Unlocking your iPhone 13 Pro Max is simple once you know the rules. The short version: only the carrier that locked your phone can remove that lock, and once they do, Apple’s servers apply the change. After that, you can pop in a new SIM or add an eSIM and use the phone on any compatible network at home or abroad.
This guide explains everything in plain language: how to check if your phone is already unlocked, what each major U.S. carrier requires (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, UScellular, Cricket, and TracFone brands), how to finish the unlock on your iPhone, and how to avoid common roadblocks like blacklists and unpaid balances. You’ll also find buying tips for second-hand devices and an easy checklist for travel eSIMs on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Key Takeaways
- Only your carrier can unlock the iPhone; Apple can’t do it directly.
- Requirements vary Verizon 60 days, AT&T up to 60 days (postpaid) 6 months (prepaid), T-Mobile 40 days, UScellular 120 days, Cricket 6 months, TracFone brands 60 days.
- After approval, finish on the phone restart, insert a new SIM or add an eSIM, and confirm No SIM restrictions in Settings.
- Unlocked does not mean everything works everywhere—features can vary by carrier and band support.
What “unlocked” really means
An unlocked iPhone is not tied to one network. It accepts any compatible SIM or eSIM profile. This is different from your passcode or SIM PIN. The network lock lives in carrier systems; Apple doesn’t remove it—your current carrier does.
Also keep in mind: unlocking doesn’t promise every feature works on every network (for example, certain 5G bands or Wi-Fi calling on smaller carriers). Carriers themselves warn that an unlocked device may not support all functions on another network due to technical differences.
Check if your iPhone 13 Pro Max is already unlocked
Before doing anything else, check the phone itself.
- On the iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About and look at Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, your phone is already unlocked. If it shows a restriction, it’s still locked.
- Find your IMEI (you’ll need it later): On the same About screen, scroll to IMEI and EID (for eSIM). You can copy these numbers by long-pressing them.
Tip: You can also dial *#06# to display IMEI, but using Settings > General > About is the most reliable method.
Quick compatibility snapshot for iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Dual SIM: The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports Dual SIM—you can run two lines at once. It works with one physical nano-SIM + one eSIM or two eSIMs. That’s great for travel or separating work and personal numbers.
- Bands & features: Even unlocked, performance depends on the other network’s bands and features. Some carriers may not support every 5G band or feature the same way. Carriers themselves note that unlocking is not a guarantee of full functionality everywhere.
What you need before you ask for an unlock
1) Your account must be in good shape. Most carriers require the device to be active for a certain number of days and fully paid off (no overdue bills). See carrier-by-carrier rules below.
2) The phone can’t be blacklisted. Devices reported lost, stolen, or fraud-related are placed on industry block lists. If the IMEI is on the GSMA Device Registry, carriers can block it on their networks. Check a used phone at the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker before you buy.
3) You must work with the carrier that locked the phone. Apple doesn’t unlock iPhones; the lock is removed by your current/original carrier and then applied on Apple’s activation servers.
📖 Also Read: How to Unlock iPhone 12 Pro Max for Any Carrier
The rules (and exact steps) for major U.S. carriers
Below are current high-level requirements. Policies can change, so always check the official page we link to for your carrier.
Verizon (postpaid and prepaid)
- Rule: Phones are locked for 60 days after activation/purchase. Verizon automatically unlocks afterward unless the device is flagged as stolen or fraud-related.
- What to do: If it’s been more than 60 days and the iPhone 13 Pro Max still shows a lock, contact Verizon support and ask them to push the unlock. They can verify the line met the time and usage requirements and trigger the server update.
AT&T (postpaid and AT&T Prepaid)
- Rule (postpaid): Device usually must be paid in full and active for a minimum period (commonly 60 days for new accounts/paid-in-full devices).
- Rule (AT&T Prepaid): Requires six months of paid service before unlocking.
- How to unlock: Use the public AT&T Device Unlock portal to submit your IMEI—works for current customers and non-customers (for example, if you bought the phone used).
T-Mobile (includes most former Sprint accounts)
- Rule: iPhone must be active on T-Mobile for at least 40 days on the line requesting unlock; it must be paid in full; canceled accounts must show a $0 balance.
- What to do: Once you meet the requirements, contact T-Mobile (chat, call, or in-store) and request an unlock. They submit it to Apple’s servers; you finish the steps on your iPhone afterward.
UScellular
- Rule: 120-day lock for iPhones (postpaid and prepaid). After that, automatic unlock as long as the account is in good standing and the device has been active at least 120 days. UScellular notes that unlocked doesn’t promise every feature on other networks.
- What to do: If 120 days have passed and it isn’t unlocked yet, contact UScellular care to push the unlock.
Cricket Wireless (AT&T network)
- Rule: Six months of paid service on Cricket before the phone is eligible to unlock. Deployed military can request an exception with documentation.
- What to do: Start with Cricket support (chat/call). For iPhones, the unlock is processed in the background and applied via Apple servers; you’ll complete the steps on the phone.
TracFone brands (TracFone, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, etc.)
- Rule: For devices activated on the Verizon network on/after Nov 23, 2021, the phone unlocks automatically after 60 days of paid service unless flagged for fraud—same basic timing as Verizon proper.
📖 Also Read: Activate a Verizon Unlocked Phone & APN Settings
How to finish the unlock on your iPhone 13 Pro Max
Once your carrier approves the unlock, it may take a short time for Apple’s activation servers to register it. Then:
- Restart the iPhone while connected to Wi-Fi or cellular.
- Insert a new SIM (or keep the old SIM and add a new eSIM line).
- If you see No SIM restrictions under Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock, you’re done. If you still see a lock message, contact your carrier to re-push the unlock.
eSIM and Dual SIM tips (travel and second lines)
Your iPhone 13 Pro Max can store multiple eSIMs and use two lines at once (two eSIMs, or a physical SIM plus an eSIM). That makes it perfect for travel eSIM data while keeping your home number active. Add a plan via Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (or “Add Cellular Plan”).
Because Dual SIM depends on network features and bands, test calls, SMS, and data on both lines after you unlock. Some carriers support 5G on both lines; others limit 5G to the primary line. As always, the unlocked state doesn’t guarantee every feature on every network.
Common reasons an unlock request fails (and how to fix them)
The phone is blacklisted. If it was reported lost/stolen or involved in fraud, carriers use shared databases to block it. You cannot “code-unlock” a blacklisted phone for cellular use. Ask the original owner to remove the report if it was made in error, and verify status with the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker.
There’s an unpaid balance or active installment. Most carriers require the device to be paid off and the account to be in good standing before unlocking. See each carrier’s policy above.
You’re asking the wrong carrier. Only the carrier that locked the iPhone can unlock it. If you bought it used, you may need the original carrier to process the request (AT&T even allows non-customers to submit via its portal).
It’s simply too soon. Many policies are time-based (40, 60, 120, or 180 days). Check your activation date and service history, then re-apply when you meet the requirement.
📖 Also Read: Affordable IMEI Unlock Services in the U.S. (Worth It or Risky?)
Buying a second-hand iPhone 13 Pro Max? Do this first.
When you’re shopping used, a few quick checks can save you headaches later.
- Check Carrier Lock on the device (Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock). You want No SIM restrictions.
- Check the IMEI on the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker to be sure the phone isn’t blocked. Ask the seller for the IMEI and proof of purchase.
- Confirm the original carrier and whether the phone is paid off. If it’s financed and the seller stops paying, some carriers can later restrict it, even if it’s unlocked today.
- Test with your SIM or eSIM at meetup time to make sure calls, SMS, and data work.
Step-by-step: Unlock with each carrier (practical walkthroughs)
Verizon walkthrough
- Verify it’s been 60+ days since activation/purchase.
- Restart the phone on Wi-Fi; check Carrier Lock again.
- Still shows a lock? Contact Verizon and ask them to re-push the unlock to Apple servers. Have your IMEI ready.
AT&T walkthrough (portal)
- Gather your IMEI from Settings > General > About.
- Visit the AT&T Device Unlock site and submit the request (customers and non-customers).
- Meet the time rules: 60 days for many paid-in-full postpaid cases; 6 months for AT&T Prepaid. Watch your email for the approval note.
T-Mobile walkthrough
- Confirm 40+ days of active service on the line requesting the unlock and that the device is paid in full. Accounts must be in good standing.
- Contact T-Mobile support to submit the unlock.
- Restart the phone; insert a different SIM or add an eSIM to confirm the unlock.
UScellular walkthrough
- Wait the 120-day period (postpaid and prepaid).
- If the iPhone doesn’t unlock automatically after that, contact UScellular to push it.
- Remember: features on other carriers may vary even after unlock.
Cricket Wireless walkthrough
- Ensure six months of paid Cricket service have elapsed, or request a military exception with deployment papers.
- Contact Cricket support to have the unlock applied to Apple’s servers.
- Restart with a different SIM or add an eSIM to verify.
TracFone brands (on Verizon)
- For devices activated Nov 23, 2021 or later on Verizon’s network, wait 60 days of paid service.
- If not unlocked automatically after 60 days, contact TracFone brand support to push it.
After the unlock: set up your new carrier
- Physical SIM: Insert the new carrier’s nano-SIM and follow the on-screen steps.
- eSIM: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan the QR or use the carrier app. The iPhone 13 line supports two active eSIMs or one eSIM plus one physical SIM.
- Test: Place a call, send/receive SMS, and run a quick data test.
If you see SIM Not Supported after an approved unlock, ask the carrier to re-push the unlock to Apple’s servers while your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
Smart travel: use a local eSIM and keep your main number
For trips, add a local data eSIM so you keep your U.S. number for iMessage and calls on the primary line while using cheaper local data on the secondary line. The 13 Pro Max handles two active lines smoothly; switch the Default Voice Line and Cellular Data line in Settings > Cellular as needed.
Troubleshooting quick fixes
“SIM Not Supported” after approval
Connect to Wi-Fi, restart, and try inserting the new SIM or adding the eSIM again. Ask your carrier to re-push the unlock to Apple if needed.
No service on the new carrier
Confirm your plan is active, toggle Airplane Mode, then Reset Network Settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset). If you still have trouble, ask the carrier to reprovision your line or check band support.
Stuck because the phone is blacklisted
If CTIA’s tool shows lost/stolen, only the reporting carrier/owner can clear it. Avoid third-party “blacklist removal” promises.
FAQs
Can Apple unlock my iPhone?
No. Only your carrier can remove the lock; Apple applies the change on its activation servers after the carrier approves it.
Is the unlock permanent?
Yes—carrier unlocks are permanent. However, a device reported lost/stolen can be blocked from cellular networks later via industry databases.
How long does it take?
Once you meet the carrier’s rules (40/60/120/180 days, paid off, good standing), many unlocks are automatic or finish shortly after approval. Exact timing varies by carrier.
Can I unlock with an outstanding balance?
Usually no. Carriers generally require the device to be paid in full before unlocking. See your carrier’s policy.
Will every feature work after I switch?
Not always. An unlocked phone may not support all network features on another carrier due to band and feature differences. Test after switching.
