iPhone unlocking ?

[andyred]

Hi

My turn for the silly question ...

If I get my iPhone unlocked (on 3) whilst I'm still on contract - they say £15 charge - and I continue to use my contract sim (until end of contract), will the iPhone still be unlocked, or will it "lock again" as I'm using the contract sim ?

Couldn't get a straight answer out of 3

Cheers
A

 

[KMPhoto]

I'm pretty sure it will stay unlocked once it has been unlocked by the network operator
I've had phones unlocked by the operator (O2) so that they could be used abroad and there was never an issue when I returned to the UK and resumed using the original sim.

 

[wyx087]

£15? Vodafone unlocked my 4 for free without hassle. after i lost it, i changed my IMEI to a second hand 3GS and Vodafone also unlocked it without issue.

the unlock is on Apple's side, so basically your operator will contact Apple servers and ask for it to be unlocked. when you get a SIM you will have to connect your phone to iTunes for it to become unlocked.

finally, for your question, the unlock is permanent.

 

[Dave *]

£15? Vodafone unlocked my 4 for free without hassle. .

Unfortunately each of the networks have different charges (and even Vodafone will charge in certain circumstances, like PAYG accounts). I think the most expensive is Orange who charge £20, and Voda who charge £20 for ones they won't do free.

 

[stokecity_m]

Jailbreak it, and then unlock it yourself.

All easy to do and not illegal, like some seem to think.

 

[Dave *]

Jailbreak it, and then unlock it yourself.

All easy to do and not illegal, like some seem to think.

There is unfortunately no unlock on any of the newer firmware or baseband versions. Even the last unlock on version 4 was a bodge using the 06.15.00 iPad baseband that killed GPS and Bluetooth functionality.

Not really a good recommendation.

 

[andyred]

Thanks

Looks like I can get it unlocked and stay with contract sim until the end and then move on.

Cheers
A

 

[Dave *]

Thanks

Looks like I can get it unlocked and stay with contract sim until the end and then move on.

Cheers
A

Yes, you'll have no problem with doing that. The only way you'll know it's unlocked is when you get a message when connecting to iTunes saying "congratulations, your iPhone is unlocked". The phone will still work in exactly the same way as before (other than the fact you could use other network sims if you so wished).

 

[andyred]

Yes, you'll have no problem with doing that. The only way you'll know it's unlocked is when you get a message when connecting to iTunes saying "congratulations, your iPhone is unlocked". The phone will still work in exactly the same way as before (other than the fact you could use other network sims if you so wished).

Thanks Dave

 

[boliston]

Not sure if mentioned specifically but you will need a NON three sim to "activate" the unlock.

Either borrow one from a friend or get a free payg sim.

Always worth paying for the unlock even if still ages to go on contract as you never know when you might want to travel abroad and avoid roaming charges by using a local sim. Also easier to sell an unlocked phone when the time comes.

 

[Dave *]

Not sure if mentioned specifically but you will need a NON three sim to "activate" the unlock.

Either borrow one from a friend or get a free payg sim.

I know that's the official advice from the networks, but I don't think it is entirely accurate anymore, I had my most recent iPhone unlocked by T-Mobile about 2 months ago and it unlocked the following night still with the T-Mobile sim present.

 

[andyred]

Thanks, something to think about.

Might ask in the apple store when I'm passing next week ...