How to unlock carrier locked iPhone 3GS

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Level 1

4 points

How to unlock carrier locked iPhone 3GS

I just found an old 3GS (A1303) in my drawer my brother gave me ages ago. I forgot the pin so had to factory reset it. During reactivation, it says the SIM card is not supported by the carrier according to the activation server so it must have been a carrier locked phone. My brother cannot remember which carrier it used and we don't live in the US anymore. Because the phone is still in the pre-activation stage, I cannot find out the IMEI.

Can I ask if there is anyway to reactivate it please? I don't need to use the phone function but it would be fun to play around with iOS 6 again...

Much appreciated.

iPhone 3G S

Posted on Dec 6, 2021 7:24 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

1ssmith

Community Specialist

Dec 7, 2021 2:25 PM in response to Vintage3GS

Hi there Vintage3GS,

We understand you're looking to set up an older iPhone.

Regarding the carrier lock, you may be able to identify the carrier from the SIM if the original was still inserted. Information on removing a SIM lock is available, here: How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier

To find the IMEI without being able to access Settings, check out this page: Find the serial number or IMEI on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

We hope this helps!

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Answer 2

Vintage3GS Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 8, 2021 8:22 PM in response to Eric--F

*Solution found*

Many thanks for the guidance.

Just want to report back that I have managed to have the phone permanently unlocked by the carrier. Here are what I did:

The phone was locked at activation screen;
I was able to find the IMEI number from the SIM slot, as greatly suggested by 1ssmith;
I still had problem of finding out which is the original carrier but given the phone was US based, I think there were only 2 to 3 possibilities;
I then found out that carriers in the US are now required by FCC to provide unlock service free of charge;
So I just 'brute force attach' it by requesting each carrier to unlock my phone. My first attempt was AT&T. They now have a very user friendly fully-automated website for me to do so. They asked if I was a customer and I said no, fearing the worst, but actually they still went ahead and unlocked my phone in one minute - bingo!!

Really appreciate all the advice here. Great place to seek help.

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Answer 3

Vintage3GS Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 7, 2021 7:32 PM in response to 1ssmith

Many thanks 1ssmith for the swift and great response! Really appreciate the help.

Yes, you are right and I am now able to find the IMEI from the SIM slot. However, when I google how to identify the carrier from IMEI, they all seem to be paid site or are unable to find the carrier for me. Can I ask what is the best way to identify the carrier from IMEI please? Also I have a feeling that even if I can identify the carrier, it will only be futile to try ask them to unlock such an old phone that I am not a customer of. That being the case, is there any other way to unlock the carrier lock please? Just a reminder that I have done a complete reset and stuck with the activation screen, so I am unable to access any of the iPhone function yet.

Any help/hint from anyone would be highly appreciated please.

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Answer 4

Eric--F

Community Specialist

Dec 8, 2021 2:13 PM in response to Vintage3GS

Hi Vintage3GS,

Carrier locks are controlled by the carrier the device is locked to, so it would be necessary to work with the original carrier on unlocking the device.

If the name of the carrier is imprinted on the SIM that was inside the device, asking the original owner who they had service through would be the best method.

Take care!

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Answer 5

mikeg28806

Community Specialist

Dec 9, 2021 12:45 PM in response to Vintage3GS

Hey Vintage3GS,

We're happy to hear you were able to get this resolved. Thanks for letting us know!

Have a great rest of your week.

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How to unlock carrier locked iPhone 3GS

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