Buying, Selling & Traveling with an Unlocked iPhone
An unlocked iPhone is worth more, sells faster, and works almost anywhere in the world. Here's how to buy, sell, and travel with one the smart way.
Buying a used iPhone
Never take a seller's word that a phone is unlocked. Ask them to show Settings > General > About with you on a call, or check the IMEI yourself using the tools in our status check guide. Also confirm the IMEI isn't blacklisted — a locked or blacklisted phone can lose service entirely, even on a carrier that normally accepts unlocked devices.
Selling an unlocked iPhone
Unlocked phones consistently sell for more than locked ones because they work with any buyer's carrier. Before listing, confirm your own unlock status the same way a buyer would check it, and keep a screenshot of the "No SIM restrictions" screen to include with your listing — it answers the first question every buyer will ask.
Traveling with an unlocked iPhone
Once unlocked, your iPhone accepts local SIM cards almost anywhere, which is usually far cheaper than an international roaming plan. Buy a prepaid SIM at your destination's airport or a local shop, and keep your home SIM safe somewhere you won't lose it — you'll swap back when you return.
If you're not unlocked yet
Start with our carrier-specific unlock guides to get the process moving before your trip, since some carriers take a week or more to approve a request.
Frequently asked questions
Does an unlocked iPhone sell for more money?
Yes. Unlocked iPhones typically sell faster and for more than locked ones because they work with any buyer's carrier of choice, not just the one they were sold with.
How do I check a used iPhone's unlock status before buying?
Ask the seller to check Settings > General > About for "No SIM restrictions" with you present, or check the IMEI directly using an IMEI status checker before you hand over any money.
Can I use my unlocked iPhone abroad without roaming charges?
Yes. Buy a local prepaid SIM card at your destination and insert it in place of your home SIM. This is usually far cheaper than international roaming rates.
Is an unlocked phone the same as a blacklisted phone?
No, and they're often confused. Unlocked means it accepts any carrier's SIM. Blacklisted means the IMEI has been flagged, usually for an unpaid balance or a lost/stolen report, and no carrier will provide service to it regardless of lock status.