HT201328: How to unlock your iPhone for use with another carrier

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Kikicem
Level 1 (4 points)
iPhone

Q: Unlocked 5s is now locked - Sprint.

Bought a unlocked 5s at a Apple Store, I had Sprint at the time now I want to use it on T-Mobile but my device is locked, What can I do now since Sprint won't unlock it because I'm "no longer a costumer"?

Posted on Jun 13, 2016 8:23 PM

by ChrisJ4203,Apple recommended
ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203
Level 9 (56,848 points)
iPhone
A:

If this was truly an unlocked device you purchased from Apple, Sprint could not lock the device. You might want to double-check on this. What was the model number of the device? When you purchased the device, did you ask for an unlocked phone, or a SIM-free phone? There is a difference.

 

And, as the other poster stated, Apple does not lock or unlock phones, the carriers do. The only way this phone could be locked to Sprint is if you purchased a phone that was locked to Sprint to start with.

Posted on Jun 13, 2016 9:00 PM

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Kikicem

Q: Unlocked 5s is now locked - Sprint.

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  • Helpful answers

  • by bryan.vance,

    bryan.vance bryan.vance Jun 13, 2016 8:59 PM in response to Kikicem
    Level 3 (869 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 13, 2016 8:59 PM in response to Kikicem

    http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-5c-iphone-5s

     

    It looks like the unlocked 5s is not compatible with the Sprint Network so it is literally impossible for the phone you have to be an unlocked phone.

  • by ChrisJ4203,Apple recommended

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jun 13, 2016 9:00 PM in response to Kikicem
    Level 9 (56,848 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 13, 2016 9:00 PM in response to Kikicem

    If this was truly an unlocked device you purchased from Apple, Sprint could not lock the device. You might want to double-check on this. What was the model number of the device? When you purchased the device, did you ask for an unlocked phone, or a SIM-free phone? There is a difference.

     

    And, as the other poster stated, Apple does not lock or unlock phones, the carriers do. The only way this phone could be locked to Sprint is if you purchased a phone that was locked to Sprint to start with.

  • by Kikicem,

    Kikicem Kikicem Jun 13, 2016 9:22 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 13, 2016 9:22 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    I had to replace a broken iPhone I bought directly from Sprint, at Apple I asked for a unlocked device to use with Sprint. I asked the person that help me if I could use with GSM networks as well because I was contemplating switching once the contract was up and he said that it will be no problem. Now correct me, can I use my 5s that was using with Sprint on the T-mobile if the phone is unlocked

  • by ChrisJ4203,Apple recommended

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jun 14, 2016 6:52 AM in response to Kikicem
    Level 9 (56,848 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 14, 2016 6:52 AM in response to Kikicem

    If your phone from Sprint that was damaged was replaced by Apple, and you did not purchase a new phone, the device was not unlocked. They cannot replace a locked device with an unlocked device. The device you got back from Apple was not unlocked. You will have to contact Sprint to get that device unlocked before you can use it with T-Mobile. Once Sprint unlocks the device, you should be able to use it with T-Mobile, unless the Sprint version of the phone is not compatible with T-Mobile's network. T-Mobile could answer that question for you if you provide them with the model number of the phone.