The cell phone service carriers want you to stay as their clients for many years. So that is why they offer excellent deals and discounts on the phone. They want you to sign up to the deals. Moreover, they will lock your phones so you would not use the services of their competitors. How can you know if your phone is locked or unlocked? Continue reading to know more about this.
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What is the meaning of an unlocked phone?
A locked cell phone has software that locks the phone therefore the user can only use a particular carrier. This practice followed to protect the phone from getting stolen. Furthermore, it makes the phone locked to one particular carrier from which the client has purchased it. So the process of unlocking the device means removing this software. This will make the user get services from other carriers as well.
Know if your phone is unlocked or not?
There are many ways through which you can check if the phone is unlocked or not. Here are the steps for you.
These are the steps for iPhone
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data
- If you find Cellular Data Options on the phone then your phone is possibly unlocked.
For android users, these are the steps
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators
- In the network operators if there is the name of any networks then your phone is possibly unlocked.
These steps may seem simple however they are not the only reason to check if your phone is unlocked or not. For making it certain you can try switching the current carrier’s SIM card and using another SIM card. After inserting another carrier SIM Card the locked phone will ask you to give the code to unlock the phone. If you did not get the prompt for the code you can try making a phone call. Then if the call connects your phone is unlocked.
If you are still in doubt you can call and ask your service provider. They will offer you the lock status of your phone in two business days.
What status on the phone is better for you?
You may have to decide before buying if you want to have a locked or an unlocked phone. This may be a confusing decision to make. But if you know the pros of locked and unlocked phones you can choose one between the two. For instance, if your phone is unlocked you can easily switch the service providers. You need not purchase a new phone for it. But in case of locked phones, you will be able to buy the phone at a discount.
Furthermore unlocked phones are suitable for people who travel in and out of their countries. But a locked phone will get lots of services from the service provider than an unlocked phone if the user uses the phone in their home country.
These are the ways you can try to find if your phone is locked or unlocked. You may also weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the two to come to a good decision.
