HT201328: How to unlock your iPhone

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subbanarasimha
Level 1 (4 points)
iPhone

Q: How to check whether iphone is unlocked or not

Hi,

I am planning to buy an iphone in US (new/used/refurbished) to gift for my family in India.

How do I check whether the iphone is unlocked or not and it works in India.

 

Thanks and Regards,

Subba

Posted on Sep 26, 2016 2:19 PM

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subbanarasimha

Q: How to check whether iphone is unlocked or not

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Allan Eckert,

    Allan Eckert Allan Eckert Sep 26, 2016 2:21 PM in response to subbanarasimha
    Level 9 (53,766 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 26, 2016 2:21 PM in response to subbanarasimha

    Try http://www.wikihow.com/Check-if-Your-iPhone-Is-Unlocked

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Sep 26, 2016 2:23 PM in response to subbanarasimha
    Level 9 (58,997 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 26, 2016 2:23 PM in response to subbanarasimha

    Where do you plan to purchase this device. Apple sells unlocked phones, but there are some stipulations as to their use outside of the US. First, phones for the US may not support all bands in use in India. Secondly, the warranty on these devices is only valid in the US. And you specify new, used, refurbished devices. Many differences in all of those devices, depending on where you purchase them.

  • by subbanarasimha,

    subbanarasimha subbanarasimha Sep 26, 2016 2:39 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 26, 2016 2:39 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Thanks for your reply.

    I was planning to get iphone5s from bestbuy/ebay or even craigslist.

    Apple do not sell iphone5s anymore.

    Hence wanted to make sure, the phone is really unlocked before making the payment.

     

    Thanks,

    Subba

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Sep 26, 2016 2:42 PM in response to subbanarasimha
    Level 9 (58,997 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 26, 2016 2:42 PM in response to subbanarasimha

    eBay or Craigslist is a gamble. As far as Best Buy, they would be able to tell you if it is unlocked, but if they are the ones doing the refurb, then you are at their mercy. That is not an Apple refurbished device, and no telling what their warranty is, or what restrictions may be on it. Purchasing used devices in a country you do not intend on using them in is not the best idea. I understand trying to save money, and get the most for your money, but you could also get back to India and find out these devices don't work, or only work minimally, and there is nothing you can do to recover your investment.