Mentor
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17 Messages
Device Unlock Error - AT&T says IMEI number doesn't match a compatible device
I can't unlock my iPhone 6 (which is out of contract) because AT&T claim the IMEI number dosn't match a compatible device. This is the error message that I have been getting 3 times in a row:
"Your unlock request was denied because the IMEI number doesn’t match a device that’s compatible with the AT&T network.
Check the IMEI number by dialing *#06#, or check the device settings, and then submit a new request."
This is of course nonsense, since I have been using my iPhone on the AT&T network for 2 years. I triple checked the IMEI number and it is correct. The device gives me the same correct number either when I look it up through device settings or when I dial *#06#. This iPhone - purchased through Apple and activated through AT&T - was on a 2-year plan and is now paid off.
I really need to unlock this phone. Customer service can't or won't help. Why can't this issue not be fixed by a simple phone call?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Markus
Accepted Solution
Official Solution
ATTMobilityCare
Community Support
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15.2K Messages
7 years ago
Hello Community,
The original post was during a brief outage that was resolved. Below are all the details on how to unlock your device and get more information on the process.
Not able to unlock your device?
If you are planning to use your AT&T Device with another carrier, it has to be unlocked and meet the requirements listed below. You'll also find information about why your request may have been denied.
Something To Know: It can take 7 business days, or longer, for your request to be processed.
How To Request A Device Unlock
Check the status of your request by:
Heads Up: AT&T cannot unlock devices from other wireless carriers. If you are a business customer, visit our AT&T Small Business Support Center.
Website Troubleshooting: If you have an issue with the site, delete cache, cookies, and restart your browser. In some instances, you may need to use another browser.
General Requirements for All Unlock Requests
eBay & Non-AT&T Purchases
If a phone is purchased from a non-AT&T authorized dealer or sites like eBay, AT&T may be unable to unlock the device. Before purchasing the device, make sure the seller performs the unlock request. In some instances, you will have to contact the seller to perform the request. If the device was purchased by another provider, they should have online resources to unlock the device.
Postpaid Customers
Prepaid / GoPhone®
Non-AT&T Mobility Customers
Deployed Military Personnel (Current AT&T Customers Only)
Have you submitted an unlock request that has been denied and you are unsure why?
Chat with us so we can look at your request further. (Scroll down to find the chat option)
Important:
AT&T reserves the right to deny any unlock request that it concludes would result in an abuse of this policy or is part of an effort to defraud AT&T or its customers. AT&T further reserves the right to alter this unlocking policy at its discretion without advance notice.
Tim, AT&T Community Specialist
(edited)
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Accepted Solution
formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
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117K Messages
6 years ago
For those who are being sent in circles....
1. The IMEI doesn’t register on ATT until you activate and use the device on ATT.
2. If you bought a prepaid phone, you cannot get it unlocked without the required 6 months on ATT. The past loop hole is closed on these lower priced phones and ATT will not make an exception.
3. iPads are not locked.
4. If you bought a full priced phone (not prepaid) for $650+ then: A. If you wanted unlocked you are disadvantaged buying a carrier branded phone. And B. You will have to jump through hoops with Support here @ATTCares by private message to unlock it now. Expect to provide proof of purchase.
5. iphone are only unlocked and sim free if you buy direct from Apple and request the Sim free version. Best Buy does not sell unlocked iPhones.
6. If your phone was replaced by insurance or warranty the IMEI may not have been replaced in the ATT system. You can ask ATT to correct this and backdate, so your replacement is eligible as the original would have been.
I hope I covered all the various reasons you might get this particular message.
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ATTHelp
Community Support
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231.2K Messages
7 years ago
Hi there @THX1965,
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear you’re having issues submitting a device unlock request for your iPhone 6. I can understand the importance of unlocking your phone, especially if you plan on using another carrier’s SIM card! Thanks a lot for coming to the Community Forums to research a resolution! I’d be delighted to help out.
Since you purchased the device through Apple directly, there is a possibility the device was not an AT&T branded device. If this is the case, it would explain why the IMEI is not being recognized. You can contact Apple as well to see who the device is carrier locked to.
I do agree this should be something which should be looked into further. In order to do so, I will be contacting you via private message to gather some account information. Please refrain from posting any personal information in the Forum, as it will be edited out for privacy reasons. Please be on the lookout for this message! I look forward to speaking with you!
Have a wonderful day!
Portia, AT&T Community Specialist
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bergalder
Contributor
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2 Messages
7 years ago
Same issue here. Tried to unlock three out-of-contract iphones and all of them had the same message today (2/20/2017). All the phones were purchased through AT&T.
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Lyricmykle
Contributor
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1 Message
7 years ago
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bergalder
Contributor
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2 Messages
7 years ago
Same issue here. Tried to unlock three out-of-contract iphones and all of them had the same message today (2/20/2017). All the phones were purchased through AT&T.
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THX1965
Mentor
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17 Messages
7 years ago
The issue is resolved. I contacted AT&T customer service by phone and they started a case and told me I had to wait 3 business days and someone would contact me. At the same time here on this forum I sent a private message to @ATTMobilityCare describing the problem with my IMEI.
Someone from ATTMobillityCare got back to me soon, confirmed that there was a case number and promised to stay on top of this. Today I got an e-mail from someone at AT&T Customer Care regarding my case. They had fixed the issue and gone ahead and unlocked my phone. This was fixed in under 3 business days (and over a weekend), which I really did appreciate.
So I'd say, try all of the above. Provide them with your IMEI number and hopefully they'll fix it as quickly as they did in my case.
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ruckus226
Teacher
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24 Messages
7 years ago
This is happening to me too. Called AT&T and all they did was re-submit the request and it was once again denied.
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indagarden
Mentor
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20 Messages
7 years ago
I am having the same issue. The first time I submitted the information, I used a different email and it said the information did not match. The second time I submitted the information, I received the same response. The third time I submitted the information it said that the IMEI was not recognized as an ATT device! I have a case in, but the communication with ATT is really difficult. I was on hold for an hour yesterday.
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indagarden
Mentor
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20 Messages
7 years ago
I have sent a message to ATT mobility care.
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