How can I use my UK iPhone 4S here in the US?

[GALBA78 2]

Hi all,

I've been wondering about this for some time and wondered if anyone had experience using a UK cellphone here in the US?

I have an iPhone 4S from the UK. I have cancelled my contract back in the UK but I can use most functions of the phone when I connect it to WIFI such as Skype, Facetime and other Apps.

My question is : Is there a way to unlock my UK phone so that it can be used here in the US with ideally a pay as you go plan or any kind of contract? If so, who would I need to go see to do that?

In the UK, there were always numerous phone shops or stands in the High Street/Shopping Centres where there would be someone that could unlock your phone for £5-£10 and then you can just buy a new SIM card but I really don't know how it works over here!!

Currently I am using a US Tracfone for basic phoning and texting and then use my iPhone when I am connected to WIFI but it is a bit of a pain having two phones with me. I can't consider setting up the expensive contracts I see over here for a better phone at the moment until I get my EAD and can start working so am looking for a way to use my existing iPhone if possible.

Does anyone have any advise?

Thank you

Gen

[Vanitas 310]

I bought an unlocked phone before I moved so I could put a US SIM Card into it. Personally I'm with Straight Talk Wireless at the moment. $45 (So roughly 30 quid) a month for unlimited calls, text and web.

As for unlocking the iPhone itself.. here's the knowledge base article from Apple: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5014 - You might have to contact your old UK network and see if they'll submit the request, especially as the contract's terminated.

Edited January 30, 2014 by Wheatley

[jsumner86 403]

There is a way when you are with an UK network they will unlock the phone for free (if with contract), if it's pay as you go, or monthly, there is a small fee. As I can recall that's what my wife did with her phone, and they sent a text saying when it was unlocked and she used it in the states.

[Owen_London 65]

Bear in mind that most US areas use different phone bands for data to Europe. Your iPhone will work for actual phone calls, but will probably only give you very slow data transfers when you're not using wifi.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Hi all,

I've been wondering about this for some time and wondered if anyone had experience using a UK cellphone here in the US?

I have an iPhone 4S from the UK. I have cancelled my contract back in the UK but I can use most functions of the phone when I connect it to WIFI such as Skype, Facetime and other Apps.

My question is : Is there a way to unlock my UK phone so that it can be used here in the US with ideally a pay as you go plan or any kind of contract? If so, who would I need to go see to do that?

In the UK, there were always numerous phone shops or stands in the High Street/Shopping Centres where there would be someone that could unlock your phone for £5-£10 and then you can just buy a new SIM card but I really don't know how it works over here!!

Currently I am using a US Tracfone for basic phoning and texting and then use my iPhone when I am connected to WIFI but it is a bit of a pain having two phones with me. I can't consider setting up the expensive contracts I see over here for a better phone at the moment until I get my EAD and can start working so am looking for a way to use my existing iPhone if possible.

Does anyone have any advise?

Thank you

Gen

Suggestion: Consider signing up for a new plan in the US. All carriers offer deals and some will allow you to trade-in your current iPhone for a new 5S, with a new data plan. IN the end you end up with a new phone and a plan you can afford. Less hassle than trying to get your phone unlocked and finding a mini-SIM that works it it.

Good luck!