When will a network unlock a phone ?

Usjes

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.

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

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.