In 2024, Tips And Tricks To Tell if Your Apple iPhone 12 mini Is Unlocked

Tips And Tricks To Tell if Your Apple iPhone 12 mini Is Unlocked

Are you wondering how to confirm if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked? Many iPhones are locked to a specific network. It limits their usability and can even decrease their value for a potential buyer.

The article explores how you can tell if an iPhone is unlocked. A few methods exist to verify, ranging from checking settings to inserting a different SIM card. Let’s dive into the steps to check to see if the Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked. Ensure you’re getting the most out of your device. Explore the page to learn more.

Part I. 4 Ways To Check if Apple iPhone 12 mini Is Unlocked

Are you unsure whether your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked or not? Here are four different methods to check to see if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked.

Way 1: Check if Your Apple iPhone 12 mini Is Unlocked in Settings

The first method involves checking your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s settings to see if it’s unlocked. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Scroll down and tap on General >About.

Step 2: Look for an option labeled Carrier Lock. It should say No SIM Restrictions. If it displays a different info, then your Apple iPhone 12 mini is locked.

Way 2: Check if Your Apple iPhone 12 mini Is Unlocked Using a Different SIM Card

Another way to check to see if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked is using a different SIM card. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Power off your Apple iPhone 12 mini by pressing and holding the power button. Use a SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to remove your current SIM card.

Step 2: Insert a SIM card from another carrier into the SIM card tray. Power on your Apple iPhone 12 mini and wait for it to detect the new SIM card. Your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked if you can make calls or access mobile data with the new SIM card.

Way 3: Check if Your Apple iPhone 12 mini Is Unlocked Online

You can also check to see if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked using online tools provided by some carriers or third-party services. Follow the steps:

Step 1: Visit your carrier’s website or a reputable third-party unlocking service.
Step 2: Enter your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s IMEI number, which you can find by dialing *#06# or in the Settings app under General > About. Follow the instructions provided to check your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s unlock status.

Way 4: Contact Your Carrier

You can always contact your carrier if you’re still unsure about your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s unlock status. Here’s what you should do:

Step 1: Locate the customer support number for your carrier or visit their website.
Step 2: Call the customer support line or initiate a live chat session. Provide your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s IMEI number and ask the representative to check if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked.

By following these four methods, you can verify if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked or not.

Part 2. Is It Safe or Legal To Unlock Your Apple iPhone 12 mini?

Unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 mini is both safe and legal. This is due to laws such as the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act.

The Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act

This legislation, passed in 2014, legalized unlocking cell phones, including iPhones, in the United States. It enables consumers to unlock their devices to switch between carriers or use international SIM cards. The Act reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the importance of consumer rights and competition in the wireless industry.

Promoting C onsumer Rights

Unlocking iPhones aligns with fundamental consumer rights, including the right to choose how to use one’s purchased device. By allowing users to unlock their iPhones, consumers have greater control over their devices. They can make informed choices about their wireless service providers.

Encouraging Device Versatility

Unlocking iPhones encourages device versatility by using them with various carriers. Users can take advantage of better coverage, pricing, or features without being restricted by carrier locks.

Part 3. How To Unlock an iPhone To Use a Different Carrier

Unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 mini to use it with a different carrier opens up a world of possibilities. There are several methods to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Here are three popular methods:

Method 1: Contact Your Carrier

The simplest way to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini is by contacting your carrier. Most carriers offer unlocking services if you’ve fulfilled your contract or paid off your device. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Call your carrier’s customer service or visit their website. Request an unlock for your Apple iPhone 12 mini.
Step 2: Provide the necessary information, such as your IMEI number. Follow any additional instructions provided by your carrier.

Method 2: Use a Dedicated iPhone Unlock Tool

Another effective method is using a dedicated iPhone unlock tool like Wondershare Dr.Fone . This software offers a straightforward solution to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini so you can use it with any carrier. Here are the key strengths of the platform:

Unlock the SIM lock on any iPhone and any carrier. Dr.Fone supports unlocking SIM locks on various iPhone models and works with all carriers worldwide.
**Compatible with the latest iOS.**It stays updated with the latest iOS versions, ensuring compatibility with the newest iPhone models.
**High-success rate.**Fone boasts a high success rate in unlocking iPhones, making it a reliable choice for users.

How To Unlock an iPhone Using Dr.Fone

Now, let’s walk through the steps of using Dr.Fone to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini:

Step 1: Download Dr.Fone and install it on your computer. Launch the application. Click Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS to start the process. From the next window, click on the Remove SIM Locked option.

Step 2: You will be redirected to another window. Follow the on-screen instructions and click on Unlock Now. Once clicked, a bar will display on the interface, showing the progress of the unlocking process.

Step 3: Wait for the unlocking process to finish. Click the Done button when the app has successfully removed the SIM lock. If you encounter any issues, click the contact us for help button to get redirected to support.

Method 3: Use an Online Carrier Unlocking Service

While many online carrier unlocking services are available, they come with advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Wide compatibility. Online services often support a wide range of iPhone models and carriers.
You can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini from the comfort of your home without additional software or tools.
Speed. Some online services offer fast turnaround times, allowing you to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini quickly.

Disadvantages

Reliability concerns. Not all online services are reliable, and there’s a risk of encountering scams or unreliable providers.
Security risk. Sharing your IMEI number and other personal information with online services can pose a security risk.
**Limited success rate.**Some online services may not be able to unlock all iPhone models or carriers, leading to a limited success rate.

Conclusion

Knowing how to tell if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked is essential for maximizing its potential. The article discussed various methods to verify its unlock status. These include checking settings, using different SIM cards, and contacting your carrier. It has also explored three methods to unlock iPhones.

All methods work with varying degrees of success, but Dr.Fone is the most reliable option. With Dr. Fone’s high success rate, you can easily unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. If you’ve Googled the question “**How can I tell if my iPhone is unlocked,**” Dr.Fone ensures your Apple iPhone 12 mini is ready for any carrier.

Tips: Are you searching for a powerful Screen Unlock tool? No worries as Dr.Fone is here to help you. Download it and start a seamless unlock experience!

How To Unlock The Apple iPhone 12 mini SIM Lock: 4 Easy Methods

Is your Apple iPhone 12 mini locked to a specific carrier? Losing a complete hold of your Apple iPhone 12 mini is very frustrating. You can’t use a SIM card from a different network. Keep calm because you have the chance to learn about the tools you can use to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

In this article, we’ll talk about the two ways to find out if your phone is SIM-locked and four ways to unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini, including Software that can quickly unlock your phone by following a few simple steps. After you read this article, the carrier options are much more available.

How to Check the SIM Lock Status on Apple iPhone 12 mini

Check the “Network Provider Lock”

Before you go for a solution to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini, you should first know the nature of the lock on your device. So, you should check the lock following the methods below.

Check it via “Carrier Lock” in “Settings.”

Go to Settings > General > About.

Apple has added a new section to iOS 14 called Network Provider Lock that immediately tells you the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s status.

Scroll down until it immediately tells you the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s status section. “No SIM restrictions” should appear on the screen if the Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked. Seeing something else means that the Apple iPhone 12 mini is locked.

Try a SIM card from another carrier

Follow the steps below:

Switch off your Apple iPhone 12 mini
Open the SIM Tray with a straight pin and take out the SIM card.
Put the SIM card from a different provider into the iPhone’s sim card slot. Put the tray back where it belongs.
Turn on the iPhone.
Call any phone number that works. Your Apple iPhone 12 mini is locked if you get an error message. If you can make the call and connect, your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked.

What are the prerequisites for an Apple iPhone 12 mini SIM lock?

(Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile as example)

How to unlock the Apple iPhone 12 mini locked by Verizon

To prevent theft and other types of fraud, Verizon locks new devices to only work on the Verizon network. The company has different rules for unlocking prepaid and post-pay devices, as well as special rules for people in the military who are distributed.

“Unlocking” a device means turning off Software that would stop a customer from trying to use a device made for one carrier’s network on another carrier’s network. Due to different technologies, a Verizon Wireless device that has been unlocked may only work partially on another carrier’s network.

Verizon’s Policy for unlocking Post-pay devices

If you buy a phone from Verizon, it will be locked for 60 days after you buy it. If you buy a device from one of their authorized retailers, it will be locked for 60 days after it is activated.

After 60 days, the lock will be taken off itself unless the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is found to be stolen or was bought through fraud. After 60 days, their phones are never locked again.

Unlocking Verizon’s Prepaid Device

After activation, devices you buy from Verizon and some devices you buy from one of their authorized retailers are locked for 60 days. After 60 days, the lock will be taken off itself unless the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is found to be stolen or was bought through fraud. After the first 60 days, their phones are locked, but after that, they never lock them again.

Military Personnel Placement Unlocking Policy

If you are in the military and a Verizon Wireless customer, in case, you get orders to move outside of the Verizon Coverage Area. The company will unlock your device and stop your service if you ask, even if it has only been 60 days since you bought it.

How to unlock the Apple iPhone 12 mini locked by AT&T

First, you should know that AT&T customers can only unlock a certain number of devices yearly. If a customer’s account is in good shape, they can unlock up to five devices per account per year. You can find out how to unlock an AT&T device and if you meet the requirements on the AT&T support page.

AT&T Unlocking security question

The person’s full name as it appears on the account
The account holder’s last four digits of their social security number
The AT&T passcode of the person whose name is on the account if that person has an online account.

How to unlock the Apple iPhone 12 mini locked by T-Mobile

T-Mobile has set up several requirements that must be met for an unlock request to be processed.

The device has to be paid off in full, and the account has to be in good shape.
In the past year, less than two SIM unlock codes have been
The device had been connected to the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days before someone asked for it to be unlocked.
You have a service contract and have paid for at least 18 months in a row, or you paid a fee for moving. There are a few special situations that Customer Service can tell you more about if you need to.
The phone must have at least $50 worth of recharges paid for on prepaid plans.
If you meet the above requirements, you can call T-customer Mobile’s service at 611 from the Apple iPhone 12 mini 11 or 12 you want to unlock and ask them to unlock it.

When you call, make sure you have ALL of the following:

The phone number of the main account holder
Account Password
The last four digits of the account holder’s SSN.
The IMEI number. Find it by going to Settings > General > About or pressing *#06#.

DoctorSIM

DoctorSIM has services that can be used to unlock a cell phone. This site lets you unlock phones from many brands, not just Apple. The services they provide make most of their customers very happy.

So, this site has been able to gain customers’ trust by providing excellent unlocking services. Many happy customers have given this site a 4.7 rating on the Trust pilot. The price of these devices depends on the brand and model. However, they have some pros and cons.

Pros & Cons

Pros

It can unlock almost all brands, including Apple, even some that aren’t as well-known.
A powerful and effective tool that can unlock 99% of all phones.

Cons

It can take up to seven days to unlock a device.
Some reviews say that the service from DoctorSIM doesn’t work.

Contact your carrier to unlock it with the IMEI code

When a customer deals an agreement with a large cell phone company for a certain amount of time, they usually get a discount on a device. Because of this, the Apple iPhone 12 mini device has a controller lock, so customers can only use it on their network. You can leave without paying anything if your contract with the company is over. Before you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini, you have to do the following:

First, it has to be legal. It means the Apple iPhone 12 mini device has not been reported as lost, stolen, or linked to a crime.

Then your bank account shouldn’t have any debts. If you signed a contract in exchange for a lower price upfront, you would have to wait until your contract was up (usually 24 months) or pay the remaining balance if you bought your phone on a payment plan. Each company has its way of unlocking.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

You have read the part about some ways to remove the SIM lock from Apple iPhone 12 mini. If they are too complicated, you have another chance. Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock provides a direct method to unlock your SIM card.

Step1: First of all, Download and install the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Step2: In the main interface of Dr.Fone, please go for “Screen Unlock.”

Step3: Tap “Remove SIM Locked” in the following box to unlock your device’s network.

Step4: Tap “Start” as the beginning when your iOS device is prepared to be SIM unlocked.

Step5: When the Apple iPhone 12 mini is connected, the software detects it and displays a list of details. Verify all shown parts are in place before clicking “Unlock Now.”

Step6: Jailbreaking your Apple iPhone 12 mini is required before proceeding with the process. This approach is compatible with iPhones 5S and up running iOS versions 12.0 to 14.8.1. Therefore, in order to learn about technology, you must either read the manual or watch the video.

Step7: This step needs you to manipulate your SIM card and your network. Please be careful about the adjustment of all network settings.

Step8: You can put your phone down now. The rest part is automatic.

Step9: The device can now be used without any limitations imposed by the SIM carrier because it has been unlocked. To unlock the SIM card on your iOS device, tap the “Done” button.

The Bottom Line

So, these are the ways to find out if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is locked and the four ways to unlock it if it is. You can get your Apple iPhone 12 mini unlocked by calling your carrier. This is the official way to get rid of restrictions. If you don’t want to use this method, you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini using some online websites.

But Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is one of the most trustworthy and easy-to-use programs that lets you unlock your device by taking a few simple steps.

How to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini Online? Here are 6 Easy Ways

Are you having trouble with your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s SIM lock and can’t use any other network’s SIM card? You don’t have to worry because you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini with many online services. Some offer real solutions, while others need us to be more careful. You should learn as much as possible about the service you want to get to save money and time and find a real solution.

In this article, I’ll tell you about the 6 websites you can use to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini online. We’ll look at what they offer and how reliable they are. This article will help you find the right way to unlock your phone.

Apple iPhone Unlock

This website claims to offer services for unlocking iPhone and iPad devices. But after some research, I realized that this website has many negative customer reviews. This shows that this site could be more reliable. So, if you consider using their services to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini, please confirm its availability.

Rating from Trustpilot	3.8
User Reviews	Most of the customers said it was a scam.
Pricing Plans	Starting from £19.99
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: up to iOS 16

Pros:

The remote unlocking
The permanent unlocking

Cons:

Hard to ensure its unlocking efficiency

iPhoneIMEI

This site offers iPhone IMEI unlocking services. This is an online service in which you must pay them in advance with your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s IMEI number. Then they will provide you with the solution. However, there are mixed reviews about this site. Some customers called its SIM card activation service very good, while others complained about its services.

Rating from Trustpilot	3.2
User Reviews	Mixed reviews
Pricing Plans	Unlock service for 19$ or 29$
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: up to iOS 16

Pros:

No need to jailbreak
Easy to manipulate

Cons:

Time-consuming
More expensive than other websites

DoctorsSIM

DoctorsSIM offers services for unlocking a cell phone. Apart from Apple, this site also offers the facility to unlock phones of many brands. Most of the customers are very happy with their services. So, this site has been able to win customers’ trust by delivering top-notch unlocking services.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.7
User Reviews	A lot of positive reviews
Pricing Plans	Depend upon the model of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device.
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: up to iOS 16

Pros:

It supports unlocking almost all brands and some less well-known brands.
A strong and effective tool that can unlock all phones with a 99% success rate.

Cons:

device unlock can take up to seven days.

Unlock Phone SIM

This site says it can help you unlock your phone from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and many more. They say their service can unlock all iPhone, iPad, and watch models.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.2
User Reviews	Mixed reviews: some people appreciated their services while some said: it is a scam.
Pricing Plans	Depending on the model of your device, the price to unlock iCloud ranges from $175 to $301. From $24.00, you can pre-order a service to check your suitability.
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: up to iOS 16

Pros:

This service has a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot.

Cons:

A large number of negative reviews.

Cellunlocker

On the Cellunlocker website, you can purchase unlock codes and services for locked mobiles. If your Apple iPhone 12 mini is locked to a carrier or your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s activation lock is turned on, this website may assist you in removing those locks.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.6
User Reviews	They are legit and have a remarkable number of satisfied customers.
Pricing Plans	Depend on the model of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device.
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: upto iOS 16

Pros:

Structures for ordering and paying are made much easier.
Customers from more than 180 countries are served.
The website is easy for anyone to use.
The unlock codes they give are correct 95.5% of the time.

Cons:

It can’t unlock phones bought in the USA after January 2013.
The refund rules are strict; they may even ask you to send a video of the unlocking procedure as evidence.

Official SIM Unlock

Official Sim Unlock is an online unlocking service. The company claims to provide you with unlocking solutions using the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s IMEI code and then using it with a new sim card. But, when I researched in detail if found that this company sometimes offers failed service.

Rating from Trustpilot	3.7
User Reviews	Negative
Pricing Plans	They demand the money according to the brand and model of device
Supported iOS Versions	Company claims to support all versions: up to iOS 16

Pros:

Remote unlocking service
Fast unlocking process

Cons:

Not all carriers are supported

Bonus Tips: Easy App for iPhone SIM Unlock

Dr.Fone is a tool that can fix Android and iOS problems with more than 10 features. To remove the SIM lock on iPhone, Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock is a strongly recommended option in the market now.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Step1: Download Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) on your computer.

Step2: Install Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer, and then run it. Select “Screen Unlock”

Step3: Choose “Remove SIM Locked” in the next window if you want to remove the network lock on your device.

Step4: Tap “Start,” and Dr.Fone will lead you to remove the SIM lock on your device.

Step5: When Dr.Fone detects your connected device, it will show you all information. Please confirm if they are correct, and click “Unlock Now” with all right details.

Step6: Jailbreak is a key step for the next steps. Don’t panic, Dr.Fone gives you a jailbreak guide and a video tutorial to help you to finish this step.

Step7: Next, please go with the indications below for your SIM card and network settings. If the 3 steps are correctly finished, click “Continue” to go to the new image.

Step8: This step is completely automatic. You only need to wait for a phone to support the SIM card you like.

Step9: Now that the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is unlocked, the SIM carrier has no more control over it. Tap “Done” to free up the SIM card.

How to Check iPhone SIM Lock Status?

Before you try any other solution, you should check the nature of the Lock on your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Once you know the problem, you can move on to the right solution.

1. Contact your service provider

Well, this is not a quick solution. You must contact your service provider to determine the sim lock status. Generally, you have to submit a request to the company and the IMEI number. The company will later inform you about the Sim lock status of your Apple iPhone 12 mini through E-mail or any other channel.

2. Check it via “Carrier Lock” in “Settings.”

Navigate to Settings > General > About.

Apple has added a new Network Provider Lock section to iOS 14 that immediately tells you the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s status.

Scroll down to find the section called “Network Provider Lock.” If the Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked, it should say “No SIM restrictions” on the screen. If you see something different, it means the Apple iPhone 12 mini is locked.

3. Check it via your IMEI code

If you know the IMEI number of your Apple iPhone 12 mini, you can get one of those online IMEI-checking tools to see if the phone it belongs to is locked. Most of these services ask for money, which is a problem but generally, they ask for a very minimal amount.

Conclusion

So, these were the ways to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini online. Knowing about online unlocking services, you must have realized that you should trust them sparingly. Instead, you should go for a real solution. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is the best way to unlock iPhones locked to a carrier (iOS). If you don’t want to contact your carrier, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock can open any SIM-lock. This software works with iOS 12.0 to iOS 14.8.1 on iPhone 5S to iPhone X.