Unlocking second hand iPhone 5 that is still in contract with unknown previous owner

[Anonymous]

Am planning to buy a second-hand iPhone 5, which is locked to O2.

I expect (though I don't know) that this phone is still in contract.

I want to use the PAYG SIM unlock method - buy a SIM, top up £20, put in phone, make a few calls, confirm with O2 that IMEI and number are linked, and then request unlock.

My understanding is that O2 do unlock in these instances, but I am unsure of whether they do so if the phone is still in contract.

And presumably if the iPhone I buy happens to be a CPW lock-to-the-first-SIM-put-in one then I'm screwed as O2 won't/can't unlock these?

[Bambino]

From the way you've described the situation, it doesn't sound like a very good idea. How do you know the phone hasn't been stolen? If I were you, I'd look for a better deal elsewhere.

[jonsie]

If it's not too intrusive, where are you purchasing the iphone?

[Anonymous]

If I were you I would find out a bit more about the phone before you buy it

[Anonymous]

My advice is stay away from it, either get one from apple, O2 etc or a certain reputable red shop

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:
My advice is stay away from it, either get one from apple, O2 etc or a certain reputable red shop

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Sound Advice

[RueDrBouree · Accepted solution]

Hi

Most networks will only unlock iPhones if the request comes from the original owner. O2 are different in that as long as the handset was supplied directly by O2, that an O2 sim registered to the customer requesting the unlock has been used in the handset they normally will authorise the unlock. 

As you say you don't know for sure if the handset was supplied by CPW or direct by O2. So you could end up with an handset that you can't get unlocked.  Its very easy for O2 iPhone customers to get the handset unlocked. If you are going to take the risk that the handset you buy second-hand is not going to be blocked and reported stolen soon after you buy it. My advise would be to get the original owner to have it unlocked.

Alex

[MI5]

O2 will unlock any phone that is locked to their network, it does not matter where the phone originally came from. They are one of the easiest providers to get the lock removed from. Most other networks charge £20+ and will only authorise the original owners or you have to be on their network for at least 6 months......

[Anonymous]

Am planning on getting it from here:
http://www.majordeal.co.uk/apple-iphone-5-o2-tesco-black-16gb-very-good-condition/
Bought an EE locked iPhone 5 from them but would like an unlocked one and it's £50 cheaper - every penny counts!
Thanks for advice!

[Anonymous]

I bought a secondhand Iphone5 in February and have a signed receipt for the purchase. O2 were not unlocking at the time but as a contract customer of 10 years standing I thought it would be fairly easy to get the phone unlocked. 

I was wrong, I have tried going through chat and told them all the facts, they said my request was accepted and it would take 2-3 days. I contacted them this morning as it has been 4 days and now they say it is impossible to unlock an Iphone if you are not the original owner. To say I am unimpressed is an understatement, someone is telling untruths and I know it is not me.

My contract expires in October and I shall be going to Giffgaff then. Please be careful if you are buying a secondhand phone on O2.