Unlocking second hnd iphone 5 on orange

diamonds

Frozen_up_north wrote: »

Orange in Spain are very helpful... A friend was given an ex-contract Spanish phone locked to Orange and wanted to use it on another Spanish network, she took it to an Orange shop and they unlocked it while she waited and for free, no Orange SIM purchase needed either.

I know it's a different country, but clearly Orange can be helpful, even if EE are awkward!

Same as Voda AU, online free in most cases or $25 in a Voda shop or calling customer services, as usual UK consumers get a poor deal.

At least 3 handsets are unlocked from purchase....no faffing.

AndyPK

If you fail, have a look at prices for virgin sim only contracts.

(no 4G, but that's not a problem with a 4S)

stevenleek wrote: »

Hello all.

Being a customer of EE has to be up there with the most frustrating and infuriating experiences of my entire life and their refusal to SIM unlock my iPhone 4S has been the icing on the cake.

My device is a SIM free, refurbished, iPhone 4S, purchased from Purple Gossip (who, to make life that bit more difficult, are no longer trading). The network carrier is T-Mobile (EE).

However, having finally buckled under countless friends' recommendations, I decided to order myself a SIM from giffgaff, in hope of switching to a seemingly cheaper network with better service and better customer service.

The PAC code transfer seems to be going through without issue, although my device is locked to EE and rejects the invalid giffgaff SIM.

Having called 150 (twice) and eventually having an irate discussion with a supervisor, he assured me that EE could not unlock the phone and that I'd need to contact the seller to organise this. Unfortunately for me, my seller is no longer in business and therefore I have no-one to contact.

Supervisor 'Abbid' then gave me his word that my iPhone could only be unlocked in an EE store and for the reasonable price of £7.00. This price is a bargain to escape the shackles of the UK's biggest [and most shambolic] network.

Whether the 'helpful' assistants in my local EE store will actually be willing and able to process this basic request remains to be seen, but I will make an attempt tomorrow and approach the store with an amicable demeanour in hope that politeness may sway this for me. I'm still highly doubtful and worried that I'll soon have a redundant iPhone 4S.

If anyone knows of a fast-track way to solve my problem I'd be truly grateful for your help!

Thanks
Steve

stevenleek

iPhones are incredibly easy to use, it's making effective communication with EE that's difficult.

However, after making a 6th call to EE literally begging them to unlock my phone, I received a call back today from the Customer Service Feedback Team. The gentleman, Sam, seemed to understand the issue and assured me that the phone would be unlocked within 7 days. He also added that he would personally call me back again on Monday with a progress update.

Although it sounds dreadfully similar to other posters' experiences, I am slightly more optimistic that they're doing something about it this time.

stevenleek

Solved!

After multiple frustrating phone calls, empty promises regarding callbacks from the EE Customer Service Feedback Team and numerous visits to EE stores - my second hand iPhone 4S is finally unlocked.

I've been fed a ton of useless and inconsistent information from EE staff throughout this process. Many of them have even directed me to 'unlockers on the high street' - which I thought was appalling. However, upon entering one of the city centre stores in Birmingham, the helpful Sales Assistant and Store Manager were both more than willing to help and seemed to have experience of my issue.

Upon explaining that I'd received a text from EE reading: "Hi from EE. We are unable to complete your unlocking request as the IMEI you provided does not match the IMEI paired to your account" - the manager suggested the only way to achieve an unlock (and even then there were no guarentees) was to submit a 'third party unlocking request' for £8.99, filling out the necessary paperwork in store.

Then - hallelujah - two days later I received a text prompting me to insert my new giffgaff SIM and it worked - I'm already saving money. If this post helps just one person - make it known that you can unlock second hand iPhones on EE! It takes perseverance, a little persuasion and a Store Manager in the right mood!!

diamonds

stevenleek wrote: »

Solved!

After multiple frustrating phone calls, empty promises regarding callbacks from the EE Customer Service Feedback Team and numerous visits to EE stores - my second hand iPhone 4S is finally unlocked.

I've been fed a ton of useless and inconsistent information from EE staff throughout this process. Many of them have even directed me to 'unlockers on the high street' - which I thought was appalling. However, upon entering one of the city centre stores in Birmingham, the helpful Sales Assistant and Store Manager were both more than willing to help and seemed to have experience of my issue.

Upon explaining that I'd received a text from EE reading: "Hi from EE. We are unable to complete your unlocking request as the IMEI you provided does not match the IMEI paired to your account" - the manager suggested the only way to achieve an unlock (and even then there were no guarentees) was to submit a 'third party unlocking request' for £8.99, filling out the necessary paperwork in store.

Then - hallelujah - two days later I received a text prompting me to insert my new giffgaff SIM and it worked - I'm already saving money. If this post helps just one person - make it known that you can unlock second hand iPhones on EE! It takes perseverance, a little persuasion and a Store Manager in the right mood!!

Its always the minority in any big organisation!


Could you let us know what EE store, handy for MSE to know where to get EE staff who know their job!