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Unlocking iPhone

Hi,

I am with orange and the phone I renewed my contract with years ago is dead (out of contract now, don't intend to tie myself back into a contract because I think they are all thieves but am still a pay monthly with Orange). I am aiming to buy a sim free replacement but was wondering if anyone knows... If I buy a replacement Orange sim locked phone and contact Orange to unlock it will that be possible?

Cheers

Comments

  • jb66
    jb66 Posts: 1,705 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Orange will charge to unlock it, but as your using an orange sim, it won't need unlocked
  • kissitbetta
    kissitbetta Posts: 65 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    I understand that. I am just thinking before I tie myself to buying a replacement, second hand Orange only phone if I can, whilst ON Orange, get them to unlock the new phone that will obviously have a different IMEI to the phone they supplied me with that broke?
  • latecomer
    latecomer Posts: 4,331 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Orange locked phones are subsidised by Orange and hence they charge for unlocking regardless who asks for this to be done. If you want an unlocked phone - buy an unlocked one. They are slightly more expensive because someone else has paid slightly more for it initially or already paid to have it unlocked.
  • I called Orange and they won't unlock (even if I pay) any other handset other than the one I bought from them (even though it is dead and beyond repair).

    I just thought I would save a bit of money getting a phone attached to my network (even with the £20 fee) and they might just release me from the noose but noooo... nothing is that easy :(
  • J_B
    J_B Posts: 6,882 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I think there's someone on e bay who will unlock Orange iPhones.
    They have been recommended on here.
  • TakeThis
    TakeThis Posts: 2,909 Forumite
    Look here.

    Orange will do it, but you may have to register a PAYG number against the phone and wait for three months. £20 fee.
  • kissitbetta
    kissitbetta Posts: 65 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks for the info :) I managed to get a sim free second hand phone at a good price from an eBayer seller who recycles. I'm feeling all warm, environmentally friendly AND I got a bargain :j
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