Unlocking an iPhone has travelled a long way from 2007, when it often malfunctioned, to the present time, when it has become a smoother process.

When Apple introduced its iPhone series in 2007, they came locked to a single cell phone service carrier. There was a SIM lock on iPhone which restricted the use to AT&T services only. According to How Stuff Works, hackers found ways to circumvent this lock but it caused connectivity problems. In 2011, Apple expanded its iPhone to Verizon and Sprint. Later, it unveiled an unlocked model; however, a price chasm exists between a locked iPhone and an unlocked one.

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Here are a few tips to unlock an iPhone for a consumer who wants to use it on another carrier.

According to Apple's website, there are two main ways in which an iPhone can be unlocked. First, one's carrier has to process unlock request. Second, after the carrier unlocked the iPhone, one will need to back it up, erase and restore the phone's data and settings before using it to another carrier.

According to iPhone Hacks, unlocking from Vodafone will require users to fill out an online form. Unlocking shall be free for those who have subscribed for 12 months or more. For others, unlocking may come at a fee charge.

Tesco Mobile provides a code for unlocking; however, it is only provided to those users who have either completed their contract or subscribed with their service for 12 months.

iPhone Hacks mentions that for unlocking an EE phone, one has to fill up an online form. Those who have had an account for six months or more may get their iPhone unlocked within 20 days for fee.

It is best if a carrier officially unlocks one's iPhone, and depending upon one's carrier and their policy, this process may either be free or it may require a payment.  iPhone Hacks mention that if one is not eligible for an official unlock, one may opt for an IMEI unlock through a trusted service provider.