Mobile phones have profoundly transformed our lives. They've revolutionized communication and information accessibility, making them an essential part of our daily routines. Therefore, selecting a phone that best meets your specific needs has become an important decision.
If you've come across the term "factory unlocked" while deciding on your next phone, then you've come to the right place.
In this article, I'll tell you what it means, why you should get one, how to confirm if the iPhone you're buying is indeed factory unlocked, and, if it's already too late, how you can unlock it. Read on!
What is a Factory-Unlocked iPhone?
A factory-unlocked iPhone is an iPhone that is not restricted to one carrier. In other words, you can switch SIM cards as you wish, and all of them will work. Unlike iPhones that are unlocked later by the carrier or by an unlocking software/service, factory-unlocked iPhones come pre-unlocked.
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Advantages of Factory Unlocked iPhones
Freedom to Switch Network Carriers
We're constantly jumping from one service provider to another to look for better options, and it's no different in the smartphone world.
Factory-unlocked iPhones give you the freedom to switch carriers as you wish. When you're unsatisfied with your carrier's packages, you can buy another carrier's SIM card, insert it, and you'll be good to go.
Full Dual Sim Capability
If you want to experience the dual SIM capability of your iPhone(if dual SIM is supported), then you better go for the unlocked one. No one wants to use 2 SIM cards from the same carrier on one phone, and that's what you get with a carrier-locked iPhone.
Factory-unlocked iPhones allow you to use two different SIM cards on the same phone without worrying about compatibility issues.
Better Resale Value
If you're someone who frequently upgrades to the newest iPhone model, purchasing a factory-unlocked iPhone is an ideal choice. Not only does an unlocked iPhone command a higher resale price compared to its carrier-locked counterpart, but it also sells quicker due to the high demand for unlocked devices.
One of the main advantages of an unlocked iPhone is its broad appeal. You won't be limited to finding a buyer within your own carrier's network. Simply list your iPhone on any e-commerce platform, and you'll likely be inundated with interested buyers.
Customization and Software Updates
Factory-unlocked iPhones are the best options for tech enthusiasts who want more control of their iPhones.
Firstly, there's no carrier software stopping you from installing custom mods and upgrades.
Secondly, you don't have to worry about any warranties. A minor customization is usually enough to void any carrier-locked phone's warranty.
No Roaming Charges When Traveling
Roaming charges may vary from place to place, but at the end of the day, they are still expensive. Data, calls, and messages instantly become costly as soon as you leave your carrier's coverage area.
However, this is not a problem if you have an unlocked iPhone. It does not matter where you are; buy a SIM card from one of the local carriers and continue using your iPhone at almost the same cost as when you're back home.
No Need for a Second or Switch Phones to Use a Different Carrier
One problem "locked iPhone" users face is getting another second phone when they need to use a different carrier. As long as you're still under contract, the only way to escape your carrier's expensive packages is to look for another phone.
However, this is not the case if you have an unlocked iPhone. You can switch carriers anytime you want without thinking about a second phone.
Disadvantages of Factory Unlocked iPhones
Limited or No Warranty or Insurance Plans
You'll be given a warranty when you buy a factory-unlocked iPhone, but they are usually less good when compared to the one you'd get from a carrier. The worst case is buying one from a private seller and getting no warranty.
You will therefore have to buy an insurance plan from a second party; otherwise, you will have to foot every bill that comes with the phone, e.g. repair costs. It also means the chances of getting a replacement if you notice a problem with the iPhone is very slim.
Higher Purchase Cost
In the long run, owning an unlocked iPhone might save you lots of money, but you'll have to part with quite a lot when purchasing it. Factory-unlocked iPhones can be pretty expensive, making buying one a challenge for most people.
Lack of Carrier Benefits
Owning a carrier-locked iPhone is generally expensive, but once in a while, you'll get a chance to smile. Network carriers sometimes offer their customers specific benefits and promotions that are actually nice. These may range from special offers to discounted data and voice plans.
Financing Options
As stated earlier, you'll have to pay the total amount when buying a factory-unlocked iPhone on most occasions.
On the other hand, purchasing a carrier-locked phone comes with contracts that allow you to pay the amount in instalments, which are usually manageable.
How to Know if an iPhone is Factory Unlocked
We have discussed what "Factory unlocked" iPhones are, their advantages and disadvantages. You now have enough information to make a decision, but first, let's discuss how you will confirm if your iPhone is really factory unlocked.
The easiest and the best method of checking if your iPhone is factory unlocked is to use SIM cards from different carriers with it. If you are able to comfortably use other SIM cards without experiencing any difficulty, then it's safe to say that the iPhone is not carrier-locked.
Of course, there are other methods of confirming, such as going to the phone's settings and checking the "Carrier Lock" status on the About page or using online IMEI checker tools to ensure the same. However, the SIM card option is probably the best as someone can tailor the other ones.
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What is a "Semi Factory Unlocked" iPhone
What if I told you there's another group of phones besides the usual "locked" and "unlocked" iPhones? The "semi factory unlocked".
We've talked about the usual two. Let's now discuss the "semi-factory-unlocked" iPhones. What are they?
iPhones mostly come in either the "locked" or the "unlocked" groups. Jumping from "locked" to "unlocked' involves a permanent process performed by the carrier or unlocking tools. An unlocked iPhone should therefore support all carriers once unlocked.
However, it's also possible to temporarily unlock your iPhone to support other carriers. This is usually done in two ways: using an unlock chip placed on the SIM card you wish to use or an unlocking tool. The chip is the most common in this category.
Why, then, do we call them "semi-unlocked"? Well, these methods only work as long as the iPhone is not reset. Once you reset the iPhone, you'll go back to the "locked" iPhone group and will only be able to use your carrier's SIM card.
As already stated, these methods are temporary and do not change your iPhone's operating system in any way. They will not affect your iPhone's operation once you reset it.
How to Factory Unlock an iPhone?
Buying a factory-unlocked iPhone in the first place would save you a lot of trouble, but it doesn't mean you are forever stuck with your carrier-locked iPhone if you already have one. There are various ways to unlock carrier-locked phones, DirectUnlocks will be your best choice.
DirectUnlocks iPhone unlock is an easy-to-use service that allows you to remove the carrier lock from your iPhone at an affordable price. Some of the features making it the best carrier-lock removal service in the market include:
- It does not void your iPhone’s warranty.
- Trustworthy - has been approved by Apple and carriers
- Support all iPhones models and iOS versions
- 100% remote. You will have your iPhone through the entire unlocking process. Even better, you can use it as usual.
- Fast and efficient. Your iPhone will be unlocked in a few minutes.
Steps to Unlock Your iPhone
Unlocking your iPhone using DirectUnlocks is really simple. It is as easy as:
Factory Unlock Your iPhone Now
Step 0: Get your iPhone’s IMEI number and write it down somewhere because you will need it in the next step. You can get your iPhone’s IMEI number using the following options:
- Dial *#06#. The IMEI number will be displayed on the screen
- Go to Settings > General > About. You should see your iPhone’s IMEI number when you scroll down.
Step 1: Provide country, network carrier, and IMEI number in the spaces provided.
Step 2: Confirm the details you've entered, and once satisfied, click "Unlock for any SIM card"
Step 3: On the checkout page, check the box to agree to the terms of service, then click “Pay with Debit/Credit card”. Provide your card details to complete the order.
Then your iPhone will be unlocked soon. DirectUnlocks will send an email and SMS to you once all is done.
Final Thoughts
Factory-unlocked iPhones may be expensive, but their pros outweigh the cons in the long run. I hope you now have enough information about factory-unlocked iPhones to decide. If you already own a locked iPhone, don't be aggrieved. DirectUnlocks is available 24/7 to unlock your iPhone.