Can I use my Verizon iPhone 4S on T-Mobile?
I have a 4S and I'm thinking about switching to T-Mobile. Can I use it on the T-Mobile network since it has a GSM sim? Will it need to be unlocked?
iOS 6
I have a 4S and I'm thinking about switching to T-Mobile. Can I use it on the T-Mobile network since it has a GSM sim? Will it need to be unlocked?
iOS 6
It would need to be unlocked, however unlocking the Verizon phone SIM will only unlock it for International use, not for use with other carriers within the US.
The short answer is no. You can not use a Verizon iPhone 4S with any US carrier other than Verizon.
Sorry not with the 4s. Officially, only the Verizon iPhone 5 are factory unlocked to be able to use the worldwide GSM networks. If you try to use an iPhone 4s from Verizon, even having them unlock it, you will get an error message when attempting to use a US carrier GSM sim card.
Correct. My iPhone 4S was unlocked through Verizon, and with my Irish SIM card it roams on T-Mobile and AT&T when back in the USA.
However using an actual T-Mobile SIM card gave an error after activation:
"SIM not valid ... from a carrier not supported under the activation server policy."
Does anyone know why this is the case? Is it because of a hardware issue, or because Verizon refuses to allow people who have purchased and now own the phone to be able to use it with another carrier?
Because Verizon refuses.
The iPhone 5 and 5S activated with Verizon are unlocked on the GSM side for use with a GSM carrier's SIM card in the U.S. and worldwide.
The difference with the iPhone 5 and 5S activated with Verizon is due to the iPhones being LTE network compatible. Verizon was required to do this by the FCC with the iPhone 5 and 5S due to the LTE bands Verizon was granted to use in the U.S.
Not so with the iPhone 4S which is not an LTE compatible phone.
Can I use my Verizon iPhone 4S on T-Mobile?