This article is accurate for iPhones 6/7/8/X/11
Apple is renowned for their superior security measures, specifically where it concerns iPhones and the various ways these devices can get locked. As such, iPhone users are constantly on the hunt for ways and means of unlocking their phones.
It is notoriously difficult to unlock an iPhone from Straight Talk and if you’re looking at a way to do this, you’re in for a long haul. However, don’t give up hope just yet, as we have found a couple of solutions that we think may be worth a shot.
This article takes a look at the solutions currently on the market that can unlock a Straight Talk iPhone. The solutions noted are compatible with the following devices should they have a clean IMEI record: iPhone 4/4S/5/5S/5C/6/6S/7/8/11/SE/X/XR/XS.
Before proceeding with the unlock process, double check that your device is locked to Straight Talk and that you have a clean IMEI status. You will not be able to unlock a device that has been blacklisted. Confirm your IMEI status with a reliable checker for iOS devices.
Unlocking Straight Talk iPhones via the Carrier
If you’re facing a Straight Talk lock problem, the best way forward is to directly contact the carrier. Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a look at the unlock policy of Straight Talk.
The Straight Talk iPhone unlock policy states four conditions that need to be complied with if users want to unlock an iPhone via them. These conditions are:
- The device in question must have been under Straight Talk activation for a minimum of 12 months.
- The iPhone cannot be stolen, reported as such, or connected to any illegal activity.
- You won’t face charges if you are a previous or current customer of Straight Talk
- If you are deployed or in the military, your unlock request will get accepted
If you are in accordance with the above mentioned conditions, then you’re all set! The following steps will guide you through unlocking your Straight Talk iPhone directly via the carrier.
How to Unlock a Straight Talk iPhone through the Carrier
This method is compatible with iPhone 5S/6/7/8/X/XR/XS/SE
- Visit the Straight Talk iPhone Unlock webpage.
- Submit the IMEI number and serial number of the locked device.
- Click on the “I’m not a robot” block.
- Click “Verify Eligibility”
- You should receive an alert that will tell you whether or not you’re eligible for the iPhone unlock.
Now, this sounds easy enough, but if we were to go by our own experience and past reviews, the unlock service of Straight Talk iPhone Unlock is unreliable and won’t get you anywhere. We highly recommend opting for an alternative solution.
Useful Alternatives that Actually Work
If you don’t want to go to all the trouble of requesting an unlock for your iPhone directly from the carrier, which is highly likely to be unsuccessful, we recommend the following three alternative solutions.
Unlocking a Straight Talk iPhone using Software
The first method we’d like to talk about is using software to unlock a Straight Talk iPhone. It might not be super reliable, but it is a possible alternative. The way in which it works is that it makes temporary changes on your device’s firmware that you can overwrite at a later stage.
It is of course preferable to unlock a device with software rather than hardware, but the best way will always be via IMEI unlocking – but more on that later.
The important thing to remember is that although software locking can work successfully, it is a temporary solution and not permanent. As soon as you upgrade the iOS version your device is running or perform a backup, the phone will get locked again. Additionally, because this service isn’t free, you’re also going to be faced with recurring costs.
So, opting for the software route is very similar to jailbreaking. It will be successful in restoring full functionality of the device but only up until the next installation of a new iOS version.
Pros of Software Unlocking
- Ability to unlock a Straight Talk iPhone and switch carriers
- A good first alternative when the initial Straight Talk unlock service doesn’t work
Cons of Software Unlocking
- Temporary solution that is only effective until the next iOS update when the device will be locked once more.
- Only compatible with older iPhone models (5S/6/SE)
Unlocking a Straight Talk iPhone Using Hardware
NB: This method carries a high risk
The hardware unlock method is one way of restoring your device’s functionality but it is a high risk effort. The reason for this is because when you use the hardware to unlock a Straight Talk iPhone, you’re making changes to the actual components of the device.
If you aren’t an expert in the workings of the hardware of an iPhone or if you or the person performing the unlock process isn’t very careful, you run the risk of causing irreparable damage to the device which will of course render it useless.
Pros of Hardware Unlocking
- Although difficult to confirm a 100% success rate, it is an alternative method of unlocking a Straight Talk iPhone
Cons of Hardware Unlocking
There are several different ways of performing a hardware unlock, but all methods carry the following risks, disadvantages and warnings.
- If you interfere with the hardware of the device, you immediately void your warranty
- There is always the risk of breaking or irreparably damaging the device no matter your skill level.
- Nobody except professional Apple technicians are qualified to make adjustments to the hardware of any iPhone or iOS device.
- Only compatible with Straight Talk iPhone 5S/6/SE
Although this method may seem effective on paper, there is no sugar-coating the risk. If you want to unlock a Straight Talk iPhone for the purpose of selling it second-hand, you should opt for an alternative solution.
Best Alternative: Straight Talk iPhone Unlock Service Using the IMEI
If you are looking to unlock a Straight Talk iPhone, your best bet is using an IMEI unlocking service.
The way in which IMEI unlocking differs from going the software or hardware route is that the service directly communicates with the servers of your carrier and Apple itself. Regardless of the model of your device, the iOS version its running or the carrier you’re using, IMEI unlocking is your best bet. It will work on any iPhone.
The IMEI unlock process actually whitelists the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of your device. What this does is that your IMEI number is then exempted from IMEI checks from both Apple and your carrier. This process eliminates the SIM lock that has been palced on your device.
This solution is generally offered as an online service by professionals who charge a small fee to complete the process. It is not risky and the only thing you need to do is submit a few basic details regarding your device, make the payment and let them do the rest.
Pros of IMEI Unlocking
- Offers a permanent unlock service for Straight Talk iPhones
- Compatible with any iPhone model
- Will not damage or break your device
- Verified and reliable as a highly successful solution
Cons of IMEI Unlocking
- Delivery time of 1 – 3 days for unlock to be completed
Best IMEI Unlock Services for Straight Talk iPhones
Now that we know that the IMEI unlocking method is the best one for Straight Talk iPhones, we’d like to recommend two reliable websites that offer verified Straight Talk iPhone unlock services.
DirectUnlocks
One of the best services for performing a Straight Talk iPhone unlock is called DirectUnlocks. Their service is straightforward for all involved and easy to use.
Best Features of DirectUnlocks
- Compatible with most iPhone models including the most recent versions and several older ones
- Once your order is placed, you can track its progress
- Ability to unlock iPhones on several carriers around the world
- You only need to submit your IMEI number, carrier and country for the progress to start
- More than 1000 good reviews verifying the efficacy of the service
- Full refund guaranteed if your iPhone cannot be successfully unlocked
The cost of the service differs between locations, but overall it’s very reasonable. The only thing you need to do is have patience and wait a few days for the DirectUnlocks experts to unlock you device.
How to Unlock a Straight Talk iPhone 6/7/8/X/11 with DirectUnlocks
The following steps were used to unlock an iPhone 6 with DirectUnlocks’ Straight Talk iPhone Unlock Service, but the process is the same for any other iPhone model.
- Visit the DirectUnlocks Straight Talk iPhone Unlock website.
- Choose the model of your device and your country.
- Submit your IMEI number.
- Click “Continue”
- Complete payment and enter your email address where the confirmation email will be sent.
Once the payment has been made, you can track the progress of your order with your IMEI number and your Straight Talk iPhone 6 will be unlocked in the span of 24 hours.
ExpressUnlocks
A second alternative solution is ExpressUnlocks which can also successfully use IMEI to unlock your Straight Talk iPhone.
Best Features of ExpressUnlocks
- Compatible with iPhones on most carriers across the world
- Rapid process
- Simple and easy to use – no expert skills required
- Offers a permanent unlock service
- Help service available 24/7 for any queries or problems you may encounter with ExpressUnlocks
- If your device cannot be successfully unlocked using ExpressUnlocks, you are eligible for a refund
The ExpressUnlocks website also has several other services on offer which are generally useful to iPhone users. If you are in another country, you can top up the credit on your device as well as purchase SIM cards. You can also get a free report on your IMEI status.
So, not only does ExpressUnlocks assist in the helpful manner of IMEI unlocking your device, but they can help you in a variety of other ways as well.
The Verdict
In conclusion, you now know that it’s completely possible to unlock your Straight Talk iPhone as well as remove the limitations imposed by the carrier from your phone. We can also confidently report that IMEI unlocking is definitely the way to go, and the two recommended websites above – Direct Unlocks and Express Unlocks – should help you do this in no time at all.
Nevertheless, if the IMEI unlock doesn’t provide the required results, you can still go the software or hardware unlock route – just be aware of the risks.
