Submitted by Zeke_freek t3_zp7rls in iphone
Meaning if they aren’t bought through a plan, they’re all unlocked basically ?
Comments
Tuckyc t1_j0sy4xi wrote
In Mexico carriers finance cellphones, while in finance phones can be locked to carrier, once the finance is over you can ask and they should unlock for free.
m_chan1 t1_j0rano8 wrote
Generally, no, esp. if you buy from a cellular carrier. Usually, there are certain conditions that have to be met for the carriers to unlock the iPhones... pay off the full balance and be on their plan for 'x' amount of time. Then you have to contact them to unlock the iPhone.
Some state that it will automatically unlock the iPhone after 'x' time but it may not happen automatically esp. if you're still paying the balance through an installment plan.
Buy directly from Apple since those iPhones are Unlocked, even the refurbished versions.
KingArthas94 t1_j0rpfj0 wrote
Does this mean that if you buy the phone with CarrierX you can’t use it with CarrierY? To me it sounds like fucking madness, man. Here in Italy we don’t have these things, I think they’re illegal in the whole EU.
Yo_2T t1_j0s9kk1 wrote
Typically you can take it to another carrier by asking the original one to unlock the phone. Each carrier has their own policy on the criteria to grant the request.
Usually there are deep discounts on the phone to make it worth it. If someone is paying full price up front then it's better to buy directly from the manufacturer.
BadDoezy t1_j0ri43p wrote
I know they’re unlocked in Australia whether you purchase on a carrier plan, buy from Apple or any retailer that sells the iPhone. Pre sure America is America and they’re locked to carriers if purchased from the carrier and lock to a carrier when purchased from Apple (which doesn’t make much sense to me and feels ancient lol) not sure about the rest of the world.
coffeeisnotlatte t1_j0s63yp wrote
Apple purchased phones are unlocked, it’s Best Buy etc that will lock phones to whichever carrier is used first
Yo_2T t1_j0s9qgq wrote
Depends on which carrier. It's only locked coming from Apple.com when you pick ATT financing. All the other options are unlocked.
YODA0786 t1_j0vcuci wrote
I didn't even know thats how it works in America. The phone you buy with your own money can only be used at the carrier you original bought it from. So if you wanted to change carriers because you found a better deal elsewhere, you'd also have to buy a new phone? Thank god we don't have this in Canada. Switched carriers a few months back and it was a seamless experience. Took the old SIM card out and popped a new one it. Thats it. My iPhone 11 wasn't even paid off. Was even able to keep the same number.
EvermoreDespair t1_j1k69in wrote
Lol this guy is so naive. Where were you in 2012? Carriers kept every phone locked in canada, it was terrible, had to pay hundreds to unlock. I think this guy is slightly special
TheMr91071 t1_j0rp00e wrote
Not exactly in the US. BBY sells flex models, while the Apple Store will sell unlocked models for TMo & VZW, but not ATT. All 3 of the tmo 14PMs I got last month were unlocked at purchase. YMMV.
yofy91 t1_j0tytbp wrote
Verizon auto unlocks after 60 days.
McNasty1Point0 t1_j0rrf92 wrote
In Canada they are since around 2015. The Canadian government passed a law that disallows carriers from locking phones, and carriers must unlock any phone (locked prior to the law) for free.