unlock iphone 3gs and use Tesco mobile sim only

Sago48

I want to buy a used iphone 3gs on ebay, unlock it and from what I've read I should be able then to fit a cheap Tesco mobile sim-only sim to it. Although I've had mobiles for years I know nothing about them. Can anyone advise if my plan will work and how to unlock and what it might cost? Thanks.

Sago48

I want to buy a used iphone 3gs on ebay, unlock it and use a Tesco sim-only sim in it. I really know nothing about mobiles, and wonder if my plan will work. Thanks.

DUTR

Sago48 wrote: »

I want to buy a used iphone 3gs on ebay, unlock it and use a Tesco sim-only sim in it. I really know nothing about mobiles, and wonder if my plan will work. Thanks.

Why not buy one already unlocked? Saves the later sob story about an ebay sale. Other than that your 'plan' will work as many before you have done exactly that.

gjchester

Sago48 wrote: »

I want to buy a used iphone 3gs on ebay, unlock it and from what I've read I should be able then to fit a cheap Tesco mobile sim-only sim to it. Although I've had mobiles for years I know nothing about them. Can anyone advise if my plan will work and how to unlock and what it might cost? Thanks.

Most phones are unlocked via a code entered in the handset, however iPhones are lock status is set by a flag in Apples database. When you request an iPhone to be unlocked the network contacts Apple who change the status in the database. When you put in a different sim the iPhone needs to be activated and at that point the phone checks it's status with Apple and unlocks (or not) according to the database.

If an unlock is done by any other means on an Iphone then the next time you change sim, upgrade the firmware or potentially even use itunes the phone may be re-locked to the original network.

Sorry thats a bit long but the best chocie for you is to get a phone unlocked or on O2. the 3GS is pretty old and already obseleted by Apple, yu may be better getting a 4 or 4S which are newer

J_B

gjchester wrote: »

the 3GS is pretty old and already obseleted by Apple,

Nah! ... it's 'retro'

Sago48

Thanks to all - and especially useful to know how iphones are unlocked. My choice of an iphone is only because I want to be sure it will sync with the itunes on my mac OK, and I thought the 3gs only cos of cost - it's less than £100 on ebay. But I'll look again.