Brand new "unlocked" iPhone 4S from Carphone Warehouse locked.

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Level 1

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Brand new "unlocked" iPhone 4S from Carphone Warehouse locked.

For Christmas, I bought my wife a brand new, unlocked iPhone 4s from Carphone Warehouse (CW). I was not aware of the different sim size but finally got that sorted yesterday. However, the phone will not activate as it says my sim is on an unauthorized network - I live in the Isle of Man.

No mention of not being able to use it here was mentioned on CW website plus they even shipped it to me with no problems. CW support explained unlocked does not actually mean unlocked and that they are not authorised to fully unlock it, only Apple are. Therefore, is this something I need to speak to Apple about, if so who? There is no Apple store where I live.

It is a genuine, brand new phone from an authorised supplier.

iPhone 4S

Posted on Jan 10, 2015 5:34 AM

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Answer 1

stedman1

Level 10

264,646 points

Jan 10, 2015 5:36 AM in response to Skypilot62

Correct, all IPhones sold by CarPhone Warehouse will lock to the first SIM card installed. You will need to contact the original cellular provider to determine their unlocking policy.

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Answer 2

Skypilot62 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 10, 2015 6:11 AM in response to stedman1

My local sim card is the first sim card installed. Apple have informed me that they do not unlock phones regardless and CW have explained that it is a known problem and will refund me in full.

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Answer 3

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Jan 10, 2015 6:14 AM in response to Skypilot62

Apple neither lock or unlock phones, that is done by the carrier

Carriers lock phones, not manufacturers.

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Answer 4

Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Jan 10, 2015 6:56 AM in response to Skypilot62

I've seen numerous posts here about phones from Carphone Warehouse having issues. I would not be surprised if this "new" phone you received was actually used & returned.

Phones from Carphone Warehouse lock to the first SIM installed in the phone. You could try calling Apple and asking to whom the phone is locked, but you will then have to see if that carrier will unlock it for you. That is unlikely to happen as most carriers require you to be a current or previous customer.

Return that phone and buy one in your country.

~Lyssa

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