How To Unlock Apple iPhone (GSM) unlocking instructions

by on in Guides
In order to successfully complete the unlocking procedures: Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed and that your iPhone is running the latest iOS version. Your iPhone must also be active on the network to which it is locked to (have an activated SIM card).
Standard Instructions:
  1. Submit the IMEI to our server by placing an order
  2. Open iTunes on your Mac or PC and verify that you have internet connectivity for ALL of the following steps
  3. Make sure that the original carrier’s SIM card is in the iPhone (the carrier the iPhone is locked to) [Note: for AT&T iPhones, you may use a GoPhone SIM card. These may be obtained for @.99 from eBay. A Straight Talk SIM card will work as well.]
  4. Connect your iPhone using the dock connector to USB cable that came with your iPhone
  5. IMPORTANT: Back up your iPhone via iTunes
  6. Wait until you receive the email with “code: UNLOCKED, DONE, or OK” [if you are here, then you’ve probably already received this email]
  7. Swap the old SIM card with the one for the new carrier, activated or not
  8. Connect your iPhone using the dock connector to USB cable that came with your iPhone
  9. Wait until iTunes detects the iPhone
  10. Disconnect your iPhone and reconnect after 10 seconds
  11. Your iPhone is now officially UNLOCKED
NOTE: The “Congratulations” screen normally appears after a restore as found in the “Alternative Instructions” below:
Alternative Instructions:
  1. Submit the IMEI to our server by placing an order
  2. Open iTunes on your Mac or PC and verify that you have internet connectivity for ALL of the following steps
  3. Make sure that the original carrier’s SIM card is in the iPhone (the carrier the iPhone is locked to) [Note: for AT&T iPhones, you may use a GoPhone SIM card. These may be obtained for @.99 from eBay. A Straight Talk SIM card will work as well.]
  4. Connect your iPhone using the dock connector to USB cable that came with your iPhone
  5. Back up your iPhone via iTunes. [VERY IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE A RECENT BACKUP IN PLACE]
  6. Wait until you receive the email with “code: UNLOCKED, DONE, or OK” [if you are here, then you’ve probably already received this email]
  7. Erase the contents of your iPhone. [You MUST do this: Settings > General (scroll down to “Reset”) > Erase All Content and Settings ]
  8. Swap the old SIM card with the one for the new carrier, activated or not
  9. Plug into iTunes and complete the setup assistant and restore your backup. [Choose to restore from the backup created in Step 5.]
  10. Your iPhone is now officially UNLOCKED
Additional information regarding how to backup and restore from Apple Support: How to backup (opens in a new tab/window)

Wifi Only Instructions:
NOTE: Unfortunately, if you cannot backup your iPhone via iTunes, the following will completely erase everything on your iPhone. If there are phone numbers or any other information you need, you will have to write them down first.
You will need 2 things:
  1. A Wi-Fi Internet connection
  2. A non AT&T SIM Card
Once you have the above in order:
  1. Turn on your iPhone
  2. Insert your non-AT&T SIM card
  3. Go to: Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
  4. Wait for your iPhone to factory reset. When it boots up, follow the instructions to activate your phone.
  5. At one step, it will ask you for an Internet connection.
  6. Select the wifi connection and click next.
  7. It will now say it is activating, and might take a few minutes.
  8. Your iPhone will eventually get unlocked.
If you are experiencing problems with the above, please read carefully “Didn’t you say that my iPhone is now unlocked?” for helpful information.
NOTE: This is the only lifetime unlock solution for Apple’s iPhone as the IMEI is registered as “Unlocked” in Apple’s database. Your iPhone will always be unlocked even after each new update of your phone’s firmware!
FAQs
Why is my Apple iPhone locked?
When you purchase a cell phone it is often offered at a discounted price by the cellular network. In return for this generosity they “lock” your Apple iPhone to their network, so that you can only use their network for making and receiving calls. This means that you cannot use the SIM card of another network, and if you try to do so the phone will display “Phone Restricted”, “Contact Service Provider”, “Enter Unlock Code” or a similar message. Unlocking the phone removes this lock, allowing you to use your Apple iPhone on any GSM wireless network anywhere in the world.
Why should I unlock my Apple iPhone?
  • Save a fortune abroad, by using cheap local SIM cards rather than expensive roaming tariffs.
  • As the cost of the phone is usually subsidized, by unlocking it you are increasing the resale value of your Apple iPhone by up to 300%.
  • Use your work and personal SIM card in your unlocked Apple iPhone, no need to carry two phones again.
  • Get the best value tariffs by swapping SIM cards to take advantage of the latest offers.
  • You never have to send your Apple iPhone to anybody for unlocking.
  • Fast and easy. Instructions are free. Actual unlocking takes around 1-3 minutes.
  • No opening of your Apple iPhone and risk of damage to your device.
  • Very easy, no technical experience necessary.
  • No complicated software or hardware: just sync it with iTunes, and your Apple iPhone is PERMANENTLY unlocked.
  • Is safe and does not void Apple iPhone’s warranty.
  • Unlocking is a one-time event. It works for the life of your Apple iPhone.

Will I have to unlock my Apple iPhone every time I change SIM Card?
No, even if you upgrade the software (flash) or hard reset your Apple iPhone, it remains permanently unlocked, no matter what you do to it.

What is a SIM Card?
A SIM card or Subscriber Identity Module is a portable memory chip used in GSM phones. The SIM Card allows users to change phones by simply removing the SIM Card from one cell phone and inserting it into another. The SIM holds personal identity information, the cell phone number, phone book, text messages and other data.

How does the remote unlocking work?
Upon successful order submission, we will process your Apple iPhone’s unique IMEI number and email you, leting you know that your iPhone is now unlocked. There will be no need to enter any codes. Just connect to iTunes, using the instructions above.

What does IMEI mean?
The International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI is a 15 digit serial number unique to every GSM cell phone. We generate the unlocking code from the IMEI, this is called remote unlocking.

How to get the IMEI#?
Enter *#06# into your iPhone to retrieve the unique 15 digit IMEI number.

How Safe is it and is it guaranteed to Work?
Removing the network restriction on your Apple iPhone by unlocking it using the official iTunes method is the safest and fastest way to unlock your iPhone. There is absolutely no risk of damaging your Apple iPhone or voiding your warranty. You simply wait for the “unlocked” confirmation from us and then sync with iTunes to remove the network restriction. We guarantee it to work or your money back.

Is cell phone unlocking legal?
Yes is legal. On November 26, 2006, the U.S. Copyright Office ruled that consumers can legally unlock their cell phones in order to use them with rival carriers. Sometimes you might be able to ask your network to provide you with an unlock code. However, they will only do this for free if you have completed your contract, in most cases. Obviously most networks don’t want you moving away from their network. In some cases so you may have to wait up to 3 weeks to receive your unlock code.

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