Unlocking an iPhone: Anyone done it?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of unlocking iPhones, specifically in the context of traveling to Ghana and the technicalities involved in unlocking methods. Participants share personal experiences and seek advice on whether unlocking can be done without immediate access to a new SIM card or a computer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of unlocking an iPhone and syncing it with iTunes using the original SIM card before swapping it out for a Ghanian SIM card later.
  • Another participant warns that unlocking may void the warranty of the device.
  • A participant shares their experience of unlocking an iPhone 3GS through their carrier and discusses the difference between factory unlocks and jailbreak unlocks, emphasizing the importance of confirming the unlock type.
  • There is mention of a factory unlock process that adds the device's IMEI to Apple's list of unlocked phones, contrasting it with jailbreak methods that may revert upon software updates.
  • One participant expresses enjoyment in jailbreaking their device but indicates a preference for Android now.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying experiences and opinions regarding the unlocking process, with no consensus reached on the best method or implications of unlocking.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the lack of immediate access to a Ghanian SIM card and a computer, which may affect the unlocking process. There are also references to warranty implications and the differences between unlocking methods that remain unresolved.

Saladsamurai
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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:
 
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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.
 

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