Can't activate, no original carrier SIM

Question

Level 1

0 points

Can't activate, no original carrier SIM

I have an AT&T iPhone 4 that my friend gave me once her contract was up. She contacted AT&T for them to unlock it which they did. However, when I try to activate it now, I get the message "We're sorry, we are unable to continue with your activation at this time. Please try again later, or contact customer care."

I do not have an AT&T SIM for the phone, nor do I have easy access to one (I'm currently in Cambodia). Can I activate the phone without an AT&T SIM? It seems like I should be able to since AT&T claims to have already unlocked it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

iPhone 4

Posted on May 9, 2013 8:11 PM

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Answer 1

amy_lou

Level 4

1,576 points

May 9, 2013 8:25 PM in response to what865

the only way to be sure if it's actually unlocked is to contact either apple or at&t. which sim are you currently trying to activate the phone with?

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Answer 2

May 9, 2013 9:32 PM in response to what865

Did you restore the phone in iTunes, which is needed to complete the unlock process (or did your friend do it)?

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Answer 3

what865 Author

Level 1

0 points

May 11, 2013 10:47 AM in response to stevejobsfan0123

I was trying to activate it without a SIM (I didn't want to have my SIM from my 3GS cut to a micro SIM until I was sure the phone would work). I didn't realize that I couldn't activate without a SIM. I just used one from my carrier in Cambodia and it worked perfectly. Thanks!

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Answer 4

May 11, 2013 10:55 AM in response to what865

You're welcome.

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Answer 5

Kelli3

Level 1

12 points

Nov 25, 2016 9:15 AM in response to stevejobsfan0123

Maybe you could help me. We recently moved to Spain and I just bought a SIM card from Orange (mobile phone co.) to put in an older iPhone 5s that my son has been using as an Itouch without a phone or Internet service. When I get the activation lock screen it does not accept my apple user and pass to move on. Is there anyway to get the SIM card to work without removing this iPhone from my account I do not want to restore it or erase it. The last time this phone had service we were with AT&T a couple of years ago would they be the ones to unlock the iPhone? That seems strange. If you have any advice I'd really appreciate it. Thank you! Kelli

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