Using iPhone 4s abroad

[Anonymous]

Good morning

This year we are taking an extended holiday abroad to visit my wife's family and old friends. Last time my wife visited alone, she asked a local retailer to replace temporarily her PAYG o2 sim with a local PAYG. However, she was told this wouldn't be possible.

Is this really the case?

I have done a bit of research on the cummunity and noticed some phones might be "locked", requiring an unlock code before another sim may be inserted. This may have been the problem. How can I check whether the phone is locked.

Thanks

[Cleoriff · Accepted solution]

The easiest way to check if the phone is locked is to try another different network sim in it...If it works.. it is unlocked..if not..it isnt..

A guide on how to unlock here

http://www.o2.co.uk/help/phones-and-devices/unlocking-an-o2-mobile-to-use-on-a-different-network#qs

http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Other-Products-Services/Unlocking-an-O2-phone-to-use-a-different-SIM-ca...

[MI5]

If the phone came from O2 it will be locked.
It will cost £15 to get a PAYG iPhone unlocked or if you have a contract O2 sim you can use it will be free.

[jonsie]

When you switch the phone on or off and you get the o2 splash screen then the phone will be locked.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies.

Some history on that iPhone 4s.

It began life as a contract 'phone nearly 4 years ago. It was then changed to a PAYG so that my wife could use it.

I will dig a little deeper!

Cheers

[MI5]

99% certain it will be locked to O2 if it was originally an O2 contract phone.

[Anonymous]

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@jonsie wrote:

When you switch the phone on or off and you get the o2 splash screen then the phone will be locked.

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No sign of the o2 splash screen. I assume you refer to a full power off?

I think I will take a chance when we arrive, buy a local sim and insert it myself and see how we go. I have installed iTunes on my old portable and will take that with me.

It is my belief my wife was told it couldn't be done because

• she requested a PAYG
• she requested it be fitted

and possibly, the very busy outlet decided it simply wasn't worth the trouble. Local sims start at about 75p and last for quite a while and can be recharged very easily!

[MI5]

iPhones do not have any operator splash screens, never have had.
Trust me, it will be locked. Fill out the unlock form now using the original contract number and it should be free to unlock.
https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=unlocking&case=Handset%20Unlocking%20Form

[Anonymous]

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@MI5 wrote:
iPhones do not have any operator splash screens, never have had.
Trust me, it will be locked. Fill out the unlock form now using the original contract number and it should be free to unlock.
https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=unlocking&case=Handset%20Unlocking%20Form

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OK, will do. Thanks.