New unlocked iPhone is asking for T-Mobile credentials that I don't have.

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Level 1

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New unlocked iPhone is asking for T-Mobile credentials that I don't have.

I have this new iPhone 15 Pro Max purchased directly from Apple.com and, to finish the initial set up, it's asking me for my T-Mobile Number and the last four digits of my SSN. The thing is that I don't have a T-Mobile number, and I'm not even in the US. The phone is supposed to be unlocked for any carrier.

The screen reads:

"Transfer Your Phone Number. T-Mobile and Apple use your credentials to verify you cellular plan on this iPhone.

Wireless Number

Last 4 Digits of Account Owner's SSN

To verify your identity, T-Mobile will send a one-time verification code to the phone number provided above. Contact T-Mobile if your other phone isn't available."

Is there a way to work around this screen?

Posted on Dec 11, 2023 10:30 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

lobsterghost1

Community+ 2025

Level 10

183,655 points

Dec 11, 2023 10:42 AM in response to tatian15

Did you pay on installment? If you did, you had to choose a carrier when you ordered the phone, meaning you purchased an iPhone locked to the carrier you chose at that time. The only way to buy a truly unlocked iPhone directly from Apple would have been to pay in full and choose set up carrier later. And if you don't live in the US, you shouldn't have bought your phone in the US. You will have no warranty on a US purchased iPhone in another country.

You need to contact T-Mobile to see what, if any options you have with the phone. You cannot exchange the phone in another country.

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Answer 2

tatian15 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 11, 2023 10:53 AM in response to Bob Timmons

I tapped "Continue" and got an error, and did it again about 3 times, then the same screen appeared with a "Not now" option. It is now transferring the information from my old iPhone. I'll post whatever happens next.

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Answer 3

Dec 11, 2023 10:54 AM in response to tatian15

I'm afraid, no one here can help you. You need to either contact Apple or T-Mobile. This is going to be difficult at best. You can't just exchange the phone in the DR. And you may need to come to the US with the phone as Apple doesn't accept international shipment. Buying an iPhone in one country to be used in another is risky and the cost savings may not be worth it, especially if you have to bring the phone back to the US.

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Answer 4

Dec 11, 2023 10:46 AM in response to tatian15

Everything that you are telling us indicates that you received a phone for use on the T-Mobile network.

Please contact T-Mobile to see if they can help.

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Answer 5

tatian15 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 11, 2023 11:02 AM in response to lobsterghost1

See my reply to Bob. I'll post what happens next. Your advice is sound and I understand. I don't purchase TVs and big stuff like that. In my case, I travel to the US regularly, either for business or personal, so I've taken this risk with iPhones for many years. But you are right, it is risky, and anyone else reading this would be wise to follow your recommendations.

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Answer 6

tatian15 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 26, 2023 10:16 AM in response to JcostaNeto

Hi. It was just this on my part. Although my friend (who purchased it directly) called both Apple and T-Mobile. Both companies stated that the phone was unlocked and should work, and supposedly did nothing, but we did call.

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