The iPhone 12 Pro is one of the most advanced smartphones available today. Its sleek design, innovative camera system, and fast performance make it a top choice for many users. However, iPhones purchased directly from a wireless carrier often come locked to that carrier’s network. This restriction can be inconvenient if you want to switch carriers or use local SIM cards when traveling internationally. Thankfully, it is possible to unlock your iPhone 12 Pro and use it with any carrier you choose.
Benefits of Unlocking Your iPhone 12 Pro
There are several advantages to unlocking your iPhone 12 Pro:
Use Different Carriers
An unlocked iPhone lets you switch freely between compatible GSM carriers. For example, you could use AT&T and T-Mobile in the United States or local carriers when traveling abroad. This flexibility makes it easy to find the best deals on cellular plans.
Improved Resale Value
Unlocked iPhones typically have a higher resale value compared to locked models. There is greater demand in the secondary market for phones that work across multiple carriers. Unlocking before selling your device means you can often recoup more money.
Enhanced Travel Experience
Using a local SIM card while traveling internationally provides better rates compared to roaming on your regular carrier. Unlocked phones have the versatility to support foreign SIMs, allowing you to stay connected affordably.
Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 11 Pro and Use it with any Carrier
Requirements for Unlocking iPhone 12 Pro
While the unlocking process itself is straightforward, there are a few requirements your iPhone must meet before it can be unlocked:
No Existing Financing Agreements
If you purchased your iPhone on an installment plan through your carrier, you must fully pay off the device before it can be unlocked. The carrier will not provide the unlock code until the phone is owned free and clear.
Valid Contract Completion
Most carriers require you to fully complete your service contract before approving an iPhone unlock. This usually means 12-24 months of continuous cellular service.
Non-Lost/Stolen Device
The carrier will only unlock iPhones that are known to be legally owned. You’ll need to provide the correct serial number and likely answer identifying details to verify ownership.
As long as your iPhone 12 Pro satisfies these requirements, you should be eligible for the unlock process. You will need to contact your carrier directly to obtain the unlock code.
Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 8 or 8 Plus and Use it with Any Carrier
How to Request iPhone Unlock from Carrier
The only way to officially unlock your iPhone 12 Pro is through your original carrier. Here are the steps for each major U.S. wireless provider:
Request Unlock from AT&T
You can request an iPhone unlock from AT&T online or over the phone:
- Visit AT&T’s Unlock Your Device page. Sign in to your AT&T wireless account.
- Select your iPhone from the device list. Choose if you want it temporarily or permanently unlocked.
- Confirm you have satisfied all requirements. Then complete eligibility check.
- If approved, you will receive an email with your 16-digit unlock code within 2 business days. You can also call (800) 331-0500 for assistance.
Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 6s/6s plus and Use it with any Carrier
Request Unlock from Verizon Wireless
Verizon supports iPhone unlocks through their [Device Unlock portal] Verizon Wireless Device Unlock Instructions):
- Sign in to your Verizon wireless account online.
- From your Active Devices list, select the iPhone you want to unlock.
- Verify the device meets eligibility criteria. Then submit unlock request.
- If approved, you will receive an email notification within 1-2 business days confirming your device has been unlocked.
Request Unlock from T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers both temporary and permanent iPhone unlocks:
- Login to your T-Mobile account or the T-Mobile app to get started.
- From your phone list, select your iPhone > Unlock device
- Choose Temporarily unlocked or Permanently unlocked and submit a request
- T-Mobile will email you an unlock code within 2 business days if you meet requirements
Request Unlock from Sprint
As Sprint merged with T-Mobile, iPhone unlock requests now go through T-Mobile instead. Follow the T-Mobile unlock steps above.
Be prepared to provide your account details and device-specific information, such as serial number, during the unlock request process. Confirm the unlock eligibility terms with your carrier before getting started.
Using Unlock Code to Complete iPhone Activation
Once you obtain the iPhone unlock code from your wireless carrier, you can complete the unlock process directly on your device:
- Insert a non-original domestic or foreign carrier SIM card from an eligible GSM provider. This could be a friend’s SIM or one purchased separately.
- If successfully unlocked, your iPhone will activate with the new carrier connection.
- You may need to restart your iPhone or toggle Airplane mode on/off to force a network refresh when changing SIMs.
- After activation, you can now use apps that require cellular data/calling with the new carrier.
However, if your iPhone is still locked when testing a new SIM card, you will see an “Invalid SIM” or “SIM Not Supported” error. This means you need to enter the unlock code:
- Go to Settings > General > About. Tap Carrier Lock near the bottom.
- When prompted, enter the 16-digit or 32-digit unlock code provided by your original carrier.
- After entering a valid code, your iPhone will confirm that the unlock was successful.
- With carrier lock removed, swap your new SIM back in and your iPhone 12 Pro will activate properly.
You can repeat this unlock code process up to five times total if needed. Reach back out to your carrier if you have any issues or questions during activation.
Using Your Unlocked iPhone 12 Pro with Any Carrier
Once successfully unlocked, it opens up a world of possibilities of using your iPhone 12 Pro with almost any GSM carrier globally. Here are some of your top options:
Switch Between U.S. Carriers
You now have the freedom to switch back and forth seamlessly between AT&T, T-Mobile, or any local wireless companies using GSM networks. Move to whichever carrier offers the best coverage or pricing plan for your needs.
Use International SIM Cards Abroad
It’s easy to purchase an inexpensive pre-paid SIM card upon arrival at your foreign destination. Swap it into your iPhone to get set up with a local cellular plan during your trip. This prevents costly roaming fees from your primary domestic carrier.
Add Secondary Lines
For added flexibility, you might add extra phone lines onto your unlocked iPhone from different carriers and swap the active SIM as needed. This allows you to take advantage of multiple networks.
Resell iPhone Freely
An unlocked phone means fewer restrictions on activation down the road. This makes your iPhone 12 much easier to resell privately or trade-in for maximum value since future owners can freely switch between compatible carriers worldwide.
While most GSM networks are supported globally after unlocking your iPhone, full functionality may be limited with some discount rural or international carriers lacking robust 4G LTE or 5G networks. Be sure to check exact LTE band support and activation policies for your carrier before traveling internationally. But you now have the versatility to mix and match cellular plans to suit your needs.
Conclusion
- Unlocking your iPhone is the key to providing the most flexible cellular experience, no longer limiting you to a single carrier.
- By completing your service contract tenure and device financing term, you can request an official iPhone unlock code directly through your original carrier.
- Once unlocked and paired with eligible GSM networks, you’re free to switch carriers or travel abroad while enjoying unrestricted calling/data access on your iPhone 12 Pro.
- With an unlocked device, you can easily compare deals between carriers and resell your iPhone without activation limitations down the road.
Hopefully this guide covered everything you need to know about getting the most freedom and value from your iPhone 12 Pro purchase. Unlock your device to take full connectivity into your own hands.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Yes, an unlocked iPhone 12 can be used with any major cellular carrier that uses GSM networks, like AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, etc. The phone will work worldwide.
Yes, you can request an official unlock from your original carrier after fulfilling contract and financing requirements. This allows you to use your iPhone with different domestic and international GSM carriers.
Once unlocked, your iPhone 12 will work with any GSM carrier – though functionality may be limited on discount rural or international carriers lacking robust 4G/5G networks.
Yes, a carrier locked iPhone can still utilize eSIM technology alongside the physical SIM. eSIMs allow you to access multiple phone numbers digitally.
Yes, a factory unlocked iPhone 12 purchased directly from Apple rather than a carrier is safe to use. There are no carrier restrictions on factory unlocked devices.
Yes, you have the option to buy a new iPhone 12 at full retail price without a carrier contract directly from Apple. This phone will come unlocked.
Yes, carriers can provide an official unlock code that removes the carrier restriction from your iPhone when eligibility requirements are met.
It is possible to unlock most modern iPhones, including the iPhone 12. You need to request the unlock directly through your contracted carrier after completing plan and payment requirements.
No, carriers require verification that the iPhone unlock request comes from the legitimate owner. This includes providing correct account info and device details.
Yes, a carrier locked iPhone can fully access WiFi data. The carrier lock only restricts cellular network access to the original provider. All other device functions work normally.
Yes, with an officially unlocked iPhone you can access voice/data across supported GSM networks worldwide. This allows domestic carrier switching and international travel flexibility.
Unfortunately iPhone unlocks must come directly from the original carrier via an unlock code. Unauthorized unlocks typically violate warranties and carrier agreements.
Official iPhone unlocks directly from your contracted wireless carrier are generally free if you satisfy plan tenure and device payment requirements. Some third-party services charge unlock fees but are less reliable.
