Iphone 5s locked to vodafone but purchased from Apple

[sharonspooner]

Hi All

I purchased my Iphone 5s directly from an Apple store.  I have a 30 day sim only contract with Vodafone.  Tried to use alternative sim when abroad recently but couldnt.  Been to Apple store today who told me it is locked to Vodafone.  Why ????  I have seen previous posts that say iphone bought from Car phone warehouse and the like, will lock to first Sim put in them, but that Apple bought phones wont.  But mine has.

HELP Please.

[sharonspooner]

I have tried a UK Sim too, and same result.  The Apple atore i purchased from confirmed it is locked to Vodafone and seem to think Vodafone have done this, how, i do not know.

[BandOfBrothers]

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@sharonspooner wrote:

I have tried a UK Sim too, and same result.  The Apple atore i purchased from confirmed it is locked to Vodafone and seem to think Vodafone have done this, how, i do not know.

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I think the Apple Store may have supplied the wrong type of iPhone that locks to a contract SIM card.

If this was me I'd certainly take this up with Apple either via a https://www.apple.com/uk/retail/geniusbar/ appointment and or talk to them in the Apple Online Chat. It's up to them in my opinion to put this right. 

How long have you owned the iPhone. 

[sharonspooner]

Just over a year.  I wasnt aware of the problem until i tried to use a different Sim.  I had appointment with them today, and they have said they will get technical team to email me.  Just concerned as Vodafone say on their website that they can only unlock phones supplied by them!

[BandOfBrothers]

I'm hoping they give you a reasonable resolution. 

Regarding Unlocking via Vodafone.

NUC FAQs

 "Does the phone need to have been used on Vodafone UK?

Yes, even if you've bought your phone secondhand. For Pay as you go, you'll need to have been using your PAYG SIM in the phone for 30 days. This avenue would cost a top up to make calls and send texts and £19.99 for the unlocking fee. 

For Pay monthly you'll need to have paid three bills on time."

Yes your correct about 

"What if I have my iPhone exchanged?

If the handset has been exchanged by Vodafone UK then we can still request that your phone is unlocked with Apple. If the handset is exchanged via Apple or another third party (e.g. insurance claim) you’ll need to contact the company that provided your replacement for either an unlocking code, or you can ask the third party to notify us of the new IMEI details. We’re only able to request handset unlocks for phones that have been sold by Vodafone UK or if we've received the new IMEI details from the third party."