A locked iPhone can be tedious especially if the user needs to switch SIMs. Fortunately, there is a way to know if the iPhone is locked or not. Knowing in advance can save users a lot of trouble.
1. Check with imei.info or other services
-Get the IMEI number by going to the settings app in the home screen, tap General > About. Scroll down, and then the user will see his or her 15 digit IMEI number. Another way to get the IMEI number is to dial *#06#, which will display your number on the screen.
-Go to a registry service like imei.info. Log in or create an account if the user does not have one yet.
-Enter your IMEI number in the entry field. Do not include any spaces in your 15 digit number. When IMEI number is entered, click "check."
-Check the status by clicking "free simlock and warranty check" at the bottom of the page. The system will then notify the user of the phone's status - whether it is unlocked, and what the state of the warranty is.
2. Try a different SIM card
-Shut down the phone by holding the power button until the phone displays "slide to power off" then turn off your phone.
-Locate the SIM card. The sim card can be found on the right side of your iPhone 5S. Eject the SIM card holder and remove the SIM card.
-Use another service provider's SIM card. Users can purchse a SIM card from a different carrier, or simply borrow a friend's SIM card as long as he or she is using a carrier different from yours.
-Try making a call or sending a text message, and if the call is successful, the phone is unlocked. If the call or message is not successful then the iPhone is locked.
3. Check carrier settings
-Head to the settings on the iPhone and look for the "Cellular" and "Carrier" tabs. If the user can find these tabs on the phone, it means that the carrier has given the user a SIM card, and has allowed the person to change your APN. This also means that the phone is unlocked.
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