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Kel123456

Q: I bought an unlocked iphone 5 but it is locked.  What do i do to unlock?

I bought an unlocked iphone 5 in the US - paid the premium to have it unlocked as i live abroad and then realised it was actually locked with the at&t network.  We've contacted them, sent the receipt, the imei etc...and 21 days later, there is still no reply from them.  So my questions are:

- why does apple sell 'unlocked' phones which are effectively locked;

- what can i do to solve this serious problem?

iPhone 5

Posted on Jan 25, 2013 2:36 AM

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Q: I bought an unlocked iphone 5 but it is locked.  What do i do to unlock?

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  • by wjosten,

    wjosten wjosten Jan 25, 2013 2:40 AM in response to Kel123456
    Level 10 (94,615 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 25, 2013 2:40 AM in response to Kel123456

    If your phone is locked to AT&T, you have no choice but to deal with AT&T to get it officially unlocked. There is no other way to get your phone officially unlocked. However, if you believe you were sold this phone in error, you can call AppleCare, in the US, to see if they can fix things for you.

  • by Rojmer,

    Rojmer Rojmer Jan 25, 2013 2:43 AM in response to Kel123456
    Level 4 (1,524 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 25, 2013 2:43 AM in response to Kel123456

    If you bought from Apple, look at your receipt.  The receipt will state whether it is a locked or an unlocked phone. 

     

    If the receipt says it is unlocked and shows the correct serial number, and yet the iPhone is locked to ATT, then take it back to the store and they will replace it with an unlocked iPhone.  This is unusual, but if a mistake has been made, they will correct it for sure.