Dumb question about unlocking phones

fizzycat · 14-09-2016, 14:32

I'm currently on EE as a PAYG customer but I could get a much better deal elsewhere. My phone needs to be unlocked so I can transfer but EE are saying it will take 'up to 10 working days' from receiving my payment and request and can't give any more specific time-scale.

I don't want to be left with no phone cover so I think I need to get the unlock request in soon. But - here comes the dumb bit - if it's unlocked will I still be able to use it on EE until the end of my monthly package?

Stig · 14-09-2016, 14:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by fizzycat

if it's unlocked will I still be able to use it on EE until the end of my monthly package?

Yes, of course.

chrisjr · 14-09-2016, 14:42

Unlocking simply means that the phone is not tied down to any network. So once unlocked it will work with whatever SIM on whatever network you care to use with it. Which of course includes the original SIM it had in when it was locked.

artnada · 14-09-2016, 16:46

Try eBay for an unlock code. It'll probably be cheaper, and most sellers provide you with a code within minutes.

Always amazes me how telcos have to take "up to 10 days" or "up to 3 weeks", when eBay sellers can do it in a matter of minutes in most cases!

Stig · 14-09-2016, 17:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by artnada

Try eBay for an unlock code. It'll probably be cheaper, and most sellers provide you with a code within minutes.

Always amazes me how tecos have to take "up to 10 days" or "up to 3 weeks", when eBay sellers can do it in a matter of minutes in most cases!

It depends on the phone. The iPhone for example can only be unlocked by Apple, so it can take a couple of weeks.

d123 · 14-09-2016, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stig

The iPhone for example can only be unlocked by Apple, so it can take a couple of weeks.

Plenty of eBay unlockers who have access to the Apple system. Many will sort the unlock in 5-7 days, best I experienced was 3 days.

LION8TIGER · 14-09-2016, 19:18

I unlocked an iphone on EE a couple of weeks ago (through EE) and it took 5 days @£8.99.

radio lad · 14-09-2016, 19:35

I phoned EE for an unlock (not a customer) at 4pm, they took my £8.99 and it was unlocked at 11 am the next day.

Stig · 14-09-2016, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

Plenty of eBay unlockers who have access to the Apple system. Many will sort the unlock in 5-7 days, best I experienced was 3 days.

You do realise that these are people working for mobile phone companies who are moonlighting and unlocking phones? I'm not sure I trust those kind of people, thanks.

d123 · 14-09-2016, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stig

You do realise that these are people working for mobile phone companies who are moonlighting and unlocking phones? I'm not sure I trust those kind of people, thanks.

Why wouldn't you trust them? You are giving them £10-£20 via Paypal (so protected) to buy a service on eBay (so protected).

You must be quite pessimistic to be scared of losing £20 even when it has more protection than buying from a shop...

alan1302 · 14-09-2016, 20:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

Why wouldn't you trust them? You are giving them £10-£20 via Paypal (so protected) to buy a service on eBay (so protected).

You must be quite pessimistic to be scared of losing £20 even when it has more protection than buying from a shop...

Why wouldn't you trust them? As they are doing something they shouldn't.

You might be protected but what about paying to support people that are doing something they shouldn't?

d123 · 14-09-2016, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by alan1302

Why wouldn't you trust them? As they are doing something they shouldn't.

You might be protected but what about paying to support people that are doing something they shouldn't?

Who says they shouldn't? Do you know for sure whether they are network staff, Apple staff or Apple authorised repairers/resellers with access to the system?

If it worried Apple or the networks they would have done something as some of the unlockers have been around for 4 years or longer.

It's also all a bit of a red herring by Stig who is attempting to deflect the criticism to his comment that it's only possible directly with Apple (which is wrong).

If a person wants their iPhone unlocked they can approach their network, if the network won't help they have a choice of going to an eBay unlocker. That's the fact of the matter...

Stig · 14-09-2016, 21:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

It's also all a bit of a red herring by Stig who is attempting to deflect the criticism to his comment that it's only possible directly with Apple (which is wrong).

No, I said the codes from from Apple, but obviously via your mobile carrier (if that's who's unlocking it).

Maybe I'm a bit odd, but I don't think people should be rewarded for dishonesty. It's the same story with people who sell Windows keys on eBay for a few quid. They are obviously getting them for free via MSDN etc.

finbaar · 14-09-2016, 21:43

The OP asked a question and it was answered in the very next post. End of conversation? No. We get the spectrum people out to play.

d123 · 14-09-2016, 22:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stig

No, I said the codes from from Apple

Just to clarify your point there, there are no codes for iPhone, the unlock is exclusively actioned on the Apple server.

LION8TIGER · 14-09-2016, 22:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

Just to clarify your point there, there are no codes for iPhone, the unlock is exclusively actioned on the Apple server.

That is correct (I think), no codes are involved, they just send a text saying unlocked. That is EE I'm talking about. I don't see any unlocking service for Iphones that can beat the £8.99.
On the other hand I have unlocked 2 Vodaphones ( not iphones) using codes from Ebay, one for 99p the other £1.69.
The 99p one was difficult because the phone came from Ireland, it took many messages back and forth over a 2 hour period for them to find the correct code. I couldn't believe how much service I was getting for my 99p .... the other phone unlocked straight away.

Gigabit · 14-09-2016, 23:58

Essentially, the network (and only the network officially), sends a request to an Apple server setting the status of the iPhone as unlocked. No codes.

Apple cannot request codes. Anyone else has somebody from the network doing it and they will get found out and fired, as they always do, because the networks buy these unlocks and then trace the person who requested it.

Stig · 15-09-2016, 06:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabit

Essentially, the network (and only the network officially), sends a request to an Apple server setting the status of the iPhone as unlocked. No codes.

Apple cannot request codes. Anyone else has somebody from the network doing it and they will get found out and fired, as they always do, because the networks buy these unlocks and then trace the person who requested it.

Excellent clarification. Thank you.

gillyallan · 15-09-2016, 06:33

Do you think eventually the telco watchdog or something will make it unfair for phones to be locked and so eventually all will come unlocked ?

Although just reading on it, seems it's free on O2 pay monthly anyway.

fizzycat · 15-09-2016, 06:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillyallan

Do you think eventually the telco watchdog or something will make it unfair for phones to be locked and so eventually all will come unlocked ?
.

I hope so. The current situation is ridiculous when you opt for a company and package and they let you choose your phone from their limited range. We should be able to choose the phone we want and connect to any network with no locks. Every time my husband gets his 'free' (yeah, sure it's free) upgrade, he passes his old one to me and it's ludicrous how much we've paid for unlocking them over the years.

Stig · 15-09-2016, 07:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by fizzycat

I hope so. The current situation is ridiculous when you opt for a company and package and they let you choose your phone from their limited range. We should be able to choose the phone we want and connect to any network with no locks. Every time my husband gets his 'free' (yeah, sure it's free) upgrade, he passes his old one to me and it's ludicrous how much we've paid for unlocking them over the years.

You can buy unlocked phones and SIM only plans. Contract phones are subsidised, and the carrier has to cover those costs. It's always been cheaper to buy your phone up front rather than pay the 'loan' of contract prices.

Apple now allow you to buy an iPhone on an interest free payment plan. Along with a SIM only contract, it could be the cheapest way to afford an iPhone (if you wanted one).

gillyallan · 15-09-2016, 13:12

I don't get that as if I move to say vodafone from ee I'd still need to honor my contract anyway so they surely make the same money

14-09-2016, 14:32	#1
fizzycat Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Scarborough Posts: 2,259	Dumb question about unlocking phones I'm currently on EE as a PAYG customer but I could get a much better deal elsewhere. My phone needs to be unlocked so I can transfer but EE are saying it will take 'up to 10 working days' from receiving my payment and request and can't give any more specific time-scale. I don't want to be left with no phone cover so I think I need to get the unlock request in soon. But - here comes the dumb bit - if it's unlocked will I still be able to use it on EE until the end of my monthly package?

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14-09-2016, 14:38	#2
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	Quote: Originally Posted by fizzycat if it's unlocked will I still be able to use it on EE until the end of my monthly package? Yes, of course.

14-09-2016, 14:42	#3
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Unlocking simply means that the phone is not tied down to any network. So once unlocked it will work with whatever SIM on whatever network you care to use with it. Which of course includes the original SIM it had in when it was locked.

14-09-2016, 16:46	#4
artnada Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 9,397	Try eBay for an unlock code. It'll probably be cheaper, and most sellers provide you with a code within minutes. Always amazes me how telcos have to take "up to 10 days" or "up to 3 weeks", when eBay sellers can do it in a matter of minutes in most cases!

14-09-2016, 17:04	#5
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	Quote: Originally Posted by artnada Try eBay for an unlock code. It'll probably be cheaper, and most sellers provide you with a code within minutes. Always amazes me how tecos have to take "up to 10 days" or "up to 3 weeks", when eBay sellers can do it in a matter of minutes in most cases! It depends on the phone. The iPhone for example can only be unlocked by Apple, so it can take a couple of weeks.

14-09-2016, 17:39	#6
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Stig The iPhone for example can only be unlocked by Apple, so it can take a couple of weeks. Plenty of eBay unlockers who have access to the Apple system. Many will sort the unlock in 5-7 days, best I experienced was 3 days.

14-09-2016, 19:18	#7
LION8TIGER Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 7,984	I unlocked an iphone on EE a couple of weeks ago (through EE) and it took 5 days @£8.99.

14-09-2016, 19:35	#8
radio lad Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Teesside Posts: 62	I phoned EE for an unlock (not a customer) at 4pm, they took my £8.99 and it was unlocked at 11 am the next day.

14-09-2016, 19:42	#9
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 Plenty of eBay unlockers who have access to the Apple system. Many will sort the unlock in 5-7 days, best I experienced was 3 days. You do realise that these are people working for mobile phone companies who are moonlighting and unlocking phones? I'm not sure I trust those kind of people, thanks.

14-09-2016, 19:53	#10
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Stig You do realise that these are people working for mobile phone companies who are moonlighting and unlocking phones? I'm not sure I trust those kind of people, thanks. Why wouldn't you trust them? You are giving them £10-£20 via Paypal (so protected) to buy a service on eBay (so protected). You must be quite pessimistic to be scared of losing £20 even when it has more protection than buying from a shop...

14-09-2016, 20:50	#11
alan1302 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West Yorks Posts: 6,180	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 Why wouldn't you trust them? You are giving them £10-£20 via Paypal (so protected) to buy a service on eBay (so protected). You must be quite pessimistic to be scared of losing £20 even when it has more protection than buying from a shop... Why wouldn't you trust them? As they are doing something they shouldn't. You might be protected but what about paying to support people that are doing something they shouldn't?

14-09-2016, 20:55	#12
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by alan1302 Why wouldn't you trust them? As they are doing something they shouldn't. You might be protected but what about paying to support people that are doing something they shouldn't? Who says they shouldn't? Do you know for sure whether they are network staff, Apple staff or Apple authorised repairers/resellers with access to the system? If it worried Apple or the networks they would have done something as some of the unlockers have been around for 4 years or longer. It's also all a bit of a red herring by Stig who is attempting to deflect the criticism to his comment that it's only possible directly with Apple (which is wrong). If a person wants their iPhone unlocked they can approach their network, if the network won't help they have a choice of going to an eBay unlocker. That's the fact of the matter...

14-09-2016, 21:23	#13
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 It's also all a bit of a red herring by Stig who is attempting to deflect the criticism to his comment that it's only possible directly with Apple (which is wrong). No, I said the codes from from Apple, but obviously via your mobile carrier (if that's who's unlocking it). Maybe I'm a bit odd, but I don't think people should be rewarded for dishonesty. It's the same story with people who sell Windows keys on eBay for a few quid. They are obviously getting them for free via MSDN etc.

14-09-2016, 21:43	#14
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	The OP asked a question and it was answered in the very next post. End of conversation? No. We get the spectrum people out to play.

14-09-2016, 22:41	#15
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Stig No, I said the codes from from Apple Just to clarify your point there, there are no codes for iPhone, the unlock is exclusively actioned on the Apple server.

14-09-2016, 22:56	#16
LION8TIGER Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 7,984	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 Just to clarify your point there, there are no codes for iPhone, the unlock is exclusively actioned on the Apple server. That is correct (I think), no codes are involved, they just send a text saying unlocked. That is EE I'm talking about. I don't see any unlocking service for Iphones that can beat the £8.99. On the other hand I have unlocked 2 Vodaphones ( not iphones) using codes from Ebay, one for 99p the other £1.69. The 99p one was difficult because the phone came from Ireland, it took many messages back and forth over a 2 hour period for them to find the correct code. I couldn't believe how much service I was getting for my 99p .... the other phone unlocked straight away.

14-09-2016, 23:58	#17
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	Essentially, the network (and only the network officially), sends a request to an Apple server setting the status of the iPhone as unlocked. No codes. Apple cannot request codes. Anyone else has somebody from the network doing it and they will get found out and fired, as they always do, because the networks buy these unlocks and then trace the person who requested it.

15-09-2016, 06:21	#18
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	Quote: Originally Posted by Gigabit Essentially, the network (and only the network officially), sends a request to an Apple server setting the status of the iPhone as unlocked. No codes. Apple cannot request codes. Anyone else has somebody from the network doing it and they will get found out and fired, as they always do, because the networks buy these unlocks and then trace the person who requested it. Excellent clarification. Thank you.

15-09-2016, 06:33	#19
gillyallan Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 29,115	Do you think eventually the telco watchdog or something will make it unfair for phones to be locked and so eventually all will come unlocked ? Although just reading on it, seems it's free on O2 pay monthly anyway.

15-09-2016, 06:56	#20
fizzycat Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Scarborough Posts: 2,259	Quote: Originally Posted by gillyallan Do you think eventually the telco watchdog or something will make it unfair for phones to be locked and so eventually all will come unlocked ? . I hope so. The current situation is ridiculous when you opt for a company and package and they let you choose your phone from their limited range. We should be able to choose the phone we want and connect to any network with no locks. Every time my husband gets his 'free' (yeah, sure it's free) upgrade, he passes his old one to me and it's ludicrous how much we've paid for unlocking them over the years.

15-09-2016, 07:18	#21
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	Quote: Originally Posted by fizzycat I hope so. The current situation is ridiculous when you opt for a company and package and they let you choose your phone from their limited range. We should be able to choose the phone we want and connect to any network with no locks. Every time my husband gets his 'free' (yeah, sure it's free) upgrade, he passes his old one to me and it's ludicrous how much we've paid for unlocking them over the years. You can buy unlocked phones and SIM only plans. Contract phones are subsidised, and the carrier has to cover those costs. It's always been cheaper to buy your phone up front rather than pay the 'loan' of contract prices. Apple now allow you to buy an iPhone on an interest free payment plan. Along with a SIM only contract, it could be the cheapest way to afford an iPhone (if you wanted one).

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Dumb question about unlocking phones

15-09-2016, 13:12	#22
gillyallan Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 29,115	I don't get that as if I move to say vodafone from ee I'd still need to honor my contract anyway so they surely make the same money