The Factors of Unlocking an iPhone
While unlocking an iPhone is no easy feat, it is easier than it used to be. Millions of people have iPhones today, and those who don't have one yet are trying new ways to get one. Unlock iPhone means that you can use it on a network other than the one that it was originally bought from. For example, AT&T first came out with the iPhone. By unlocking an AT&T iPhone, you can use it with T-Mobile cellular services.
Jailbreak iPhone
Every smartphone, including iPhones, has a SIM card that's located in a small tray on the back of your iPhone. The SIM card is what the phone uses to identify itself with a particular cellular network. Different iPhone models have different SIM cards, and thus different methods of unlocking them. You'll have to get unlocking software that's compatible with your model iPhone. You'll also need a new SIM card to use when your phone is unlocked.
There are many types of unlocking iPhone software. However, some of them can actually download viruses onto your phone and make it completely unusable. Before you trust any new software company that you don't have experience with, do your homework. Compare different websites and software to see which is the best option for you. Read user reviews to find out what other software users had to say. If multiple users had a bad experience, you'll want to stay away from that particular company.
The software you choose will alter your iPhone so that that baseband firmware is modified. This is the only way to get any iPhone to work on any cellular service. While you can buy an unlocked iPhone to start with, they usually cost upwards of $800 each. Unlocking software is much less expensive. The step-by-step instructions that come with the software you choose will walk you through unlocking your iPhone. However, you can't unlock an iPhone without jailbreaking it first.
Jailbreaking a phone is often confused with unlocking an iPhone, but the two are very different. When you jailbreak an iPhone, you remove any Apple restrictions on the device. For example, Apple only allows users to buy applications from the iTunes store. With an iPhone that's undergone jailbreaking, you can download anything from anywhere. You'll also be able to customize the look of your iPhone just the way you want it. However, this exposes the phone to viruses that wouldn't have crept onto it before. Since Apple monitors the software allowed on a basic iPhone, there's no risk for harmful applications being installed.
Search for a jailbreak broken just as you did an unlock program. The software will install Cydia on your phone. Cydia installs unofficial apps, which means that you'll no longer be limited by Apple-only applications. If you're happy with the Cydia service you received for jailbreaking your phone, they also offer unlock software.
The directions of jailbreaking most iPhone models are as follows:
Download whichever jailbreak program you choose to your computer.Turn your phone off.Connect your phone to your computer.Run the jailbreak program.Follow the instructions on the program carefully. Every program will have varying directions.Select the "IPSW" file for the firmware.You'll see a couple of options. Choose to unlock the phone by installing the unlocking baseband.The phone will need to be on DFU mode. Do this by pressing and then letting go of both the "Home" and "Power" buttons, simultaneously. The program you're using should also give you specific instructions for doing this.The program will complete jailbreaking your phone.
The directions for unlocking most iPhone models are as follows:
Check your baseband to make sure your phone is up to date. To do this, click on the "Settings" button on your phone. Click "General" and then "About." Find the number next to the modem firmware. If you have an iPhone 4 4.2.1, the number should be 1.59.00. If this isn't the number that's there, update your phone's software. You may also need a new version of UltraSn0w. No matter what type of iPhone you have, make sure your software is up to date before moving forward.Start the Cydia software. Search for the application called "UltraSn0w" and download it.Turn your phone off and leave it off for a few minutes.Insert the new SIM card.Turn the phone on after a couple of minutes.
Some programs offer both jailbreaking and unlocking in one software package. This will cost less overall, plus you'll know that the software you use is compatible. Using a joint jailbreaking and unlocking software package will ensure that your phone will be safely unlocked the first time. Whichever software you choose, ensure that it's compatible with your specific iPhone. What will work for one phone won't necessarily work for another.
There are many benefits to unlocking an iPhone. Your current cellular service may not be fast enough and you want to switch to a carrier that gets better service in your area. People who travel a lot can avoid hefty long distance fees by replacing their regular SIM card with a SIM card from whatever country they're traveling to. Sometimes people simply want to save some extra cash. iPhones were originally developed by AT&T, and that particular cell phone company has notoriously high rates. Other carriers, like T-Mobile, for example, have super low rates.
There are a few things to keep in mind before you choose to jailbreak and unlock your iPhone, though. When you purchase a phone and service from a cellular company, you're automatically under warranty for a certain amount of time. Switching carriers will void this warranty, which means that if your phone breaks, you won't be able to get service for a low cost. Unfortunately, many iPhones that are unlocked tend to crash. This is because some non-Apple software can cause problems in the phone. If your iPhone does crash, it will be difficult to find a technician from your cell phone company to work on it, since your warranty will no longer be applicable.
While you don't absolutely go to a professional or send your phone out to be worked on, be careful when jailbreaking and unlocking your phone. You don't want to cause irreversible damage.
Jailbreak iPhone
Every smartphone, including iPhones, has a SIM card that's located in a small tray on the back of your iPhone. The SIM card is what the phone uses to identify itself with a particular cellular network. Different iPhone models have different SIM cards, and thus different methods of unlocking them. You'll have to get unlocking software that's compatible with your model iPhone. You'll also need a new SIM card to use when your phone is unlocked.
There are many types of unlocking iPhone software. However, some of them can actually download viruses onto your phone and make it completely unusable. Before you trust any new software company that you don't have experience with, do your homework. Compare different websites and software to see which is the best option for you. Read user reviews to find out what other software users had to say. If multiple users had a bad experience, you'll want to stay away from that particular company.
The software you choose will alter your iPhone so that that baseband firmware is modified. This is the only way to get any iPhone to work on any cellular service. While you can buy an unlocked iPhone to start with, they usually cost upwards of $800 each. Unlocking software is much less expensive. The step-by-step instructions that come with the software you choose will walk you through unlocking your iPhone. However, you can't unlock an iPhone without jailbreaking it first.
Jailbreaking a phone is often confused with unlocking an iPhone, but the two are very different. When you jailbreak an iPhone, you remove any Apple restrictions on the device. For example, Apple only allows users to buy applications from the iTunes store. With an iPhone that's undergone jailbreaking, you can download anything from anywhere. You'll also be able to customize the look of your iPhone just the way you want it. However, this exposes the phone to viruses that wouldn't have crept onto it before. Since Apple monitors the software allowed on a basic iPhone, there's no risk for harmful applications being installed.
Search for a jailbreak broken just as you did an unlock program. The software will install Cydia on your phone. Cydia installs unofficial apps, which means that you'll no longer be limited by Apple-only applications. If you're happy with the Cydia service you received for jailbreaking your phone, they also offer unlock software.
The directions of jailbreaking most iPhone models are as follows:
Download whichever jailbreak program you choose to your computer.Turn your phone off.Connect your phone to your computer.Run the jailbreak program.Follow the instructions on the program carefully. Every program will have varying directions.Select the "IPSW" file for the firmware.You'll see a couple of options. Choose to unlock the phone by installing the unlocking baseband.The phone will need to be on DFU mode. Do this by pressing and then letting go of both the "Home" and "Power" buttons, simultaneously. The program you're using should also give you specific instructions for doing this.The program will complete jailbreaking your phone.
The directions for unlocking most iPhone models are as follows:
Check your baseband to make sure your phone is up to date. To do this, click on the "Settings" button on your phone. Click "General" and then "About." Find the number next to the modem firmware. If you have an iPhone 4 4.2.1, the number should be 1.59.00. If this isn't the number that's there, update your phone's software. You may also need a new version of UltraSn0w. No matter what type of iPhone you have, make sure your software is up to date before moving forward.Start the Cydia software. Search for the application called "UltraSn0w" and download it.Turn your phone off and leave it off for a few minutes.Insert the new SIM card.Turn the phone on after a couple of minutes.
Some programs offer both jailbreaking and unlocking in one software package. This will cost less overall, plus you'll know that the software you use is compatible. Using a joint jailbreaking and unlocking software package will ensure that your phone will be safely unlocked the first time. Whichever software you choose, ensure that it's compatible with your specific iPhone. What will work for one phone won't necessarily work for another.
There are many benefits to unlocking an iPhone. Your current cellular service may not be fast enough and you want to switch to a carrier that gets better service in your area. People who travel a lot can avoid hefty long distance fees by replacing their regular SIM card with a SIM card from whatever country they're traveling to. Sometimes people simply want to save some extra cash. iPhones were originally developed by AT&T, and that particular cell phone company has notoriously high rates. Other carriers, like T-Mobile, for example, have super low rates.
There are a few things to keep in mind before you choose to jailbreak and unlock your iPhone, though. When you purchase a phone and service from a cellular company, you're automatically under warranty for a certain amount of time. Switching carriers will void this warranty, which means that if your phone breaks, you won't be able to get service for a low cost. Unfortunately, many iPhones that are unlocked tend to crash. This is because some non-Apple software can cause problems in the phone. If your iPhone does crash, it will be difficult to find a technician from your cell phone company to work on it, since your warranty will no longer be applicable.
While you don't absolutely go to a professional or send your phone out to be worked on, be careful when jailbreaking and unlocking your phone. You don't want to cause irreversible damage.