How do you unlock a phone after a company goes out of business?
Answer
Check Settings > General > About for Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, the phone is already unlocked. If it shows SIM Not Supported or a carrier lock, only the original carrier’s unlock process—or a paid unlock service they authorize—can remove it; Apple cannot unlock it for you.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Paid “unlock” websites that ask for remote access or crypto payment are often scams.
- Erasing the phone does not unlock it for other carriers.
Follow these steps
Check Carrier Lock status
On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to Carrier Lock. Note whether it says No SIM restrictions or Network Locked.
You should see: You know if the phone is already unlocked.
Test with another SIM carefully
If available, insert or install a different carrier SIM/eSIM. Note any SIM Not Supported or Invalid SIM message.
You should see: The phone either connects or shows a clear lock-related error.
Gather IMEI and original carrier clues
Copy the IMEI from About. Check the startup logo, old SIM tray cards, or emails for the original wireless carrier.
You should see: You have IMEI and a likely carrier to contact for unlock.
Request an unlock from that carrier
Contact the original carrier’s unlock support with IMEI and account details they require. Apple cannot remove a carrier lock.
You should see: The carrier approves unlock or explains eligibility, then Carrier Lock updates after a restart.
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Extra tips
What to look for: After a wipe, another carrier’s SIM fails with SIM Not Supported, or About still shows a carrier lock.
Before you change anything: Write down the IMEI from Settings > General > About. Note any old SIM, carrier emails, or paperwork tied to the phone. Back up anything you still need before erasing.