Iphone 3GS - getting past Emergency Screen

Emmamumof2

I have an Iphone 3GS (18 months old) - upgraded to a new contract/phone and wanted to give the Iphone 3GS to a family member to use as phone and ipod. In order to clear existing data on there, my contacts etc, I restored back to factory settings on Itunes last week only to find when I switched it back on it was at the emergency call screen only. Even when putting in the family members SIM card wouldn't recognise it and just remained on the emergency call screen.

Ive googled it and Im not a techie by any means so a lot of it just goes over my head.

The question is - is it possible to get it past the emergency call screen to at least use it as an ipod if not a phone. If the answer to that is yes is it possible to use it as a phone on a PAYG SIM or other?

Help! Anyone need any further info before they can answer let me know but Ive read about Baseband etc and I have no idea what these terms refer to but I literally just updated to factory settings last week....

I find it hard to believe that a phone which is mine and has been paid for over the course of 18 months isnt now mine to do what I want with so hope there is a way! Could kick myself for restoring to factory settings now, but its done!

Thanks for any help!

Jeff_Bridges_hair

Was your iphone jailbroken at all?

You know Iphones sold on contract were linked to that service provider also.

Emmamumof2

I had done nothing at all to it - so no not jailbroken.
I knew it would need unlocking to be used on anything other than Vodaphone but the family member is on Vodaphone so didnt know if that would be necessary in any event....
Now it cant even be used as an ipod.

boxst

You have to sync it with iTunes. If you just did a reset and then unplugged it the phone remains unactivated.

If you plug it into iTunes it will allow the phone to be used as an iPod. It MAY also allow it to be used as a phone depending on whether it is locked to a specific network. If it is locked, just call the company who you got the phone from and they should unlock it. This is usually for free if you were on a contract.

Steve

Emmamumof2

Thanks for that - Ill do that -
the phone is no longer under contract which is why I now want to give it to someone else to use as PAYG - I cant see Vodaphone being helpful and unlocking it for me if they have nothing to gain - perhaps once its done I can take it to one of these unlock shops to get it done -

Thanks though Steve

boxst

Vodafone has been helpful with me, so just give them a call.