iPhone Replacing locked iPhone 4 with new unlocked iPhone by switching SIM tray & EMEI

[helphelphelp!!!]

Basically I bought an iPhone 4 off craislist but it is locked on a canadian provider. Getting it unlocked, both through legally or at a sketchy phone store will cost about $300, and both were reluctant to do it.

On top of this the home button does not work. I can get a replacement phone if I pay $200. The thing is they will give me a new iPhone with the same EMEI number so it will still be locked. ( I am now in Euopre so cant use the origianl provider)

What I'm trying to do is find a way to get them to change it in for an unlocked iPhone at the apple store.

Now my friens has an unlocked iphone 4s. What I was thinking of doing was leave mine in a bowl of water for a couple hours so i doesnt work any more and wont switch on. Then switch our sim trays and go to the apple store and pay for a replacement. At this stage I'm hoping they will give me a new iphone with his EMIE so it should be unlocked...

I did want to see if anyone new more about this, as it does require I basically trash my iphone, so if it doesnt work out I'll be just a little upset.

Looking for any suggestions or advice!

 

[Brian Y]

Nope - the activation profile will automatically be copied over so the new phone will be locked to the same network - there's no way of overriding this.

There are a few unlock sites around there that seem to be able to do it - it's like $20 - might be worth giving that a try.

 

[TriJetHero]

first it is fraud!

Second IMEI is hardware tied, you can never "keep" your IMEI number, if you return it to apple and they replace it, it will be a locked phone anyway. Apple can only replace a locked phone with a locked phone.

Return in to the seller at craigslist as the power button is broken.
Spent some more money and get a good phone.

 

[ChristianVirtual]

Advise ? Stay honest and don't lie.