Is it easy to unlocked used iphones bought from ebay?

[OrionMaster]

Is it easy to unlock used iphones bought from ebay? Assume the original owner will not help me in the process

 

[jji7skyline]

I always assume they are stolen and don't even bother.

 

[OrionMaster]

I'm referring to carrier locks not icloud or imei

 

[mmntech]

In the US, carriers are now legally obligated to unlock off-contract phones if you ask. You can just take it into the store and they'll do it for you.
https://www.fcc.gov/device-unlocking-faq

 

[OrionMaster]

In the US, carriers are now legally obligated to unlock off-contract phones if you ask. You can just take it into the store and they'll do it for you.
https://www.fcc.gov/device-unlocking-faq

The issue is that I'm purchasing from another country (non-US), going to the store wont be an option. I heard that by calling them you have to be the original owner, not sure if that is true. I found many services on ebay claiming to unlock for $5 with money back guarantees. anyone tried those?

 

[OrionMaster]

the risky part for me is not the $5 (obv) is being stuck with a useless phone that wont have 3g or make calls

 

[Mushkins]

Cell phones are one of the most stolen devices in the world today. I would personally not trust buying used phones from craigslist/ebay unless you can verify the seller is a legit ebay storefront for a reputable phone retailer and not some sketchy guy in taiwan.

That being said, in the US carriers have to unlock any phone off contract if you ask. All it takes is a call to the carrier and a factory reset of the iphone. Purchase from someone in the US to make sure you're not getting some sort of funky model that only works with crazy third world carriers or something.

 

[smackababy]

I'd be far more worried you are buying a counterfeit iPhone and that it won't work on US carriers anyway than if it can be unlocked.

Counterfeit iPhone and most Apple products are huge business in China.

 

[paperwastage]

In the US, carriers are now legally obligated to unlock off-contract phones if you ask. You can just take it into the store and they'll do it for you.
https://www.fcc.gov/device-unlocking-faq

only if it's off-contract/fully paid off

a lot of these phones may still be tied to a contract or equipment installment plan, and the carrier wont' unlock it for you




also, the unlocking policy isn't a legal policy enforced by FCC... all carriers voluntarily follow the CTIA unlocking guideline (6 standards), and it's not 100% effective yet

http://arstechnica.com/business/2015/02/us-carriers-still-stink-at-unlocking-phones-analysis-finds/

 

[mmntech]

I'd be far more worried you are buying a counterfeit iPhone and that it won't work on US carriers anyway than if it can be unlocked.

Counterfeit iPhone and most Apple products are huge business in China.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. How much does the seller want for it? If it's too good to be true, it probably is. If you're looking for a budget friendly phone, I'd look at some of the unlocked Android alternatives like the Moto G. At least that way it's new, will be supported for awhile, and you're not going to run into any problems with it.

Either that or pick up a new iPhone on contract.

 

[OrionMaster]

I'm going to buy from a highly reputable seller. thats not going to be the issue, the main problem is unlocking the device. trust me

 

[Tyranicus]

I think the original owner has to unlock it.

 

[Mushkins]

I think the original owner has to unlock it.

Only if it's still on contract. If the carriers records show it's been paid off through the contract term, they will unlock it as long as it's not still associated with the owner's account (aka a stolen phone).