this carrier lock and unlock your iPhone 11 Pro so you can use it on any network you want. Unlocking gives you more freedom and flexibility to change carriers or use local SIM cards when traveling internationally. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to unlock your iPhone 11 Pro and then use it with any carrier.
Benefits of Unlocking Your iPhone 11 Pro
Here are some of the biggest benefits of unlocking your iPhone 11 Pro:
As you can see, freedom and flexibility are the two biggest advantages to unlocking your iPhone. It gives you way more options as a consumer.
Checking iPhone 11 Pro Unlock Status
Before going through the unlocking process, you should check if your iPhone is already unlocked. Here’s how:
You can also try inserting a non-AT&T SIM card (if the phone is currently locked to AT&T). If the phone works properly, it means the device has already been unlocked.
If your iPhone 11 Pro is still locked, you’ll need to take steps to unlock it as outlined below.
Requirements For Unlocking iPhone 11 Pro
Here are the main requirements for unlocking your iPhone 11 Pro:
As long as you meet these requirements, your carrier or Apple Support can submit the unlock request so your iPhone 11 Pro can then work with any GSM carrier worldwide.
Unlocking iPhone 11 Pro Purchased from Carrier
If you initially purchased your iPhone 11 Pro from either AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon, here are the steps to request an unlock from that original carrier:
1. Contact Carrier Support
Call or chat with your carrier's customer service support. Tell them you would like to unlock your iPhone 11 Pro. They will ask for your account details and may ask why you want it unlocked.
2. Wait Processing Time
It can take 1-5 business days for them to process the iPhone unlock request. You'll get a confirmation when done.
3. Insert Non-Carrier SIM
Once unlocked, turn off the device and insert a non-carrier SIM card. Turn your iPhone back on and it should activate! You can now switch between any compatible GSM carriers.
Unlocking iPhone 11 Pro Purchased from Apple
If you purchased your SIM-locked iPhone 11 Pro directly from Apple instead of a carrier, then follow these steps to unlock it:
1. Contact Apple Support
Call 1-800-275-2273 or chat with Apple support here . Let them know you want to unlock your iPhone 11 Pro purchased from Apple. Provide your device details, IMEI number and proof of purchase for verification.
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2. Processing Time
It will take a few business days for them to verify and process the iPhone unlock request remotely. You will be notified via email when done.
3. Insert Non-Carrier SIM
Once the unlock goes through, restart the device and pop in another carrier's SIM card. It should now work properly on other GSM networks! Enjoy your unlocked iPhone.
Using iPhone 11 Pro on Another Carrier
So now that you know how to unlock an iPhone 11 Pro, how do you actually activate it and use it on another GSM carrier? Here is what you need to do:
Activate Service
Select a GSM carrier and activate service with them. You can choose between monthly plans or prepaid options. You'll get a SIM card from your new carrier. Popular networks include:
Insert New SIM
Turn off your iPhone 11 Pro and open the SIM card slot with a paperclip. Remove any old SIM cards from other carriers. Gently place in the new activated SIM card from your carrier of choice. Power on your device.
Connect to Network
As your iPhone boots up, it should read the SIM card and activate it on your selected carrier's network! The device unlocks during this reboot so it can pair with any service. You'll see the carrier name displayed at the top of the screen. Start using your iPhone 11 Pro!
Now you have an unlocked iPhone and flexible access to much cheaper month-to-month or prepaid wireless plans. Switch carriers freely depending on your coverage needs when traveling. It's that easy!
Unlocking Services (3rd Party Method)
If you don't meet the unlock requirements from Apple or your original carrier, there is still another option. Third party unlocking services can unlock iPhone 11 Pros remotely. They charge a fee but it unlocks the device guaranteed regardless of contract or financial status.
Popular sites include:
Make sure to read reviews and find a trusted site with money-back guarantee in case you encounter issues. This method works reliably in most cases though.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will unlocking void my warranty?
No, unlocking itself does not void the factory Apple warranty on iPhone devices. However any hardware or software modifications can void coverage.
Can unlocked iPhones use Verizon or Sprint?
No, Verizon and Sprint are CDMA networks. Unlocked GSM iPhone models aren't compatible with those carriers. You would need a CDMA-capable version of the device instead.
What are the risks or downsides to unlocking an iPhone?
There aren't too many cons to unlocking nowadays. Some minor headaches may include increased malware/virus risk sideloading non-App Store apps or if Apple alters baseband hardware not expecting 3rd party SIMs. But generally this is very rare.
Does an unlocked iPhone lose any functionality?
Nope! You retain access to all the great iPhone features whether software like iMessage or hardware like mobile payments NFC and FaceID. Everything works the same as a locked model.
Can I re-lock my iPhone later if needed?
Actually yes, you can re-lock an iPhone to its original carrier or a different carrier if required for activation circumstances. Your service provider can handle this re-locking.
So that covers the complete guide on network unlocking your iPhone 11 Pro! With an unlocked device, you get way more options for carriers, financing and international travel without any major headaches along the way. Give it a try and leverage the flexibility an unlocked iPhone provides!