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When will a network unlock a phone ?

  • 30-09-2018 10:17pm
    #1
    Usjes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 326 ✭✭


    Hi,

    I'm looking to buy a second-hand iPhone. I see that the ones locked to a network are cheaper than the unlocked ones. So, I can buy one locked to my current network but I'm wondering what do I do if I want to change network in future.

    I assume that the networks wont unlock the phone until they have recouped the cost of the phone from the customer's monthly bill. Now if its being sold locked I assume this means the they didn't recoup it from the original owner but how will they know that the expenditure on my bill should be set against this phone ? Do I contact them and let them know I'm now using it, will they tell me how long I have to use it for before they will give me an unlock code ? Or will they never unlock it if the original bill payer didn't spend enough to cover the cost of the hardware ?

    Thanks,

    Usjes.


Comments

  • #2
    Sinus pain
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Sinus pain


    You have to go to the original provider and unless you have the details of the previous owner they won’t entertain you. I had it myself with a 5c bought brand new in a Chinese shop - I thought it would be fine - went to get it unlocked and meteor asked me for my details - didn’t match the ones they had in record ( owner must have got it and sold it in to Chinese). Wouldn’t entertain unlocking it - but an unlocked one and save yourself the grief


  • #3
    SweetCaliber
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,483 ✭✭✭SweetCaliber


    Usjes wrote: »
    Hi,

    I'm looking to buy a second-hand iPhone. I see that the ones locked to a network are cheaper than the unlocked ones. So, I can buy one locked to my current network but I'm wondering what do I do if I want to change network in future.

    I assume that the networks wont unlock the phone until they have recouped the cost of the phone from the customer's monthly bill. Now if its being sold locked I assume this means the they didn't recoup it from the original owner but how will they know that the expenditure on my bill should be set against this phone ? Do I contact them and let them know I'm now using it, will they tell me how long I have to use it for before they will give me an unlock code ? Or will they never unlock it if the original bill payer didn't spend enough to cover the cost of the hardware ?

    Thanks,

    Usjes.


    Depends, I take it your on about prepay? Most require you to spend a minimum amount of credit before they will send you the unlock code.

    I got my unlock code online, was only 15 euro and saved me the fuss of trying to get it off the network (wanted me to top up a total of 160 in 6 months which was impossible as I am on a 20/month prepay plan, pure scam).

    Not sure if you can get an iphone unlocked online though, the cost may outweigh the network option.


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