New Iphone unlocking question

[LittleMissTracy]

Hiya,
I'm new here so please forgive me if I have put this in the wrong section.
I have a 3GS and have seen a new iPhone 4S that is locked to Orange. Is there a way that I can unlock this so I can put my Virgin sim in?
It was an upgrade that there person isn't going to use, likes what ever phone they have (fix what is not broke type thing)
And also any other issues that I may have missed
Thanks in advance
Tracy

 

[willerz2]

Hi, welcome to iPhoneForums. I'm Jon.

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Here are some guides that may suit your needs.

• iPhone Tips & Tricks
• What is jailbreaking?
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• Can I Jailbreak my iPhone on this iOS/Jailbreak Status Thread
  

My particular field of expertise is iOS Jailbreaking and Unlocking.

Are we referring to the iPhone 3GS or the 4S at the moment. If it's the 3GS, you can unlock it using UltraSn0w through a jailbreak. Or you can buy an IMEI unlock for the 3GS online. If we're talking about the 4S, you have 2 options, an IMEI unlock again, or an interposer. The interposer is a chip that your SIM card rests on top of, kind of like a middle man. This only works if your device meets certain requirements. It's recommended that you get an IMEI unlock if you're going to be using the device long term or if you're planning to upgrade to future iOS and want to retain the unlock.

 

[LittleMissTracy]

Hi Jon
Thanks for that, I just ran that pass BF, he said is it an imei code? I'm not as technical as him.
I don't want it jailbroken, just unlocked so I can put my virginmobile sim in, provided that they will do micro sims as they don't sell iPhones. Just wanting to check before I commit

 

[willerz2]

If you have an IMEI code, you can unlock it using that code. It'll take anywhere from 2 seconds to about 6 hours for 3GS's to be unlocked using the IMEI method.

 

[LittleMissTracy]

Thanks.
Its for a 4S that was an upgrade and not been registered, still in its wrapper but on an Orange network which looking on the internet harder to get a code for. I was going to get a PAYG sim from Orange and unlock it that way but I believe that your tied in to orange for 3 months.

 

[willerz2]

Not sure if Orange offers unlocking service. You'll have to ask them whether they do or not, and see what the requirements are. The 3 month tie might play into them being the ones to unlocking the device for you. Otherwise, you'll have to unlock it from elsewhere. If that is the case, we recommend ApplenBerry on iPhoneForums. Trustworthy and guaranteed. It'll run you about 45 or so Pounds(?)

 

[LittleMissTracy]

Even though that is not a UK site.

 

[willerz2]

Even though that is not a UK site.

It doesn't have to be a UK site. What matters is the country source that it'll retrieve the unlock codes from. As long as your carrier is listed in the country IMEI unlock, it'll work. Plus, ApplenBerry guarantees it. If it doesn't unlock, they'll either reimburse you or they'll attempt to unlock it again.

 

[LittleMissTracy]

Thanks, I just checked out applenberry and they haven't a code for the Orange network
Can the current owner get an IMEI code from Orange prior to selling? I really want this phone...... Can you tell

 

[willerz2]

Carriers can unlock devices for you but you'll have to meet certain requirements such as how long you've had the phone for under their contract and such and such.

 

[LittleMissTracy]

Its an upgrade not been opened. I have the IMEI number that is on the back of the box however reading around that should not be guarenteed, best getting the one of the phone. I have an option of PAYG for 3 months but thats last resort.
Thanks for your help

 

[willerz2]

Not sure about UK carriers, but for US carriers, there's a brief period where we have to use the phone with that company before it's unlockable by them. Verizon, for example, requires that you have the device on their contract for at least 3 months, and that you've been a customer of their service for at least 2 years IIRC. You'll have to ask your carrier about the specific requirements.

 

[LittleMissTracy]

Cheers for that again.
Not getting much luck on the web, is going to a independent phone shop not a good idea?

 

[willerz2]

Cheers for that again.
Not getting much luck on the web, is going to a independent phone shop not a good idea?

Depends on the shop. My advise when buying IMEI unlocks is to do your research before hand. If you're going to an independent phone shop, make sure you nail them on the littlest details when buying. In NYC, there are tons of places that offer "factory unlocks", but they're just backdoor unlocks that are wiped when you restore your device. So much for a factory unlock. Not sure about the UK, but there may be cons like that. If you're going to buy it from them, make sure they have reputable feedback and such. Always do your homework before buying items online or from independent/direct sellers.

 

[Software]

Well, Vodafone UK do IMEI unlocks even if your contract started this second. So should Orange check their online chat. Btw, you could put a T-Mobile sim in Orange aswell as it's part of EE and because T-Mobile & Orange have merged and have the same owner, so I don't think you can't try putting in a T-Mobile Pay as you go.

Many thanks,
Software