Forum Discussion
Unlocking a phone when no longer a T-Mobile customer
I was previously a T-Mobile customer and purchased an iPhone directly from Apple in 2020 at full price. The device was sold to me as unlocked. However, for reasons unclear to me, T-Mobile locked the ...
The device was purchased five years ago, so it is no longer eligible for replacement by Apple. It was paid in full at the time of purchase, with no carrier line attached. I contacted Apple, and they confirmed that the device is locked by T-Mobile and advised me to reach out to T-Mobile directly. I also contacted Mint, and they confirmed the same.
From my research online, it appears that other T-Mobile customers have faced similar issues. Could you please clarify: are you representing T-Mobile's position that carriers cannot lock a phone if it was originally sold as SIM-unlocked?
You were sold the wrong device by Apple. Apple should make it right if Apple's employee made the mistake by selling you the wrong device! Apple sells SIM unlocked devices and Apple sells devices that SIM lock to the first carrier's SIM you put in it. Carriers don't have the ability to apply a SIM lock a device.
I do not represent T-Mobile and I do not work for T-Mobile. I am a tech enthusiast that understands a bit more than the average oerson and that helps in my line of work. I get no benefit for posting here or on other forums. I do so to try and help others.
This is a link to T-Mobile's SIM Unlock Policy.
SIM Unlock Policy | Unlock Your Mobile Wireless Device | T-Mobile https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/policies/sim-unlock-policy
That is their policy that applies to every device SIM locked to their network. When a T-Mobile customer's account and device meet all of the SIM Unlock Policy requirements and makes the SIM unlock request. T-Mobile forwards that SIM unlock request to Apple for Apple to complete.
