iPhone XR Problems unlocking iphone XR

[Mac2019]

Purchased the phone on an EE contract, via a 3rd party, 2 years ago but it isn't the original phone as I had issues with it and Apple sent a replacement. I have tried the following:

1. EE's online unlocking service - no success
2. Spoke to Apple chat who said it is locked to T Mobile and I need to contact them. T Mobile is EE.
3. Phoned EE and they are investigating it but think I need to speak to the 3rd party.

This is all very odd. Surely Apple should be able to help given that it is the replacement that they sent. Help!

 

[ericwn]

Not Apple’s business to interfere with locking stuff that the carrier wants. You need to speak to the carrier who locked it, other parties won’t help.

 

[Mac2019]

Not Apple’s business to interfere with locking stuff that the carrier wants. You need to speak to the carrier who locked it, other parties won’t help.

So the phone apple sent could have been locked by another network, returned to apple and then sent to me?