HT201328: How to unlock your iPhone for use with another carrier

Learn about How to unlock your iPhone for use with another carrier
Kswisha

Q: How can apple let carriers lock thier devices even when you purchase them unlocked directly from an apple store?

Why bother paying over $1000.00 to purchase an unlocked iphone from the apple store only to have it locked by your carrier anyway?! The only reason i purchased it outright is so that i could change carriers whenever i want!

iPhone 5

Posted on Apr 19, 2013 11:26 AM

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Q: How can apple let carriers lock thier devices even when you purchase them unlocked directly from an apple store?

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  • by imobl,

    imobl imobl Apr 19, 2013 4:57 PM in response to Kswisha
    Level 5 (6,968 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 19, 2013 4:57 PM in response to Kswisha

    I missed that - thank you for reiterating.

  • by CoolHand_Luke,

    CoolHand_Luke CoolHand_Luke Jun 1, 2013 11:04 PM in response to Kswisha
    Level 1 (80 points)
    Jun 1, 2013 11:04 PM in response to Kswisha

    An unlocked phone purchased from Apple canada is unlocked to any carrier...period. The whole reason people purchased unlocked phones is to be able to move between carriers just by swapping sims. If you sign a contract you still have to honor the terms of the contract but even if you dont your phone can still be moved to another carrier. (why anyone would sign a contract with an unlocked phone is beyond me)

     

    If your "unlocked" phone you bought directly from Apple Canada somehow was locked to Bell and you paid $75 to get it unlocked through bell you just threw $75 down the drain.

     

    Apple's website clearly states the fact they sell unlocked phones that can be moved between carriers.

     

     

    http://store.apple.com/ca/buy/home/shop_iphone/family/iphone5#

     

    About the unlocked iPhone.

    The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a wireless contract commitment. You can activate and use iPhone on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice. The unlocked iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 will not work with CDMA-based carriers. An unlocked iPhone 5 may not support LTE networks in all other countries; contact service providers for details.

    If you don’t want a multiyear service contract, or if you prefer to use a local carrier when travelling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. It does not come with a micro-SIM card for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, or a nano-SIM card for iPhone 5, so you’ll need to get one from any supported GSM carrier worldwide. To start using it, simply insert the card into the slot on your iPhone and turn it on by pressing and holding the On/Off button for a few seconds. Then follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone.


    Frequently asked questions:

     

    Do I need to commit to a long-term contract for my iPhone?

     

    Buying a SIM-free iPhone from the Apple Online Store allows you to choose your own carrier and change carriers at any time. iPhone may also be available at a lower price with a contract directly from your wireless carrier.

  • by pmhung,

    pmhung pmhung Mar 18, 2015 6:38 PM in response to Kswisha
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 18, 2015 6:38 PM in response to Kswisha

    I got the same issue with my unlocked iphone purchased from apple store. Bell Canada locked my phone and ask for $75 to unlock it.

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