BY PAUL FARKAS, TECH DIRECTOR
Why are iPhones locked? Before you blame it on Apple, you should know that it’s not the manufacturer’s fault. If you got the newest iPhone model as part of an ongoing network plan, the carrier locked it. It’s their way to protect their services: they give you a lower price on the device, but they want you to keep using their network for a specific period of time (usually two years).
Most users don’t have a problem with that. But what if you travel abroad and you want to use a local SIM card? That would save you a lot of money. Is it possible to unlock your iPhone for international travel without causing any damage to the device?
We’ll give you the tips you need!
How to Unlock an iPhone for International Travel
1. Check If You Meet the Requirements for the Carrier to Unlock Your Device
The first step is to check if the carrier allows you to unlock the device. It’s the most painless solution, which doesn’t involve installing apps and trying to complete the process by yourself. You can check your carrier’s official websites for the instructions on unlocking.
The usual conditions require the contract commitment to be completed. Also, your device mustn’t have been reported as stolen or lost.
If you’re still under the commitment of your contract and the carrier doesn’t allow you to unlock the device, you can ask for their international plans. If you can get an affordable offer, unlocking may not be necessary.
2. Consider the Unrecommended Alternative
This solution is not recommended. You can get your iPhone unlocked in independent phone stores. However, you will lose the warranty. That’s not something you want after paying so much money for the device.
If you plan to live abroad and you see this as your only solution, you can do it.
3. Consider the Recommended Alternatives
What if your carrier doesn’t unlock your iPhone and you don’t want to risk unlocking it yourself? There are a few things you can do:
Use a tablet with a SIM card slot. If it’s not locked, you can get a local card and use Wi-Fi through it.
Buy or rent a portable hotspot. It’s an affordable device, which will also accept a SIM card. You can connect your iPhone to its Wi-Fi network, and stay online at all times.
Borrow or buy a cheap phone for your trip. If you’re traveling for a short time, borrowing someone’s old phone might be a good idea. You surely have many friends and relatives, who have devices that they don’t use. If they are willing to do you a favor, it’s a painless solution to your problem. But if you’re traveling for a period longer than a month, you should consider investing in a cheap second-hand phone. It will serve you for the duration of your trip, and you’ll go back to your expensive iPhone as soon as you get back home.
Rely on local Wi-Fi networks. If you’re traveling to a well-connected area, you might not need a SIM card at all. You can use the Wi-Fi network in your accommodation spot. When you’re in an emergency and free Wi-Fi is not available, you can use your iPhone and rely on your provider’s services. If it’s a single call, you won’t be charged with a devastating bill at the end of the month. When you don’t have access to the Internet all the time, you’ll have to get better at planning. Save all maps you need before you head out exploring, and save notes for social media posts that you plan to share.
Did You Find a Solution?
Locked iPhones are not convenient at all. You can use them only with the provider whose contract you signed. That’s not a problem that disturbs your daily life, but it’s a serious issue when you want to travel. There are a few solutions, and the ideal one is getting your provider to unlock the device.
