After getting my phone unlocked, I am not able to activate it either through iTunes or from the phone itself. Has anyone had this experience and acn someone help with this problem?
iPhone 3GS
Was this an official unlock processed directly with the cell carrier it was locked to?
Yes, it was unlocked directly by the carrier.
And you do have a SIM in it? Did you restore it in iTunes and get the messag, "Congratulations, your iPhone is now unlocked"?
I saw no message about the phone being unlocked. The carrier said they unlocked it and told me it takes up to 48 hours for me to receive the message to say I can insert the new sim card and connect to iTunes. I received the message and put in the new sim and then have been trying to activate the phone through iTunes. But a couple of minutes after attaching the phone to the computer, I get the message telling me "Your iPhone could not be activated at this time because the server is temporarily unavailable. If this problem persists contact Apple Support". It has been three days now.
I read on the support page that this happens after unlocking. But if it does, what do I do next? Go back to the carrier, in this case Vodaphone? Or to Apple?
Did you previously jailbreak this iPhone?
Yes, as I was misinformed but then went to my carrier and asked if I could still do a proper unlock and they did it for me. Can I still do something to make the phone usable?
Put the iPhone in DFU mode (use Google and you can find many YouTube videos) the Restore it as new.
Thank you so much. I will try to do that now and get back to you to give you an update.
I just finished going through your suggestions but after all that, iTunes popped upi the following message:
"We're sorry, we are unable to continue with your activation at this time. Please try again later or contact customer care".
Would you have any other suggestions?
Sounds like the jailbreak may have done permanent damage. Hacking/jailbreaking can render the phone unable to successfully process a legitimate unlock.
There may be an answer, but we can't help you here.
Try searching google, or go buy a new phone.
A few other things to try:
First, make sure Vodaphone actually completed the unlock. Call AppleCare and tell them you want to confirm the unlock. If it is still showing as locked to Vodaphone you will have to go back to them.
Next try the DFU and Restore is new on a different computer. Again, you MUST Restore it as new, you cannot use your backup.
If the above do not work as Tim correctly said use Google and you will find your solution. He is incorrect when he says it may be permanent damage so persevere.
Sorry, meant this as a reply to the OP.
Message was edited by: deggie
I had my iPhone 3GS unlocked but cannot activate it through iTunes after that. Can anyone help?
