iPhone unlocking questions and discussion

[angelgutierrez1…]

it seems you guys are helping out everyone else except me.... and still no unlock on my phone can someone please help out or am i wasting time on this forum? again everything checked out fine he filled it in with his info and the unlock should have happened as it normally does

[Planet-Ed ACE - Geek]

It's in the sticky thread at the top of the forum?  It has the information.

       iPhone Unlock Information             

http://forums.att.com/t5/Apple-Community-Discussion/iPhone-Unlock-Information/td-p/3260825

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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angelgutierrez123 wrote:
it seems you guys are helping out everyone else except me.... and still no unlock on my phone can someone please help out or am i wasting time on this forum? again everything checked out fine he filled it in with his info and the unlock should have happened as it normally does

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this is a peer to peer forum

What was the response back from when you filled out the form for unlocked?

Do you actually qualify for a unlock?

Did you buy the iphone on Ebay or from a non-authorized dealer?

Just saw your last message

"What happened was that the phone was bought from someone on amazon, now i contacted this person and asked for him to fill in the form with his information and all. He got back to me and showed me the mail from at&t saying that he had to wait 5-7 business days. And that brings us to today, where still nothing's happened. So basically its the same procedure as it would normally happen he met all the requierements."

You need to wait until the person you bought the phone from gets the yes or no statement, as it stands unless they do not qualify for the unlock then the phone will not be unlocked - if they requested the unlcok on the 24th, the earliest a response woutb will be 10/01 to them. If their 2 year commitment was not up or they didnot pay the etf the phone will not be unlocked until after that time period

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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BadBadLeroyBrown wrote:

The Verizon iPhone 5's are GSM-unlocked. This is apparently due to the spectrum deal they signed with the FCC. 

http://www.cultofmac.com/192835/the-real-reason-verizon-sells-the-iphone-5-factory-unlocked/

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wingrider01 wrote:

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stclair49 wrote:

If you pay full price at an APPLE store, they are already unlocked. Many reports on the web that that is the case. You just have to specify that you want an non carrier subsidized model.

As has also been reported in the press, the verizon phones are GSM unlocked and will work on AT&T, but will not have the LTE bands needed for AT&T LTE. 

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only if you purchase the correct one - there are two - a non commitment skew that is locked to att and a unlocked skew that is not. If you specify non-carrier subsidized you will get the no commtiment version, you need to specify unlocked and verify that it is the correct skew before you leave.

verizon and sprint phones are not gsm unlocked, you have to request a international unlock through their customer service and you have to meet the qualifications, they prevent us based carrier gsm sims from working, thsi has been documented on verizon's web site and in threads here.

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try this with a iphone 4 or 4S - they are speaking of the new iphone 5, not the previous ones. Just orderd 6 new verizion Iphone 4's for employees, tried putting a att sim in them and it would not work. I tried it as soon as I read the blurb

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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Cix70 wrote:

But 2 years  have not yet passed since i bought the iphone4: maybe this is a problem?

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Has 7 business days passed?

[alovebrail]

We are missionaries in Brazil but have just returned to live in Wales. A friend bought an Iphone 3GS for our daughter from the states and said that it was unlocked. However when she plugged it into Itunes for an update it locked it. We took it to Apple who siad it was locked to the AT&T network, and only they can unlock it. We have phoned AT&T several times but they say their policy does not permit them to unlock it. We have spent a lot opf money on the phone. What can we do?

[Madclaw]

PM Me

Madclaw

[dwill05]

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alovebrail wrote:

We are missionaries in Brazil but have just returned to live in Wales. A friend bought an Iphone 3GS for our daughter from the states and said that it was unlocked. However when she plugged it into Itunes for an update it locked it. We took it to Apple who siad it was locked to the AT&T network, and only they can unlock it. We have phoned AT&T several times but they say their policy does not permit them to unlock it. We have spent a lot opf money on the phone. What can we do?

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Your friend bought a phone that was jailbroken (hacked) to unlock it.  Updating the software on a hacked phone will cause it to relock.  Only a factory unlocked phone will not relock.  AT&T has an eligibility criteria for unlocking phones, and unfortunately your phone does not qualify.  I'd recommend you or your friend get the money back from the person you bought it from.

[Kaguilar90]

So I have an iPhone that had water damage so I bought a new one and connected it to the same account and number. With that said, I got the water damaged one fixed and wanted to unlock it and they send me an email saying they won't. Like why?

[duneriderltr450]

I am so confused. Ok, so I preordered an at&t iphone 5 from best buy, i'm still waiting for it but when I go in there to pick it up, I plan to pay full price on it, no contract. I have never had an at&t account and I don't plan to get one. Is my phone going to be unlocked when I bring it home? Or do I have to call or take it to an at&t store to have it unlocked. And if so, will they do it?

[kdfederer ACE - Wizard]

If you want an unlocked phone, you need to buy the unlocked phone direct from Apple. They sell an unlocked version. It is not easy to get a phone that is locked to AT&T unlocked unless you have an account with AT&T. Buy the unlocked version.

[thevmax]

My understanding is that you haven't fullfiled the contract yet, (2 years). My situation is not unlike yours.

I have spent countless hours on the phone with at&t regarding the unlock of my iphone 4 that was purchased from at&t 12/05/2010. I inquired prior to September 14, 2012, about being eligible for an iphone 5 upgrade. AT&T responded in June 2012 that I was eligible. I called and spoke to half a dozen AT&T reps about unlocking my iphone 4.  I was assured that once I had digitally signed the new contract, that they would issue an unlock request to Apple. I received my iphone 5 09/21/12 and activated it on 09/22/12. Per AT&T instructions, I restored my iphone 4 prior to activating my iphone 5. This was to make sure I had an active sim that was registered to the iphone 4. After the restore, if the unlock request has gone through, you are supposed to receive a message from itunes stating, "Congradulations. Your iphone is unlocked."  I NEVER RECEIVED THE MESSAGE!  

I even went to the Corporate AT&T store and asked them. They issued another request to unlock. Monday, 09/24/12, I called AT&T Service Tech, Tier 3 Level, because the iphone 5 had been displalying "No Celluar Data Network" since activation. This turned out to be some lingering APN problem that was installed on the iphone 5 from a backup of the iphone 4.

On Monday, spoke to Customer Service Rep Terra regarding the unlock problem. She stated that no iphones will be unlocked prior to their contract expiration date. Obviously, I told her what had transpired in my quest for the iphone 5. She asked to to go to att.com/deviceunlock and request an unlock again. I am still waiting for the answer.  This fiasco has caused me a big problem. I would never have signed another contract for two years with AT&T if I had known that I could not get my iphone 4 unlocked until  DECEMBER 04,2012! The money that would be generated by selling a mint unlocked iphone 4 with accessories would pay for the upgrade!  So "off contract" doesn't mean "off contract" and "Unlimited Data" means "Unlimited Data until you reach a threshold". Do the math on my contract, 2 months to go, never late on my bills, current at&t customer for years!  AND AT&T misinformed me about unlocking, the contract, etc., numerous times from many employees!

[dwill05]

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Kaguilar90 wrote:

So I have an iPhone that had water damage so I bought a new one and connected it to the same account and number. With that said, I got the water damaged one fixed and wanted to unlock it and they send me an email saying they won't. Like why?

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Where and when did you buy the original iPhone?  Was it under contract?  Do you meet the eligibility criteria?  Without more information, it's impossibe to say why they wouldn't unlock it.  If your water damaged phone was under contract, the contract is still in force even if you are currently using another phone.

[BigSmitty_71]

When I submitted my online unlock requests (9/20/12), I verified I met the requirements for unlocking my two iPhone 4 from AT&T.  Originally purchased through AT&T, etc.  Paid the early termination fee for each line ($185 per).  I did not enter an access code as (1) it wasn't required; and (2) I don't believe I have one since it's not my account password, which I don't think AT&T should be asking for on an online form.  Is there anywhere I can check the status of these?  I understand if successful, the email is generated automatically when AT&T's database is updated with the two IMEI numbers for the phones.

Thanks in advance.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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BigSmitty_71 wrote:

When I submitted my online unlock requests (9/20/12), I verified I met the requirements for unlocking my two iPhone 4 from AT&T.  Originally purchased through AT&T, etc.  Paid the early termination fee for each line ($185 per).  I did not enter an access code as (1) it wasn't required; and (2) I don't believe I have one since it's not my account password, which I don't think AT&T should be asking for on an online form.  Is there anywhere I can check the status of these?  I understand if successful, the email is generated automatically when AT&T's database is updated with the two IMEI numbers for the phones.

Thanks in advance.

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no place to check sttaus, just wait for the emails, the unlock is done what apple marks it on their server. iphone gets unlocked when you connect it to itunes. A lot will depend on when you paid the etf and your last bill, if it i has not been processed yet then the phone is not eligible for unlock until both of the outstanding charges are cleared

[BigSmitty_71]

The final bill was from September 1st.  I've already gotten the copy from my account online showing the early termination fee.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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BigSmitty_71 wrote:

The final bill was from September 1st.  I've already gotten the copy from my account online showing the early termination fee.

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have you tried hooking the device up to itunes to see if it will unlock? As long as all billing has been processed and all outstanding charges have been paid you should qualify with no problem.  Might want to check you spam filter also

[BigSmitty_71]

Nothing in the spam filter, and "No valid SIM" when I use my other carrier's SIM after restoring to factory defaults.  Guess I should've expected the longer end of the "5-7 business day" wait period and not sold my current phone so fast...

[aljense]

Hi

I'm located Queensland, Australia and recently purchased an iPhone 4 from Ebay.

The seller told me I could simply call AT&T to have it unlocked...

I have the ebay purchase receipt and the phones IMEI number - is it possible to unlock it so I can use an Australian company?

Please advise as soon as possible!!!

[Evandela ACE - Warrior]

Hey there!

The requirements for unlocking an iPhone is as follows:

The person requesting the unlock is:
-A current AT&T customer, or

-A former AT&T customer who can provide the phone number or account number for the account.

The iPhone was designed for use on the AT&T network.
All contract obligations, including any term commitment, associated with the device to be unlocked have been fully satisfied.
The iPhone has not been reported lost or stolen.

Unless you are the account holder and know the AT&T phone number for the iPhone, you will not be able to unlock it.

Hope that helps!

[wilcre ACE - Expert]

For additional information, refer to Apple's article about unlocking iPhone.

[leorzahavi]

Hi there,

I am Leor {Personal content removed for your safety}. Can anyone here please suggest me the process of unlocking the Iphone. The AT&T approves my unlock request, while unlocking do I need to have AT&T SIM card or I can simply use the other SIM card for restoring. Guide me the right process.

Thanks

Leor

[marksteve]

Hello Leor,

watch the vedio to learn the various steps to unlock Iphone 4S:

{Inappropriate content removed}

thanks

Marksteve

[cowman12]

I recently bought an off-contract at&t iphone 4s from someone else.  Before I did, I called the store and specifically asked if the could unlock the phone since I am not now or was ever an at&t customer.  They told me yes, so I bought the phone since it was slightly cheaper than a factory-unlocked phone.  When I tried to unlock the phone, they then told me (after no less that 5 calls to customer service) that there was no way they could unlock my phone and now I have to pay someone to do it.  Customer service was horrible (with one exception I think her name was Erika who actually tried to find a way around it).  The others kept interrupting me and telling me to fill out the online form that I had already done.  Unbelievably unfriendly at the store and refused to do anything to help.  I completely understand the policy, but to tell me it could be done and then act like they did is wrong.

[Evandela ACE - Warrior]

Hmm chances are that you are unlikely to unlock the iPhone. The requirements require the person unlocking the iPhone

- A current or former AT&T customer who can provide the account number

- Must not be in a current contract term or has paid the ETF

- The iPhone must have been designed for use on the AT&T network

The device has not been reported lost/stolen

[wsuwsn]

I early upgraded my 4s to iphone 5, paid the early upgrade fee $250 + $199 and got my new iphone 5. I thought I could unlock my 4s since the previous contact was satisfied. After I submit the unlock request, they told me they cannot unlock my 4s. Then I called AT&T, the CSR told me that because the original contract was 2 years and I have to wait until meet the 2-year window. What is that? I cann't understand. Anyone has the same experience? People early terminate there phone line can get their phone unlocked. People early upgrade their line with early upgrade fee paid cannot get their phone unlocked????

[wsuwsn]

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Evandela wrote:
Hmm chances are that you are unlikely to unlock the iPhone. The requirements require the person unlocking the iPhone

- A current or former AT&T customer who can provide the account number

- Must not be in a current contract term or has paid the ETF

- The iPhone must have been designed for use on the AT&T network

The device has not been reported lost/stolen

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Is there a difference between "paid the ETF" and "paid the early upgrade fee($250)"???

[dwill05]

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wsuwsn wrote:

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Evandela wrote:
Hmm chances are that you are unlikely to unlock the iPhone. The requirements require the person unlocking the iPhone

- A current or former AT&T customer who can provide the account number

- Must not be in a current contract term or has paid the ETF

- The iPhone must have been designed for use on the AT&T network

The device has not been reported lost/stolen

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Is there a difference between "paid the ETF" and "paid the early upgrade fee($250)"???

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The early upgrade fee is a price you pay to buy a phone at a lower-than-full price before your full upgrade comes due.   The ETF is a price you pay for getting out of your contract early.  With the early upgrade fee, you end up with a new phone and a new contract.  With the ETF, you just end your existing contract and don't get anything new.

For the purposes of eligibility for unlocking, I believe both are considered acceptable methods of terminating your contract.  For the early upgrade, your old contract is considered satisfied as it has been replaced by the new contract, so you should be able to unlock your old phone.

[wsuwsn]

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dwill05 wrote:

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wsuwsn wrote:

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Evandela wrote:
Hmm chances are that you are unlikely to unlock the iPhone. The requirements require the person unlocking the iPhone

- A current or former AT&T customer who can provide the account number

- Must not be in a current contract term or has paid the ETF

- The iPhone must have been designed for use on the AT&T network

The device has not been reported lost/stolen

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Is there a difference between "paid the ETF" and "paid the early upgrade fee($250)"???

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The early upgrade fee is a price you pay to buy a phone at a lower-than-full price before your full upgrade comes due.   The ETF is a price you pay for getting out of your contract early.  With the early upgrade fee, you end up with a new phone and a new contract.  With the ETF, you just end your existing contract and don't get anything new.

For the purposes of eligibility for unlocking, I believe both are considered acceptable methods of terminating your contract.  For the early upgrade, your old contract is considered satisfied as it has been replaced by the new contract, so you should be able to unlock your old phone.

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Thanks for your reply.

I called Customer Service but they said i am not eligible. Should I call them again or directly go to an AT&A local store?