Can ATT or Apple unlock an iPhone 3GS I buy from a friend?

I want to buy an iPhone 3GS from a friend who had ATT, but the contract is expired. Can I buy the iPhone from him and take it to ATT or Apple to have it unlocked?

The iPhone is not unlocked with a code. If AT&T authorizes the unlock they update the status of the phone in Apple's master database to show that it is unlocked. The phone must then be Restored with iTunes. When a phone is restore it is re-activated, and it will be unlocked. If your friend had the phone on AT&T and completed the term of the contract and does not owe AT&T any money the account is in good standing.

Similar Messages

  • Can Apple unlock my iPhone 3GS?

    Can Apple unlock my iPhone 3GS? My contract is over.

    jerry128 wrote:
    If I ask att, they would do it for free?
    No, AT&T does not unlock iPhones for any reason for any one.
    This question has been asked and answered a few billion times.  A simple search would have given you the answer.

  • Can apple unlock my iphone 3gs now

    im having trouble with my iphone 3gs updated to 5.1.1 and cant use it in domincan republic can apple now unlock it for me?

    Nope, Apple doesn't unlock iPhones. Only the original cellular provider can authorize unlocking. You need to contact them.

  • Where can i get my activation date ,...or first startup phone,..because i lost my warranty and my carier free unlock my iphone 3gs after 24 month

    Where can i get my activation date ,...or first startup phone,..because i lost my warranty and my carier free unlock my iphone 3gs after 24 month!
    tank you

    Kline25 wrote:
    So even if I just ask to pay them to replace the lock button they won't because my screens are third-party?
    Apple does not repair devices beyond replacing the screen on some models or a battery replacement.  They replace the ENTIRE device.
    For the Out of Warranty replacement cost, you could have gotten a fully functional replacement device.  Instead you chose to spend less to get only the screen replaced and continue to live with additional issues.
    Apple will not touch the device now.  They will know that it was opened elsewhere and that the replacement screen is not original.

  • How to unlock my iphone 3gs (ios 5.0.1), its already unlock by operator but can't unlock through itunes

    I couldn't unlock my iphone 3gs (ios 5.0.1), i couldn't use another diferent sim card, it's already unlock by operator but i couldn't unlock through the itunes, it show a message "no service o failure sim", why that? And how can i unlock it? Thanks

    I have a hard enough time with basic English.
    Hopefully this KB will be able to assist, It's also in Spanish:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3198?viewlocale=es_ES

  • Can i permanently unlock the iphone 3gs

    hi.i just wanna know if i can permanently unlock the iphone 3gs with out any carrier supports?

    Here is where that same question is asked and answered:
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4441930

  • Hello, did apple ever make iphone 3gs officially unlocked without contract commetment please?

    hello, did apple ever make iphone 3gs officially unlocked without contract commetment please?

    Outside of the US, some carriers sold unlocked iPhone 3GSs as per the laws of the country in which they operated. At no time has the iPhone 3GS (or any iPhone prior to the iPhone 4) been available unlocked in the US, nor will it be unlocked. You can pay full retail price or complete a contract term, but no iPhone will be unlocked by AT&T. You can buy an unlocked iPhone 4 from Apple and use it any where, but you will pay full retail price for the phone.
    Next time do a search before you post a question. There are hundreds (not an exaggeration) of threads and responses to this question.

  • HT201328 Why does it take so long for Apple to unlock an iPhone 3GS.

    I have been trying to unlock my iPhone 3GS whrough my provider since 31st August, and they are still waiting for a information from Apple.  Why does it take so long? Surely this will put people (i.e. me) from getting another iPhone in the future.

    The carrier unlocks the phones... once the carrier officially unlocks they send an email to apple... Apple's database picks up this info from the imei number... it's all done computerized. Apple has nothing to do with unlocking whatsoever!
    The contract is between the customer and the carrier. It would be illegal for apple to unlock a phone considering Apple is not a part of any contract!
    Apple is a manufactor and support for their products... not a carrier!
    Carriers push this crap on Apple when they know good and well they are the ones who unlock! Customers can call Apple to see if it's unlocked, but it's a database... they have no way of unlocking or locking phones!

  • How can i unlock my iphone 3gs for international ?

    how can i unlock my iphone 3gs for international ? it san emergency im leaving the country now!

    Contact the carrier to whom it is locked and ask if they offer this service and if your qualify.

  • How can i factory unlocked an iphone 3gs.

    how can i factory unlocked an iphone 3gs.
    iPhone 3GS

    Contact the carrier to which the iPhone is locked. Only the carrier can authorize unlocking.

  • Can apple unlock an iphone 5c to be used by a different phone carrier

    can apple unlock an iphone 5c to be used by a different phone carrier

    No. Only the carrier to whom the iPhone is locked can unlock it.

  • Why can't i unlock my iPhone 3GS ??

    I live in australia and i am trying to unlock my iPhone 3GS which is currently locked on Vodafone, i tried unlocking it on the Vodafone website but it says that my IMEI code cannot be found. The phone is my uncles old iPhone, what should i do?
    I have rang vodafone and they have told me to retrieve the old IMEI code off you guys, but how?

    Sounds like this phone was replaced by Apple under warranty, & that's why Vodafone wants the IMEI number from the original phone. You'll have to vist an Apple store or call AppleCare in Australia to get this info. If you call AppleCare, you'll pay for the call, thus a visit to an Apple store would be your best bet.

  • Can somebody help ??? iPhone 3Gs is stuck with an apple logo with the long loading bar. but iTunes popup say iPhone had been restored. iOS 4.3.3 to 4.3.4 or 5

    Can somebody help ???
    iPhone 3Gs is stuck with an apple logo with the long loading bar. but iTunes popup say iPhone had been restored. This happens when upgrading iOS 4.3.3 to 4.3.4.

    Thanks for your answer
    i've checked the host files, nothing referring to apple. The device has never been jailbroken...
    Is there something else i can do?

  • Can Apple unlock my iphone 4/4s to use on any network?

    I was wondering can Apple unlock my iphone 4/4s to use on any cellular carrier?

    Nope, Apple doesn't unlock iPhones. You will need to contact your cellular provider to determine their unlocking policy, and if you qualify.

  • Unlock an Iphone 3GS

    After ATT has grnated permission to unlock an Iphone 3GS can I go to an Apple store to get assistance in unlocking the phone?

    Sorry to Thom, but his reply is totally incorrect. AT&T will not send you any code. They send an unlock authorization to Apple. You restore your iPhone once you receive notification that the unlock code has gone through or you've waiting the amount of time AT&T recommends (5 to 7 days normaly, but it may take longer during the holiday season).
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5014
    Regards.

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