Necessary to Backup/Restore For Unlock?

[blairh]

Once AT&T has unlocked your iPhone, do you really need to backup and restore it in iTunes for the unlock to go through successfully?

 

[eyoungren]

No. Hasn't been necessary since 2011.

Insert new SIM and go.

 

[blairh]

No. Hasn't been necessary since 2011.

Insert new SIM and go.

Thank you.

Also, I just purchased a new (sealed) locked iPhone for AT&T (off Swappa). I'm a post-paid customer. I need to use the new iPhone for 60 days before I can request for it to be unlocked?

 

[eyoungren]

Also, I just purchased a new (sealed) locked iPhone for AT&T (off Swappa). I'm a post-paid customer. I need to use the new iPhone for 60 days before I can request for it to be unlocked?

That I can't help you with. I'm on T-Mobile and I am unfamiliar with AT&T's unlock policies.

 

[blairh]

That I can't help you with. I'm on T-Mobile and I am unfamiliar with AT&T's unlock policies.

I understand. Thanks for your previous answer.

 

[EDH667]

Thank you.

Also, I just purchased a new (sealed) locked iPhone for AT&T (off Swappa). I'm a post-paid customer. I need to use the new iPhone for 60 days before I can request for it to be unlocked?

The iPhone must meet the following requirements. You need to ask the seller if the phone meets the last two requirements.

Devices must:

• Be designed for use on, and locked to, the AT&T network. (Questions? See Device unlock support)
• Not be reported lost or stolen
• Not be involved with fraudulent activity
• Have all service commitments and installment plans completed and all early termination fees paid in full
• Not currently be active on a different AT&T customer's account

 

[blairh]

The iPhone must meet the following requirements. You need to ask the seller if the phone meets the last two requirements.

Devices must:

• Be designed for use on, and locked to, the AT&T network. (Questions? See Device unlock support)
• Not be reported lost or stolen
• Not be involved with fraudulent activity
• Have all service commitments and installment plans completed and all early termination fees paid in full
• Not currently be active on a different AT&T customer's account

Pretty sure Swappa makes sure all this is clear before allowing a sale. You must provide them the IMEI before you post.

Also I did ask him before buying and he said Swappa won't allow sales of phones that still owe money. Hence the IMEI submission. Also the seller had a stellar long selling history.

Lastly the iPhone came sealed in box. I think that alone means it can't be active on anyone's account.

 

[EDH667]

Pretty sure Swappa makes sure all this is clear before allowing a sale. You must provide them the IMEI before you post.

Also I did ask him before buying and he said Swappa won't allow sales of phones that still owe money. Hence the IMEI submission. Also the seller had a stellar long selling history.

Lastly the iPhone came sealed in box. I think that alone means it can't be active on anyone's account.

I believe Swappa only checks if the phone is currently blacklisted (It could become blacklisted later). Even though they don't allow financed phones in their terms and conditions, there are plenty for sale that are financed. Also a sealed phone can still be tied to a customer's account.

You should be able to request an unlock once you receive the phone and complete the request online. I don't believe it has to be on your account for 60 days.

 

[blairh]

I believe Swappa only checks if the phone is currently blacklisted (It could become blacklisted later). Even though they don't allow financed phones in their terms and conditions, there are plenty for sale that are financed. Also a sealed phone can still be tied to a customer's account.

You should be able to request an unlock once you receive the phone and complete the request online. I don't believe it has to be on your account for 60 days.

This seller has I think 23 5 star reviews on Swappa. I'm quite confident the iPhone has been paid off. I'll find out soon enough once I attempt to activate it.

Technically a phone must be active on their network for 60 days upon purchase. Even if you bought it outright from the start. My guess is they will bend this rule if your account is in good standing and you speak to CS. But they will probably reject your request if it's before 60 days and you do it online.

 

[Givmeabrek]

.......
Technically a phone must be active on their network for 60 days upon purchase. Even if you bought it outright from the start. My guess is they will bend this rule if your account is in good standing and you speak to CS. But they will probably reject your request if it's before 60 days and you do it online.

I don't think there is any 60 day rule. The last couple of years I bought my phone outright and AT&T unlocked it on the first day. I did it all online. No problem.

 

[blairh]

I don't think there is any 60 day rule. The last couple of years I bought my phone outright and AT&T unlocked it on the first day. I did it all online. No problem.

AT&T has granted the unlock request I submitted yesterday (I looked up my status) but has not yet sent me an email confirming this. Is this common?

 

[EDH667]

AT&T has granted the unlock request I submitted yesterday (I looked up my status) but has not yet sent me an email confirming this. Is this common?

I had a few unlock requests that I never received the confirmation email or received the email a day or two later than it showed online.

 

[JackieInCo]

Once AT&T has unlocked your iPhone, do you really need to backup and restore it in iTunes for the unlock to go through successfully?

I have not had to restore an iPhone or even an Android phone to get it to unlock going back to the iPhone 5S. You just simply insert the other carriers sim and I was prompted to enter my iCloud ID and the phone was instantly able to use the other carriers sim.