A large number iPhone fans have been researching if the 3G iPhone can be unlocked long prior to the official release of the phone. And even if it's possible to unlock the 3G iPhone, it would probably take monthsbefore someone come up with a reliable software would enable the 3G iPhone to connect to any cellphone carrier.
But, to many people's surprise, a hardware solution instead of a software solution was discovered shortly after the release of the 3G iPhone. A video was uploaded the most visited video website on the web, YouTube, and it clearly proves just by installing a simple piece of hardware.
The software solution works for 2G iPhones but the risk is, because it's software program, it is very sensitive to bugs. Bugs in the software will cause faults in the iPhone, and in many times, crash the iPhone softwareand make the iPhone completely useless. In other words, using software brings risks. After all, an iPhone cost $$$, and if it is bricked by a piece of down the drain.
How the hardware SIM works.
The hardware version is more stable and definately easier to install. It is the size of a normal SIM card, and is meant to go on top of the original carrier SIM card. we will call it SIM2. If you own an iPhone, all you need to do is to slide out the iPhone SIM card, connect the SIM2 card at the back of the {SIM card|original SIM|carrier SIM|, and slide it back into the iphone.
Then, startup the iPhone, and give it a few minutes to initialize. You will now see networks available for your iPhone. Simply choose the network you wish to connect to, and enter the correct settings. You can now use the 3G iPhone as per normal. Test your 3G iPhone by connecting to GPS or use 3G internet.
Legal .
Some fans are concerned about the legality of unlocking iPhones, the iPhone was meant for AT&T users solely. This is a contract between Apple and AT&T to restrict users of the iPhones to the AT&T network. From a legal point of view, when you buy a piece of hardware, the devide is yours and you can do what ever you like to do with it. It's just like purchsing a PC and modifying it. there is nothing illegal about it.
Warranty issues.
Then there are others who are worried about voiding the warranty if they unlock their iPhones. This is only true for the software unlock option, as the OS can be damaged. However, for the hardware unlocking solution, since you will not make modifications to the hardware or software, it is not possible that you will void the warranty. To restore an iPhone to its factory state, just remove the additional SIM card.
Reliability issues.
If you are going to make a purchase, be sure that you buy from a seller that provides tested SIM cards. Some SIM cards may unlock your iPhone but you may run into problems such as GPS not working, dropped calls, 3G not working, etc. A well tested SIM card is what you are looking for.
Once you unlock your 3G iPhone, you can use the iphone with any provider.
Gen Wright
http://www.articlesbase.com/gadgets-and-gizmos-articles/the-best-way-to-unlock-your-3g-iphone-675913.html
I heard that if you try to unlock your iPhone, and use it with some other service provider, it won't work?
I heard from someone that if you try to unlock your iPhone and use a different carrier such as T-Mobile, all the features won’t work because the iPhone isn’t configured to work with a network other than AT&T. I also heard that if you unlock your iPhone, AT&T will track you down and you’ll be in trouble. Finally, I’ve heard that your iPhone won’t work unless you get a plan from AT&T.
Please tell me if this stuff is right or wrong.
Best answer will be given.
yup it right. att has wifi and 3g while tmobile doesnt so the full line of features wont work
References :
i have at&t
Ok .. if you use the first gen iPhone and unlock it you can use it on Tmobile. Not all features will work due to the unlocking procedure and there is no way to tell what will or wont work. It seems to be random.
Once the phone is unlocked the APPLE warranty is voided and belive me they know if you send the phone in for warranty work. They will not fix it, and I have heard rumors that they dont even send the phone back out.
ATT wont track you down.
The new 3g iPhone will be activated upon purchase with ATT and you need a data plan to use it.
References :
work for ATT customer care.