Unlocking iPhone SE

[SanMatthias]

Hi.

I have received an e-mail from Vodafone on July 2nd confirming the unlock of my iPhone SE. All I needed to do then was to insert a non-Vodafone SIM and turn on my device.

As it didn't work (I keep on receiving the same 'SIM Not Supported' message), I contacted Vodafone only to be told the process could take up to 10 working days.

We are now July 27 and I still can't use my phone on another network, which is very frustrating!

Any advice would be much appreciated here.

Thanks

M

[BandOfBrothers]

@SanMatthias 

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 up to another 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. 

[SanMatthias]

Thanks @BandofBrothers

So basically there is nothing else I can do but wait for it to magically become unlocked...!? So frustrating!

[BandOfBrothers]

Unfortunately Yes as with the case on iPhones Vodafone have no direct control over unlocking them.

Apple complete the process from their end after Vodafone officially request the unlock.

Periodically check as the timeframe isn't always 30+ days.