Unlocking iPhone 6 from Vodaphone - problem

[SadWardie]

My sister gave me her iphone 6. I was told I needed to use a Vodafone Sim for 30 days to unlock it. I did this. I requested an unlock code (since found out that you don't get one for Apple).

Got an email today from Vodafone telling me to complete a few 'simple' steps to unlock it. Spent an hour trying to comply with these 'simple' instructions - it says "The SIM card inserted in this iPhone does not appear to be supported... etc."  Spent 45 mins on Vodafone chat - 2 people tried and failed and kept wanting to send me to a shop miles away.

Spend a further 20 mins on the phone with Apple - who confirmed that the phone has been unlocked at their end. I did a system restore - at the end of that - failed.  Spent 10 minutes on chat with O2 to ensure that the Sim I put in (as instructed it is a non-vodfone sim) has credit - it has. Checked upto date iTunes software on my computer. Have done 3 factory stting restores. NOTHING. It still won't recognise this SIM.  I am losing the will to live. I saw someone had the same problem which was finally sorted after multiple pleas for help. Can anyone offer any advice on how they got theirs sorted please?

[BandOfBrothers]

When you entered the Vodafone Payg sim into the iPhone did you make calls and texts etc to help latch the iPhones serial number to the Payg account ?

If so the process should be....

vodafone contact Apple to request the release of the iPhone. 

Apple do this by releasing it from their database and can take occasionally 30 days to complete. 

Periodically insert the SIM card from another network in the iPhone to complete the process. 

From an iPhone 5 upwards it’s not typically needed to hook up to iTunes or restore via iTunes. 

If you’ve contacted Apple via their Chat facility then these are out sourced call centres with staff who act on behalf of Apple. I’ve had varying degrees of correct info from them. 

Im thinking it’s the 30 days approximately that Apple can take to complete the unlock that is the case here if Vodafone have advised they’ve requested the unlock and emailed you to confirm. 

Vodafone play no physical part in unlocking the iPhone. It’s all Apples doing. 

[SadWardie]

Hi

Thank you so much for your response - yes I did all that . However, I have given up on trying to get it unlocked and the iPhone 6 will be returned to my sister later today; and good riddance

I was struggling to get to grips with it, even after using it for the last month on the Vodafone Sim.

I have used Androids for so many years and they suit my menu driven logic... my beloved BACK button, a massive range of apps, totally flexible to suit my needs... and no faffing about (e.g. I could not believe how much messing is required to get a bespoke ring tone on to the blasted thing!) - Apple is not at all intuitive IMHO.

I have just got a great deal on a Samsung Galaxy S8 on the O2 network and I can't wait to get my hands on that camera!  I think that after

- a month of stomach churning frustration using the iPhone,

- wasting £30 on Vodafone and O2 Sims,

- waiting a month,

- about 5 hours stuggling on my own,

- 45 minutes on the chat facility to Vodafone,

- a call to O2 to check their SIM,

- and a session with Apple...

It was a sign! It took me a while to see it - but I have taken the hint.  Apple is not for me.

So I sincerely thank you for your response to me Band of Brothers - but I am hotfooting it back to Android and giving O2 a chance, then I'll breath a massive sigh of relief!

[BandOfBrothers]

You’re very welcome @SadWardie

The Samsung Galaxy s8 is a powerful device indeed. 

Im no David Bailey but the pictures I take with my s8 do the job. 

Try out the HDR option is my suggestion.