Getting iphone5s unlocked

[Georg123]

I came in to store on Tuesday 6th to get my mums phone unlocked as she has sadly passed away, the team were very helpful and told me it would take 24-48 hours. It has been 8 working days and the phone still won't take my SIM card.  Why is it still not unlocked and when can I expect for this to be done as I am without a phone and would like the use of my mums. 

  Thanks in advance

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi

The process is...

Vodafone request Apple to process the unlock on their Data base once they've accepted the information given by the phone owner. 

Then Vodafone email you to confirm it's been requested. 

Then Apple then occasionally can take another 20-30 days to complete the unlock. 

Periodically inserting the active alternative networks sim card in the iPhone it should unlock. Sometimes hooking up to iTunes will help although with your model of iPhone it's not necessary. 

An iPhone isn't unlocked by inputting a code like other phones but instead done centrally by Apple. 

[Georg123]

Do you work for Vodafone as would like an update. 

I cannot not receive my mums emails to see if it has even been successful so surely they would be able to help with this. 

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi

No I'm not employed by Vodafone. 

I'm a Community Champion and fellow customer. 

The initial email from Vodafone is a confirmation of them asking Apple to unlock. 

I totally understand and sympathise with you due to the circumstances surrounding the iPhone and unlocking of it. 

I'm sure one of the Social Media Team will be along. 

Just to mention one other option would be to pick up a Payg Vodafone Sim card and use it in the iPhone for a minimum of 30 days making calls and texts etc which would cost you a top up. And then you request the unlock yourself using the new payg number. Its free to unlock on a contract and payg. Just a thought. 

I wish you all the best with this. 

[AnnS]

Hi @Georg123

The best and quickest way for you to get the phone unlocked will be as PAYG and it would certainly save all the messing around.

The only problem will be having to use a Vodafone PAYG SIM in the phone making a few chargeable activities for 30 days to associate the IMEI with the number.  At the end of 30 days, you will be able to request the unlock in your name and receive the email notification of the unlock.  

If this is a reasonable option, there is further information for you below.

How do I unlock my Vodafone device if I’m not a Vodafone customer?

[Georg123]

Why should I have to go through the hassle when I'm paying for full services with a different provider and Vodafone have already told me it can be done, I will not be making any chargeable activities with Vodafone as I am not with them. The phone should be unlocked when they say it can be.  Seems under my circumstances Vodafone are still only interested in getting some money out of me. That is all you suggest 

[BandOfBrothers]

Please I didn't suggest this to upset you but instead to offer an alternative avenue. As it's payg then the sim can be disposed of after unlocking. Your not enter into anything, and you don't even need to register. 

That said if Vodafone have agreed to ask Apple to unlock an iPhone that belonged to another person due to tje circumstances then I'm sure that's what they'll do. 

Please hang in there for a member of the Social Media Team will to reply or use Libe Chat to check on the status. 

[AnnS]

Hi @Georg123

There is no need to accuse Vodafone or trying to get money out of you.

It might be worth remembering none of us here work for Vodafone and we are only trying to help you to get your Mothers phone unlocked the most convenient and quickest way.  However, if you know your Mothers Apple ID and are able to unlock her icloud account and are prepared to go the long way round thats your choice and decision.

As you are not a Vodafone customer, get yourself a PAYG SIM, top up with £5.00 and make a few little chargeable activities for 30 days.  That is the simplest and easiest way.

[Georg123]

Having been told it wouldn't take 24-48 hours no i did not think it would be the "long way". I understand what your saying but I will still not pay any money towards having it unlocked on another sim when I am already paying. I'm asking for an update on the status of the phone which now you have explained they do live chat I will turn to that.    Thanks

[Jenny]

@Georg123 - I’m sorry to hear of the problems you’re having with this.

So we can help get this sorted quickly, I’ve sent you a private message with instructions on how to get in touch.