How to unlock an Iphone

Your device is designed to work on the AT&T wireless network, and may require a device unlock to operate on another compatible wireless network.

AT&T can send you unlock instructions upon request, provided that we can reasonably obtain them from the manufacturer and that you meet the requirements below. You should receive a response within two business days.

How To Request A Device Unlock

1. Go to the Device Unlock Portal (page best viewed from a desktop or tablet).
2. Follow the prompt listed. 

Business customers can request an unlock code for a business device Here.

Note: AT&T cannot unlock devices from other wireless carriers.

To check status of your request

1. Go to our Status Portal.
2.  Enter your IMEI Number & Request Number.
3. Follow the prompts.

General Requirements for All Unlock Requests

to unlock the iphone, you need to backup and restore the phone using iTunes. That will complete the unlock. That is the only way to unlock an iPhone.

It is best to backup the phone and completely wipe the phone and then backup and restore as a new phone. You should get the unlock message.

Then you can restore the phone from any backup (either iTunes or Cloud).

It seems you purchased a locked phone from someone and the phone is locked to the AT&T system. Here is a rather long thread concerning unlocking an AT&T phone and a link to the unlock policy...

https://forums.att.com/t5/Apple/iPhone-Unlocking-Questions-and-Discussion/m-p/4169856#M229094

Note the section entitled Unlock my phone: I am not an AT&T customer in this link...

https://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB414532&cv=820

Your best bet would probably be to return the phone for refund and purchase a phone in your local area that is capable of using your local phone systems.

Learn more about how to lock your phone or tablet screen, how to set up a PIN code in order to use your SIM card in any device and how to use the the Find My iPhone and Activation Lock feature on iOS 7 or later devices.

It may be that the phone is reported lost or stolen. If that is the case, the phone will not be unlocked.

Since the phone is not usable, file a claim with eBay.

Once unlocked, it stays unlocked. 

@yami2003 Unlock it as a non-customer.

You can read the requirements on the unlock portal: https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/

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@Steventyler23 wrote:
I got approved to unlock my iPhone to other carriers and yet att has not sent me my unlock code to my email please help

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You don't need a code for iPhones.

My iPhone unlock email said:

UNLOCK CODE: No Unlock Code Needed

We have reviewed your request and confirmed that the device may be unlocked. Please follow the unlock instructions below to unlock your device. Please allow 24 hours upon receipt of this notification to complete the unlock process.

• Using a Non-AT&T SIM Card: 1) Remove your SIM card and insert the new SIM card. 2) Complete the setup process.

OR

• Using an AT&T SIM Card 1) Back up your iPhone. 2) When you have a backup, erase your iPhone. 3) Restore your iPhone from the backup you just made.

Thank you for your business. For other questions about our AT&T wireless service or other Mobile devices, please visit att.com

Sincerely,
AT&T Customer Care Team

www.att.com/deviceunlock

The local sim will work once you get your iPhone unlocked: https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/?#/. Read the requirements, it won’t be unlocked if you are still paying for it.

https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/ But if you bought a prepaid phone, you might as well return it. It won’t be unlocked until it is used for 6 months on ATT.

Walmart does not sell unlocked phones.  That phone is required to be activated in the usa.  Apple knows that phone was sold thru the us flex retailer program.

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@tol7myky wrote:

Part Description: iPhone 7
Next Tether Policy ID: 23
Next Tether Activation Policy Description: US AT&T Activation Policy

Product Sold By: AT&T MOBILITY LLC
Coverage Status: Apple Limited Warranty
Coverage End Date: 09/08/18
Estimated Purchase Date: 09/09/17
Purchased In: United States

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The phone would have to be activated on ATT first since it was never sold...  APPLE knows this....  The phone has to be activated BEFORE it can be unlocked.  ATT does not have the IMEI in the database since the phone was never scanned as sold.  Its a warranty replacement...  If you sent in a unlocked phone apple should have gave you a unlocked phone back.