my iPhone 4S remain permanently unlocked after unlocking it with iTunes

2012-08-09 10:53:02

I recently was granted an unlock request from my carrier AT&T...so as instructed, I waited the reccomended time and did a backup and restore as directed by AT&T to unlock the phone. After doing the restore itunes displayed a message something in the order of "Congratulations, your iPhone is now unlocked"

However, here is my question/concern...Will it remain unlocked permenantly? Or will it lock again after updating or restoring it? I have read several articles about how only "factory unlocked" iPhones remained permenantly unlocked but, that any carrier locked phones will relock again after updating the software or doing a restore. This could potentially be a big problem for me as I am getting ready to sell the iPhone.....clearly the buyer would not want the hassle or inconveince of having to try an get it unlocked again...

I may a call to apple today, a rep told me that after unlocking it, it remaims unlocked...However I called AT&T afterwards, and their rep told me that it would lock again after an update. I'm hoping that someone on this forum can give me some clarification on this...I would greatly appreciate any insight on this matter. I just cant for the life of me figure out how unlocking a phone through itunes would be any different then a factory unlocked phone

RE:my iPhone 4S remain permanently unlocked after unlocking it with iTunes

2012-08-09 10:53:02

An iPhone officially unlocked via iTunes remains unlocked forever, even after a restore or update. Only unofficial (hacked) unlocks may revert after a restore or update.

RE:my iPhone 4S remain permanently unlocked after unlocking it with iTunes

2012-08-09 10:53:02

Thank you for your prompt reply...I'm just suprised AT&T told me otherwise...Not to come off rude but can I ask how you might know this for sure? I was hoping I could find this somewhere in writing ha..maybe thats wishful thinking..Im such a skeptic

RE:my iPhone 4S remain permanently unlocked after unlocking it with iTunes

2012-08-09 10:53:02

I know this because I had my iPhone unlocked officially through iTunes by my carrier and have restored and updated my phone many times since, and use different SIMs while travelling.

Your officially unlocked iPhone is now exactly the same as a "factory unlocked" iPhone.

As I mentioned, only phones which have been hacked (i.e. the firmware modified) to be unlocked will be re-locked when updating or restoring, as in such cases the 'hacked' firmware is replaced by unhacked firmware, therefore removing the unlocking hacks that were put in place.

An officially unlocked iPhone, or factory unlocked iPhone is recorded as unlocked in Apple's database (via iTunes) so updating or restoring the firmware has no effect on its unlocked status.

RE:my iPhone 4S remain permanently unlocked after unlocking it with iTunes

2012-08-09 10:53:02

Thank you very much Julian, this sets my mind at ease...I appreciate your helpful knowledge on the matter...it certainly makes sense the way you explain...My guess is AT&T probably told me that to discourage me selling a phone that wasn't originally sold at full retail price or something. Have a great day

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