SIM NOT VALID - can this be fixed?

[benyben123]

Hi.

Here's the short story:

1. Bought an iPhone on Swappa.

2. Arrived like this:

A1522

3. Seller will take iPhone back but what a headache and time wasted.

4. So... is there a way I can solve this? Or is this iPhone locked?

Thank you!

 

[EDH667]

It doesn't appear to be locked but it could be a bad SIM card. Have you tried to remove the SIM and install a SIM from a different provider? Also if you continue with the problem, If the phone is still under warranty take it back to Apple to see if they will replace it.

 

[benyben123]

Oh I had no idea it may be that simple.
Never had this issue before.
I should definitely try a different SIM.
May I ask - how do you realize it is not locked?
Thank you!!!

 

[EDH667]

If the phone was locked, you would have received a different screen that stated "Activate iPhone-This iPhone is currently linked to an Apple ID----".

 

[benyben123]

Thanks again EDH667!

I think perhaps what you mean is associated with an existing iCloud account. But this is different than Carrier-Locked. No?

 

[Kyotoma]

This could be locked to a different carrier than the SIM you are installing. Did this seller advertise as unlocked or on the same network? If so, then that is not the case.

 

[benyben123]

He advertised as UNLOCKED but perhaps he was not telling the truth.

 

[lugworm]

I almost bought a used 5s with this problem in the UK.
Seller was adamant it was unlocked, but after trying o2, three, and EE sims with no luck, she put her vodaphone sim in and it worked.

She had already phoned Apple, who confirmed that the phone was unlocked.
I suggested she return it an Apple store for them to check it out, but she just sold it as locked to Vodaphone.
I think this is an old problem, looking at some other forums.