uwbadger09

Q: Unlocking iPhone using iCloud instead of iTunes

Hello,

 

I recently submitted an unlock request through AT&T as I will be moving out of the country for an extended period of time. I was told the request may not be processed until the end of next week, which will be after I have left the country. I did not plan on bringing my laptop with me as I primarily use the iPad now, and I am a little confused as to how the unlocking procedure works for the iPhone. I have come to understand that you must use iTunes as part of the unlocking process. However, I am wondering if it is possible to go through the process using my iCloud backup instead of connecting to iTunes (I would prefer to do this so I do not have to bring my laptop).

 

Here are Apple's instructions for unlocking the iPhone once it has been approved by the carrier:

 

How to unlock your iPhone for use with another carrier - Apple Support

 

In the instructions, it is somewhat vague in that it does not specify that you need to iTunes. Based upon those instructions, it would seem as if backing up to iCloud, erasing the phone, and then restoring the phone through iCloud would get the job done. However, every forum post seems to indicate that iTunes is necessary.

 

Can anyone provide clarification? Thank you a ton for any help you can provide.

 

- EB

iPhone 5c, iOS 8.1.3

Posted on Feb 14, 2015 8:46 AM

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Q: Unlocking iPhone using iCloud instead of iTunes

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  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Feb 14, 2015 8:53 AM in response to uwbadger09
    Level 9 (59,665 points)
    iPhone
    Feb 14, 2015 8:53 AM in response to uwbadger09

    I've never seen it done any other method other than iTunes. I don't believe you would see the restore message including the "Congratulations" message. I would hate to tell you to attempt it without a computer and fail. You should however, but able to use another computer for the simple task a restore as new, and then you can set the device up from your iCloud backup. However, content that is not backed up in iCloud would not be on the device any longer, including your music and apps, since those are not included in the backup. They are expected to be in your iTunes library.

  • by vdysfhdjkslbgnskljdbvlsk,

    vdysfhdjkslbgnskljdbvlsk vdysfhdjkslbgnskljdbvlsk Feb 14, 2015 4:59 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 14, 2015 4:59 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    The iTunes content is included in the iCloud backup, just not as a direct backup of the software or music/videos. iCloud makes a list of iTunes purchases in the backup so it will in fact be on the device as it will automatically download all content that was on the device at the time of backup.

     

    You will need to restore using iTunes to finish the unlock procedure.

  • by Lawrence Finch,

    Lawrence Finch Lawrence Finch Feb 14, 2015 6:10 PM in response to vdysfhdjkslbgnskljdbvlsk
    Level 8 (38,286 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 14, 2015 6:10 PM in response to vdysfhdjkslbgnskljdbvlsk

    vdysfhdjkslbgnskljdbvlsk wrote:

     

    The iTunes content is included in the iCloud backup, just not as a direct backup of the software or music/videos. iCloud makes a list of iTunes purchases in the backup so it will in fact be on the device as it will automatically download all content that was on the device at the time of backup.

     

    Not really. iTunes PURCHASED content will be restored after restoring an iCloud backup, but music from other sources such as ripped CDs or MP3s from sources other than iTunes will not be restored, unless you subscribe to iTunes Match.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Feb 14, 2015 6:26 PM in response to vdysfhdjkslbgnskljdbvlsk
    Level 9 (59,665 points)
    iPhone
    Feb 14, 2015 6:26 PM in response to vdysfhdjkslbgnskljdbvlsk

    vdysfhdjkslbgnskljdbvlsk wrote:

     

    You will need to restore using iTunes to finish the unlock procedure.

    I believe that it what I said.

  • by r3aps,

    r3aps r3aps Mar 13, 2015 11:59 PM in response to uwbadger09
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 13, 2015 11:59 PM in response to uwbadger09

    Yes u can.i unlocked mine using icloud.