iPhone X Is there any legitimate reason a network wouldn't unlock a fully paid off iPhone?

[Kendo]

I saw a listing on eBay for an AT&T iPhone X that had a clean IMEI and no iCloud activation lock. But he was adamant that the phone can only be used on AT&T in the US and cannot be unlocked. Assuming the phone is fully paid off, what could the reason be?

 

[Newtons Apple]

I saw a listing on eBay for an AT&T iPhone X that had a clean IMEI and no iCloud activation lock. But he was adamant that the phone can only be used on AT&T in the US and cannot be unlocked. Assuming the phone is fully paid off, what could the reason be?

No sure except it sounds like the seller tried to get it unlocked and AT&T refused for a good reason.

 

[BigG94]

In the words of King Arthur from Monty Python and the Holy Grail ... "Run away! Run away!"

 

[gurase]

It could have been purchased from a place like Best Buy and locked under the reseller flex policy. People often have trouble unlocking these phones because AT&T and Best Buy each think the other party is responsible.

 

[nburwell]

I doubt the phone is paid off. The seller probably still owes money on the device. Considering this is eBay, I wouldn't chance it.

What does the sellers feedback say?

 

[noobinator]

Clean IMEI and no Activation lock to them = not stolen or not reported stolen (yet?)

It can still be on a payment plan.

 

[Knight3]

I saw a listing on eBay for an AT&T iPhone X that had a clean IMEI and no iCloud activation lock. But he was adamant that the phone can only be used on AT&T in the US and cannot be unlocked. Assuming the phone is fully paid off, what could the reason be?

If it has been fully paid off you can just go to https://www.att.com/deviceunlock and unlock any AT&T device even when you're not the owner of the device.

Just be sure to choose that you're NOT a wireless customer. You can use your own email for confirmation purposes and it'd take only a few hours for the device to be unlocked if it's CLEAN and paid off.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Be warned if you are going to buy as the seller stated clearly that it can only be used on AT&T so eBay is not going to help you when you find this to be a problem.

 

[Kendo]

If it has been fully paid off you can just go to https://www.att.com/deviceunlock and unlock any AT&T device even when you're not the owner of the device.

Just be sure to choose that you're NOT a wireless customer. You can use your own email for confirmation purposes and it'd take only a few hours for the device to be unlocked if it's CLEAN and paid off.

What if I am a wireless AT&T customer, can I not choose this to unlock it if my account is in good standing?

 

[Newtons Apple]

What if I am a wireless AT&T customer, can I not choose this to unlock it if my account is in good standing?

Are you will to make the payments if it is not paid off?

If you are an AT&T customer you should not need to unlock it.

They likely will unless there is a direct reason for them to not do it.

 

[Kendo]

Are you will to make the payments if it is not paid off?

If you are an AT&T customer you should not need to unlock it.

They likely will unless there is a direct reason for them to not do it.

I want to unlock it so I can use it overseas when I travel.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I want to unlock it so I can use it overseas when I travel.

I understand but if there is a reason that AT&T has for not unlocking you will get screwed.

You are at risk on this unless you confirm with AT&T that the IMEI is clean paid off in full.

 

[Knight3]

What if I am a wireless AT&T customer, can I not choose this to unlock it if my account is in good standing?

It's faster and easier with less hassle to do with the NOT a customer option if you're planning to unlock someone else's device. You can use the customer option if you're submitting the request for your own device that's already been active on your account.

If the device hasn't been paid off or if there's some kind of hold on the device the unlock won't go through.