How can I identify the original carrier of my iPhone?

Question

Level 1

3 points

How can I identify the original carrier of my iPhone?

The phone was sold under the Carphone Warehouse Flex policy meaning the phone would be locked to the network of the initial sim card inserted upon first activation.

I purchased this phone from an ebay reseller as an 'unlocked iPhone', and I am now unable to find out which carrier this phone was locked under. All IMEI checks state only that the phone was sold under the 'Carphone Warehouse Flex policy', and do not tell me what network the phone is actually locked to.

Is this phone essentially a paperweight?

iPhone 5, iOS 8.3

Posted on Jun 30, 2015 2:56 PM

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Answer 1

modular747

Level 6

19,656 points

Jun 30, 2015 3:06 PM in response to Cdare95

IMEI checks are useless.

Settings > General > About > Carrier > ?

Even if you determine the carrier it's locked to, they won't unlock it for you unless you are the customer with the original account, and in good standing with them.

Is this phone essentially a paperweight?

Not necessarily, it can be an excellent doorstop.

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Answer 2

Lyssa

Level 8

41,327 points

Jun 30, 2015 3:27 PM in response to Cdare95

I may be wrong about this, but I think you can call Apple and provide the phone's serial number and they may be able to tell you which carrier the phone was locked to.

Best option would be to return the phone but that may not be possible given the circumstances.

~Lyssa

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