iPhone unlocking questions and discussion [ Edited ]

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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baoyaya wrote:

Thank you!

Just tried it again and restored it as new. Still doesn't work which means I didn't receive unlocked message at the end. Could it be itunes 11 issue? Not a fan of itunes 11.

I will call ATT first and see if the phone shows as unlocked in their system. Then will see if I am able to find a sim card from another carrier.

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this maybe a obvious question - but the email you recieved did specificly state that the device would be unlocked? There have been cases posted here where the person thought it was a unlocked confirmation and it turned out to be a request for more information or a refuseal

[baoyaya]

This is the message I received from ATT. Since I upgraded to iphone 5 and extened the contract. I don't see any reason why ATT should reject it.

I googled more. I don't think sim card matters, or restore from new / backup matters. Can you confirm? Thanks!

Thank you for contacting AT&T Customer Care about unlocking your iPhone.

We have reviewed your request and confirmed that you are eligible to have the requested iPhone unlocked.

Please allow 24 hours upon receipt of this notification to complete the unlock.

To complete the unlock, simply:

1. Open iTunes on your Mac or PC and verify that you have Internet connectivity.
2. Ensure a SIM card is inserted into your iPhone.
3. Connect your iPhone using the dock connector to USB cable that came with your iPhone.
4. Backup and restore your iPhone using iTunes. For information on backup and restore, please visit http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414.
5. After restoring, your iPhone will be unlocked

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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baoyaya wrote:

This is the message I received from ATT. Since I upgraded to iphone 5 and extened the contract. I don't see any reason why ATT should reject it.

I googled more. I don't think sim card matters, or restore from new / backup matters. Can you confirm? Thanks!

Thank you for contacting AT&T Customer Care about unlocking your iPhone.

We have reviewed your request and confirmed that you are eligible to have the requested iPhone unlocked.

Please allow 24 hours upon receipt of this notification to complete the unlock.

To complete the unlock, simply:

1. Open iTunes on your Mac or PC and verify that you have Internet connectivity.
2. Ensure a SIM card is inserted into your iPhone.
3. Connect your iPhone using the dock connector to USB cable that came with your iPhone.
4. Backup and restore your iPhone using iTunes. For information on backup and restore, please visit http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414.
5. After restoring, your iPhone will be unlocked

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that indicates a unlock, when I got mine at first I did not get the message from itunes but was successful it inserting a t-mobile sim and getting service. I later moved the phone back to att and upgrade to IOS 6, had a issue with the phone and set it up as a new phone and then I got the message.

[dcasanares]

I notice that there are a few people that are selling ways to unlock your iPhone 5.

Have anyone tried unlocking your Apple iPhone 5 with these third (3rd) Party vendor tools?

Derek Casanares

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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dcasanares wrote:

I notice that there are a few people that are selling ways to unlock your iPhone 5.

Have anyone tried unlocking your Apple iPhone 5 with these third (3rd) Party vendor tools?

Derek Casanares

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there probably are but use it at your own risk - if apple does not send the unlock there is no promise that it will continue to be unlocked when a IOS update occurrs. Caveat Emptor - let the buyer beware

One thing that I have been curious on the unlock request for a Iphone 5 from non-US residents, the US Iphone 5 locked or unlocked is going to be crippled outside of the US, the LTE band that the US Iphone5 model is not used outside the US, so a overseas user will not be able to get LTE speeds in their home country or carrier. Apple has different model numbers on the Iphone 5 depending on where it will be used

[testuser1234]

I solved my problem with a downloaded app

[GeekBoy]

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wingrider01 wrote:

upgrade does not always mean official end of contract, they are two different dates. It depends on att follows the rule

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I got my iPhone 4 unlocked 25 months after I signed the contract to get it (and about 1-1.5 months before I got my iPhone 5).  My wife upgraded her iPhone 4 to an iPhone 5 last month, and it still doesn't qualify for an unlock until March of next year.  We got her iPhone 4 in March of 2011, so the 2 year contract won't technically be up until March 2013, even though she has a new extended contract on her iPhone 5.  Not a big deal to me, I may keep it until I can get it unlocked, or I may just go ahead & sell it now.  I haven't decided yet

[ocugrad]

Yes, at this time Apple Network that unlocks iPhones is down. Apple is doing everything possible to resolve the issue. More info to come.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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ocugrad wrote:
Yes, at this time Apple Network that unlocks iPhones is down. Apple is doing everything possible to resolve the issue. More info to come.

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Unlock as in unlock to access the phone or unlock as having the ability to use ATT phone on another network

The first Apple can help you with, the second you need to review the policies that att has to unlock a Iphone and submit a form with the required information and documentation. If you qualify you get it unlocked, if not you have a nice ipod or a sale on ebay. Basicly - got the phone from ATT on a 2 year contract that has been fulfiled, if no contract then a reciept showing you paid full retail price for the phone from a att authorized reseller - Ebay, craigslist, private sellor do not qualfy as authorized reseller. Apple can do nothing to assist you in unlocking the phone - it HAS to go through ATT

Here is the link to the requirements and the form to fill out -

http://forums.wireless.att.com/t5/Apple-Community-Discussion/iPhone-Unlock-Information/m-p/3260825#U...

[ocugrad]

Dude, I always advise people to go to AT&T.com/device unlock. I advise you not to trust any device that is being sold on Craigslist or eBay. There are certain rules a device must qualify in order for that device to be unlocked. In this case, unlocks are being delayed of not happing because of Apple Netowrk not being able to process the unlock code in iTunes.

[marty88]

I am extremely disappointed.  I upgraded to iphone5 after my 2 year contract expired and was assured that my old iphone4 would be unloicked in 5 to 7 business days.  I applied on line just before Thanksgiving and now am at 3 1/2 weeks waiiting, calling, emailing, reapplying, etc.  I could have just paid a service to break the phone for me, but wanted to do it the right way through ATT.  I am trying to take it in stride, but am really feeling like ATT is not meeting its SLA on purpose.  The customer service said this happens when there are a lot of requests and online system gets overloaded.  This is not a very believable or acceptable reason.  

[davidanasco]

I have an iPhone 4 running 4.3.3.  I currently use it unlocked in the Philippines using the Gevey Ultra SIM solution.  It is also jaibroken.  I have not upgraded my iOS version because of my need for jailbreaking and unlocking (with the Gevey SIM).

My brother is the original owner of this iPhone 4, he has since upgraded to the iPhone 5 and has submitted an unlock request for my iPhone 4.

I have several questions before I attempt to factory unlock my iPhone 4.

1.  After I receive the go ahead email to unlock, connect to iTunes, etc., do I select select Update, Restore iPhone ... or Restore from Backup...  

2.  I am running the new version of iTunes v. 11, will that make a difference?

3.  Do I need the original AT&T SIM card to be in the iPhone when I begin the process, or can I insert the other carrier SIM, and then begin the unlock process?

4.  Will I have any issue going from iOS 4 to iOS 6, will this affect the unlock process in any way?

I guess I am a bit fearful to try and roll the "factory unlock dice" because what I have is working, even with running the old version of iOS, and sometimes a bird in the hand, etc, etc.

Assume my brother receives the unlock greenlight from AT&T, I am hoping that all goes well.

Thanks for your help.

[qmnonic]

Having read a few dozen messages, I can see that non AT&T customers are having trouble unlocking their iPhones.

In my case, I purchased my AT&T iPhone4 refurbished from GameStop in NY.

I submitted my request online, indicating that I am a non-customer, and faxed my GameStop receipt to AT&T as directed, assuming GameStop is an authorized AT&T reseller (otherwise, why would they be selling AT&T phones?).

Initially, I received a response of "Faxed documentation is ineligible or not received", which I thought was a result of not faxing the entire receipt (i.e. the ads/nonsense at the end of the receipt).

My second submission included the entire receipt but received the same vague response: "Faxed documentation is ineligible or not received".  

I tried to contact customer care for followup, but I apparently need to be a customer to do so.

Am I missing something?

Matt.

[kdfederer ACE - Wizard]

There are a lot of companies that sell iPhones that are NOT authorized retailers. I don't think that GameStop is an authorized retailer. If I were you, i would return the phone to GameStop and get your money back.

[cousintim]

AT&T should begin charging $100 to unlock eligible iPhones for non-customers.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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kdfederer wrote:
There are a lot of companies that sell iPhones that are NOT authorized retailers. I don't think that GameStop is an authorized retailer. If I were you, i would return the phone to GameStop and get your money back.

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Gamestop is not a authorized dealer, they buyback used iphones and sell them at discounted prices, the phones are not new and not even sure they are refurbished. Unfortunately for the OP, they do not qualify for the unlock. You suggestion is their only option or trusting a 3rd party unlock site.

[KC10]

I have a credit on my account, contract has expired, and request after request submitted to unlock iPhone.  AT&T has not done this. I was told I had to wait for my contract to end to submit the request; hence, an additional 5-7 business days on AT&T that I don't want.  I was also told today by a customer "service representative" to buy a new phone.

The eligibility requirements state, "Current customers will be allowed five (5) unlocks per account, per year, so long as their account is in good standing with no past-due amount or unpaid balance and has been active for at least sixty (60) days.  Former customers will be allowed five (5) unlocks per former account so long as they owe AT&T no Early Termination Fee or other unpaid balance."  THAT DOES NOT MEAN ONE HAS TO WAIT FOR THE CONTRACT TO END!!

I dealt with this for a month. It is so bad I filed a complaint with the FCC.

[cousintim]

The FCC will certainly require more detailed information than that provided here.

An unlock requires either an expired/completed contract (fully to the end of term) or payment of the ETF.  End of story.  Stomping your feet won't help.

I sure that you have a complete audit trail of all your contract transactions and provided it all to AT&T, right?

[kdfederer ACE - Wizard]

You left out some of the requirements

All contract obligations, including any term commitment, associated with the device to be unlocked have been fully satisfied.

Requests may take up to 5 to 7 days to complete.

Most of this is Apple's requirements, not AT&T. AT&T doesn't unlock the phones, Apple provides the unlocks by putting it in their system.

[dwill05]

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kdfederer wrote:

You left out some of the requirements

All contract obligations, including any term commitment, associated with the device to be unlocked have been fully satisfied.

Requests may take up to 5 to 7 days to complete.

Most of this is Apple's requirements, not AT&T. AT&T doesn't unlock the phones, Apple provides the unlocks by putting it in their system.

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 I don't think the last part about being Apple's requirements is true.  I doubt Apple cares about AT&T or anyone's contracts.  True, Apple provided the actual unlock, but they do it upon request from AT&T and it's AT&T who sets the requirements for them providing an unlock request.

[Ben237829624]

I bought an iPhone at full-commitment price from the online Apple Store, and I requested an unlock and faxed in the receipt, but I got an email saying that my request is denied because of the faxed document is not received or ineligible. The iPhone is not yet activated. I currently have an iPhone 5 at contract, but that should not influence. Any thoughts on that? Is there a phone number that I can talk to tech support?

[Evandela ACE - Warrior]

Hey there. I would call 1(800)331-0500. The Customer Service team should be able to help you out. Make sure to tell them what steps you've taken so you don't accidentally repeat the same steps.

Hope that helps!

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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Ben237829624 wrote:
I bought an iPhone at full-commitment price from the online Apple Store, and I requested an unlock and faxed in the receipt, but I got an email saying that my request is denied because of the faxed document is not received or ineligible. The iPhone is not yet activated. I currently have an iPhone 5 at contract, but that should not influence. Any thoughts on that? Is there a phone number that I can talk to tech support?

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who did you buy the phoe from - was it an authozed att resellor?

[sandblaster]

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wingrider01 wrote:

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Ben237829624 wrote:
I bought an iPhone at full-commitment price from the online Apple Store, and I requested an unlock and faxed in the receipt, but I got an email saying that my request is denied because of the faxed document is not received or ineligible. The iPhone is not yet activated. I currently have an iPhone 5 at contract, but that should not influence. Any thoughts on that? Is there a phone number that I can talk to tech support?

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who did you buy the phoe from - was it an authozed att resellor?

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OP said he bought it from Apple. 

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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sandblaster wrote:

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wingrider01 wrote:

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Ben237829624 wrote:
I bought an iPhone at full-commitment price from the online Apple Store, and I requested an unlock and faxed in the receipt, but I got an email saying that my request is denied because of the faxed document is not received or ineligible. The iPhone is not yet activated. I currently have an iPhone 5 at contract, but that should not influence. Any thoughts on that? Is there a phone number that I can talk to tech support?

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who did you buy the phoe from - was it an authozed att resellor?

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OP said he bought it from Apple. 

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then there is something wrong with the reciept, the op needs to contact Apple to get another copy of the reciept or att never recieved the fax or it was not readable, in any repect they need to start over

[Ben237829624]

Thanks to you guys.

The iPhone is not yet activated on the AT&T network because the reason I bought it as a backup international phone when I'm abroad. May that be the reason? Should I activate it and then request the unlock again? The receipt is printed from the Apple website should it couldn't be wrong.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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Ben237829624 wrote:

Thanks to you guys.

The iPhone is not yet activated on the AT&T network because the reason I bought it as a backup international phone when I'm abroad. May that be the reason? Should I activate it and then request the unlock again? The receipt is printed from the Apple website should it couldn't be wrong.

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that maybe the issue, it could also be that the reciept was unreadable

[hiksos]

hi im caner i have to iphone 3 gs im not speak  to englih pls help me unlock yo my iphone i sending at&t mail but i have not bill my iphone

[dwill05]

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hiksos wrote:

hi im caner i have to iphone 3 gs im not speak  to englih pls help me unlock yo my iphone i sending at&t mail but i have not bill my iphone

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See the information in this sticky.  It contains the link to the unlocking portal, as well as the requirements.  

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

That's the only way for an authorized unlock From AT&T.

[annalala]

hello , I recived an order no' regarding my request to unlock my 3gs iphone , but I don't have the original receipt anymore .

my iphone is legal , not stolen and IMEI no' us o.k.   please tell  me what can be done since there's no way to get in touch with them through e-mail .  thank you!