Bought iPhone 5 on ebay

[Satumashirt611]

Bought a iPhone 5 on eBay locked to Vodafone,put in new sim and it won't work.i think Vodafone has it locked but no real idea.any advice.

[AnnS]

@Satumashirt611

Please see the following previous threads which will give you the answer.

http://forum.vodafone.co.uk/t5/Unlocking-NUC/Unlocking-an-iphone-5-bought-on-Ebay/td-p/2229151

http://forum.vodafone.co.uk/t5/iPhone-6-and-iPhone-6-Plus/iphone-6-unlocking-from-ebay/td-p/2326460

Please try the forum search facilty where you will be able to find more threads and can usually find the answer to questions.

[froggerty]

If it will only work with a Vodafone SIM then it is locked to that network. To get it unlocked you need to get the network unlocking code NUC from Vodafone which involves giving them the IEMI number of the phone, usually found on the label on the side of the manufacturers box it would have come in from new or under the battery in the device. Alternitive would be to take it to a phone doctor and pay around £20 for the service to unlock it or to buy the unlocking code through an online service, eBay sellers offer this also. If the seller you purchased it from stated in their description of the phone that it was unlocked to any network and you found that it is locked then you could raise a dispute 'not as described' or use the 'buyer protection pay-back' facility from eBay if you have that facility, before you go down any of these routes contact the seller and tell them that it is locked and ask them to supply you with the unlocking code or if he gave a return option and money back guarantee send it back if you get no response or no money then use the other option?s that best suit your need.

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi

Can you clarify are you inserting a Vodaphone SIM card and your getting a 'No Service' where the Vodaphone name would normally show in the iPhone's status bar ?

If this is he case then the phone may be IMEI blocked which is normally applied by the Network due to theft or an insurance claim. The Network wouldn't lift this type of block for you. You would need to raise a dispute through eBay and PayPal.

If it's simply locked to Vodaphone and your trying to use another Networks SIM card in it then they will only unlock the iPhone for the original owner / account holder.