unlocking iphone4 when abroad

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I am abroad for few months and with new iphone 4s from o2 (pay monthly). Wanted to have it unlocked and contacted few times o2. I was informed I had to come to uk to unlock it.

In o2 Ireland they have the solution for that.

http://community.o2online.ie/t5/Unlockopedia/iPhone-not-unlocking-Abroad/td-p/510749

o2 Ireland requested that from Apple directly.

Can O2 UK do it as well while I am still abroad? I bought the phone for my niece here abroad..

thanks.

M

[Anonymous]

Hi

I don't believe Apple would entertain unlocking as it's down to the network to request this.

Yes it has to be on a uk network to unlock.

The iPhone will have had to be used on the O2 network recently so the imei latches to the account.

[MI5]

Only the network that has the lock can unlock the phone properly.
There are other methods but very risky.

[Anonymous]

so i have two options:

 - go back to UK to unlock iphone (which is not the option as this is the gift for my niece)

 - try to find the paid service to unlock it - any recommendation which one best works with o2 iphones abroad?

thanks.

[MI5]

Just try local phone repair shops if you are prepared to take the risk?

[MI5]

Just a thought - Have you tried the O2 unlock process?
https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=unlocking&case=Handset%20Unlocking%20Form

[Anonymous]

and correction for the link - here it is:

http://community.o2online.ie/t5/Unlockopedia/iPhone-not-unlocking-Abroad/td-p/510749

the solution was provided by o2

O2_Fiona 

Community Manager

[Anonymous]

yes - i filled it the form and contacted the help desk few times.

[Anonymous]

so what it is for you the option I have if o2 will not do that?

[Anonymous]

Well first off a Restore is not required to complete the unlock process as per the instructions in that link.

Putting in a non O2 uk SIM card and hooking up to iTunes does this b

Or from the iPhone 5 onwards you just insert a non O2 uk SIM card.

A standalone cellphone shop can try and force it unlocked but this can cause issues.

As said the risk is yours to take.

As you bought the iPhone abroad which network is it locked to ?

O2 Uk won't unlock it for you. O2 Ireland and O2 Uk run separately I think.

It has to be the network it is locked to. Can't you ask your niece to unlock it as it was hers and used on that network.