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Carrier Verizon iPhone 6 / 6 Plus - Some Locked against International Use

A

Allthings-I

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 25, 2014
391
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BEFORE YOU START TELLING ME THEY ARE ALL UNLOCKED YES I AM VERY WELL AWARE THAT THEY ALL ARE ACCORDING TO THE VERIZON AGREEMENT WITH FCC OVER LTE BAND 13 = 700MHz. But there is a issue where the DOMESTIC ONLY POLICY gets assigned to certain models, WHY -- I DONT KNOW

BUT THESE UNITS DO NOT WORK ON INTERNATIONAL SIM's / WORK FINE WITH US SIM CARD's.

Incorrect Policy: Next Tether Policy Details: US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy = Domestic Unlock / International Lock

Correct Policy: Next Tether Policy Details: US Verizon LTE MM N61/N56/N51/N48/N42 = Fully Factory Unlocked for US + Worldwide usage. As you know the N51/N48/N42 = 5S / 5C / 5 respectively.

Apparently its an issue with Verizon / Apple server's Syncing but I think its more than that and so far the issue is only starting to gain momentum

Yes we already know LEGALLY Verizon cannot lock any phone / tablet that has access to BAND 13 LTE.


Proof the issue exists:

1) http://youtu.be/yBCZpKCkEys

2) Here is a thread on Apple forums but not very helpful: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6763925?start=15&tstart=0



TWO WAYS TO TEST TO SEE IF YOUR AFFECTED:

1) Buy a GSX IMEI Report (eBay or another website - about $1) = If you see the Correct Policy as mentioned above = Your device is fully factory unlocked

OR

2) Insert ANY international SIM into your Verizon iPhone 6 / 6 Plus and see if you get INVALID SIM error. (SIM DOESNT HAVE TO ACTIVE, IF YOUR AFFECTED THE DEVICE WILL DISPLAY THE INVALID SIM ERROR EVEN WITH A INACTIVE SIM) = If no issue = Correct Policy, IF Issue = Incorrect Policy

So before you travel or resell your Verizon iPhone be sure to test it so you or 2nd hand owner does not end up with a "defective" device.

I have called Apple personally to question after I found someone selling a iPhone 6 on craigslist with this issue -- but they did not provide any acceptable answer other than offer to trouble shoot it over the phone -- I did not buy the device from the craigslist seller because I know this issue exists and because that device had the INVALID SIM error upon inserting a international SIM, It wasn't worth my money.

Apple support will just tell you its Locked to Verizon and only top tier senior advisors will tell you that Verizon iPhones are factory unlocked for all GSM networks (this would apply to the correct policy assigned devices only)


Please do not waste this thread telling us things we already know, lets keep it technical and determine how many users are affected instead.
 
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Probably a temporary glitch, otherwise they are violating their agreement with the FCC and will get in trouble.
 
Verizon iPhone 6 / 6 Plus - Some Locked against International Use

OP

Where are you coming up with this stuff? You're spouting this crap in the Sprint forum as well and on macrumors.

My Verizon 6 plus works just fine with international sims.
 
Jtludwig said:
OP

Where are you coming up with this stuff? You're spouting this crap in the Sprint forum as well.

My Verizon 6 plus works just fine with international sims.
Click to expand...

If you already know then this doesn't apply to you...I'm not spouting "crap", its a issue, I don't have it but I have seen people who have phones with those god damn policies assigned to them and those phones do not work with international SIM's.

Give it some time I'm sure others will come forward after checking.

----------
mrkramer said:
Probably a temporary glitch, otherwise they are violating their agreement with the FCC and will get in trouble.
Click to expand...

Its a "Glitch" that has not been resolved. I heard about it back in November, recently I heard about it occurring few more times with few different people and last week I was looking for a Verizon i6 on Clist, when I inserted my international SIM, Invalid SIM message came up, bought a IMEI report and exactly what I expected, that policy which I mentioned above.
 
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Allthings-I said:
If you already know then this doesn't apply to you...I'm not spouting "crap", its a issue, I don't have it but I have seen people who have phones with those god damn policies assigned to them and those phones do not work with international SIM's.



Give it some time I'm sure others will come forward after checking.

----------





Its a "Glitch" that has not been resolved. I heard about it back in November, recently I heard about it occurring few more times with few different people and last week I was looking for a Verizon i6 on Clist, when I inserted my international SIM, Invalid SIM message came up, bought a IMEI report and exactly what I expected, that policy which I mentioned above.
Click to expand...


This kind of stuff is always rumor or second hand. I heard it from my friend's brother and crap like that. Let's see if we actually get anyone with real firsthand experience besides the OP.
 
Jtludwig said:
This kind of stuff is always rumor or second hand. I heard it from my friend's brother and crap like that. Let's see if we actually get anyone with real firsthand experience besides the OP.
Click to expand...

Lets wait and see, and If you read my response fully earlier I clearly stated that I have personally tested a device with this issue. Just didn't end up buying it because it wasn't worth my money.

At the end of the day this is a issue and I'm only bringing it to attention so that people can avoid traveling with their supposedly unlocked devices or selling their iPhones come the 6S/6S+ time and instead get the issue resolved (however that is suppose to be possibly by getting the device replaced).
 
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My iphone6 64G also locked against international use....
it is the same, how can i unlock international use?

Model: SVC IPHONE 6 MM 64GB GOLD CI/AR
IMEI: 354404068404389
Serial: F73NL8KXG5MJ
Wireless MAC Address: D8BB2C7F0728
Bluetooth MAC Address: D8BB2C7F0729
ICCID: 8901260642104041848
Ios Version: 8.0.2
Find My iPhone: OFF
First Unbrick Date: 12/22/14
Last Unbrick Date: 12/22/14
Original Carrier: US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy
Initial Activation Policy Description: 2320 - US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy
Applied Activation Policy Description: 2320 - US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy
Next Tether Activation Policy Description: 2320 - US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy
Sim-Lock Status: Locked
 
Has anyone who thinks their phone is locked actually tried an international sim? Who knows if these "reports" are actually even right?
 
I have the Verizon 6 plus and am using on T-Mobile. I spent the new year in London and used it there as well with a UK sim. I don't see how a phone can have a domestic unlock but not international unlock.
 
laura329 said:
My iphone6 64G also locked against international use....
it is the same, how can i unlock international use?

Model: SVC IPHONE 6 MM 64GB GOLD CI/AR
IMEI: 354404068404389
Serial: F73NL8KXG5MJ
Wireless MAC Address: D8BB2C7F0728
Bluetooth MAC Address: D8BB2C7F0729
ICCID: 8901260642104041848
Ios Version: 8.0.2
Find My iPhone: OFF
First Unbrick Date: 12/22/14
Last Unbrick Date: 12/22/14
Original Carrier: US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy
Initial Activation Policy Description: 2320 - US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy
Applied Activation Policy Description: 2320 - US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy
Next Tether Activation Policy Description: 2320 - US GSM/VZW N61/N56 Service Policy
Sim-Lock Status: Locked
Click to expand...

Do you happen to have a International SIM that you can try and make a video for the rest of us? The SIM doesn't have to be active. If you do have it please do this:

Show us you ejecting the Verizon SIM and inserting a International SIM into the phone and waiting for "no service" to appear on top or Invalid SIM error. -- Does not have to be a long video

----------
617aircav said:
I have the Verizon 6 plus and am using on T-Mobile. I spent the new year in London and used it there as well with a UK sim. I don't see how a phone can have a domestic unlock but not international unlock.
Click to expand...

Then your not affected. Your CLEAR of this situation and you can simply ignore it and move on.
 
Applejuiced said:
Another made up "gate":rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I can assure you it is 100% not made up "gate".

Its a policy problem thats affecting perhaps 1% or more of Verizon iPhone 6/6+ models. and the fact that it exists is reason enough for me to share and make people aware of it.

PS. if you don't have anything valuable to add to the thread, don't bother commenting.

----------
T5BRICK said:
I'm guessing that this isn't an actual problem.
Click to expand...

It actually is a problem, just a matter before we get enough people who confirm the problem exists. You guys are all damn in denial that such a problem can exist and are soo invested in the fact that "All Verizon iPhones are factory unlocked"

For all we know this is a glitch, is a bug, or the fact that Verizon is playing another trick up its sleeves like how they make it virtually impossible for their customers to use Verizon "Factory Unlocked" Android phones on other networks....they make it difficult to edit APN settings / MMS settings.

BUT

I am not going to get into any conspiracy theories and instead STAY ON TOPIC.

I would like Verizon iPhone owners to check, report back and confirm please if possible by inserting a International SIM. That is all we need to confirm and then fix this issue (perhaps by replacing the units)
 
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Allthings-I said:
I am not going to get into any conspiracy theories and instead STAY ON TOPIC.

I would like Verizon iPhone owners to check, report back and confirm please if possible by inserting a International SIM. That is all we need to confirm and then fix this issue (perhaps by replacing the units)
Click to expand...

Both my Verizon iPhone 6+ and my wife's Verizon iPhone 5s worked fine with a Telcel sim while I was in Tecate Mexico. As far as I'm concerned you're making stuff up and this isn't a real problem.
 
T5BRICK said:
Both my Verizon iPhone 6+ and my wife's Verizon iPhone 5s worked fine with a Telcel sim while I was in Tecate Mexico. As far as I'm concerned you're making stuff up and this isn't a real problem.
Click to expand...

What would be the point of the OP making this up? There's pretty much zero to gain from making up such a story.

I will say though, the combative way OP is bringing this up isn't helping.
 
Verizon iPhone 6 / 6 Plus - Some Locked against International Use

We still haven't had anyone who thinks they have a locked phone actually try an international SIM card...they are relying on 3rd party reporting services that may not even be correct.

And anyways...since no one has tried international sims then I guess they didn't really need an international unlock anyways.

----------
Allthings-I said:
I can assure you it is 100% not made up "gate".

Its a policy problem thats affecting perhaps 1% or more of Verizon iPhone 6/6+ models. and the fact that it exists is reason enough for me to share and make people aware of it.

PS. if you don't have anything valuable to add to the thread, don't bother commenting.

----------



It actually is a problem, just a matter before we get enough people who confirm the problem exists. You guys are all damn in denial that such a problem can exist and are soo invested in the fact that "All Verizon iPhones are factory unlocked"

For all we know this is a glitch, is a bug, or the fact that Verizon is playing another trick up its sleeves like how they make it virtually impossible for their customers to use Verizon "Factory Unlocked" Android phones on other networks....they make it difficult to edit APN settings / MMS settings.

BUT

I am not going to get into any conspiracy theories and instead STAY ON TOPIC.

I would like Verizon iPhone owners to check, report back and confirm please if possible by inserting a International SIM. That is all we need to confirm and then fix this issue (perhaps by replacing the units)
Click to expand...


So Verizon's "trick" is to allow 99% of the IPhones to work with an international SIM card and screw the other 1%?
 
Sounds like a myth as there are virtually no reports of this. What would Verizon even have to gain? Make sure .1% of their customers can't take their phones overseas just because?
 
Allthings-I said:
I can assure you it is 100% not made up "gate".

Its a policy problem thats affecting perhaps 1% or more of Verizon iPhone 6/6+ models. and the fact that it exists is reason enough for me to share and make people aware of it.

PS. if you don't have anything valuable to add to the thread, don't bother commenting.

----------



It actually is a problem, just a matter before we get enough people who confirm the problem exists. You guys are all damn in denial that such a problem can exist and are soo invested in the fact that "All Verizon iPhones are factory unlocked"

For all we know this is a glitch, is a bug, or the fact that Verizon is playing another trick up its sleeves like how they make it virtually impossible for their customers to use Verizon "Factory Unlocked" Android phones on other networks....they make it difficult to edit APN settings / MMS settings.

BUT

I am not going to get into any conspiracy theories and instead STAY ON TOPIC.

I would like Verizon iPhone owners to check, report back and confirm please if possible by inserting a International SIM. That is all we need to confirm and then fix this issue (perhaps by replacing the units)
Click to expand...

How can you supposedly assure it's not made up when no one can first hand confirm or further prove your claim that less than 1% has that issue?
Do you have a Verizon phone with that issue? No, you don't.
Good luck with your made up witch hunt.
 
Although I'm new here, I have been following many iPhone and cellular forums since 2009, and 2005 respectively.

There was a similar report from an individual on HowardForums a few months ago, and it was never established as credible or if anyone but the reporting party actually had any experience with this alleged service lock.

The entire community was practically unanimous in it's skepticism and lack of support from any first party reporters.

I have used Verizon phones quite a bit overseas, and never, ever, heard of any carrier locked Verizon iPhones in the past few years. That of course is why many of us bought them in the first place.

The Sky Is Not Falling.
 
I have a Verizon iPhone 6 Plus and just put in a Korean SIM card and it works fine. Get signal, LTE and everything.
 
kupon7 said:
I have a Verizon iPhone 6 Plus and just put in a Korean SIM card and it works fine. Get signal, LTE and everything.
Click to expand...


Since this thread is going nowhere I'll ask another question:


I'm moving to Pyeongtaek South Korea next month (from Santa Barbara, CA).

Any advice on good carriers that offer LTE?
 
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