Sprint gave me a lock code

[imjoee]

Okay, so i called sprint to give me a lock code. Does this mean i can list it on eBay saying "factory Unlocked" iPhone?

 

[eyoungren]

Okay, so i called sprint to give me a lock code. Does this mean i can list it on eBay saying "factory Unlocked" iPhone?

No.

The MSL code is useless for Apple devices. Apple does not use MSL codes, nor would trying to enter the MSL code get you anywhere near reprogramming the device, which is what an MSL code is for.

The only way a Sprint iPhone can be unlocked domestically is for Sprint to enter your IMEI into Apple's unlock database. Sprint will NEVER do that for ANY reason.

Your phone is still locked and you have a worthless code.

 

[imjoee]

No.

The MSL code is useless for Apple devices. Apple does not use MSL codes, nor would trying to enter the MSL code get you anywhere near reprogramming the device, which is what an MSL code is for.

The only way a Sprint iPhone can be unlocked domestically is for Sprint to enter your IMEI into Apple's unlock database. Sprint will NEVER do that for ANY reason.

Your phone is still locked and you have a worthless code.

ahhh, something i do not want to hear
So they won't even enter the IMEI code when my 2 year contract is up and my account is in good standing?

 

[aristobrat]

This is from Sprint's webpage on how their unlock policy:

(e.g., Apple devices cannot be unlocked to accept another domestic carrier's SIM card)

and

Specifically, devices manufactured with a SIM slot within the past three years (including, but not limited to, all Apple iPhone devices), cannot be unlocked to accept a different domestic carrier's SIM for use on another domestic carrier's network. Sprint has no technological process available to do this. In accordance with Sprint's voluntary commitment contained within CTIA's Consumer Code for Wireless Service ("Unlocking Commitment"), Sprint is working to ensure that all devices developed and launched on or after February 11, 2015, are capable of being unlocked domestically.

http://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html

Sorry!

 

[imjoee]

Oh no, then what do i do? someone offered me 380$ for 2 iPhone 5's with lock codes.

 

[aristobrat]

Oh no, then what do i do? someone offered me 380$ for 2 iPhone 5's with lock codes.

IIRC, the phones you have would only be useful to people who are currently on Sprint, or will be using the phones out of country.

For anyone trying to use them on another carrier in the US, they won't work.

 

[eyoungren]

ahhh, something i do not want to hear
So they won't even enter the IMEI code when my 2 year contract is up and my account is in good standing?

No, they will not. Sprint does not unlock for domestic use. Only international.

Sprint will claim that it's not possible because of the design of the phone. However, realize that it's Sprint that required that the phone be designed so that it can't be unlocked as a condition of the manufacturer selling Sprint phones to be used on their network. Sprint doesn't tell you that part though.

In the case of Apple, Sprint has every IMEI of every device ever manufactured for it's network. All of those devices are prevented from being entered into Apple's unlock database, which is the only way you can unlock the device.

The only other option is a SIM interposer which tricks the phone into thinking it's on the Sprint network when it's not. But those are finicky and prone to failure after an update of the OS. They are also expensive and if you remove them, the phone is still locked.

Lastly, you might have heard of the new carrier unlocking agreement. Sprint is part of that, but their unlock policy language indicates that to be unlocked a device must have been DESIGNED and manufactured after February 13, 2015. So, this excludes even the 6 and 6+.

There are a few people who indicate that there may be a way around this with the 6 and 6+ (see the last page for details in the thread linked in my signature) but it involves a replacement iPhone and preventing the Apple genius from activating the phone.

Lastly, the new SIM free Apple 6 and 6+ are apparently whitelisted by Sprint so come truly unlocked.

However, you are entirely out of luck with the 5 series (5/5c/5s).

 

[imjoee]

IIRC, the phones you have would only be useful to people who are currently on Sprint, or will be using the phones out of country.

For anyone trying to use them on another carrier in the US, they won't work.

thank you for your help! I really appreciate it!

----------

No.

The MSL code is useless for Apple devices. Apple does not use MSL codes, nor would trying to enter the MSL code get you anywhere near reprogramming the device, which is what an MSL code is for.

The only way a Sprint iPhone can be unlocked domestically is for Sprint to enter your IMEI into Apple's unlock database. Sprint will NEVER do that for ANY reason.

Your phone is still locked and you have a worthless code.

Thank you for your help!

 

[eyoungren]

Oh no, then what do i do? someone offered me 380$ for 2 iPhone 5's with lock codes.

You'll have to let them know what you've found out. Give them the option to back out if they can't use them.

The alternative is dealing with angry people when they find out the phones aren't unlocked.

 

[imjoee]

No, they will not. Sprint does not unlock for domestic use. Only international.

Sprint will claim that it's not possible because of the design of the phone. However, realize that it's Sprint that required that the phone be designed so that it can't be unlocked as a condition of the manufacturer selling Sprint phones to be used on their network. Sprint doesn't tell you that part though.

In the case of Apple, Sprint has every IMEI of every device ever manufactured for it's network. All of those devices are prevented from being entered into Apple's unlock database, which is the only way you can unlock the device.

The only other option is a SIM interposer which tricks the phone into thinking it's on the Sprint network when it's not. But those are finicky and prone to failure after an update of the OS. They are also expensive and if you remove them, the phone is still locked.

Lastly, you might have heard of the new carrier unlocking agreement. Sprint is part of that, but their unlock policy language indicates that to be unlocked a device must have been DESIGNED and manufactured after February 13, 2015. So, this excludes even the 6 and 6+.

There are a few people who indicate that there may be a way around this with the 6 and 6+ (see the last page for details in the thread linked in my signature) but it involves a replacement iPhone and preventing the Apple genius from activating the phone.

Lastly, the new SIM free Apple 6 and 6+ are apparently whitelisted by Sprint so come truly unlocked.

However, you are entirely out of luck with the 5 series (5/5c/5s).

Wow, I gained a lot of knowledge from this. I appreciate all of the help! thank you!

----------

You'll have to let them know what you've found out. Give them the option to back out if they can't use them.

The alternative is dealing with angry people when they find out the phones aren't unlocked.

It's actually craigslist. Do you think $180 iPhone 5 with lock code form sprint is an okay offer? i want to sell my phone this week. His intention if for international use.

Also, is this 100% safe if i set my phone back to faculty settings and give him a lock code with an inactive iPhone 5? he wants to use it in europe, i don't want him getting into my financials or private information. Do you think i am safe by selling someone my iPhone?

 

[eyoungren]

It's actually craigslist. Do you think $180 iPhone 5 with lock code form sprint is an okay offer? i want to sell my phone this week. His intention if for international use.

Also, is this 100% safe if i set my phone back to faculty settings and give him a lock code with an inactive iPhone 5? he wants to use it in europe, i don't want him getting into my financials or private information. Do you think i am safe by selling someone my iPhone?

Again. The "lock" code is worthless. It's like having a key to something that has no lock. It won't do anything at all. There is no way to use the code. And even if you could use the code it would do nothing. Sprint gave you something to make you go away. It's worthless.

If this is for international use, I would advise that you call Sprint and ask them to unlock the phone for international use only (that's all you can ask for). Codes, yet again, will have NOTHING to do with that. The Sprint international department simply has to submit the IMEI of the device to Apple's international unlock database. That Sprint can and will do - they just won't do it for domestic use.

Otherwise, the buyer will find that he has to become a Sprint customer for 90 days, pay his bill on time and then (and only then) can he ask for an international unlock.

 

[imjoee]

Again. The "lock" code is worthless. It's like having a key to something that has no lock. It won't do anything at all. There is no way to use the code. And even if you could use the code it would do nothing. Sprint gave you something to make you go away. It's worthless.

If this is for international use, I would advise that you call Sprint and ask them to unlock the phone for international use only (that's all you can ask for). Codes, yet again, will have NOTHING to do with that. The Sprint international department simply has to submit the IMEI of the device to Apple's international unlock database. That Sprint can and will do - they just won't do it for domestic use.

Otherwise, the buyer will find that he has to become a Sprint customer for 90 days, pay his bill on time and then (and only then) can he ask for an international unlock.

okay, thank you !!

 

[Applejuiced]

Well the OP was right.
Sprint gave him a lock code.
Not an unlock code lol
Cause they dont unlock any of their iphones fully for USA domestic use.

 

[eyoungren]

Well the OP was right.
Sprint gave him a lock code.
Not an unlock code lol
Cause they dont unlock any of their iphones fully for USA domestic use.

The MSL code by the way: 000000.

Even if they gave the OP a different code, that's the one that would "work".

 

[Applejuiced]

The MSL code by the way: 000000.

Even if they gave the OP a different code, that's the one that would "work".

Lol
I thought it was 696969.