The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are great phones, but if you want to use them on a different carrier than the one they are currently locked to, you’ll need to get them unlocked first. Unlocking allows you to insert any SIM card into the phone and use it on most GSM carriers around the world. Here is a comprehensive guide on exactly how to unlock an iPhone 8 or 8 Plus step-by-step so you can use it with the carrier of your choice.
What Unlocking Does
Why Would You Want to Unlock an iPhone?
There are a few reasons why unlocking your iPhone can be useful:
Use it Internationally with Local SIM Cards
If you travel internationally frequently, unlocking means you can simply buy a local SIM card when you land in a foreign country and enjoy cheap local rates for calls, texts and data.
Switch Carriers Easily
Unlocking also allows you to switch carriers at any time if you find a better deal or are unsatisfied with your current wireless provider. You won’t have to purchase a brand new phone just to change carriers.
Increase Resale Value
An unlocked iPhone will command a higher resale price because more buyers will be interested since it can be used on various networks right away. Carrier locked iPhones have lower demand and value.
As you can see, there are excellent reasons for unlocking your iPhone 8/8 Plus if you want more flexibility in how you use your device or plan to travel abroad with it often. The process is quick and easy too with the right instructions.
Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 12 Pro and Use it with Any Carrier
How Unlocking Works
To understand how to unlock the iPhone 8/8 Plus, it helps to first understand a bit about how phone locking works…
What Does “Locked” Mean?
When you purchase an iPhone with a carrier contract or payment plan, it is usually “locked” to only work on that carrier’s network. This locking is implemented through both software and firmware restrictions that prevent you from using other SIM cards.
The locking ensures that you complete your contract term with the carrier before bringing the phone to another network. It’s the way carriers guarantee you pay for the phone’s subsidy over time.
Getting the Lock Removed
Thankfully, once your contract is completed or device paid off, carriers are required by law to provide an unlock code upon request so you can use the iPhone with other domestic and international carriers.
Third party unlocking services can also reliably unlock iPhones from any network by essentially jailbreaking the phone to remove the software restrictions. We’ll cover how this method works in more detail shortly.
So in both cases, “unlocking” simply refers to removing the limitations put in place to lock the iPhone to its original carrier. Once unlocked, it becomes a very global, flexible device able to work on networks worldwide.
Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 11 Pro and Use it with any Carrier
Requirements Before Unlocking
While the unlocking process itself is quick and straightforward in most cases, there are a few requirements and conditions to meet beforehand:
No Outstanding Payments
First, you’ll want to make absolutely sure your iPhone is fully paid off and your account has no outstanding monthly payments or fees left. Most carriers will not unlock devices until the balance is at $0.
You’ll also want your account to be in “good standing” with no past due bills or irregular activity – this can also prevent unlocks if records are not clean.
Check Contract Term Date
If your iPhone 8 was purchased on a standard 2 year contract, make sure you have passed the 24 month mark before trying to unlock. Contract devices usually cannot be unlocked until the full term has been completed even if the device itself has been fully paid off.
Know YourIMEI Number
You will need to provide the IMEI number of your iPhone when requesting the unlock code from your carrier.
On the iPhone 8/8 Plus, you can find your IMEI by going to Settings > General > About. It’s the unique 15 digit number labeled “IMEI”. Write this number down as you’ll need to reference it.
Back Up Your Data
It’s always smart to back up your iPhone as a precaution before making any major changes like unlocking. While rare, data loss can happen if something goes wrong in the process. So protect your memories and photos by backing up to iCloud or iTunes beforehand!
Once you’ve checked all those requirements off the list, you’re ready to move forward with unlocking…
Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 6s/6s plus and Use it with any Carrier
How to Unlock iPhone 8/8 Plus
There are two main ways to unlock your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus. Let’s explore both step-by-step…
Option 1: Request Unlock from Current Carrier
The official way is to go straight to the source – contact your carrier’s customer service and simply request they unlock your eligible iPhone. Here is the basic process:
- Contact Customer Support – Call or chat your carrier’s tech support line and explain you would like to request an unlock on your iPhone 8/8 Plus.
- Provide Details – Be prepared to give them your full name on the account, device serial number, account passwords if any and most importantly – the IMEI number which identifies your specific iPhone.
- Process Request – The carrier will take down your details and may ask a few questions to determine your eligibility per their internal unlocking policies. As long as you meet the requirements already outlined, there should be no issues.
- Receive Unlock Code – After processing, the agent will provide a 16-digit unlock code unique to your iPhone. Write this down for the next step!
This is by far the quickest and often preferred approach since most carriers will unlock devices without hassle once eligible. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile all have established iPhone unlocking policies in place as required for formerly locked devices.
However, customer service is not always helpful, so be patient and politely escalate to a manager if you encounter resistance or struggles. If all else fails, don’t worry – the 3rd party unlocking services detailed next are extremely reliable and effective as well.
Option 2: Use 3rd Party Unlocking Service
If going through your carrier directly does not work or you just want a quick, guaranteed unlock without hassle, using a dedicated 3rd party iPhone unlocking service is the simplest route.
Companies like DoctorSIM, UnlockBase and UnlockUnit specialize in factory unlocking all iPhone models so they work permanently on any carrier.
The advantages of professional unlockers are:
- Higher success rates
- Unrivaled technical expertise
- Great for any carrier worldwide
- No need to contact your carrier at all
Here is how the process works:
- Select Service – Choose your preferred professional unlocking company. Reputable services like DoctorSIM have unlocked over 6 million iPhones in 10+ years without issues.
- Provide Details – Submit your iPhone’s IMEI number and model details on their order form. No need to give personal information.
- Payment & Processing – Pay the unlock fee (around $50 typically) then their engineers get to work using proprietary software tools to unlock your iPhone via remote access.
- Insert New SIM Card – After 1-3 days you’ll receive confirmation it’s unlocked. Just insert any foreign or domestic SIM card and enjoy your iPhone 8 on any supported GSM network worldwide!
Going with a dedicated iPhone unlocking pro is extremely reliable and eliminates dealing with carriers entirely. It’s the easiest “done-for-you” approach.
Using Your Unlocked iPhone 8
Once successfully unlocked using either method above, you’re ready to enjoy using your iPhone 8/8 Plus to the fullest! Here are some of the great benefits you now have at your fingertips…
Switch Carriers Easily
Want to switch to another carrier for better prices or perks while keeping the same phone? No problem anymore. You can compare plans and hop around networks with ease.
Use International SIM Cards
Traveling overseas? Pop out your existing SIM and replace it with a local SIM card in foreign countries to avoid expensive roaming fees from your regular provider back home.
Resell at Higher Value
Your iPhone itself also became more valuable now that it’s network unlocked. That means more money back when reselling to buyers down the road since any carrier limitations have been removed.
Customize Experience
You may also have more options for personalizing your iPhone with custom fonts, themes, boot logos and other tweaks since unlocking also partially “jailbreaks” the iPhone in the process behind the scenes.
The world’s your oyster with an unlocked device! Choose whatever domestic or international carrier works best for your lifestyle and travel habits. You’ll never be limited by your iPhone 8/8 Plus again.
Common Questions about Unlocking
Still have some lingering questions about the unlocking process and policies surrounding it? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Does Unlocking Void the Warranty?
No, a proper remote software unlock does not void the hardware warranty at all. Unlocking refers to software-only changes for carrier flexibility. Your normal warranty still applies.
Can Any iPhone 8 be Unlocked?
Virtually all GSM iPhone 8 and 8 Plus devices can be unlocked regardless of model number or origin country. This includes those purchased directly from Apple, carriers, 3rd party retailers and internationally. As long as hardware supports GSM bands, it will function unlocked.
Is Unlocking Legal?
Yes, it is perfectly legal to unlock your iPhone in the United States, thanks to legislation passed in 2014 permitting the unlocking of all cell phones, tablets and mobile hotspots. There are no legal issues to worry about.
Can Carriers Re-Lock iPhones?
No, once unlocked properly at the software level, these changes cannot be undone or re-locked by any carriers later on. The unlock is permanent on GSM networks for the lifetime of your device.
Does Unlocking Wipe Data?
Generally no data is wiped during iPhone unlocks unless something goes very wrong. Like with any major software change, it’s still smart to back up your device beforehand. But you should not lose anything if performed properly.
Still have questions?
Most unlocking services have 24/7 live chat and email support to address any other possible questions not covered above. You’ll be in good hands with the experts guiding you along.
Conclusion
Stay Connected Anywhere Now that you know exactly how to unlock that iPhone 8 or 8 Plus, you can confidently use your Apple phone anywhere in the world, on any GSM network you choose! Never pay crazy roaming fees again, or feel limited to contracts. A properly unlocked iPhone gives you utter freedom and flexibility.
Hopefully this complete guide gave you all the details needed to get your device unlocked securely in no time. Soon you’ll be saving money and enjoying enhanced utility by connecting your iPhone 8 to local carrier networks internationally or trying new SIMs domestically. The world of mobile freedom awaits!
