Unlocking an iPhone: Anyone done it?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Saladsamurai
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Iphone
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on unlocking an iPhone 4 for use with a different SIM card while traveling to Ghana. Users emphasize the importance of obtaining a factory unlock, which involves adding the device's IMEI to Apple's list of unlocked phones, as opposed to a jailbreak unlock that is temporary and can be undone by software updates. Participants also note that unlocking may void the warranty, although the original poster's warranty has already expired. The conversation highlights the need for confirmation that the unlock has been successful before swapping SIM cards.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of iPhone unlocking methods, specifically factory unlock and jailbreak unlock.
  • Familiarity with IMEI and its role in unlocking devices.
  • Basic knowledge of iTunes and its functionality in the unlocking process.
  • Awareness of warranty implications related to phone modifications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of obtaining a factory unlock for iPhones, specifically the iPhone 4.
  • Learn how to verify if an iPhone has been successfully unlocked using IMEI checks.
  • Explore the differences between factory unlocks and jailbreaks, including their long-term implications.
  • Investigate the potential risks and warranty issues associated with unlocking iPhones.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for travelers, iPhone users considering unlocking their devices, and anyone interested in understanding the implications of phone modifications on warranties and functionality.

Saladsamurai
Messages
3,009
Reaction score
7
I am traveling back to Ghana in a week and would love to bring my phone and swap out the SIM card. I was wondering if anyone has purchased an unlock online? I watched a video of an unlock and it showed the person syncing with iTunes when done with the new carrier's SIM card inserted.

Does anyone know if I can unlock it and sync with iTunes with my original SIM card inserted and then just swap out the SIM when I get to Ghana? I will not have my computer with me and nor do I have access to a Ghanian SIM card at the moment.

I'm not really up to speed with phone tech...maybe some of the younger whipper-snappers can help :smile:
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Do share photos and tales when you return from Ghana. It's on my list!

I can't help you with the unlocking, but fyi I do believe it will void your warranty.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
Do share photos and tales when you return from Ghana. It's on my list!

I can't help you with the unlocking, but fyi I do believe it will void your warranty.

The man himself ladies and gentlemen! Yes. I feel awful now. I promised to share photos and tales when I returned from my first trip to Ghana a year ago and I still have not :frown: I will try to get last year's photos posted before I leave.

I did buy the new GoPro Hero 3 for this trip though, so I will certainly be capturing the adventures!

Edit: Oh yeah, the iPhone is a 4 so it's 1 year warranty is up anyway.
 
I got my old iPhone 3GS unlocked by my carrier (Telus, in Canada) for use as a travel phone (not that I've had the occasion, but for $35, I figured it'd be worth it).

In the course of my research, I came across the fact that there was a so-called factory unlock (where iTunes let's you know that you know that you have an unlocked phone on reset), in which your IMEI is added to Apple's list of unlocked phones:
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/07/permanent-iphone-unlock.html/iphone-unlock-itunes-screen

This contrasts with the jailbreak unlocking, which, as the name suggests, will go away if you have to update the phone software.

Long story short, make sure it's an actual IMEI unlock, and confirm that it's worked!
 
MATLABdude said:
I got my old iPhone 3GS unlocked by my carrier (Telus, in Canada) for use as a travel phone (not that I've had the occasion, but for $35, I figured it'd be worth it).

In the course of my research, I came across the fact that there was a so-called factory unlock (where iTunes let's you know that you know that you have an unlocked phone on reset), in which your IMEI is added to Apple's list of unlocked phones:
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/07/permanent-iphone-unlock.html/iphone-unlock-itunes-screen

This contrasts with the jailbreak unlocking, which, as the name suggests, will go away if you have to update the phone software.

Long story short, make sure it's an actual IMEI unlock, and confirm that it's worked!

Hi MLD :smile:

How things been going? Long time no see :wink: This is great. I came across the "Factory Unlock" and I am going to give it a go. I'll post back when I have some results.

Thanks again!
 
I enjoyed jailbreaking my 3gs. I now enjoy android much more.
 

Similar threads

Need help with a bizarre texting problem
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Would a US-Purchased iPhone Work Overseas?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
Misc. Mechanism or method to unlock a window from the outside?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
Build a New System Some A/V and Moderate Gaming Requirements
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Current and Future AI Threats to Humanity and the Human Response
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
Can Cell Phones Really Unlock Cars Remotely?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Good suggestions to protect your personal identity
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
6K
Studying Self Studying AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
16K
Programs Robotics - 2nd BS vs non-degree vs neither
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Requesting suggestions for languages, libraries, and architectures for parallel (and sometimes non parallel) numerical and scientific computations
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K