iPhone locked?

[Ringingstone]

Does anybody why iPhones, which are purchased privately, e.g. Carphone Warehouse, are automatically locked by the network? Is there a technical reason for this or is it sheer bloody mindedness by the company. I requested an unlock code for my phone 5 days ago and keep getting nothing but automated nonsense replies when I try to get any answers.

[BandOfBrothers · Accepted solution]

Hi

Its how cpw request them from Apple. 

It's somewhere in their small print. I remember not long ago they were selling them on payg at nearly the same price apple sell the factory unlocked version but locked out to the first sim card inserted. 

The ones that don't lock out to the first sim card inserted are units purchased from Apple at full retail price factory unlocked. 

[BandOfBrothers]

Regarding unlocking. 

Vodafone criteria is that it's been used on the Vodafone Network and  Pay Monthly 3 bills have been paid on time. 

On Payg it's been used on the network for 30 days making calls, sending texts and using data. 

[Ringingstone]

Thanks for the helpful info Lee. Guess I have to be patient and wait for an unlock code. It would still be nice to know if locking the phone is for the customers' protection or for Vodafone's coffers.

I have been with Vodafone for a few years now and find it very disappointing that they can lock my phone and keep me waiting for a unlock code with no clear explanation why.

[BandOfBrothers]

You're welcome. 

My thoughts are for what it's worth the same. 

The phones should now come unlocked. 

It does make me raise an eyebrow as most other phones supplied by cpw remain unlocked apart from the iPhone. 

Phones supplied by the Networks are locked too. 

Perhaps to recoup some subsidy costs !

I've spoken to specialists in Apple Stores and they advised it's what the networks request. 

When I've used iPhones in the past I've always opted to buy from Apple SIM Free so they remain unlocked but I understand it can be down to disposable income. 

[Ringingstone]

Thanks again. It ought to be something that CPW et al explain to the customer at the time of purchase!

[BandOfBrothers]

I agree. 

I've been a little sad in the past and tested out the local Cpw in my city centre. 

I knew they had stock available when most network shops and even Apple didn't. 

After discussing colour, model and Gb storage I talked about Payg. 

After a lot of coaxing I eventually had to point out the small print on their point of sale about it locking out to the first sim inserted and he eventually agreed. 

I've helped people in the past who have opted to buy an iPhone from cpw on payg and then used the sim card it came with to not miss out on the required top up. Only then to find out after taking out the sim card to insert their own that it was locked. 

[BandOfBrothers]

This is on their {CPW} online site. 

"iPhone will lock itself to the network of the first SIM card that is used in the phone. Subsequently attempting to use it on any other network, for example by replacing the SIM card, may mean it becomes permanently unusable. SIM free iPhones can only be used with a UK-network SIM card, and will not accept foreign SIM cards."

[Ringingstone]

That's a really menacing message and reinforces the feeling that it is only in Vodafone's interest that this is done.

Thanks again!