I gave my daughter my old iPhone SE, but she tells me it’s “locked” though it was reset with all my details deleted at the Apple Store.

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anorak2405 Author

Level 1

9 points

I gave my daughter my old iPhone SE, but she tells me it’s “locked” though it was reset with all my details deleted at the Apple Store.

She simply put in her Giff Gaff SIM card, but to no avail. Any help out there please?

Posted on Dec 23, 2023 1:36 PM

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Answer 1

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Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Dec 23, 2023 2:20 PM in response to anorak2405

I figured you were "across the pond", if you will :)

There's 2 parts to resetting a phone for someone else to use.

1) Removing your Apple ID and associated apps, photos and other data. This part can be done by you and/or with the help of someone at an Apple store.

2) Setting up the phone with a cellular carrier. If the person is NOT using the same carrier as you, the phone will need to be unlocked, and you need to contact your carrier for help with that. This is not something Apple is involved with.

In the US, iPhones are often financed through a cellular carrier and locked to that carrier until the phone is paid off and the user requests the phone be unlocked. I think that's a bit less common in other countries, but it may be the issue for her.

~Lyssa

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Answer 2

Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Dec 23, 2023 2:42 PM in response to anorak2405

Paying off the phone doesn't mean it's unlocked automatically. Here in the US, you have to request the phone be unlocked. I'm not sure if any carriers automatically unlock a paid off phone, but most of them will honor a request to unlock a phone that is fully paid.

Hopefully you can get this sorted quickly :)

~Lyssa

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Answer 3

Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Dec 23, 2023 1:40 PM in response to anorak2405

What message, exactly, is on the iPhone’s screen that you need help with?

Were you also using Giff Gaff?

~Lyssa

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Answer 4

anorak2405 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 23, 2023 2:10 PM in response to Lyssa

Thanks for your message, Lyssa. I’ve texted Amy, but I suspect she’s trying to get the children off the ceiling in their “almost Christmas” excitement so doubt she will not respond immediately, it being 10pm in London!

I wasn’t using Giff Gaff, but a company I’ve had a contract with from the early days of iPhones and really thought the Apple Store “genius” had stripped the SE to its factory settings. My naivety perhaps? When Amy does get back to me, may I continue this discussion!

Thanks in advance,

Malcolm

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Answer 5

anorak2405 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 23, 2023 2:37 PM in response to Lyssa

All my data, passwords and Apple IDs and icloud info was stripped-out at Apple Store, but I will contact my contract supplier and see if that can see progress.

The old SE was paid off almost three years ago so that can’t be a problem and my current SE2020 (I much prefer the smaller phones you will observe!) was paid for in old fashioned MONEY!

I’ll persevere and conquer this tech nonsense! But I will NOT buy my daughter a new phone - despite how you kids try to cajole, convince and manipulate we old farts!

M.

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Answer 6

anorak2405 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 23, 2023 2:58 PM in response to Lyssa

I’ll pursue it to the very end and will endeavour to keep you updated on this most minor of events. I’m sure you’ll be glued to your messages … but don’t forget to enjoy the holiday lest you get too involved in this specifically Old Country dilemma!

Have a splendid break and a healthy, peaceful and fulfilling 2024.

M.

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I gave my daughter my old iPhone SE, but she tells me it’s “locked” though it was reset with all my details deleted at the Apple Store.

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