Carrier Sprint Users! READ! New Automatic Domestic Unlock Policy Change!

[solodogg]

^^^This!

Full price Sprint iPhones are still locked. SIM free iPhones bought at the Apple store or online from Apple are unlocked. They will work on all four carriers.

Buy from anywhere other than Apple and you will have a phone locked to Sprint.

have you or anyone else been able to verify that the unlocked phone can be activated on Sprint, or will Sprint even give you a SIM card for the device?

I'm ready to switch from AT&T now, but don't want to purchase a device that will lock me to Sprint.

 

[eyoungren]

have you or anyone else been able to verify that the unlocked phone can be activated on Sprint, or will Sprint even give you a SIM card for the device?

I'm ready to switch from AT&T now, but don't want to purchase a device that will lock me to Sprint.

Apple states that the SIM free phones purchased through them can be activated on all four carriers. That means Sprint has whitelisted them. Which means Sprint will give you a SIM.

I am guessing that this does not fly in the face of Sprint's policy of not activating phones meant only for their network since the SIM free phone isn't technically a carrier phone, but a manufacturer's phone.

As far as verifying it myself, no. I just report what I hear and this is what I have heard.

 

[solodogg]

Apple states that the SIM free phones purchased through them can be activated on all four carriers. That means Sprint has whitelisted them. Which means Sprint will give you a SIM.

I am guessing that this does not fly in the face of Sprint's policy of not activating phones meant only for their network since the SIM free phone isn't technically a carrier phone, but a manufacturer's phone.

As far as verifying it myself, no. I just report what I hear and this is what I have heard.

yah, that's the part i'm concerned about. I want to purchase one of the unlocked devices, and switch to the Sprint half price plan, but I don't want to walk in with a $750 paperweight in the eyes of Sprint when I ask for a SIM card and activation.

From what I've seen thus far, although Apple says it works, I don't see that anyone has tried it with success.

 

[Septembersrain]

yah, that's the part i'm concerned about. I want to purchase one of the unlocked devices, and switch to the Sprint half price plan, but I don't want to walk in with a $750 paperweight in the eyes of Sprint when I ask for a SIM card and activation.

From what I've seen thus far, although Apple says it works, I don't see that anyone has tried it with success.

I think the only time this could be successful is if the phone is activated on Sprint in the Apple Store. They are obliged to keep their word that it'll work more than a Sprint rep who's likely been trained to never use non-Sprint locked phones. That's my only guess.

 

[eyoungren]

I think the only time this could be successful is if the phone is activated on Sprint in the Apple Store. They are obliged to keep their word that it'll work more than a Sprint rep who's likely been trained to never use non-Sprint locked phones. That's my only guess.

But if the IMEI has already been whitelisted by Sprint and is already in Apple's unlock database, how can Sprint remove it from the unlock database?

My understanding is that this would be the only way you could "relock" the device. The Sprint CSR is only concerned with the MEID (based on the IMEI) when it comes to activation in Sprint's system. Apple's unlock database is entirely outside of Sprint's control and the unlock activation policy for the phone is only issued through the iTunes servers, not Sprint.

 

[Septembersrain]

Sprint Users! READ! You have a UICC SIM card! No domestic US carrier unlock!

But if the IMEI has already been whitelisted by Sprint and is already in Apple's unlock database, how can Sprint remove it from the unlock database?

My understanding is that this would be the only way you could "relock" the device. The Sprint CSR is only concerned with the MEID (based on the IMEI) when it comes to activation in Sprint's system. Apple's unlock database is entirely outside of Sprint's control and the unlock activation policy for the phone is only issued through the iTunes servers, not Sprint.

I used to work for a subsidiary of this company, their IMEI/ESN database is highly convoluted. They don't keep as good a track as they should. Forget to add some, accidentally blacklisting, the list goes on and on.

Add in poorly trained reps who've been drilled with the knowledge that only Sprint phones are allowed. They'll be utterly confused if you tell them to use a SIM-free device that's compatible. It's a mess really.

You might have luck calling their customer service as they might get more formal training than store employees. Still, it takes a while for them to get updated when status quo changes.

 

[eyoungren]

I used to work for a subsidiary of this company, their IMEI/ESN database is highly convoluted. They don't keep as good a track as they should. Forget to add some, accidentally blacklisting, the list goes on and on.

Add in poorly trained reps who've been drilled with the knowledge that only Sprint phones are allowed. They'll be utterly confused if you tell them to use a SIM-free device that's compatible. It's a mess really.

You might have luck calling their customer service as they might get more formal training than store employees. Still, it takes a while for them to get updated when status quo changes.

Good advice. I have to agree. I would never advocate getting something like this done at a third party Sprint store (one DBA Sprint). Unfortunately, the average customer has no way easy to tell a corporate store from a third party store.

 

[Septembersrain]

Good advice. I have to agree. I would never advocate getting something like this done at a third party Sprint store (one DBA Sprint). Unfortunately, the average customer has no way easy to tell a corporate store from a third party store.

That's true for all the carriers. Some are easier to spot when they are not corporate but it's still hard to truly find an actual corporate store.

 

[eyoungren]

That's true for all the carriers. Some are easier to spot when they are not corporate but it's still hard to truly find an actual corporate store.

I am fortunate to have an actual corporate/repair store less than ten minutes from my house.

However, due to the fact that I bought an iPhone 5 the last time my contract was up I've been inside that store a total of twice in the last two and a half years. Apple has taken care of all my iPhone issues.

The rest of the stores in my area are third party stores and I've only been in them long enough to figure that out.

 

[T5BRICK]

yah, that's the part i'm concerned about. I want to purchase one of the unlocked devices, and switch to the Sprint half price plan, but I don't want to walk in with a $750 paperweight in the eyes of Sprint when I ask for a SIM card and activation.

From what I've seen thus far, although Apple says it works, I don't see that anyone has tried it with success.

I have no corporate Sprint stores in the area, otherwise I'd give it a shot. If a person lived near an Apple store and a Sprint store, it would be an easy thing to try. Apple will let you return the phone if Sprint refuses to activate it.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

have you or anyone else been able to verify that the unlocked phone can be activated on Sprint, or will Sprint even give you a SIM card for the device?

I'm ready to switch from AT&T now, but don't want to purchase a device that will lock me to Sprint.

If you already have a Sprint SIM(Part: SIMGLW426C) you can just insert it into your phone and perform a profile update and it will work. Sprint has whitelisted Apple Store IMEIs and even states on their website that they will accept unlocked multimodal iPhone 6/6 Plus devices. Sprint can't and will not lock your phone, if you don't have a SIM, you can activate the MEID online at sprint.com/activate.

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But if the IMEI has already been whitelisted by Sprint and is already in Apple's unlock database, how can Sprint remove it from the unlock database?

My understanding is that this would be the only way you could "relock" the device. The Sprint CSR is only concerned with the MEID (based on the IMEI) when it comes to activation in Sprint's system. Apple's unlock database is entirely outside of Sprint's control and the unlock activation policy for the phone is only issued through the iTunes servers, not Sprint.

Sprint can't legally lock a device to them that wasn't purchased from them, that's kind of like saying AT&T will lock Verizon iPhones activated on their network LOL. When you activate your 6 or 6 plus, don't mention it's an unlocked phone or it will confuse the hell out of them. Just say it's a Sprint phone, the MEID is already loaded into their database and they just need to give you a SIM card.

 

[Don.Draper]

Devices traded in to programs authorized by Apple can be reassigned a different activation policy depending on network it's intended for. The same goes for Sprint units traded into Apple. Apple will wipe the activation policy and give the phone a new IMEI.

Hey HarrisonTaylor, and maybe eyoungren...

Do you know if the genius replacement of the sprint iphone 5S A1453 is also domestically unlocked until a sprint sim is inserted? Hypothetically speaking if I needed a replacement, could I have them not replace my sprint sim, and then later insert a t-mobile sim and have a working 5S on t-mobile?

 

[eyoungren]

Hey HarrisonTaylor, and maybe eyoungren...

Do you know if the genius replacement of the sprint iphone 5S A1453 is also domestically unlocked until a sprint sim is inserted? Hypothetically speaking if I needed a replacement, could I have them not replace my sprint sim, and then later insert a t-mobile sim and have a working 5S on t-mobile?

You need to catch the genuis before he gets anywhere near the activation screen. Scroll back up through this thread and you will see posts 212, 215, 217 and another one with a screen shot.

The phone has to be activated on Apalachian wireless or one other carrier to prevent a lock to Sprint. If you get the phone back from the genius and you aren't the one to be selecting the carrier then the phone will be locked to Sprint.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Hey HarrisonTaylor, and maybe eyoungren...

Do you know if the genius replacement of the sprint iphone 5S A1453 is also domestically unlocked until a sprint sim is inserted? Hypothetically speaking if I needed a replacement, could I have them not replace my sprint sim, and then later insert a t-mobile sim and have a working 5S on t-mobile?

You're gonna wanna make sure the Genius isn't the one setting up the phone. Give them a Appalachian or Straight Talk SIM instead of the Sprint one, but keep in mind you're gonna lose all functionality on Sprint as Sprint no longer has the MEID in their database. U.S. Cellular is a good option too for getting it replaced, there are some hoops to jump through to get it domestically unlocked but USCC WILL unlock it even if you've never been a customer.

 

[Don.Draper]

You're gonna wanna make sure the Genius isn't the one setting up the phone. Give them a Appalachian or Straight Talk SIM instead of the Sprint one, but keep in mind you're gonna lose all functionality on Sprint as Sprint no longer has the MEID in their database. U.S. Cellular is a good option too for getting it replaced, there are some hoops to jump through to get it domestically unlocked but USCC WILL unlock it even if you've never been a customer.

Okay, so the Sprint 5S is also like the 6 in that the genius has to select Sprint during initial setup to lock it to the network? I have a basic understanding of this process, after reading eyoungren's suggested post numbers, but here's my question now: Will red flags be raised with the genius when I hand them a different carrier SIM? Also, out here in SoCal we only have Straight Talk out of all the carriers you listed. Does the SIM have to be activated on the staight talk network first? or can I just pick one up at walmart and take it straight to apple, without first setting up with sim with ST?

Sorry for all the questions, I feel like Ethan Hunt in mission impossible...

 

[Don.Draper]

The phone has to be activated on Apalachian wireless or one other carrier to prevent a lock to Sprint. If you get the phone back from the genius and you aren't the one to be selecting the carrier then the phone will be locked to Sprint.

Now when you say "activated" do you mean simply selecting ST or AW as the carrier on the initial setup screen? Guess my next question is, do you have to select AW as the carrier AND have an AW sim in the slot? This cannot be done without a SIM on that first screen?

 

[eyoungren]

Now when you say "activated" do you mean simply selecting ST or AW as the carrier on the initial setup screen? Guess my next question is, do you have to select AW as the carrier AND have an AW sim in the slot? This cannot be done without a SIM on that first screen?

Yes, and as Harrison mentioned you will need a SIM for that carrier.

Harrison is far better suited to answer your questions in more detail. Despite the nature of this thread, I have never unlocked any phone personally. I just started this thread to give as much factual information to Sprint users as I could find.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Okay, so the Sprint 5S is also like the 6 in that the genius has to select Sprint during initial setup to lock it to the network? I have a basic understanding of this process, after reading eyoungren's suggested post numbers, but here's my question now: Will red flags be raised with the genius when I hand them a different carrier SIM? Also, out here in SoCal we only have Straight Talk out of all the carriers you listed. Does the SIM have to be activated on the staight talk network first? or can I just pick one up at walmart and take it straight to apple, without first setting up with sim with ST?

Sorry for all the questions, I feel like Ethan Hunt in mission impossible...

Doesn't matter if the "unlocked" network you're selecting has coverage in your area. The Sprint 5s/5c is a generic CDMA model that's designed for multiple regional carriers in addition to Sprint, the carrier list at the Apple Store populates with all networks that use the Sprint models.

 

[Don.Draper]

Doesn't matter if the "unlocked" network you're selecting has coverage in your area. The Sprint 5s/5c is a generic CDMA model that's designed for multiple regional carriers in addition to Sprint, the carrier list at the Apple Store populates with all networks that use the Sprint models.

Got it, but I still need to acquire an activated SIM from one of the unlocked regional carriers to pull this off, right? I can't just buy one of those unactivated ST (or any other regional unactivated) sims for 5 bucks and get it to work?

Thanks for your help.

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Got it, but I still need to acquire an activated SIM from one of the unlocked regional carriers to pull this off, right? I can't just buy one of those unactivated ST (or any other regional unactivated) sims for 5 bucks and get it to work?

Thanks for your help.

SIM isn't required to pull it off, but is more convincing for the Genius. It doesn't need to be activated, an old one will do.

 

[Allthings-I]

I'm glad that this thread helped in any way. That was the original intent (beyond trying to put a stop to the rash of "Help me unlock my Sprint iPhone" threads at the time).

I am a firm believer that understanding the WHY of something is a big help. Sprint only tells you garbage about the policy. Whether it's because the reps are uniformed or lying it doesn't matter. Rather than admit the truth that the policy was simply an act of loss prevention Sprint gives you every other excuse it can find.

On top of that, MacRumors is beyond the reach of overzealous Sprint BAW forum mods who have a very nasty habit of deleting content they feel does not present Sprint in a positive light.

I am a little confused, does this mean that If i got my iPhone 6 from Sprint, replaced by Apple for what ever reason, I can activate the replacement with a Straight Talk SIM and it will work on AT&T later?

Does that make sense? Sorry I've tried to go through the thread but still little bit confused.

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SIM isn't required to pull it off, but is more convincing for the Genius. It doesn't need to be activated, an old one will do.

So If i get my iPhone 6 thats locked to Sprint, replaced by Apple for whatever reason, Can I activate it with a AT&T service Straight Talk SIM and it will work with T-Mobile or any other GSM network in USA after? or even internationally?

Does that make sense? please let me know

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

I am a little confused, does this mean that If i got my iPhone 6 from Sprint, replaced by Apple for what ever reason, I can activate the replacement with a Straight Talk SIM and it will work on AT&T later?

Does that make sense? Sorry I've tried to go through the thread but still little bit confused.

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So If i get my iPhone 6 thats locked to Sprint, replaced by Apple for whatever reason, Can I activate it with a AT&T service Straight Talk SIM and it will work with T-Mobile or any other GSM network in USA after? or even internationally?

Does that make sense? please let me know

This has already been answered multiple times, you need to grab the phone from the Genius and choose the carrier before he has a chance to select it. Rip that ****er out of his hands, show him who's boss, it's your phone anyway. Choose Straight Talk or Appalachian Wireless on the menu and enjoy your fully unlocked iPhone 5/5c/5s/6/6+.

 

[Allthings-I]

This has already been answered multiple times, you need to grab the phone from the Genius and choose the carrier before he has a chance to select it. Rip that ****er out of his hands, show him who's boss, it's your phone anyway. Choose Straight Talk or Appalachian Wireless on the menu and enjoy your fully unlocked iPhone 5/5c/5s/6/6+.

Thanks for the reply, I have a Straight Talk (AT&T) SIM in hand. Will that do the trick?

 

[HarrisonTaylor]

Thanks for the reply, I have a Straight Talk (AT&T) SIM in hand. Will that do the trick?

If it's nano yea, otherwise you'll need to cut it.

Don't be afraid to use force to remove the phone from the Genius' hands to select your carrier. It's your property so you're not gonna be breaking any laws.

 

[eyoungren]

This is just crazy!

Because of Sprint's dumb, draconian policy the unlocking of a Sprint iPhone could come down to physical force.

Not that I disagree, just that it's possible it could come to that.