Getting around iPhone lock
Jan 6, 2016, 8:19 am
#16
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Honestly, at this point, I'm not even sure what you are asking from this forum. Your choices are pretty clear and all them cost you money; only you can decide how much you are willing to spend in order to accomplish your desired use case. Nobody here can decide that for you.
People already told you the options you have for "getting around iPhone lock" which is your threads title. If you want a carrier to subsidize your phone because you don't want or can't afford the upfront cost, than that is the deal you made. There really isn't a "way around it"
So, the options have been laid out and the ball is in your court. Good luck
Regards
People already told you the options you have for "getting around iPhone lock" which is your threads title. If you want a carrier to subsidize your phone because you don't want or can't afford the upfront cost, than that is the deal you made. There really isn't a "way around it"
So, the options have been laid out and the ball is in your court. Good luck
Regards
Apple told me my only option is to spend $700 again. I've read posts by people who've been able to use their phone or buy a new one without that expense. I'd like to not buy my third iPhone within 12 months.
^^
1. If you decide to buy new phone, get it from apple directly. That way guaranteed factory unlocked - although Vz sells theirs factory unlocked, others don't automatically. The most versatile iphones with max bandwidth coverages are either the Vz or ATT model.
2. If you go with 6s, get at least 64 gb, whatever you do, don't buy the 16gb models.
3. Used and unlocked iPhone 5, 5s, even 4s are available for very reasonable prices. 4s can be had for $100 or less depending on condition, 5s under $250. If you buy from eBay, make sure seller has perfect 100% rating and is a private rather than mass seller. I've bought and sold BB, iPhones for friends and families on both eBay and CL without ever a problem.
Good luck!
1. If you decide to buy new phone, get it from apple directly. That way guaranteed factory unlocked - although Vz sells theirs factory unlocked, others don't automatically. The most versatile iphones with max bandwidth coverages are either the Vz or ATT model.
2. If you go with 6s, get at least 64 gb, whatever you do, don't buy the 16gb models.
3. Used and unlocked iPhone 5, 5s, even 4s are available for very reasonable prices. 4s can be had for $100 or less depending on condition, 5s under $250. If you buy from eBay, make sure seller has perfect 100% rating and is a private rather than mass seller. I've bought and sold BB, iPhones for friends and families on both eBay and CL without ever a problem.
Good luck!
Jan 6, 2016, 8:37 am
#17
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So what you're truly asking for is a referral to a known reliable source of reasonably priced used/refurbished iPhones for your travel that can get that delivered to you within a week.
I don't have a suggestion as I have never had to buy a replacement smartphone. My current iPhone 6 64 GB is on ATTs installment plan and I just give my father my old iPhones. I can only say when I was in your shoes I purchased a Blu phone on Amazon (shipped in 2 days) and used a Mobal sim that repackages the T-mobile international plan of unlimited data & text, 30 cents a minute calls (US based phone number) for 50$ for 30days.
I don't have a suggestion as I have never had to buy a replacement smartphone. My current iPhone 6 64 GB is on ATTs installment plan and I just give my father my old iPhones. I can only say when I was in your shoes I purchased a Blu phone on Amazon (shipped in 2 days) and used a Mobal sim that repackages the T-mobile international plan of unlimited data & text, 30 cents a minute calls (US based phone number) for 50$ for 30days.
Jan 6, 2016, 9:02 am
#18
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Easy - CL will have plenty.
Just bring sim card and pin to install to test drive before handing over the cash. Ideally met at network store to verify clean IMEI. A honest seller won't have problems with this!
Another non-apple option is to get an Android via CL. Again, follow same procedure. Tons of both iphones and Androids available, esp n SFO area!
Example: unlocked4s -- http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/s...e+4s++unlocked
Just bring sim card and pin to install to test drive before handing over the cash. Ideally met at network store to verify clean IMEI. A honest seller won't have problems with this!
Another non-apple option is to get an Android via CL. Again, follow same procedure. Tons of both iphones and Androids available, esp n SFO area!
Example: unlocked4s -- http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/s...e+4s++unlocked
Last edited by dtsm; Jan 6, 2016 at 9:07 am
Jan 6, 2016, 11:40 am
#19
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Easy - CL will have plenty.
Just bring sim card and pin to install to test drive before handing over the cash. Ideally met at network store to verify clean IMEI. A honest seller won't have problems with this!
Another non-apple option is to get an Android via CL. Again, follow same procedure. Tons of both iphones and Androids available, esp n SFO area!
Example: unlocked4s -- http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/s...e+4s++unlocked
Just bring sim card and pin to install to test drive before handing over the cash. Ideally met at network store to verify clean IMEI. A honest seller won't have problems with this!
Another non-apple option is to get an Android via CL. Again, follow same procedure. Tons of both iphones and Androids available, esp n SFO area!
Example: unlocked4s -- http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/s...e+4s++unlocked
Jan 6, 2016, 11:43 am
#20
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Today only, electronics.woot.com has an unlocked refurb 16GB iPhone 5s for $229.
http://electronics.woot.com/?ref=w_gh_el_3
http://electronics.woot.com/?ref=w_gh_el_3
Jan 6, 2016, 11:52 am
#21
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If you want a reliable source of second hand phones, use swappa.com.
You could also try ATT again and see if you get a different answer - are you explaining to them that it's because you travel internationally for longer periods of time? They're not obligated to do it for that reason, but you may get a sympathetic agent.
For these phones, cheap $20 (or even free) SIM unlock codes aren't really available.
What's the ETF on your line? If you pay the ETF will they unlock you?
You could also try ATT again and see if you get a different answer - are you explaining to them that it's because you travel internationally for longer periods of time? They're not obligated to do it for that reason, but you may get a sympathetic agent.
For these phones, cheap $20 (or even free) SIM unlock codes aren't really available.
What's the ETF on your line? If you pay the ETF will they unlock you?
Jan 6, 2016, 12:45 pm
#22
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Today only, electronics.woot.com has an unlocked refurb 16GB iPhone 5s for $229.
http://electronics.woot.com/?ref=w_gh_el_3
http://electronics.woot.com/?ref=w_gh_el_3
Jan 6, 2016, 1:07 pm
#25
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I would concur. If the OP absolutely has to have something in a short window, Amazon prime is the way to go. Craigslist comes with its own time-sucks and worries.
It isn't clear to me, though, why an iPhone is absolutely needed. I concur with those who point to the Blu line as a very decent backup phone and very reasonably priced (ScottC originally put me on to).
It isn't clear to me, though, why an iPhone is absolutely needed. I concur with those who point to the Blu line as a very decent backup phone and very reasonably priced (ScottC originally put me on to).
Jan 6, 2016, 2:30 pm
#26
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Today only, electronics.woot.com has an unlocked refurb 16GB iPhone 5s for $229.
http://electronics.woot.com/?ref=w_gh_el_3
http://electronics.woot.com/?ref=w_gh_el_3
Jan 6, 2016, 4:01 pm
#27
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Walmart is selling a new iPhone 5S for $299 right now.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Straight-T...phone/33152936
ETA: I did some checking on this phone, and it's probably not a good solution for the OP (or me) because it is probably locked to the Straight Talk network for some period, though that info is very difficult to find and confirm online. The Walmart counter person really didn't understand my questions to my satisfaction.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Straight-T...phone/33152936
ETA: I did some checking on this phone, and it's probably not a good solution for the OP (or me) because it is probably locked to the Straight Talk network for some period, though that info is very difficult to find and confirm online. The Walmart counter person really didn't understand my questions to my satisfaction.
Last edited by Doc Savage; Jan 6, 2016 at 7:33 pm
Jan 6, 2016, 9:09 pm
#28
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No--I didn't take them to an Apple store, but a local computer shop that advertises such repairs.
Jan 6, 2016, 11:57 pm
#29
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You can also try one of the sketchy unlocking services—can't vouch for any of them off hand, but I know friends who have used them with success in the past. Basic idea is that you pay them some amount of money and they pay off someone inside AT&T who will unlock the IMEI against policy.
Google turns up a number of companies that promise they can do it for ~$50-$100. Presumably, you can do a chargeback if it turns out not to work.
Google turns up a number of companies that promise they can do it for ~$50-$100. Presumably, you can do a chargeback if it turns out not to work.
Jan 8, 2016, 3:02 am
#30
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I wish I had done that: just paid full price for the phone, without having to lock into a specific carrier for two years, and having freedom. I didn't do it because I purchased a new iPhone 6, which was expensive, then when two replacement glass screens broke twice for $350 and my only choice was a new, unsubsidized one for $700, or take a new 2 year contract at a lower price, I took the latter.
I'm seeing unlocked iPhone 4's on Amazon for $60. Unlocked iPhone 5's for 150-300. Tempted to do that, or spend another $150 on a 3rd party screen for the broken phone in the closet.
I'm seeing unlocked iPhone 4's on Amazon for $60. Unlocked iPhone 5's for 150-300. Tempted to do that, or spend another $150 on a 3rd party screen for the broken phone in the closet.
Or if you're mainly interested in data, you might be able to get a good deal on an iPad mini 2 with LTE, which will actually get LTE in Italy and rest of Europe.
Older iPhones may or may not get LTE in Europe.
I have a T-Mobile iPhone 6s Plus for their free international data, texts and 20 cents a minute voice. Just switched from AT&T in October.
The I have iPad with LTE for the local sims.