iPhone 4S unlocked, but ok not really?

[6thDAY]

I recently bought an off-contract 4s that is locked to AT&T.

I verified it via the imei number.

I submitted an unlock request via ATT's website, and for the past couple of days, it was in "pending" status. So yesterday, I decided to pop in a T-Mobile sim to see if it would recognize, and to my surprise it did.

I got the "activation required" notification, and activating it via wi-fi.

Just today, I received a message from ATT saying the unlock was denied, but it was NOT for the contract issue, it was for another problem.

However, my iphone can still recognize the t-mobile sim, and upon verifying it again with IMEI, the status was still "locked"

What exactly does this mean?

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Don't rely on 3rd party IMEI/unlock checkers as they're not always reliable. Many of them will show it as locked when it's actually unlocked to trick people into using their unlocking services. Perhaps the previous owner had it already unlocked using a $2 3rd party back then?

What's the specific reason at&t gave you? Usually it's "we cannot complete your request because the service commitment for this iPhone has not been completed or no valid current/former mobile number is associated with the request."

 

[6thDAY]

like I mentioned, it was not for a contract commitment issue.

it was issue related to incorrect info provided..

I "think" the site I used was pretty accurate, and free also. I verified it using 2 iphones, one was unlocked and the other was the 4s, and it accurately gave me information about my other iphone that was unlocked

the thing is, I didnt realize an "congratulations your iphone is unlocked" message with the 4S that I did with my other iphone when I restored it

 

[Applejuiced]

So in short does your
Tmobile sim work to make and receive calls or not?

 

[6thDAY]

So in short does your
Tmobile sim work to make and receive calls or not?

affirmative!

 

[Applejuiced]

Ok then you're good

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I "think" the site I used was pretty accurate, and free also. I verified it using 2 iphones, one was unlocked and the other was the 4s, and it accurately gave me information about my other iphone that was unlocked

It still doesn't mean it's reliable. Many members have reported it giving the correct unlocked status for some unlocked iPhones but not others. The only time it'll be 100% accurate is if you use their unlocking services, in which case they'll be more than happy to update it