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iPhone 4 replacement unlocked?
- Thread starter 3soteric
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Ok, so I just called T-Mobile again, to see if I can actually get the lowdown on this.
This time I was told that to change the SIM to my o2 one on the iPhone 4 all I needed to do was a full restore via iTunes whilst my o2 SIM was in the phone, and the phone will re-activate as an o2 locked device. Obviously I will lose my Jailbreak and present method of unlocking if I try this - so before I do, can anyone say if this will work?
This time I was told that to change the SIM to my o2 one on the iPhone 4 all I needed to do was a full restore via iTunes whilst my o2 SIM was in the phone, and the phone will re-activate as an o2 locked device. Obviously I will lose my Jailbreak and present method of unlocking if I try this - so before I do, can anyone say if this will work?
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tmobile has no control over the iphone. i'm guessing they meant $15 to unlock one of their own tmobile branded handsets.
also, you're out out luck with apple since they give a locked/unlocked phone based on serial # and i think you jailbroke (sp?) yours to use a different sim ?
also, you're out out luck with apple since they give a locked/unlocked phone based on serial # and i think you jailbroke (sp?) yours to use a different sim ?
Apple's web site clearly states that T-Mobile offers authorized unlocking, so carriers must have some way to do it. Lots of carriers in other countries offer authorized unlocking according to Apple's web site.
Indeed they do.
Apple has a database of every iPhone and the network that each phone is locked to.
When you connect your phone to iTunes and it is activated (either when you get it or it is restored etc.), iTunes will find out which network your phone is supposed to be locked to from Apple's database. Your phone is then locked accordingly.
When you get a phone (from Apple - either brand new or as a replacement, or from a carrier), the retailer will set your phone's lock status using Apple's computer system (this process may happen automatically as part of some carrier's sales procedures or it may be done by the member of staff that serves you).
Normally, Apple would set the lock status to be the same for a replacement phone as the phone that you are bringing them (according to the database).
T-Mobile UK (not the US T-Mobile) and other carriers around the world can unlock an iPhone by changing the lock status in Apple's database using their systems. Once that has been done, syncing with iTunes will apply the unlock.
Carriers are free to choose whether or not they unlock devices and any terms that apply (minimum contract period, unlock fee etc.).
Thanks for clarifying Dave - much appreciated.
As the phone is no longer usable due to the LED issue, I've just updated and restored it to run native 4.2.1, and am using my old 3Gs for the time being. I have asked T-Mbile to unlock it again, but they say the only way is to buy a PAYG SIM, add £15.00 credit, then ask them to unlock it, but it will take them 28 days and they will send me a 'subsidy PIN'. I was under the impression, as you have stated, that all they did was contact Apple, who updated their database with the phones IMEI.
The only issue is, as the phone was bought on contract less than six months ago, they may decide not to unlock it as my PAYG will only start from when I activate the SIM. So basically they have screwed me.....unless they just unlock it.
If they do unlock it, at least then I will be able to get a replacement at the Apple store, if not, the only option I will have is to sell it, and try and buy a factory unlocked one
As the phone is no longer usable due to the LED issue, I've just updated and restored it to run native 4.2.1, and am using my old 3Gs for the time being. I have asked T-Mbile to unlock it again, but they say the only way is to buy a PAYG SIM, add £15.00 credit, then ask them to unlock it, but it will take them 28 days and they will send me a 'subsidy PIN'. I was under the impression, as you have stated, that all they did was contact Apple, who updated their database with the phones IMEI.
The only issue is, as the phone was bought on contract less than six months ago, they may decide not to unlock it as my PAYG will only start from when I activate the SIM. So basically they have screwed me.....unless they just unlock it.
If they do unlock it, at least then I will be able to get a replacement at the Apple store, if not, the only option I will have is to sell it, and try and buy a factory unlocked one