Is it possible to buy an iPhone 5c for $199 (32GB), within an Apple Store without setting up on a Network, and then paying a 3rd party to unlock it so you can use it on any other network (i.e. Boost Mobile etc...) without being tied to the contract? I have been the user of an iPod touch for awhile now (est. iOS 2.x), and as I am of in need of a phone, this is certainly an option I am looking into, in order to still use my iTunes purchases and iOS features like iMessage etc...
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Is it Possible?
- Thread starter chekz0414
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No, you can't because that's the subsidized price. Meaning you have to sign a 2 year contract to get that price. You can try swappa and buy one for about $250 used and then have it unlocked through a 3rd party.
So you're saying I could buy a used one (from someone else's contract) and then unlock it?
Yes, through 3rd party services and depending on which carrier it's originally locked to. For example, I believe phones from Sprint can't be unlocked. However, GSM phones can be unlocked.
Yep, but if you are wanting the 5c it won't be much cheaper than the full retail cost so it's probably a better idea to just buy an unlocked one from Apple.
Is it true that all Verizon models are already unlocked? I am currently bidding on a 5s from Verizon that is "iCloud" locked...
As the Activation lock is on Apple's server's side, no restore or anything else is able to bypass it.
A phone that is locked by the Activation Lock is a very expensive paperweight.
No. The way to get an unlocked phone is to buy it from the Apple store at full retail price.
http://store.apple.com/us/buy-iphone/iphone5c/16gb-white-unlocked
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The iCloud lock does not have anything to do with the carrier.
Verizon iPhone 5s/5c are unlocked, but they're still tied to a 2-year contract. Unless like you said you pay the full retail price.
Ah well updating everyone now! I have bid and WON a 64GB iPhone 5 that is unlocked, my new question is can this iPhone be used on just Wi-Fi for a bit, or do I need a SIM to use it at any point in time.
I'm pretty sure you can use it as an iPod touch if you so chose. You don't need it activated on a network for it to work. Wi-Fi should work just fine.
Thank god~ perfect! >< I can finally enjoy having the auto brightness back and finally have a battery percentage show. And of course the A6, which I figure should handle things well, on iOS 7, and possibly 8.