More Details Regarding AT&T's Unlock Policy Hit The Web
by Joe White
April 10, 2012
Back on Friday, we told you AT&T would be unlocking iPhone handsets from Sunday, April 8, though we didn't know much regarding eligibility, the policy or even how our iPhones would be unlocked. Yesterday we found out how to do it, and in an article originally published by The Next Web, all the details have been revealed. So if you're thinking about having your AT&T-powered iPhone unlocked, sit back and read through this article first.
Previously, all we knew is that AT&T promised to unlock iPhones that were off-contract, and whose accounts were "in good standing." According to The Next Web, you can do this in-store or online via AT&T's website, in an online chat with an AT&T representative:
The process is painless and only takes a few minutes in the chat. The only piece of information required by AT&T is the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which can be found under Settings>General>About on your device.Following this, within the next three days Apple will send out an unlock code to the customer's email address:
Once Apple completes the unlock request, a customer has to back-up and restore and tether the device to iTunes to complete the unlock process.The Next Web notes that in conversation with an AT&T representative, this Apple support document was referenced when discussing the above aspect of the procedure. Some users haven't been so successful, with AT&T noting that a case will have to be opened (a case that will be resolved by April 16), in order to secure an unlock code via email for certain users. Though multiple unlock codes can be requested via AT&T, the maximum you can request in one year is five. And of course, as mentioned, you can only unlock off-contract devices. If you're planning on requesting an unlock via AT&T, consider taking a look at iMore's forums, where a number of customers have shared their experiences. Good luck!
