A locked iPhone is not a bad thing. But, you are at a disadvantage since you are not able to switch your iPhone to another carrier. There are various methods of unlocking iPhone 7, yet the outstanding way remains to be IMEI method. This is because it is permanent and safe. Other methods will get your iPhone a relocked and voided warranty.
How to get your device unlocked
Before you unlock your iPhone, ensure that your iOS and iTunes are up to date. Back up the iPhone via iTunes. The device has to be active on the current network.
The IMEI method
Avoid all other unlocking websites and visit iPhoneimei.net to unlock your device. Below is a step by step procedure using IMEI method. Read this guide to unlock an iPhone 7:
1. Give the IMEI to the iPhoneimei.net website and place an order.
2. Insert the carrier SIM card in the locked iPhone.
3. Use a USB cable to connect the iPhone to the dock connector.
4. When your order is processed, you will receive a message. You will get this message in the email you entered when you placed the order. The message will state “Code: Unlocked, Done, or Ok”. Pull out the old SIM card and insert a new carrier SIM card. The new SIM card may be active or not.
5. From USB cable to the dock connector, connect the device to iTunes. iTunes will read the device.
6. Once detected, the device should be disconnected and then reconnected. This will happen after a quarter of a minute.
7. Your device is now unlocked. After a restore, you will receive a message on your iPhone. The message will state “Congratulation, your iPhone has been unlocked.”
You can use your iPhone with any SIM card now. There are other methods of unlocking your iPhone, but this is the best. The other methods are hardware unlocking and software unlocking.
Software unlocking
Software unlocking was useful in the days of iPhone 3G. It only works for iPhone 3 and older versions. It will not work for iPhone 4, 5, 6, and 7. Stay away from this method.
Hardware unlocking
Hardware unlocking can work, but it is risky. The use of this method entails the replacement of the hardware of your iPhone. It is dangerous and expensive. You will never have your warranty, and if it fails, your iPhone will have been exposed to dirt and dust.
These three methods can be used to unlock your device. But the safest is the IMEI method. No extra software is involved, and your warranty is not voided.