Plain-language definitions

Phone & Mobile Glossary

Understand mobile-device, carrier, SIM, network and security terminology without confusing carrier unlocking with account or anti-theft protection.

5

5GA family of newer cellular network technologies.

A

APNCarrier settings that tell a phone how to reach mobile data and messaging services.Activation LockApple's anti-theft protection tied to the owner's Apple Account.

B

BlacklistA carrier database status that can restrict a device reported lost, stolen or otherwise ineligible.BootloaderLow-level software that starts the operating system.Battery HealthAn estimate of a battery's condition and capacity compared with when new.Battery CycleUse equal to 100 percent of battery capacity, accumulated across one or more charges.

C

Carrier LockA software restriction that limits a phone to a carrier's network.Carrier UnlockedA phone whose original carrier restriction has been removed.

D

Dual SIMThe ability to keep two cellular lines on one compatible phone.

E

EIDA unique identifier for a phone's embedded SIM hardware.

F

Factory UnlockedA phone sold without a carrier network restriction.Factory Reset ProtectionAndroid anti-theft protection that can require a previously synced Google Account after reset.Factory ResetA destructive reset that erases local accounts, apps, files and settings.Fast ChargingCharging above a device's basic power rate using compatible hardware.

H

HotspotA feature that shares a phone's mobile-data connection with other devices.

I

IMEIA 15-digit identifier assigned to mobile equipment.ICCIDThe identifier assigned to a physical SIM or eSIM profile.

L

LTEA widely used fourth-generation cellular network technology.LightningApple's reversible connector used on many earlier iPhone models and accessories.

M

MEIDA device identifier historically used on some CDMA networks.

N

Network LockAnother term commonly used for a carrier SIM restriction.NFCShort-range wireless communication used for features such as contactless payments.Network ResetA settings reset for saved network connections and cellular configuration.

P

PUKA carrier-issued code used to unblock a SIM after too many incorrect SIM PIN attempts.

R

RCSA modern messaging standard that adds chat features beyond SMS.

S

SIMA subscriber identity module that connects a line to a mobile network.SIM PINAn optional code that protects a SIM from unauthorized use.

U

USB-CA reversible connector used for charging, data and accessories.

V

VoLTEVoice calls carried over a compatible LTE network.

W

Wi-Fi CallingCarrier calling and texting routed through a Wi-Fi connection.