iPhone carrier locked even with closed paid in full account- no help SOS

No longer have active cellular with AT&T- accounts paid in full. My phone is unlocked and I am using T-Mobile pay as you go. Both AT&T showed my sons IMEI is compatible and ready to use. I spent $75 on two eSIMs and plans still having issues with AT&T giving me a direct answer which is really frustrating because I paid $1220 to pay them off and our phones to be owned. Bill shows zero balance nothing owed and account closed. How can I get help here? I’ve submitted reports and done all I can do. $1350 later and still no answer. Mine works fine.


thank you

iPhone 13, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 5, 2025 10:54 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 5, 2025 11:01 PM

Paying off the phone doesn’t automatically unlock it, you need to submit a request to AT&T to do so. If you already did, can you confirm that it says “No SIM Restrictions” in Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock?


See How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier - Apple Support for more information.


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 5, 2025 11:01 PM in response to Thundertaker8

Paying off the phone doesn’t automatically unlock it, you need to submit a request to AT&T to do so. If you already did, can you confirm that it says “No SIM Restrictions” in Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock?


See How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier - Apple Support for more information.


Dec 5, 2025 11:11 PM in response to Thundertaker8

Carrier Lock:- Request your iPhone’s original Carrier to unlock your iPhone and if they agree and do it, then you may know the further process here --> How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier ...


To be able to use any SIM across the globe you must have "No SIM Restriction" against Network Provider Lock. Please refer to the pic below.




Carrier Lock:- Request your iPhone’s original Carrier to unlock your iPhone and if they agree and do it, then you may know the further process here --> How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier ...


Device Unlocking Policies | Verizon Privacy Policy


Unlock a Phone or Device - AT&T Device Unlock Portal


Unlocking your Sprint device - T-Mobile


FAQs about unlocking your Sprint device


Unlock Your Phone for Spectrum Mobile

iPhone carrier locked even with closed paid in full account- no help SOS

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