''Sim Not Valid'' on activation screen! *PLEASE HELP*

CSAI108 wrote:

If it is common knowledge that iPhone 6's are not unlocked if purchased through a carrier (Verizon), why don't we (consumers) know that and more importantly, why don't they (Verizon) know that?

It's not common knowledge that iPhone 6's are not unlocked if purchased through Verizon; it's just wrong. All iPhones from the 5 and later (all iPhones capable of supporting LTE) sold by Verizon or by Apple for Verizon are 100% unlocked, both in the US and internationally. They are unlocked because it was a condition imposed on Verizon by the FCC in approving their purchase of additional Spectrum C cellular bandwidth. I know Verizon representatives and they have confirmed it. In addition, last April Verizon issued a carrier update to all Verizon iPhone 4S models that unlocked them also. This caused some brief issues because the carrier update also was installed on iPhone 4 CDMA, which does not have a SIM slot. It prevented the iPhone 4 from being re-activated because it insisted on having a SIM installed. It took a few weeks for Verizon to issue an update to fix the problem, but in the process it came out about why it happened.

The only time a Verizon phone will be locked is if Apple replaces it and the Apple representative doesn't correctly update the activation server to match the activation settings of the original Verizon phone. It happens, and it's what has caused the problem that this thread is about. It requires some patience to resolve, but others have succeeded, as you will see if you read the thread.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/verizon-iphone-5-ships-unlocked-likely-thanks -to-fcc/

Statement from Verizon support: https://community.verizonwireless.com/thread/836002

http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/21/verizon-iphone-5-unlocked-att-t-mobile-video/

https://community.verizonwireless.com/thread/854069/?task=commpost

“Verizon has the right to lock the phone.”

Your statement is incorrect. As mentioned in the previous post, Verizon, by federal law, has strictly sold only unlocked phones since 2012. All of Verizon's LTE devices are sold unlocked.

Unlocking a device does not nessarily make it compatible with other carriers' networks though, as the device needs the chipsets and radios that can access the spectrum bands used by other carriers.

Question: Did you read this?

I ask because what you write does not reflect recognition of the distinction between two different issues. The locking you seem to be referring to (which is a carrier lock) in your case has nothing to do with your replacement iPhone working internationally. They are two completely different things.

“If it is common knowledge that iPhone 6's are not unlocked if purchased through a carrier (Verizon), why don't we (consumers) know that and more importantly, why don't they (Verizon) know that?”

That is not what I said. Please re-read, I said: “It is common knowledge that iPhone 6 and above come “unlocked” ONLY if purchased directly from Apple [or Verizon]. I did not say they were “unlocked if purchased through a carrier”. [Because most carriers DO lock their phones if you buy one from them.] And in this case, Verizon is the exception as the only carrier that sells unlocked phones by default. Many consumers do know it, and Verizon knows it.

"why would any carrier have access to my phone since they don't come locked, someone must have locked it”

Because your "replacement phones" were locked from the date of the first time it was ever put on the market to be sold, which for the second one, sounds like it was first sold by the Mexican carrier you refer to. That phone was turned in due to some issue, fixed, then re-introduced into the market in a different location which is how it ended up with you, and happened to never be carrier-unlocked.

“Then I asked why would I have a locked phone by Tracfone? “

To reiterate, it was carrier-locked in the first place, before Verizon had anything to do with the phone, and this status never changed. It’s not like the Mexican carrier accessed the phone and locked it after it was in your hands.

“How do I know it will work internationally since these phones are not supposed to be locked?”

This will tell you how.

“Why did this happen to two replacement phones with original SIM and replacement SIM?”

Specifically because they were replacements. That’s why. The SIMS are irrelevant. See original post. This is something that most carrier customer service representatives probably do not know. They deal with multiple makes and models of phones every day, and this is a relatively unknown issue.

“Then I heard a "Click" and the conversation was no more.”

That could have been an honest mistake.

“I am a long time Verizon customer and very loyal but this smells of someone covering their tracks.”

They are not hiding anything. The international issue you had, has nothing to do with Verizon or any “carrier”. Even most Apple customer service representavies are mostly unaware of the issue. See original post.

“A previous Global representative at Verizon told me she had two other customers that have the same problem as me and she was currently sending one of them a new SIM overseas to try to solve the problem. So this issue cannot be as rare as you say.”

This clearly tells me she was unaware of the information in my original post, which she needs to read, because sending SIMS would not solve this particular problem.

“So this issue cannot be as rare as you say…It is not a rare issue.“

I never said it was “rare”. I said it was “relatively unknown”.

Something that may be happening to thousands of people can still be ““relatively unknown”, as opposed to “rare”.

“obligation on the company's part to fix a major recurring problem instead of blaming Apple.”

“how about finding out some facts for me and the countless others who are in a stalemate with this issue.”

See original post.

“Am I going to go on international business trips with the representative's guarantee that my phone is unlocked even though they don't make locked phones and have never sold me one?”

The Verizon representative is correct, as confirmed by previous post above. Verizon does not make locked phones. Neither did they sell you your problem phones, because you yourself said “I have been having this problem with my iPhone 6 from Verizon for over a year with two replacement phones”

The "replacement phones" were not sold to you, the only phone sold to you was the first phone you spent money on.

Based on everything you have said, I suspect your phone, which is now carrier-unlocked, is still unlikely to work internationally.

Because you need to follow the instructions here.

I spoke with Verizon again recently and they said nothing they can do about SIM NOT VALID whenever I go out of the USA because I have a locked phone which was a replacement by Applecare and locked to Tracfone. Verizon said they have nothing to do with unlocking because none of their iPhone 6's are locked. When I asked for more information the senior advisor let it slip that they go back and forth with Tracfone about this issue all the time. I said, then why are you pretending you never heard of such a problem and stonewalling me for 45 minutes here?

It's like some kind of weird cover up, I mean really. Me and the people in the room listening on speakerphone couldn't believe our ears. He apologized and tried to end the conversation.

So, I called Apple, and the advisor immediately said (upon getting my IMEI, "yep you have a locked phone. Tracfone locked device" She went on to say all Verizon devices are locked no matter what. BTW, this is a senior Apple Advisor. She said she read up on Tracfone on Wikipedia as we spoke, because she had never heard of them, and Tracfone works together with Verizon in locking and unlocking phones. So she sent me an Apple website link regarding locked phones, so I followed it.

This is what she sent me: How to unlock your iPhone for use with another carrier - Apple Support

It eventually takes you to the Verizon Page regarding locked phones...... here is what the Verizon site said.......

Verizon Home

Device Unlocking Policy

Device Unlocking Policy

Then you have an interesting scenario.

Verizon is not responsible for this at all. Because you did not get the phone that is in your hands, from Verizon. Talking to Verizon will not help. The advisor you spoke to is simply incorrect.

It sounds like what you really need to do is talk to Trackphone and tell them you need your phone unlocked. Talking to Trackphone about Verizon or Apple, will not help. Stick to your need for unlocking.

OR, take it back to Apple and get another replacement phone. Only this time, check the IMEI yourself online, to see if it is carrier-locked.

You want to end up with a carrier-unlocked phone when you walk out of the store. Then if you find it is internationally-locked, you can follow the instructions in the original post.

CSAI108 wrote:When I asked her why AppleCare did not replace my phone with the exact same kind of unlocked working device from Verizon, she just said that all Verizon iPhone 6's need to be unlocked."

All Verizon iPhones versions 5 and higher come unlocked out of the box, as announced in 2012.

If you read the original post, you will see that the best way to achieve your needs is to supply apple with you original purchase receipt and IMEI number so that they can match your replacement phone with the policies of the original phone. This will not, however, solve your carrier-unlock issue.

Again, she is simply ignorant, and needs to read the additional posts here in this thread regarding your particular issue to understand what is going on so as not to confuse more people in the future.

There is a distinction to be made between a carrier-lock vs and international-lock. These are two DIFFERENT issues handled by two separate entities. And this issue is not so cut and dry at face value, especially with the phone that caused you these problems. It would have been more clear to her that in your case, you did not get the phone from Verizon, you got it as a replacement from Apple Care.

ok, so just to clear things up for you. Both phones that had these problems were Applecare Replacement phones. Do you really think they don't have the IMEI of their own phones?

I have been clear from the first time you brought it up, that the phones you had problem with were the replacement phones from Apple. It’s not a matter of Apple having the IMEI. It’s a matter of you informing Apple which IMEI you have in your hands that affects you.

As well as the importance of the IMEI of the original phone you actually paid for, so that the IMEI of the replacement phone currently in your hands can match the internationaly policy credentials of the IMEI of the phone you paid for.

spire88 wrote:

I have been clear from the first time you brought it up, that the phones you had problem with were the replacement phones from Apple. It’s not a matter of Apple having the IMEI. It’s a matter of you informing Apple which IMEI you have in your hands that affects you.

As well as the importance of the IMEI of the original phone you actually paid for, so that the IMEI of the replacement phone currently in your hands can match the internationaly policy credentials of the IMEI of the phone you paid for.

You've been providing really helpful information in this thread; I just thought you should know some of us appreciate your contribution. It's been pretty frustrating at times.

CSAI108 wrote:

Do you really think they don't have the IMEI of their own phones?

I can see where I was not clear in what i wrote earlier, I have amended in bold for clarity:

If you read the original post, you will see that the best way to achieve your needs is to supply apple with you original purchase receipt and IMEI number of the original phone that you paid for so that they can match your replacement phone with the policy credentials of the original phone. This will not, however, solve your carrier-unlock issue.

Also for clarity, for anyone who reads this particular post without reading previous context:

spire88 wrote:

I have been clear from the first time you brought it up, that the phones you had problem with were the replacement phones from Apple. It’s not a matter of Apple having the IMEI. It’s a matter of you informing Apple which IMEI you have in your hands that affects you.

As well as the importance of the IMEI of the original phone you actually paid for, so that the IMEI of the replacement phone currently in your hands can match the internationaly policy credentials of the IMEI of the phone you paid for.

I think that if you tell people that they need to give Applecare the IMEI of their original phone, in order to get a working replacement that functions overseas, they would think it it ridiculous. They are not amateurs at Apple and are fully aware of what network you are on. Not a very practical solution to this problem

I did not say you "need to". I said that "the best way to achieve your needs is to supply apple with you original purchase receipt and IMEI number of the original phone that you paid for."

This is something that others who have gone through this, have stated that Apple asks for, otherwise things may not go smoothly. Nothing I have stated is being fabricated or assumed. It is all based on fact from other people who have been through this and shared their experience.

Once you find a customer service representative who understands the situation, Apple will ask you for the order number from the original receipt in order to look up the IMEI. You are welcome to wade through posts in other threads to verify this yourself.

It is your choice whether you choose to believe the things I have taken much time and patience to write, in order to help you with your situation.

CSAI108 said

"They are not amateurs at Apple and are fully aware of what network you are on."

Your statement makes it clear to me that you are still not understanding what I have been saying all along, and that you are conflating two different issues. I have stated the difference many times, in many different ways, in every response to you in this thread.

Please take the time to re-read, because Apple asking for the order number from the original receipt and for the IMEI of the original phone have nothing to do with the carrier (or as you say "network").

This is like groundhog day. Such a similar story to mine. (read original post) Today I spoke with an Apple Senior adviser and he said, "yes, your phone is locked to Tracfone" I asked him how my Applecare replacement phone could be replaced to any other than my original carrier, which is Verizon. He told me that my IMEI said Tracfone locked but "he has seen this before and it's really Verizon even though it says Tracfone locked" Seriously, he said that. So I said, hmmm, Apple computers are giving wrong information about IMEI''s? Well , yes, he said. I just know it's Verizon. Then he conferenced in the Verizon Tech onto the call. The Apple tech said my problem was with a Verizon phone and asked the Verizon tech to help. I said it's not a Verizon IMEI, it's Tracfone and Locked. Well, uh, yes he said, that's correct. So the Verizon tech said, yes, she is showing a Verizon phone, so I asked who had the phone before Verizon (my current carrier), she said that is confidential information. I explained that how it was originally found out that this was Tracfone locked was through a Verizon tech who called Apple with my IMEI then found it was Tracfone locked and then called Tracfone and verified the phone and the lock with them. The Verizon tech looked through the notes and said that she saw where that information was verified. So, the Apple tech said that it is a Verizon replacement phone not tracfone. I asked the Verizon to check if my Applecare replacement phone was previously with Verizon, and she said NO!. Still, not a word from the Apple tech. Then the Verizon tech called Tracfone with me on the line, and Tracfone said they don't have any record of my IMEI. Okay, so this is like a spy mystery or something crazy like big tobacco. Suddenly, after months and months of trouble shooting with Apple and Verizon, a Verizon tech calls Apple for me and reveals the reason for my troubles is a locked Tracfone iPhone 6 128gb through Applecare but it's still Verizon's fault. Apple is totally open about the lock and Tracfone. Then Verizon says we don't deal with Tracfone you have to have Apple do it (and back and forth like that) Then, the smoking gun, the IMEI registered to Tracfone's network suddenly disappears from Tracfone's database. I can't even believe I'm telling this story, it's so crazy.

Previous to that call, a verizon rep was very helpful (didn't know the whole story yet of this phone SIM NOT VALID) and she checked the international settings for me. She said, "wow, you have a profile, an international account etc. you are totally set to travel internationally. This should not be happening"

Fast forward to continue with the other conversation above....

So after Tracfone said they don't have my IMEI, the tech said, let me check your international settings. Aha, she says "you don't have anything in your international settings. Nothing. Not even an account or a profile." So, how crazy that my Profile disappeared in 3 hours and any trace of being Globally prepared as well as the IMEI that Tracfone used to have. Really, I'm not making this up. (am I on some hidden camera show????) I used to absolutely LOVE Verizon and Apple. They would bend over backwards to help me. But someone here is covering their tracks.

Another note: Last night I spoke to a senior Apple advisor (they only give me senior people now, for the most part) and she kept telling me, listen, this is not our issue. We replace phones via Applecare with the same carrier you currently have. She must have said this 10 times. When I sprang in on her that this is a locked Tracfone, she checked the IMEI and verified the lock. What now I asked? Well, that was just a "slip of the tongue on my part" she said. Really, she said that. A slip of the tongue! I normally ignore articles where people say they were lied to, deceived given wrong information intentionally by companies. But there is something big happening here. Wait and see........a big big cover up is happening. Companies don't do this kind of thing unless there is something to hide. Just can't understand why (Verizon) they would risk so much to give people internationally locked phones, which is illegal. Do they think we won't find out once we land outside the USA. Both sides are stonewalling and wait for you to get tired out. Whoever has this problem, keep up the calls, someone with a conscience in one of these companies has to eventually come forward and reveal what they know. Isn't there a whistleblower law or something like that? I pray to God to please help us out. Something criminal is happening.

CSAI108 wrote:

I think that if you tell people that they need to give Applecare the IMEI of their original phone, in order to get a working replacement that functions overseas, they would think it it ridiculous. They are not amateurs at Apple and are fully aware of what network you are on. Not a very practical solution to this problem

So the world doesn't work the way you think it should. Your choice is to whine that it doesn't, or to accept reality and fix the problem.

you sound like the typical Apple crony trying to downplay and simplify everything. I have read all your posts denying people even have this problem. Open your ears, and get off your high horse.