iPad Air Simlock (UK - Orange)

[eliotn]

Hi,

I bought a sealed (brand new) ipad Air on ebay and it appears to be locked to EE/Orange.
As I didnt realize that ipad's have simlocks, the question is: can it be unlocked?

It says: SIM Activation, when a different carrier SIM is in. 😱


Thanks
Jake

 

[ugcop]

Is the SIM you are putting in, active from another iPad?

 

[eliotn]

No, the SIM is brand new.

 

[ugcop]

No, the SIM is brand new.

I guess my question is, if the SIM is awaiting activation why do you think it is locked to another carrier?

 

[biohead]

Typically, iPads from UK carriers are locked... and only the original owner can get an unlock processed - and its not an easy process at all when dealing with EE. You might be able to find a service on eBay - but there's no guarantee it'll work, and for EE unlocks you're looking around the £100 mark.

Realistically, you can either sell it, and buy an unlocked one - or move to EE for the data plan.

 

[Gav2k]

Put an orange SIM card in and keep it topped up for 3 months. Once you've done that you can apply to have it unlocked. Orange charge £30ish for this privilege.

However if the device was taken out on a contract your buggered as orange won't unlock till the original 12/18/24 month contract has lapsed.

Good luck

 

[eliotn]

SIMs tested are:
EE
Orange
TMobile

All work without any activation prompt.

o2, which I would like to use, does not work saying that the SIM is not valid (not supported).

Unlocking for the above networks cost £21. I wanted to avoid this cost additional cost, if possible.