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Unlocking iPhones

DeniseGal
2: Seeker
2: Seeker

I am experiencing delays in getting phones on my account.  Raised forms on 19/9 for three phones on account to be unlocked (all iPhones) which I confirmed email and received confirmation NUC codes were requested 20/9.  One of the phones was finally unlocked Saturday 5th October (day after 10 working days), another has been unlocked today after much escalation.  However one phone still remains locked (has also been escalated).  

3 REPLIES 3

BandOfBrothers
17: Community Champion
17: Community Champion

Hi @DeniseGal 

 

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 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 a few days up to 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. 

Current Phone  >

Samsung Galaxy s²³ Ultra 512gb Phantom Black.

 

 

Thanks for your reply.  I understand the process and how Apple unlock the phones, my issue is the length of time it has taken to get the phones unlocked, 3 weeks down the line and two out of three are complete.  Why are they not quicker / automated following checks? And why are they not completed in order?  When three forms are submitted, you would expect them all to be unlocked around the same time.  Of the two that are unlocked, only one of them issued confirmation that it had been completed, the first one was only discovered following one of many daily checks I am currently going through.  

maybe this feedback needs to be sent to Apple rather than Vodafone, but as my provider. 

Here's hoping my third device is unlocked soon as there seems to be little can be done by customer facing staff other than "sending another chase" 

BandOfBrothers
17: Community Champion
17: Community Champion

Vodafone are pretty helpless as they have no direct control over the iPhones unlock only that they request it.

 

I assume the iPhones are unlocked in connection to its serial number  / imei number  / build number.

 

I know it would appear to be the case that all 3 are unlocked in unison , following each other but that's not always the case.

 

In my opinion phones that are supplied by a network should be unlocked out of the box.

 

This would cut down on the resources needed by the network and manufacturer to arrange unlock and the time , effort and sometimes stress experienced by the phones owner going through all the steps to unlock the phone.

 

I too hope your phone us unlocked asap.

Current Phone  >

Samsung Galaxy s²³ Ultra 512gb Phantom Black.