Unlock iPhone?

[Mobilemandan]

Can I check the best way to unlock an iPhone on Vodafone

How long do you have to wait from purchase to get it unlocked as saw somewhere 3 months and somewhere else 1 month.

Cheers

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @Mobilemandan 

If a person is pay monthly then it's x3 bill's paid on time and 30 days of the sim being in the phone being used to make calls etc while in the Uk  so that's the 3 months you've seen.

If a person is Vodafone Payg then its 30 days of the sim being in the phone being used to make calls etc while in the Uk so that's the 1 month you've seen.

A person can only request x3 phones to be unlocked in any 12 month period.

The phone must not have been reported lost or stolen.

The criteria is also set out in the links below for the form.

》Vodafone unlock-code-request form. 

》How-do-I-use-my-nuc. 

》How-do-I-unlock-my-Vodafone-device-if-I-m-not-a-Vodafone-customer. 

An iPhone is not unlocked via inputting a Nuc {unlocking code} like other phone models are, but instead is unlocked remotely by Apple themselves and their Database.

So no actual Nuc is sent by Vodafone UK. 

The Vodafone Network lets a person know by email it's unlocking has been requested to Apple after accepting your Nuc online unlock request. (Please Check Spam Inboxes too) 

Please Note > The iPhone isn't actually usually unlocked to all networks at this stage when Vodafone email you. 

What happens is Apple then process the Networks request and occasionally this can take Apple approximately from a few days upto a further 30+ days sometimes from Vodafone's email to complete an unlock request made by a Network. 

To complete the process please periodically insert an active i.e. connects to mobile network data, alternative Networks Sim Card in the iPhone with hooking upto iTunes is only typically needed if its an iPhone 4 or older although it wouldn't harm to do so. 

From the iPhone 5 onwards there's not normally the need to hook up to iTunes to complete the process. 

When it's unlocked you should see a pop up message and the alternatives Networks name will show in the iPhone's status bar.

🌈Stay Safe  🌈  

[Mobilemandan]

Cheers.

I'm pay monthly and only had a few days, can I just get a PAYG SIM, use for 30 days making the odd call and then unlock that way

[BandOfBrothers]

You sure can if you wish.

Using a Vodafone Uk Payg Sim Card in the iPhone for 30 days making calls, sending texts etc and then fill out the form to request its unlock using the new Vodafone Payg account details. 

I'd suggest to fill out the unlocking form a couple of days after the 30 days so Vodafone systems pick up the usage criteria.

It's the same if someone had an iPhone supplied on a pay monthly contract / upgrade and then sells it and the person who bought it wants to unlock it from Vodafone Uk.

🌈Stay Safe  🌈 

[Mobilemandan]

If the phone is new and I put a brand new PAYG SIM in, topup and use for the 30 days to unlock, how long does it take the system to pick up the IMEI was starting to be used so starting the 30 day period for example if I start using on 1st, does it apply the IMEI to the account from them or will it start a few days later etc..

Cheers

[BandOfBrothers]

@Mobilemandan 

As soon as you insert the Vodafone Uk Payg Sim Card into the phone and start activity such as making phone calls / sending texts and using data, topping up then Vodafone's Systems will pick that usage up and latch the phones serial number and imei number to their systems.

So my advice is from Day1 of inserting the Sim Card start making that activity.

I'd also suggest to let it run a couple of days over the 30 days just to make sure before completing the unlock form.

🌈 Stay Safe  🌈