iPhone SE not working with new Sky Sim

deepika_lawrence

I bought a brand new unlocked iPhone SE from John Lewis in 2017. I started using it with giffgaff from the beginning. I had not used the phone with any other network. I have recently moved to another provider and I have moved my number across. However when I put the new sim in my phone, it says that my phone is locked with my previous provider. I have spoken to Apple support who have tried to restore my phone but still the problem exists. I have been advised by Apple to contact giffgaff as they feel that the phone is now locked with giffgaff. I am not sure how this is possible as I did not buy the phone from giffgaff. Can you please let me know how best to proceed and unlock my iPhone. I have not been able to use my number as a result.

natty88

deepika_lawrence as phone was bought from John Lewis giffgaff can't unlock it sorry your best bet is getting an 02 sim top up 15pound leave data of for twenty four hrs then ask to unlock they take. The 15pounds and email instructions on how to unlock

giffgaff can't lock phones unless reported lost

tazzy19

deepika_lawrence
For many years John Lewis only sold unlocked phones, including Iphones.

Try the following

Turn OFF the iphone and Insert the new sim.
Connect to a laptop/pc running itunes using a USB cable
The iphone should restart and itunes should run (if not start itunes)
You'll be offered a carrier update, accept the update.
Disconnect from itunes and pc
Restart iphone

You should then be good to go
However if the iphone still shows a sim not supported message I'm afraid it is locked to O2.
It should still work with Sky as they appear to use the O2 network just like giffgaff

nigelbrooks

deepika_lawrence

In 2017 iPhones from John Lewis's were NOT sold unlocked but 'SIM free' in that they locked to the host network of the first SIM inserted. Yours has locked to O2.

To unlock you will need to get an O2 PAYG sim.

Once your phone has been registered on the O2 network for 24 hours contact O2 and request an unlock code or unlock sequence (depending on phone).

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

Do not mention giffgaff or O2 will give you the runaround claiming they cannot unlock it.

As it is an iPhone, once you have confirmed it is unlocked you will need to sync with iTunes with a non O2 SIM inserted to complete the unlock.

defraybo

deepika_lawrence
Sky runs on 02 so no problemwith locking.
Try this
If you are using an iPhone then the following should help. If not don't read any further.

IPHONE PROBLEMS.
when changing networks to giffgaff using an iPhone from your previous provider you may have to do a few extra things to get it up and running smoothly.
First of of all with "all" phones you will have to make sure its unlocked or an ex 02 phone.
With iPhone you need to make sure the giffgaff APN settings are installed and selected.
It may be you need to enter the giffgaff APN settings. use this link.
https://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Settings-for-your-device/Internet-and-MMS-settings-APN-guide/ta-p/3489121
Then you may need to connect it to a computer and sync it with iTunes to update the phone.
Also you may need to go into your settings and turn imessage off then reboot the phone, go back into settings and turn imessage back on again then reboot the phone again.
Hope this helps if not stay with the community there is a lot of experience among the giffgaff members.

dylanobrien1991

deepika_lawrence Sadly this means your phone is locked to O2, you may have been with them in the past before switching to giffgaff, as on giffgaff you can use phone locked only by o2...
sad for your issue. ccontact o2

weeman

natty88

Going by this natty it's free.

How do I get my device unlocked and what info will I need?

If you’ve checked and your device is locked to our network, you can ask us to unlock it at any time, for free. Choose the ‘Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go customers’ or ‘O2 Business customers’ section below to find out how to ask us to unlock your device.

To make your request, you’ll need your device’s unique IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) number. To find it, type *#06# into your device. It will then display the 15-digit number. It's a good idea to make a note of the number to speed the process along.

From here.

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

George

natty88

weeman think that only applies if bought from 02 or if used on 02 George but nice link worth a shot cheers

weeman

natty88

Ahh right got it mate.

Then it gets confusing.The next paragraph says.

Pay Monthly & Pay As You Go customers
If you’re on a Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go tariff, you can ask us to unlock your device at any time, as long as you’re in the UK. We can only unlock your device if you bought it directly from us, otherwise you’ll need to contact your provider.

As we all know giffgaff don't lock phones,and there is no mention on the o2 page it will cost £15 to unlock the phone.

George

rebelyell

You can contact John Lewis to see if they can arrange for it to be unlocked but the chances are that you got caught out by the iPhone locking to the first SIM you put in it trick. This "feature" is usually in the small print when you make your purchase.

You'll need to get O2 to unlock it. Instructions are on the page below

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

deepika_lawrence

Thank you all so much for your advice. Looks like I might have to get an O2 Sim. Just a bit annoyed that we don't realise this when we get the phone. We always presume it is unlocked for all providers all the time.

deepika_lawrence

tazzy19 Thank you for the suggestion. Just tried this but it did not work. Was on the phone with Apple for an hour yesterday and tried restoring as well which did not help. I'm not sure what would happen if I restored it and started as a new iPhone though. I guess I might just get the O2 sim and get it sorted that way.

mrbergstrom1967

Good Morning @deepika_lawrence

The iphone bought from John Lewis would lock to the first network sim used in it, this would be o2 as giffgaff uses there network, you can get the phone unlocked at your local phone repair shop or a market stall.

natty88

deepika_lawrence that's the best option to be safe and sure it's unlocked sorry many have been caught out with sim free i phones over the years