iPhone 6(S)/Plus How can I unlock an iPhone 6s on AT&T bought outright from Apple

[BrianLy]

I upgraded to an iPhone 8 Plus (also on AT&T), but kept my old iPhone as a backup. I don't seem to be able to activate it without a SIM from the device or iTunes on my MacBook Pro. I paid full price up front for the device so I own it fully.

Am I always going to need a SIM, or can my local Apple Store help me out? I only need to connect to Wifi for testing right now. Ideally I'd like to ensure it's unlocked so that I can use it with any carrier, if I'm traveling overseas.

TIA.

 

[Vermifuge]

You should be able to just pop any GSM sim in to activate and pop it out. It may require a GSM sim, as a CDMA sim from Verizon may not work. You will always get the 'no sim' warning as long as there is not sim in the tray.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Once you place the SIM in the phone and connect to iTunes, you may see a message come across the screen saying the phone is unlocked, or something similar. It has been a while since I have personally seen the message.

If you can place another activated carrier's SIM in the phone and make calls etc., it is unlocked.