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(Recently Updated Testing Results – 2020)
Guide on How to unlock iPhone 5/s/c?
Summary:
Of three available unlock methods for iPhone 5, 5s, and 5c, the only reliable and effective one is IMEI Unlocking (sometimes called factory unlocking). Software methods haven’t worked since the iPhone 3 was released, and hardware locking is a dangerous scam that could destroy your device while also voiding your warranty.
IMEI solutions don’t require you voiding your warranty or downloading potential virus’ to your device. All you need to do is get a phone industry insider to add your device to the global database of iPhone’s that are able to be used on any network and you’re free to choose whichever carrier you want!
So how to get your iPhone 5 unlocked? The best place to get an iPhone IMEI unlock depends on your location.
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There’s nothing worse than being locked to a poor quality carrier.
They hold it over your head like a death sentence “Sure, we have poor service. Sure, we want to charge you crazy global roaming fees. Sure, we’re expensive. But there’s nothing you can do about it!”
In any other industry, this wouldn’t fly. Which car manufacturer gets to decide what petrol company you use? Which computer store gets to decide what electricity provider you choose?
None, that’s how many. Yet phone carriers have been doing it for years and getting away with it.
Lucky for you, they can’t do it anymore because you can now get your Apple phone unlocked and move away from your carrier whenever you want to.
There are three primary methods you can choose from, but only one that works. So how to unlock iphone 5?
Here’s a breakdown of the three iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c methods (including the only one that’s actually worthwhile):
Option #1: Software iPhone Unlock
(Which doesn’t work anymore)
I’ve fallen for this scam. Actually, I’ll let you in on a secret – I have fallen for this scam twice. It consists of a great looking website that claims it’s software can unlock your mobile device.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work and hasn’t worked since Apple released the iPhone 3. They plugged the flaw in the system and now software unlocking is a dirty lie.
Please don’t fall into the same trap as me and fall for this.
Avoid unlocking software for the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s at all costs.
Option #2: Hardware iPhone 5C Unlocking
(Which will void your warranty)
Unlocking iPhone 5 by this method is another one of those ‘guaranteed’ methods that just aren’t worth the risk.
To do it, you have to take your mobile device into some back alley in a dodgy part of town, and a creepy-looking stranger will ask you for $100+ to modify the hardware of your device.
That’s right, someone you’ve never met before and have no reason to trust is going to use his dirty, greasy hands to open your iPhone and change the physical chips and wiring inside.
Yes, it’s as bad as it sounds.
The worst part is that even if he is successful (which they are in about 30% of the time), you’ll be left without a warranty. Is that what you want? A 30% chance of success and no warranty?
No, me neither.
It’s best to stay WELL away from hardware unlocking.
Option #3: Network or IMEI iPhone 5 Unlock
(The ONLY reliable and permanent method out there)
The final, and only reliable, safe, and permanent, unlock for your iPhone 5, 5s, or 5c, is IMEI or Network Unlocking.
Every device ever produced has a unique identifying code known as it’s IMEI code. Apple has a global database of these codes where every iPhone is listed.
As well as listing the model number, colour, memory size, and production date, it also lists whether the device is locked to a particular network.
An IMEI solution simply involves getting your iPhone’s IMEI lock status changed from ‘locked’ to ‘unlocked’.
You aren’t required to download any unknown software, and nobody has to pry open up your device to risk voiding your phone’s warranty. The only thing that occurs is phone’s status is updated on Apple’s master global database.
It’s that simple.
Because of this, IMEI or Network Unlocking is the ONLY method I recommend.
But where do you get one? And who do you get it through?
Well, I don’t have contacts who can do this, but there are companies who know industry insiders who can get your device solved quickly and easily.
Unlocking iPhone 5 is Simple
1. First located your IMEI code. This is the unique id for your iPhone and you need to provide it so you can get it unlocked. The steps to find it are below
- Method 1: Dial *#06#
- Method 2: For iPhone 5 or newer, your IMEI is located on the back of the device
- Method 3: For non-activated mobile devices, there is a little “i” button on the activation screen, click it and you’ll see the IMEI on the screen
Here are my top 3 recommendations:
The Top 3 iPhone 5 / 5S / 5C IMEI Unlock Service Providers
So now that you know what unlocking is and what methods you should avoid, here are the top 3 services that I have used to unlock the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s.
1. IMEIDoctor (9.5/10) – The best choice for IMEI unlocks inside the US and Canada
UnlockBase is without a doubt my #1 choice for iPhone 5, 5s, and 5c devices.
PROs: First of all, they’re cheap. They’re consistently 20% – 30% cheaper than just about every other IMEI unlock service on the web.
Normally, when someone’s that much cheaper than their competitors, it means you’re getting an inferior quality product, but that’s not the case with iPhoneIMEI They’re cheaper because they process more unlocks than any other service (according to one customer support representative, they’re processing more than 200 unlocks per day). The more you process, the cheaper it becomes and that means they can unlock your iPhone for less.
My big concern with their cheap prices was it was going to mean no customer support. I was glad to be proven wrong. When I needed an update on how much longer the process was going to take (turns out it had already been unlocked and their notification email was in my junk folder), their support team responded within 7 minutes. Amazing.
And finally, the last reason why IMEIDoctor is #1 on my list is the speed of their service. The very nature of device unlocking makes it an uncertain and slow process. Some companies I’ve used (see below) have taken up to 45 days to give me what I paid for. I was very happy when my AT&T unlock was processed in less than 3 hours… That’s what I call service!
Cons: The only downside with IMEIDoctor is they don’t have the biggest range of unlocks outside North America. There’s a few there, but it’s not as comprehensive as the #2 on my list.
If you’re not in North America, definitely check out IMEIDoctor but you might have to keep scrolling.
SUMMARY:IMEIDoctor.com are cheap, fast, and have fantastic customer support. Whilst they don’t have the biggest range of unlocks, if you’re in the US or Canada, you should definitely use them to free up your mobile phone today!
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t want to wait weeks, and you’re in the US or Canada, unlock your iPhone with IMEIDoctor now.
2. DirectUnlocks.com (9/10) – Unlock your device 5 if you’re outside North America
DirectUnlocks.com is another great unlock company.
Pros: First of all, they’re not some flash-in-the-pan startup that’s popped up in the last few months. They’ve been around since the first generations of the iPhone, and they’re very experienced with the iPhone 5/5s and 5c. I’ve used them more than once, and so have many of my family and friends.
Secondly, they’re fast. Like REALLY fast. When I first used them, I started the process on a Friday night. I thought there’s no way this would be completed until at least Tuesday. However, on Saturday morning, I was surprised to find an email to say that my iPhone 5 was now unlocked. They really are ahead of the game here.
Thirdly, they have unlocks available for just about every carrier in the world. Seriously, try them. Locked to Orange in the UK? They can unlock it. Softbank in Japan? They can unlock it. Bharti Airtel in India? They can unlock it. Any phone, any carrier, any country. It’s truly amazing.
And finally, their customer support rocks. When my mum unlocked her device, she managed to put the wrong email address in… (She’s not too tech-savvy). To make sure we didn’t miss any notifications, I called them (Yes, they have phone support) immediately to fix it all up and it was all done in less than 3 minutes.
Cons: Whilst they can unlock just about any carrier in any country, they are a little more expensive in North America, especially with AT&T. If you’re not in the US or Canada, definitely try them out but if you are, I’d go with imeidoctor.com.
SUMMARY: DirectUnlocks.com is a great choice to unlock your iPhone 5 if you’re outside North America. They’re fast, cheap, have great support, and the biggest range of unlocks on the market.
To unlock your device outside the US or Canada, head to DirectUnlocks today.
3. IMEI Codes (5/10 – Not recommended)
IMEI Codes is my final iPhone 5 unlocking alternative to iUnlock Pro. Maybe alternative is the wrong word; distant back up is more like it.
They will unlock the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s, however, don’t expect a quick unlock or a detailed email answer to any of your questions. It is a no-frills unlocking service that should only be used if my other two picks aren’t available.
DirectUnlock is a far better option, however, you can find their site here if you want to find out more about them.
In Summary
Of the three iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c unlocks available, only one is safe and effective.
- Software unlocking doesn’t work.
- Hardware unlocking can damage your device and void your warranty.
- IMEI unlocking is the only truly effective and safe method for unlocking your iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c.
There are several iPhone IMEI unlocking services available, and the best one for you depends on your location.
Related articles on Why The Lucky Stiff:
- How To Unlock iPhone 6/Plus & 6s/Plus?
- How To Unlock Locked iPhone iCloud Account?
- How to unlock your iPhone 5/s/c - June 11, 2020
- How To Unlock iPhone 6/Plus & 6s/Plus For Any Carrier? - June 6, 2020
- iCloud Unlock – How To Easily Remove Activation Lock On Used iPhone ? - May 29, 2020
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iPhone Approved Unlock can unlock your Apple iPhone 5S quickly and easily with our secure unlocking service. All of our unlocks have a 100% success rate and come with a money back guarantee*, ensuring your peace of mind.
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How to Unlock iPhone 5s by IMEI
Want to use your iPhone 5s with a new network? Think your iPhone 5s is locked?
If your iPhone 5s won’t work with a new network, it might be locked. When you buy a phone from a network store and not an official Apple iPhone store, the network usually locks the sim to their own network for the duration of your contract. There is an easy way to check if your iPhone 5s is locked. Try inserting a new sim into your phone. If your phone doesn’t work, your iPhone 5s is locked. No problem – you can use our official iPhone unlock service to unlock your iPhone 5s quickly and safely.
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iPhone 5S Unlock FAQ
How to unlock iPhone 5S questions answered.
How long does unlocking my iPhone 5S take?
iPhone Approved Unlock offers the fastest way to unlock your iPhone 5S. We can usually unlock your iPhone 5S instantly, most within 24 hours but sometimes it can take a little longer than this, we offer a live tracking service to check the progress of your iPhone 5S unlock.
Do I have to send my iPhone 5S away to be unlocked?No. Our iPhone 5S unlock method is 100% remote! Everything you need to unlock your iPhone 5S will be sent to you by email and the process is conducted ‘over the air’ using 3F/4G or Wi-Fi.
This means you can keep your iPhone 5S with you throughout the unlock process and there will be no interruptions to your network service.
You can track the progress of your iPhone 5S unlock live online or you can speak to our helpful customer support team 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Why should I choose IMEI unlocking over another service?iPhone Approved Unlock will unlock your iPhone 5S officially by IMEI. Our iPhone unlock service works by whitelisting your phone in the Apple Database, which means your iPhone 5S is unlocked permanently. To do this, all we need is your IMEI number.
What do I need to unlock my iPhone 5S?All we need to unlock your iPhone 5S is the iPhone’s IMEI number. Your iPhone 5S IMEI number is a set of 15 identification digits that can identify your specific iPhone. Once we have your iPhone IMEI number, we can identify your device remotely and officially unlock your iPhone by IMEI.
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How do I find my IMEI Number on my iPhone 5S?On the following iPhone models, you will find the IMEI number on the back of the phone.
- iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5
How do I find out what network my iPhone 5S is locked to?
Before we can unlock your iPhone 5S, we need to know what network it is locked to. For various reasons such as not yet owning the device or simply forgetting you may not know what network your iPhone 5S is locked to, in which case you can use our network check. Our network check will instantly tell you what network your iPhone 5S is on.
What if I am still under contract?If your iPhone 5S is under contract with a network provider, you can still unlock it using iPhone Approved Unlock. You must keep up on the payments of the existing contract unless you can break out of it. You can use an unlocked iPhone 5S on any other network whilst still paying for a contract on the network the iPhone 5S was originally locked to.
Is unlocking my iPhone 5S legal?Yes, our safe and permanent IMEI unlocking service is 100% legal. Not only is it fully legal but your warranty will remain fully intact.
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