How to unlock iphone 5c - tmobile device

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Level 1

8 points

How to unlock iphone 5c - tmobile device

I have the iphone 5c through tmobile, want to unlock so I can use a different carrier. How do I do this? All the online information I have found so far seems to be a scam. I only want a legitimate unlock. I do not want to unlock in a way that would end up messing up the hardware/software on my phone. If anyone knows where I can find resources to legitimate companies that can unlock in my area, that would be great. WPB, FL. Or how I can do this myself, etc. I would prefer not to spend a lot of money on this, but would rather do so if necessary.

Posted on Mar 6, 2014 9:06 AM

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Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

229,722 points

Mar 6, 2014 9:33 AM in response to annagranja

Contact Tmobile. ONLY the carrier it's locked to can authorize unlocking it.

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Answer 2

annagranja Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 7, 2014 10:47 AM in response to KiltedTim

There isnt any third party companies that do this? Tmobile said they wont unlock my phone unless I use their service for at least 40 days. But, I do not want to keep changing my number...I have contacts that need to remaind fresh, so to speak.

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Answer 3

raymond73

Level 4

1,843 points

Mar 7, 2014 10:48 AM in response to annagranja

Any company that says they can unlock a phone is a scam. They will take your money and do nothing. T-Mobile is correct. You need to have service with them for 40 days. Then request the unlock. Your account must be in good standing. If you leave them and have a subsidized device you will still have to pay for the device.

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Answer 4

annagranja Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 7, 2014 11:34 AM in response to raymond73

Thank you, that is just odd to me because how are companies like Walmart and Metro PCS saying all these phones can be unlocked for the consumers if it can only be done a specific way. Makes no sense to me. I contacted one company that is local, has a store inside of a major mall that advertises unlocks. So I dont understand how they could make a living off of it if it is impossible to do. One of the associates said to me that they have contracts with apple, because they make the request through the apple store. That is why I went to the apple community to see if that is how it is done these days.

Is jailbroken the same as an unlock?

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Answer 5

KiltedTim

Level 10

229,722 points

Mar 7, 2014 11:39 AM in response to annagranja

They do it by hacking the phone to illegally unlock it. They will void any warranty or AppleCare agreement you have, forfeit all rights to support or service here or from Apple, compromise the security of your phone, and potentially leave you with a brick.

Whoever said they have "contracts with Apple" lied. ONLY the carrier the phone is locked to has the legal right to release the lock.

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Answer 6

raymond73

Level 4

1,843 points

Mar 7, 2014 11:52 AM in response to annagranja

how are companies like Walmart and Metro PCS saying all these phones can be unlocked for the consumers if it can only be done a specific way

Because the phones can indeed be unlocked. It just has to be done by the carrier, no one else. T-Mobile has stated they will unlock the phone after 40 DAYS OF SERVICE. So what Walmart and Metro PCS is saying is true. The unlock can only be done a specific way. No carrier in their right mind is going to give you a phone at reduced price, allow you to unlock it, and go somewhere else with your service. The provider has to recoup their cost for the device.

You bought the phone from T-Mobile, you need to follow their rules.

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