Unlocking your APPLE iPhone 5S
Unlock your iPhone through iTunes
If you've bought an iPhone through Vodafone, you can unlock it through iTunes without needing to contact us.
The steps below take you through the process.
How to tell if your iPhone is locked
There isn't a message that explicitly states that your phone is locked, you just won't be able to get service with a SIM from a different provider. You'll see 'Invalid SIM' or 'SOS only’ or something similar in the top corner.
Before you start
· This guide is written for iTunes 11. If you're using a different version of iTunes, the exact dialogue messages and locations of features may differ. The same basic process will apply, but we'd suggest you download the current version of iTunes from the Apple website.
· The process can take quite a few minutes, so try to follow this process at a time when it's okay to be without your phone for a while
· Make sure you follow the steps below exactly to ensure everything is backed up, in case things don’t go quite to plan
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Insert your active Vodafone SIM Card and power the device on, you will need to open iTunes and connect your iPhone up with the USB cable.
Step 2
When your iPhone appears in iTunes, select it.
Step 3
Click the Restore iPhone button from the 'summary' tab.
Step 4
If a software update is available for download, you'll be prompted to install it, select 'download and update'. It'll save having to do later.
This is likely to be quite large, so be careful; it may leave a bit of a hole into your data quota.
Step 5
This one's important; make sure you select 'back up'.
This will save your content to your computer or iCloud, allowing it to be returned to your phone once it's been restored.
Step 6
A confirmation window will appear to restore your iPhone. Click Restore or Restore and Update to continue.
Step 7
Wait until the restore is complete. Don't interrupt your computer or disconnect the iPhone from the USB cable.
Note: This process may take awhile. Depending on your internet connection and the software update file, it's possible for this to take over 30 minutes.
Once your iPhone has been restored, it'll automatically restart.
Step 8
Once your phone is back online, go through set up steps on your phone, making sure you choose 'restore from iTunes Backup' to reinstate the backup you performed earlier.
NOTE: You may need to disconnect and reconnect your iPhone for it to be recognised by iTunes again at this point.
Step 9
It will take a short while for your backup to be restored onto your phone. Once the restore is complete, your phone will restart again.
Step 10
You may be prompted to 'update settings' to accept the carrier update (it's at this point that your phone will be unlocked).
Step 11
Sync your iPhone with iTunes again to restore you apps, music and other iTunes content to your phone.
If you get an error when you try to restore:
From the top menu, select 'file' then 'devices'.
Chose 'transfer purchases from "[your iphone's] name'.
This will transfer any iTunes purchases (or app updates) from your phone to your computer.
Note:-
Your handset has been successfully unlocked when you’re able to make and receive calls with an active SIM card (issued by another network provider) inserted. The name of the network should display at the top of the screen and allow you to access the network to make and receive calls as required. Please note it may take up to 48 hours for the device to be released from our network.