Newsroom Update
Apple is introducing a new Apple Watch Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop, matching watch face, and dynamic iOS and iPadOS wallpapers as a way to champion global movements to protect and advance equality for LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more >
Apple is introducing a new Apple Watch Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop, matching watch face, and dynamic iOS and iPadOS wallpapers as a way to champion global movements to protect and advance equality for LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more >
I bought a second hand 3GS on eBay, where I was told it was factory unlocked for me only to find that it isn't - it's locked to Orange UK.
I've done some research, and read that Apple unlock iPhones. I also found that there's dodgy sounding solutions, like going through suspicious third party "companies" that IEMI unlock phones for a fee.
iPhone 3GS
Still? Apple NEVER unlocked phones. Carriers lock them, only CARRIERS can unlock them. Apple does not. Your "research" is incorrect.
In your case, you'll need to contact the carrier to which your phone is locked and see if you are eligible for unlocking.
IMEI locking isn't the same as carrier locking.
Carrier locking can be undone by the carrier only. If the IMEI is locked, it's actually blacklisted which means it has either been reported stolen/lost or the carrier has blacklisted it because the bill has not been paid.
You may be able to contact Orange to unlock it for you, they will need the IMEI so they can send it to Apple to identify it on the Apple server to perform the unlock.
IMEI blacklisting cannot be undone!
DO NOT TAKE IT TO A DODGY SHOP! They unlock by jailbreaking the device and that can cause a whole number of issues.
A quick call to Orange will determine if it's blacklisted, just explain that you bought it off eBay and can they tell you if it is blacklisted or not. If not ask them about unlocking it
I ran a check to see if the phone was stolen or blacklisted before I bought the phone and everything came back clear. I've already taken the phone to an Orange shop and they told me that the original contract owner will have to get it unlocked. I'm starting to get the impression that I'm stuck with a phone that I can't use..?
I'd still check with Orange.
Have you tried contacting customer services over the telephone to see about getting it unlocked
Contact the eBay seller. If the item description stated that the phone is unlocked, then the seller has to make good by taking it back with a refund, or unlocking it. Always approach an eBay issue politely with a simple statement of the facts.
i think this is the correct option
Does Apple still IEMI Unlock iPhones?
