How Can I Unlock a SIM-Locked iPhone I Just Bought?

Before buying a used phone in the future, it's a good idea to check whether it's locked. Go to Settings > General > About, and look for "Carrier Lock." If it says "No SIM restrictions," it's unlocked. Also, there are some local repair shops that might offer unlocking services, but be careful with that.

Just a heads up, there might be lock reasons you have to consider. If it's tied to a specific Apple ID instead of a carrier, you'll have different steps to unlock it, so make sure you clarify that.

Sounds like you might have gotten scammed. If you didn't have any buyer protection when you made the purchase, and the carrier won’t help, your options are limited. You might have to activate a service plan with the carrier to use the phone, but make sure the phone isn't also activation locked or blacklisted first.

It might depend on which carrier the phone is locked to. Each one has different policies for unlocking. Some may require the phone to be completely paid off, while others might allow you to unlock it even if it's still financed. It's worth giving your carrier a call to find out.

Unfortunately, if the iPhone is locked, there's not much you can do without the seller. Your best bet is to contact the original carrier to see if they can unlock it for you. If that doesn't work, check out some reputable third-party services that specialize in unlocking phones.