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iCloud Unlock – How To Easily Remove Activation Lock On Used iPhone ?

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 (WE HAVE NEW  TESTING RESULTS FOR 2019 – UPDATED) 

SUMMARY:  

iCloud Unlock -Is it possible?

iCloud Activation Lock Screen

Did you recently purchase a used iPhone and realized that the phone is locked to the previous iCloud account? If your iPhone has an iCloud lock on it, it means that regardless of how much you paid for your second-hand phone, the previous owner can still block you from using it. They can do this by keeping the device locked to their iCloud account and not allowing you to log into the phone.There are two ways to get an iCloud unlocked by having the previous owner unlock it or by using a service that specializes in unlocking iCloud locks.  The service frees your phone from the previous owner’s account and allows you to setup your own unlocked iCloud account on that phone, meaning you can start making calls, sending messages, and using apps.

Of the 9 iCloud activation unlock services we found and 2 we tested, the fastest, cheapest, and best supported provider is AppleiPhoneUnlock. They unlocked all 12 accounts we sent them, for the least money, and did it in the fastest time.

 

Recommended Unlocking Service
AppleiPhoneUnlock is quick, convenient, cheap and safe. It doesn’t get any better than that right? Unlock iCloud account with AppleiPhoneUnlock.

 

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At the start of 2014, Apple added a quirk to iOS7 that changed the way that iPhone accounts were made available. It was a little thing called iCloud  Bypass Activation Lock. The change made to iOS 7 (and carried through to iOS10, iOS11 and iOS 12) is that your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch is now locked to your personal iCloud account.

This means when you restart your Apple device you have to enter your iCloud username and password to access the features, functions, and files.

It’s not a big problem when you’re just using your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, but when you buy a second-hand device from StarGazer77 on eBay, and he doesn’t either remove his iCloud details or give you his access details, the phone is useless. Literally, useless.

It doesn’t matter if you reset it, jailbreak it, allow the battery to run completely flat, or pay someone to hack into it, you couldn’t use the phone. That means your $400 is down the drain, and you’re left with most expensive paperweight you’ve ever purchased.

In response to the massive demand that suddenly sprung up from disgruntled consumers who’d legitimately bought an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch and couldn’t use it, clever providers started investigating ways to bypass this barrier.

There were a lot of false starts and loopholes closed by Apple, but eventually, a fool-proof loophole emerged. And now, you can get the iCloud activation lock removed and use the iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch you paid your hard earned money for.

 

How to Choose The Right iCloud Unlock Provider

With all the providers flooding the market, it became difficult to tell who could legitimately unlock your iCloud account and who was just a scam shopfront setup to rip you off.

After being scammed three times by ‘Official’ unlock solutions, I decided to test and review them to find out who was the most reliable.

Click here to skip testing methodology and go straight to the reviews

Why I’m qualified to help tell you about iCloud Lock for you phone

There are no degrees available in bypassing the iCloud lock so there are no technical qualifications I could hold to make me more qualified than the next guy to tell you about iCloud activation unlock, but there is one thing that makes me more of an expert than anyone else: testing.

I’ve reviewed 9 providers and tested 3 providers on all active iPhone models. And the simple fact that I’ve actually tested these providers with all models makes me the expert in the space.

There are other reviews available but most of them have never reviewed even one carrier, let alone reviewed all nine. That’s why I’m qualified to tell you this.

It’s easy.  The steps to iCloud Unlock for an Apple Device

Step 1 – Visit the one of the recommended services we review found below in this article

Step 2 – Enter your IMEI or Serial Number of your phone or device

  • If your iPhone is active: Dial *#06# to get your IMEI or go to Settings -> General -> About -> then Scroll down to find the IMEI number
  • If your device is not active: Located on the activation screen, there will be a little “i” icon on the screen. Tap to that button and you will get your IMEI number

Step 3 – Wait for confirmation that your iCloud Lock has been unlocked!

Step 4 – Now create a new account and start using your device

This service works on all iPhone 7, 7 plus, 6, 6 plus, 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, 4 and iPad 4, 3, 2 Air 2.

Test Methodology For Removing iCloud Lock

icloud Unlock or iCloud UnlockedThe way I conducted these tests was simple. First of all, I Googled iCloud unlock providers and drew up a list of everyone I could find. After removing services that didn’t look like they were still active, I was left with nine services.

The next step in the process was to cull that list down from nine operators to my top three. I wanted my test of each operator to be comprehensive and complete and it wasn’t possible to rigorously test all 9 operators. To do this, I jumped onto review websites such as TrustPilot and  RipoffReport to weed out any obviously dodgy operators.

I read the reviews and tallied up the average score of each service provider giving me an average score for each. I cut the lowest scoring six services and was left with three to test.

To make sure I had enough devices to thoroughly test each provider, I put the call out to all my readers to get iPhones that need unlocking. I wanted to get people in a variety of countries and using a variety of models.

Of the 73 who responded, I chose 12 to test (12 for each provider):

  • 1 x iPhone X
  • 1 x  iPhone XS
  • 1 x iPhone XS Max
  • 1 x iPhone 8
  • 1 x iPhone 7
  • 1 x iPhone 7 Plus
  • 1 x iPhone 6
  • 1 x iPhone 6 Plus
  • 1 x iPhone 6s
  • 1 x iPhone 6s Plus
  • 1 x iPad Pro 2018
  • 1 x iPad Air

The chosen applicants then sent me their IMEI codes and I placed the orders.

Activation Lock – Testing Criteria

The iCloud providers were judged based on 4 criteria:

Criteria 1: Price

Price range varied greatly between providers. Some were as little as $15 whilst others were as much as $149. There are very few people on this earth who can purchase services without being price conscious so this is where we started our assessment.

Criteria 2: Customer service

Handing over your device details and a chunk of cash to an unknown website to perform a service you know very little about can be a little nerve-wracking, but having a supportive and understanding person on the other end of the customer support line can help calm those nerves.

We tested each service provider three times during the course of the unlocking process:

  • Before the purchase
  • After the purchase but before the unlock was complete
  • After the unlock iCloud service was complete

This was to get a comprehensive understanding of who was really there to help and who was there just to take your money.

Criteria 3: Success

What the point in great prices and caring customer support if they can deliver on what they promised? Because of this, the third criteria is: success. It’s a simple pass/fail criteria. If the iCloud account was unlocked, it was a success. If not, then no.

Criteria 4: Speed

Getting your iCloud account unlocked is great, but waiting can be frustrating. To compare apples to apples, we didn’t assess the sites on how long they said it would take to free the iCloud account, just how long it actually took to unlock them.

After processing all of this data, we can confidently say that the following two providers are the best.

 

The Top 2 iCloud Unlock Providers

As with anything in life, not all iCloud activation unlock providers are the same. Some have low prices but no customer support. Some will answer your email within five minutes, but take four weeks to unlock your iPhone.

After assessing 9 providers and testing them, these are the top two providers:

1. AppleiPhoneUnlock – 9.5/10 (Best Unlocking iCloud Activation Lock Provider)

They are my number 1 choice for iCloud unlocks. We’ve tested them based on the above four criteria and they came out  top in all four.

PROs: 

First of all, they unlocked every device we sent them. They were assigned versions of iPads and  iPhone models from 6 to XS to unlock and completed every single one of them (the only one to do so). That’s always a good place to start.

Secondly, they unlocked them all quickly. The total time for completing all twelve iPhones was only a TOTAL of 24 days. This is the breakdown:

  • 1 x iPhone X – 2 days
  • 1 x  iPhone XS – 2 days
  • 1 x iPhone XS Max – 2 days
  • 1 x iPhone 8 – 3 days
  • 1 x iPhone 7 – 2 days
  • 1 x iPhone 7 Plus – 2 days
  • 1 x iPhone 6 – 1 day
  • 1 x iPhone 6 Plus – 2 days
  • 1 x iPhone 6s – 2 days
  • 1 x iPhone 6s Plus – 1 day
  • 1 x iPad Pro 2018 – 3 days
  • 1 x iPad Air – 2 days

When you consider that most iCloud unlock providers take at least a week, this is stellar.

iCloud Unlock or Activation Unlock or Bypass iCloudThirdly, their customer support rocks. I contacted them before, during, and after the service was completed and the most I ever had to wait to hear back was forty-five minutes.And even better than that, when I did contact them, they were polite, helpful, and answered my questions completely.

And finally, they’re the cheapest of the bunch. They might only be $1 cheaper than our #2 recommendation, but we live in a world where every dollar counts and it’s better to have it in your pocket than someone else’s!

CONs: 

Unfortunately, there’s nothing really to write here. I try to make my reviews as unbiased and even-handed as possible and I don’t have anything to add right now. Could their customer support have responded in less than 45 minutes? Sure, they could have, but it wouldn’t have made that much difference. Could they have unlocked all the iCloud accounts in less time? Possibly, but it wouldn’t have made that much difference.

Without nit-picking for the sake of it, there’s nothing to really add here.

OVERALL:

AppleiPhoneUnlock was the only provider to unlock all 6 accounts and because of that, they’re my #1 choice. And if that wasn’t enough, they have great customer service, the cheapest prices (even if it’s only by $1), and they’re the fastest of the group.

If your iPhone is locked to an iCloud account and you need to get it unlocked –>  iCloud Unlock.

 

2. DoctorUnlock – Alternative Bypass iCloud Lock Service 7.5/10 

DoctorUnlock  is my second choice. Not because they’re a terrible provider, but simply because they’re not as good as AppleiPhoneUnlock..

PROs: 

DoctorUnlock mostly do what they say they’re going to do. I purchased 12 iCloud unlocks and they managed to unlock 11 of them. 11 out of 12 isn’t bad when you consider that most providers have less than a 50% success rate, but it’s still not 8 out of 8.

The total time it took to unlock the iCloud accounts was longer than advertised (30 days total), but they still delivered. Here’s a breakdown of how long it took to unlock each iCloud account.

  • 1 x iPhone X – 3 days
  • 1 x  iPhone XS – 2 days
  • 1 x iPhone XS Max – 3 days
  • 1 x iPhone 8 – 3 days
  • 1 x iPhone 7 – 4 days
  • 1 x iPhone 7 Plus – 2 days
  • 1 x iPhone 6 – 2 day
  • 1 x iPhone 6 Plus – 2 days
  • 1 x iPhone 6s – 3 days
  • 1 x iPhone 6s Plus – 1 day
  • 1 x iPad Pro 2018 – 3 days
  • 1 x iPad Air – N/A

Their customer support is efficient and will answer your questions, but it might take a few days. And as I said above, they’re only $1 more expensive than AppleiPhoneUnlock. 

CONs: 

Firstly, they failed to unlock 1 iCloud account. Yes, they gave us a refund straight away, but they still failed to deliver.

Secondly, their unlock times are a slower as well. DoctorUnlock was unlocking iCloud accounts in 1-2 days, these guys are more like 3-4 days. It’s not a HUGE issue, but it’s still twice as long to wait without a phone you’ve already paid for.

And finally, whilst their customer support responded in a few days, their responses were always curt and specific. There was nothing in the email other than the only information they needed to answer the question. Whilst they technically did their job, it was very cold and clinical.

OVERALL:

DoctorUnlock  are a solid provider and there’s a better-than-average chance your iCloud account will be unlocked, but why take the risk when AppleiPhoneUnlock are more reliable and cheaper?

You can check out their website for unlocking iCloud here: Remove iCloud

In Conclusion

iCloud lock removal servicesHaving an iPhone locked to someone else’s iCloud account sucks. They can effectively hold you ransom and make you pay whatever they wanted to get access to the phone you’ve already paid for. And nobody wants that. If you have your icloud locked, there are many available services and you can beat their scams without having to pay them a cent.

Of the 9 iCloud unlock providers we found and the 3 we tested, the winner was clear: AppleiPhoneUnlock.

They’re the fastest, cheapest, have the more responsive customer support, and were the only provider who successfully completed all 6 iCloud unlocks we sent them.

If you need an Locked iCloud for your iPhone, visit AppleiPhoneUnlock today.

Other similar unlock, bypass and activation removal guides for other Apple or Samsung devices here:

iPhone 8

iPhone X

ATT iPhone 

iPad

Samsung S7

Samsung S10

Samsung S8 

Samsung Reactivation or Bypass Lock 

 

How to Unlock your AT&T iPhone safely

Last updated on

Secrets to Unlock iPhone AT&T Safely

Can I Unlock my AT&T iPhone?

unlock iPhone from attWhen you want to know how to unlock AT&T iPhone handsets, it pays to do a little bit of reading.  There are three primary ways to unlock your AT&T iPhone.  The first is to contact the original owner to unlock.  The second is to contact AT&T if you are the original owner and the phone is paid.  The third is to use a service that specializes in iPhone unlocking.  

To make things easier for you we’ve compiled everything you’ll ever need to know in a single comprehensive guide. That way you’ll be able to choose from a range of different network providers so that you get the best deal for you. Ideal for having the choice your hard work deserves.

Recommended Unlocking Service - North America and UK
If you’re in North America or the UK,then I suggest unlocking with DoctorUnlock. Their excellent service, fast turnaround, and comprehensive range of networks makethem the only choice in these regions.

Recommended Unlocking Service- Rest of the World
If however, you’re outside these regions then I would suggest using DirectUnlocks. These guys know what they’re doing when it comes to the rest of the world, andtheir range of network options simply can’t be beaten.

Let’s unlock AT&T iPhone handsets!

The issue with network providers locking handsets to their networks has been a thorny one with users for some time. There are so many better options out there if you can find a way around this unjust restriction, so it’s understandable that you’re making the jump!

Follow every step of this guide, and you’ll be able to break the chain and see what else is out there on the market. Perfect for ensuring that you have the freedom to choose the right deal for you. Before you get started you should round off Step 1 by making sure you can tick off all of the following:

  1. Have you paid any outstanding amount owed to AT&T for the use of their network? If not then they won’t allow you to unlock AT&T iPhone handsets. Make sure the balance is cleared, and you’ll be able to work your way through the rest of this guide!
  2. If you’ve bought your handset from a friend or online seller, you need to make sure that it hasn’t been reportedas stolen or been linked with any illegal activity. If it has, then it will blocked, and you won’t be able to use it no matter what you do!
  3. If you have recently upgraded your handset and now want AT&T unlockiPhone codes, you’ll need to wait for 14-days before going ahead. It’ll be worth the wait!
  4. Check the AT&T terms and conditions if you have any issues during the unlocking process. They are helpful and should be able to answer any network-specific queries or problems you encounter.

There are 3-keyways to get the job done. You can ask AT&T for help (more on that in a minute) but if you want to be fast, then take a look at these more advanced options:

  1. The Software Method– A loophole that closed years ago
  2. The Hardware Method– High-risk,low reward option that kills iPhones
  3. Advanced IMEI Unlock Options– #1 option for everyiPhone user

Introducing the IMEI Number – You’ll need it for my #1 method!

The next step is to obtain your IMEI number. If you’re not familiar with this term, then it is super important that you understand it before you proceed.

An IMEI is a unique identifier that tells Apple and the network which specific handset you have in your hand. It contains far more information than merely the make or model of your iPhone; it’s effectively your iPhone’s fingerprint.

Finding the IMEI Number – Make sure you find it!

Fortunately, obtaining the IMEI is the easy bit. All you have to do is follow the simple steps below, and you’ll have it in seconds:

  1. Turn on your iPhone
  2. Go to Settings > General > About
  3. Note down your IMEI number in a safe place

Now that you have your phone’s unique identifier, your next step is to contact AT&T. Read on and see how to unlock AT&T iPhone handsets whose contracts have recently expired.

 

Contacting AT&T – this may take a while.

used iPhone
how to unlock your iPhone from att

Sure you don’t want to skip to the IMEI unlocking section below?

Knowing how to unlock AT&T iPhone handsets is all about knowing the right person to talk to. The problem you often find is that you’ll be pushed around from call center to call center and never get to speak to the same person twice. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be able to accelerate the whole unlocking process in no time at all:

  1. Always ask for the name of the person you’re speaking to.
  2. Make notes and save themto the Cloud for ease of access.
  3. Always ask for a time frame in which you can expect action or a callback.
  4. If you don’t hear back within the timeframe, don’t be afraid to chase them up.

The Unlocking Process: When Your Contract Has Expired

Now that you know how to deal with AT&T when you contact them, you’re ready for the specific steps you need to follow. Don’t worry if you have issues or AT&T decline to help you with the following steps, we’ll cover plenty more options later on that should unlock your handset.

  1. The first thing to do is open your browser of choice. You can do this from your iPhone itself or on a secondary device. Often it’s easy to do it on your laptop as you may have to reset your iPhone during the process.
  2. Next, you will need to sign into your AT&T account by visiting: com/deviceunlock
  3. Take enough time to read through all of the eligibility documentation. It can be a lengthy process, and you may think that it’s designed to be confusing but stick with it and it will be worth it. If in doubt refer to the simplified eligibility requirements listed earlier on in this guide.
  4. Complete all of the details on the unlock request form before submitting. Just because you’re not sure whether or not a specific field applies to you, don’t leave it blank!

If you do that, then your application will most likely never be processed as they will assume you applied in error or they won’t know what to do. Always assume that AT&T will never do anything unless you give them exactly what they need. Remember that they don’t want to lose you as a customer, so it’s doubtful they will chase you up for missing information so that they can accelerate the processing of your request to be unlocked from their network.

You’ll have seen by now if you had the patience to deal with AT&T, that they are pretty hit or miss. If only there were a whole host of others ways you could free your phone from their limitedservice…

Here’s a quick rundown of the other methods that we’re going to cover:

  1. The Software Method
  2. The Hardware Method
  3. Advanced IMEI Unlock Options

 

The Software Method: A loophole that may already be closed to you

If you are lucky enough to own an iPhone X on AT&T, then this is an old-school option that’s still open to you. If however, your device is an iPhone 7 onwards then Apple has already shut this one nice and firmly.

What is it?

There was an unintentional loophole in the hardware of the iPhone 3G which enabled users to unlock it without having to consult Apple or their network provider. While it is a neat little trick, I’m going to gloss over it because it’s so unlikely that you’ll have an iPhone of that vintage which is still tied to an AT&T contract.

On to option 2: the hardware method.

 

The Hardware Method: A high-risk option that will invalidate your warranty

Thisis very much a brute force method to a thinking man’s problem. As you’ll have probably guessed the issue with taking this line of approach is that it can do plenty more harm than good. Precisely what you don’t want when all you’re trying to do is give yourself more choice when it comes to monthly contracts!

What is it?

The exact nature of the hardware method will vary depending on who is doing it for you; needless to say they won’t be particularly transparent or forthcoming with the details.

The main issue here is that the ‘expert’ you hire will be getting a lot of money upfront for little if no positive outcome. They won’t be a trained professional, and they certainly won’t have the skills, expertise and special tools that you need if you’re going to start fiddling around with the internals of something as complicated as an iPhone.

They’ll probably try and get their soldering iron or homemade programming modules on the case. That will cause all manner of havoc with such a carefully crafted piece of kit that it’s just not worth doing. Just remember; if it sounds too good to be true that someone can open your iPhone and unlock it for you, then it probably is.

To make sure you don’t fall foul of these misguided experts take a quick read of the risks to remind yourself of the dangers:

  1. The hardware approach involves working with a shady character who doesn’t know what they’re doing
  2. The fact that they don’t know what they’re doing will probably mean that they do more harm than good
  3. When someone does more damage than good in exchange for money, you always end up paying out even more money to put right what they’ve done
  4. Because they weren’t trained, qualified, or authorized to carry out the work on your iPhone, they will have invalidated your warranty
  5. When your warranty is invalidated Apple are under no obligation to help you out free of charge, and you cannot reasonably expect them to replace your now faulty handset
  6. All in all, you’d have saved more time, money, and effort, if you’d have just sat there on your restrictive monthly contract. At least you’d still have a working iPhone to text and call your friends with.

I think you’ve got the picture that the hardware method is never a sensible way to proceed by now. Let’s round this guide off by talking you through the final unlocking method.

 

IMEI Unlock Options DoctorUnlock.net or another famous users choice DirectUnlocks.com

Ok, so you’ve already obtained your IMEI, you’ve contacted AT&T and worked through all the steps above, but they were unwilling or unable to unlock your iPhone. It’s no consolation to you that the person the other end of the phone has tried their best because you’re still lockedto a network and a monthly contract that you don’t want to be paying for.

The software approach isn’t open to you because you’re not running with the vintage iPhone 3G, and you’re too sensible to try the hardware option. That leaves you with the IMEI unlock approach. Fortunately for you, this is the securest one of them all so you shouldn’t have any problems, provided you follow the hints and tipsthat are to come.

What is it?

Remember we said that your IMEI number is the unique identifier that allows you to tell your provider precisely which handset you’re using? Well, now you can use this precision to your advantage by having a specialist third party reallocate it. Confused? Read on.

 

The Factory Unlock

used samsung
woman unlocking her att iPhone

The IMEI unlock issuch an effectivemethod that it’s also referred to as the Factory Unlock in the trade. Thistells you that it has the power to get you onto any network you like, but how does it work?

When you hire a specialist third party company, they will be able to view Apple’s master database that stores the IMEI for every handset they have ever sold. It lists everything from your storage size and model to the color and whether it is locked or unlocked. By accessing this database, they’ll be able to reassign your handset from ‘locked’ to ‘unlocked.’

Why is it so successful?

Unlike asking permission of AT&T or trying to exploit hardware loopholes that had been closedyears ago, the IMEI unlock approach is a permanent and 100% safe solution. Here are the pros that you need to know about it before you decide to go ahead:

  1. It’s a reliable, safe, and legal approach that is used by millions of iPhone users every year
  2. Some trusted third-party experts will be able to carry it out for you
  3. You’ll be able to read testimonials on their websites from thousands of previous customers so that you know you’re dealing with an expert
  4. Because it doesn’t involve any hardware alterations, it won’t invalidate your warranty which means you will still get full support from Apple down the line
  5. You’re paying an expert to get the job done the right way which means that you’re paying for a permanent solution that won’t fall through

How to find a factory unlock expert?

To decide between DoctorUnlock vs. DirectUnlocks, I actually ran a battery of rigorous tests on a range of handsets locked to different networks. Take a look at my judging criteria below, and then I’ll tell you the results of my tests!

Are they substantially cheaper than the competition?

If so then the chances are you’re either dealing with an unreliable business who’ve had to cut their prices to try and get more business. Or possibly a startup business who may not be up to the job.

Do they give a timeframe for unlocking your iPhone?

Most reputable third-party contractors will unlock your iPhone within 5-days; the best will make great strides in 48-hours or less. If no timeframe is explicitly given, then make sure you ask the question before placing your order.

If you forget to do that, then you may find that you’re waiting for quite some time for what turns out to be quite an underwhelming result. There’s also the distinct possibility that you’ll be leftwith an iPhone you can’t do a whole lot with, in the meantime.

Do they have a list of regions and providers?

It’s important to know preciselywhat an unlocking contractor can offer. If they have a comprehensive list of the regions they serve and the networks they can get you on then, that’s a fantastic resource. Make sure you make proper use of that.

Some companies will offer lots of options if you live in North America or Europe, but a lot less if you live in other parts of the world. Make sure the company you go for has plenty of network options in your region, and that they have a track record of getting people reassigned to those networks.

Anything else to consider?

Any reputable third-party IMEI unlocking company will talk you through the process and should be able to free your iPhone from AT&T within five working days. To make things a little bit easier for yourself why not take a quick look at our final checklist so that you can sleep with the peace of mind that you have everything covered:

  1. Make sure you check which payment methodsthey accept. You want the security that they accept card payments or PayPal. If someone asks you for cash or a payment method you’re not familiar with, don’t be afraid to walk away. You’ll be glad you did once another company unlocks your handset!
  2. Always ask for turnaroundtimes and make sure you’ll have unrestricted use and access to your iPhone’s full suite of functionality in the meantime.
  3. Always steer clear of companies that ask you to send your iPhone to them, or ask for other log-in and financial details. There’s no need for them to have this information to get the factory unlock taken care of. 

The Verdicts – 3 Unlocking companies, only one winner

DoctorUnlock – Perfect for North America and the UK

The Pros

Of the three companies that I put to the challenge,they were the only ones who were able to unlock all 12 handsets. Thisis a feat in itself and one that certainly caught my attention. A 100% success rate isn’t something you can better, sothey have my vote in this respect.

The Cons

The only thing I would say that slightly counts against them is that if you live outside of the UK or North America,then you don’t get quite the same level of choice. That said, they market themselves as experts in these regions not worldwide.

 

DirectUnlocks.com  – The leaders when it comes to the rest of the world and a creditable second

unlock iPhone attThe Pros

These guys do so much right that they were only just edgedinto second place. Their unlock rate only dipped below perfection due to one tricky curveball I threw at them.

The Cons

They did struggle to unlock one of my handsets, andthere’s just no getting away from that, unfortunately. To be fair to them,they said this would likely be the case when I placed my order, butthey did have the option of canceling it. They struggled valiantly but to no avail. Credit where credit is due, their customer service was excellent throughout the whole process.

 

Key2iPhone

I don’t want you to think I recommend every IMEI unlocking service without much thought, so I also had a look at these guys. They’re known to be a bit hit or miss, sothey were a useful yardstick to measure the performance of the other two against.

Pros

They unlocked half the handsets…eventually…

Cons

The phones that were unlocked took twice as long as with the other two unlocking services. Plus their customer support was vague and noncommittal.

 

Conclusion

If you want to get AT&T to unlock your handset for you,then there’s every chance that you’ll be waiting forever and a day for it to happen. I strongly recommend the IMEI unlockroute as it’s the most universal and comprehensive way to free your iPhone from restrictive networks.

 

If you’re in North America, Canada or the UK, then use DoctorUnlock

If you’re anywhere in the rest of the world,then I strongly suggest using DirectUnlocks

 

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How to unlock iPhone 8 safely and quickly

Last updated on

 (Updated Testing Results for 2019) 

How to unlock iPhone 8 safely and quickly

girl with unlocked iPhone 7An issue many mobile users face when looking to extract better value for money from their mobile devices is that they are locked to their original provider while others are offering more compelling rates and packages. The solution is to figure out how to unlock iPhone 8, and luckily I will show you how!

Switching to a better value provider, or simply being able to use your package when abroad requires something known as an IMEI unlock. This is a safe and legal method to permanently separate your iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus from your carrier, giving you the freedom to choose a package that works for you. When it comes to choosing who to use to unlock your phone, you first need to factor in your location.

 

For those locked to a provider in any region , I recommend using DoctorUnlock. In my opinion, they have the most comprehensive range of prices and options.

Our second choice for iPhone unlocking, I recommend using DirectUnlocks. While they come in marginally more expensive than DoctorUnlock.net, they offer a vast range of unlocking options and features for regions across the world. This is certainly your go-to option.

 

iPhone Unlocking 101

I know what you’re thinking! Finally, your brand new iPhone has arrived on your doorstep, and you can’t wait to get a hold of it. Unfortunately as is proving all too often to be the case it comes with a catch; annoyingly high charges and prohibitive international roaming charges mean you have little option but to spend an ever-increasing amount of the monthly budget on a service we have all become reliant on.

Unlocking iPhone 8

Phone locking makes this poor level of customer service possible by tying you into a contract that wouldn’t stand up to the scrutiny of a discerning consumer in any other industry. So, what is phone locking, and why does it matter?

Simply put it is where your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus is stuck with a given carrier in a way that prevents you from using it with anyone else, even if they offer you a much better deal! This allows them to charge whatever they feel like, safe in the knowledge that you can’t go elsewhere. The answer? Master the art of iPhone unlocking that Apple doesn’t want you to know about.

iPhone unlocking is where you use a clever digital service to remove these restrictions and preventative measures so that you can search for the best deal for you.

There are three methods you will see written about a lot, but only one that is proven to work.

Method 1: Software Unlocking

(This hasn’t unlocked a single phone since the iPhone 3G)

The oldest unlocking method was known as software unlocking. While it worked for a time, it relied on users exploiting a loophole that allowed them to switch carriers.

Apple spotted this loophole and quickly closed it with the iPhone 4, and it hasn’t been open since meaning it will be no good for your brand new iPhone 8.

Method 2: The Hardware Method

(Users Beware: An unreliable approach that invalidates your warranty)

This is a brute force method if ever we have seen one. Once the software loophole had been closed users quickly tried to find hardware loopholes. This often involved paying large sums of money to questionable characters who didn’t know what they were doing and tended to break iPhones.

Studies show that this rough and ready approach only works 30% of the time. Given how long you’ve saved up for that shiny new iPhone 8 is that really a risk you’re willing to take?

Method 3: IMEI Unlocking

(The ONLY safe and highly effective way to unlock the iPhone 8 & 8 Plus)

The newest and most reliable method is known as the factory or IMEI unlock. The IMEI is your iPhone’s unique identifier that is used to track it over its lifetime. They’re unique and are stored by Apple on a giant database along with other pertinent details like color, time of production, storage, and whether or not it is locked to a given network.

The IMEI methods change the status of your iPhone as seen on Apple’s database from locked to unlocked. Not only is it a highly effective and permanent solution that gives you the freedom to choose, it is completely safe and doesn’t invalidate your warranty. The iPhone 8 IMEI approach is the only method I recommend.

Putting The IMEI Unlock Providers To The Test

Predictably the massive increase in iPhones on the market in the last 10-years has led to a boom in the field of IMEI unlocking. So who can you trust to get the job done?

To make sure that you know exactly what is available to you I have tested the major players in the field. I’ve done this for many previous iPhone generations, but by making sure they can unlock iPhone 8 and 8 Plus I want to make sure they still know what they’re doing.

Choosing The Right Test Cases

Unlock iPhone 8, 8s & 8 PlusThe most significant challenge I faced was trying to find enough people who were willing to part with their brand new 8 and 8 Plus for long enough for me to conduct a meaningful test! Luckily I was able to find enough through my website and amongst friends and family.

I chose the following locked devices:

  • 2 x iPhone 8’s locked to AT&T USA
  • 1 x iPhone 8’s locked to Sprint USA
  • 1 x iPhone 8 locked to Vodafone UK
  • 2 x iPhone 8 locked to O2 UK
  • 1 x iPhone 8 locked to T-Mobile USA
  • 2 x iPhone 8 Plus locked to AT&T USA
  • 1 x iPhone 8 Plus locked to EE UK
  • 1 x iPhone 8 Plus locked to KDDI Japan
  • 1 x iPhone 8 Plus locked to Rogers Canada

Picking IMEI Providers To Try And Unlock iPhone 8 & 8 Plus

Firstly I had to cut down the unlocking companies to 3 because I wanted to test each company with multiple phones and I was limited to 12-locked devices.

I started out by listing as many companies as I could find and then reading their reviews. Trustpilot and  Ripoff Report are all great ways to separate the proven specialists from the scammers out to make a quick buck. It didn’t take long to find the trio of iPhone 8 IMEI specialists I would put to the test.

 Time For The Tests

I wanted to keep things simple, so I purchased 4-IMEI unlocks from each of the 3-companies identified during my research.

I let them go about their work and sent a few messages to customer support along the way to see how much value for money they genuinely offer.

Criteria To Consider

I came up with 6-different criteria by which I would judge each of the providers:

1: Was the unlock successful?

This is obviously the big one. If they can’t unlock it, then the service is a waste of time, money, and effort.

2: What services do they offer?

I didn’t want to recommend an unlock provider who could unlock just about any device, but then only be able to offer you obscure networks that only operate in small corners of the globe. They need to offer solutions that will work anywhere, anytime.

3: How much do they charge?

Quality is so important, but if it isn’t matched by an affordable price, then few are going to make use of my recommendation. After all, if you’re spending more than the price of the device to unlock it what’s the point?

 4: What payment methods do they offer?

If I find a company that’ll unlock anything, get you on any network, and do it for next to nothing, then that’s awesome! The problem with online services can so often be the last hurdle that comes in the form of difficulties making payment. There are a few out there who will only accept Western Union which puts a dampener on things. If a company takes PayPal and all major credit cards then they’re going to get a big tick against their name for sure!

5: How effective was their customer service?

If you’re paying someone you’ve never met before to work on your brand new iPhone 8, then you better be able to trust them. A customer-focused company will build your trust through amazing customer service that gets it right the first time every time. That’s exactly why I’m testing multiple devices with each company.

6: How quickly did they get the job done?

If you find a company that does it all, and for a fantastic price, but they take 2-months to get the job done then you’re not going to recommend them are you? What we need to find is a company that offers it all, and puts their foot down about it too!

How To Use DoctorUnlock or another recommended option DirectUnlocks to Unlock Your iPhone 8

 Step 1: Find the IMEI code.

This is the unique identifier that will enable them to identify your iPhone; luckily there are three possible ways you find out what it is:

  • Option 1: Dial *#06# and you will be instantly sent the IMEI code
  • Option 2: It will be located on the back of your device. Make sure to copy it down exactly.
  • Option 3: If your phone hasn’t been activated then you should find the small “i” button that appears on the activation screen. If you click on it, your IMEI will then be displayed.

Step 2: You will also need to know the model of your phone such as the iPhone 4, 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 7, 8, etc.

Step 3: Click the following link to DoctorUnlock or DirectUnlocks and fill out the details they request (IMEI and Phone Model)

Step 4: Next you need to click the “Unlock” button.

Step 5: Use your chosen payment method to make payment.

Step 6: Provide your email address to receive progress updates

Step 7: Welcome a newly freed iPhone into your life in just a few days.

My Top 3 Providers of IMEI Unlocks for the iPhone 8 & 8 Plus

Now that all the tests are complete and I have analyzed the results it’s about time for the leaderboard! In order of preference we have:Top 3 Providers of IMEI Unlocks for the iPhone 8 & 8 Plus

#1. DoctorUnlock (9.5/10 – Definite #1 choice for users all over the world)

My #1 rated IMEI provider for both the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus has to be DoctorUnlock.net. To start with they unlocked all four devices that I had them take a look at, so kudos for that! They are fast, reliable, proven, and affordable. In my opinion that’s the ideal combination when you’re looking for a team, you can trust. While their options are limited outside of North America and the UK, these are by far the largest regions, and if you live there, they’re a definite no-brainer.

The Pros: The biggest tick against their name was that they were the only company who could unlock all four of the devices that we paid them to take a look at. Straight away this means that they give you what you ultimately paid for.

They also beat many others on price (on average 17% cheaper). Please note that this is an average so there may be times when they are more expensive, but on average they came in significantly cheaper.

I really loved their customer service. It was friendly and personable and always came through in a timely fashion. I put three different queries to them, and they consistently came back with helpful solutions and updates within 24 hours. You really can’t do much better than that.

Lastly, the service times were amazing, and matching only by the entry at the #2 slot on my list. With devices unlocked inside 48 hours what’s there not to like?

The Cons: It’s always important to pick up on something that could be better, but with these guys it was hard. I would say that their limited options for those outside of North America and the UK will be a downside for some. If you’re in those regions though they really must be my #1 recommendation.

Overall Rating: If you live inside the US, UK, or Canada these guys are my undisputed #1. 100% unlock rate during testing, brilliant customer service, 48-hour turn around, and all at a price that’s readily affordable. Money well spent!

If you have a locked iPhone 8 or 8 Plus inside the US, UK, or Canada, use DoctorUnlock today.

#2 DirectUnlocks (9.0/10 – The best second choice to unlock your phone)

It was a close run thing for that sought-after #1 spot. DirectUnlocks matched DoctorUnlock.net when it came to speed, price, customer support, and actually offered a larger range of unlock options. The reason that they are at #2 is they failed to unlock 1 of the 4 devices I paid them for…

The Pros: First things first, these guys do a lot, and I mean a lot, of things very well. Speed (48-hour unlocking), customer support, and price were all as good as they could be.

What really stood out though was their list of carriers they can get you on once you’re unlocked. I lost count of how many were on there so I don’t have an exact percentage difference over the rest of the field but it ran to pages and pages and pages. At a cursory look, it appeared to be every provider in every part of the world. Certainly something worth looking into if you’re in a more remote area!

The Cons: The one black mark was a big one, and I’m afraid to say it because everything else was so good. They failed to unlock the KDDI Japan device I paid for. I’ll give them credit where it is due and say that they warned about this before ordering, but then on the other side, they were still taking orders. It’s definitely something they can improve, especially as few users will be unlocking multiple phones at any given time.

Overall Rating: An impressive company that is easy to deal with and offers an unrivaled set of unlocks. The one thing I didn’t like was that they only unlocked 75% of the devices I paid for. If you were in that unlucky 25%, then you would certainly not be happy.

If your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus is locked to a carrier outside the US, UK, or Canada, I recommend using the impressive range of unlocks at DirectUnlocks.

#3 Keys2iPhone (5/10 – USERS BEWARE!!!)

This company was really bad and to be honest I’m still getting over the shock at how bad they were compared to the other two on my list. They only unlocked 2 out of 4 devices. At 50% that’s the same odds as guessing a coin flip…

What really annoyed me is that even to do that they demanded an additional payment that was as much as the original. That’s twice the advertised price for only half the service!

The Pros: They did half the job after paying extra and a lot of chasing…

The Cons: Take a seat, this may take a while…

1      They only completed 2 out of 4 unlocks

2      They took on average 5 days to do that!

3      They requested extra payment to accomplish the measly two unlocks false advertising!

4      They responded promptly pre-sale and then ignored every support email where I chased asking for updates. This was perhaps the most annoying aspect as it showed they don’t care about the customer.

5      I had to file a chargeback for each of the two uncompleted unlocks. The process was long and drawn out…

Overall Rating: Poor service from start to finish. Unexplained additional requests for payment, inability to unlock half of all devices, slow, uncommunicative, don’t care about the customer. Use at your peril. I would never trust them with my own iPhone.

The Conclusion

IMEI unlocking iPhone 8
Hardware and software unlocking doesn’t work. The former is dangerous and can easily destroy your shiny new iPhone. The latter hasn’t worked since the loophole it exploits was fixed with the iPhone. IMEI unlocking (aka factory unlocking) is the only proven way forward when you want to unlock an iPhone 8 or 8 Plus. The secret is to avoid the scammers and choose a reputable company to get it done.

I surveyed a huge range of companies, choose what looked like three of the best based on their reviews, and put them to the test with multiple devices to see what they offer for the money. Who to choose depends on your location.

BEST CHOICE – If your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus is locked to a carrier, then DoctorUnlock are the team for you. They’re the specialists within this region and offer the best prices, turnaround times, and customer service on the market. If you lie outside these regions their options can be limited which is important to be aware of when it comes to choosing who to go with.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICE – If your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus is locked to a carrier, then DirectUnlocks have got you covered. They were level with iPhoneIMEI when it came to support, speed, and price, and actually had a far larger range of unlocks available in the regions they specialize in. While they failed to unlock one device, they did warn me at the time of purchase of purchase to fair which was a good bit of much-appreciated customer service.

Related articles on Why The Lucky Stiff:

How to Unlock iPhone for any network? Fast, Safe and Permanent

Last updated on

iPhone in different colors

How to Unlock iPhone – All Models

 (Updated Testing Results for 2019) 

 

Feeling trapped on your cell phone carrier’s network? Want to move your locked iphone to another company but can’t?

The latest generation of smartphones can be expensive, but it is fun to keep up with the cutting edge of technology. For many, the best way to get the latest and greatest gadget is with carrier based payment deals. But there is a massive downside to this – carrier locks.

If you have bought a iPhone in the last few years using a deal pushed by a cell phone network, then you know the pain of the carrier restriction.

With a carrier restricted phone, you end up stuck to one network, unable to take up great new deals or sell your phone when the next upgrade comes out.

There’s an easy solution. I am going to show you how to defeat that dreaded carrier lock and access the full use of your new phone.

With a freed up phone, you will no longer be trapped to one single network.

Also when you travel, you’ll be able to use local SIM cards, which is important if you are a frequent traveller. Most importantly, you will be able to change your phone or data plan whenever a new deal comes out.

Networks are now competing against each other for your business. New deals with more minutes and better data quotas come out every day. Not being able to change networks to take advantage of those deals puts you at a massive disadvantage – and ultimately – causes you to spend way more money.

Highest Rated Unlocking Service
Our recommended Unlocking Service:  DoctorUnlock  is quick, convenient, cheap and safe. It doesn’t get any better than that right?

Why Do Carriers Stop Me From Unlocking My Phone?

Unlocking your phone is not all sunshine and good times though. Carriers are holding you down for a reason…profits. Because of their money-hungry policies, they have done their best to make the process of removing the carrier restriction difficult.

Finding the right way to unlock your phone can be a minefield, where taking a wrong turn can end in disaster. The problems you encounter when trying to release your phone could ruin your day.

collection of SIM cardsThese device disasters can range from voiding your warranty, scams, physical damage – or worst of all – the device could stop working completely.

Sounds risky right?

Luckily, I have done all the hard work and made all the mistakes before so that you don’t have to. Do not fall for a scam or brick your iphone, so pay close attention.

There is one guaranteed, sure fire way to unlock your iphone without all of the risks. It is not well known or heavily publicized. But in my own extensive experience, it never fails to successfully and safely release any version of the iPhone.

Are you ready to find out the best way to remove that pesky carrier lock from your phone?

Then pay attention because I’m about to take you on a deep-dive into how carrier restrictions work and how you can get rid of them forever.

How Exactly Do “Carrier Locks” Work?

iPhones are typically locked to their original carriers

By now, you may be wondering exactly how carrier locks work. Before we go any further I am going to give you the basics. It is always important to understand the enemy after all!

Carrier restrictions are a ‘feature’ built into new iPhones by manufacturers. This custom firmware, which is integrated into the phone at the hardware level, can be used to create a variety of locks by network providers.

They do this to keep you stuck in a contract for a defined period of time.

Thus making enough profit from you to justify the discounted price of the phone. There are three broad categories of restrictions that can be applied:

  1. Country Lock:
    This is not a common type of restriction these days, especially not with flagship phones like any version of the iPhone. This lock stops you from using any SIM card from outside of a particular country. This type of restriction is particularly bad if you like to travel overseas!
  2. Network Lock:
    The network restriction is by far the most commonly used. It keeps you tied to a particular network so that you cannot change between providers and remain a captive customer. Having a network lock on your device impacts the resale value.
  3. Subscriber Lock:
    For the very best deals on phones, you may even find a subscriber lock. This is by far the most restrictive and results in you only being able to use a particular SIM card in the phone. Selling a device like this is close to impossible.

Wondering how I know so much about carrier restrictions on phones?

I have gained this knowledge through years of working in the mobile communication industry and from actually seeing this phenomenon spread.

I can still remember the very first (very ancient by today’s standards) phone that I purchased with a carrier restriction. I knew I got a good deal because of the lock, but figured that with my technical skills, I would figure a way around it. Boy was I wrong about that!

For weeks I was stuck in a struggle with the phone, trying to unlock it without ruining it. I had to get way deeper into how the phone worked than I ever wanted to and spent hours trawling through countless online guides and forum posts.

Needless to say I did succeed, but not without massive effort. Once I figured it out I helped as many others as possible. However, every time a new model was released, the options for safe unlocking diminished as carriers and manufacturers tightened the loopholes.

Now, for cutting-edge phones there is one guaranteed way to remove a carrier restriction.

Here’s how to access the full potential of your phone with this legal, quick and safe method. First let’s take a quick look at the other common methods people try.

The most common ways to get any version iPhone unlocked

Now that you understataking photos with your iPhonend the intricacies of carrier restrictions, let’s get down to business and review your options for removing that pesky lock.

I’ll share the best option that’s guaranteed to work every time – However, I also feel a duty to show you all of the options, including the ones to avoid. My hope is that you can then avoid falling for some of these other methods, which can look great on paper, but really won’t work.

The interesting thing is that some of these bad options did work a long time ago, but have been made redundant by carrier or manufacturer innovations. If you read one guide on phone unlocking methods, make it this one.

Software Unlocking: No longer a good option.

Right when phones started getting ‘smart,’ software unlocking was the go-to method. At one point in time, I used it successfully myself.

These days, software unlocking can be risky based upon who the provider is.  There are many software choices that do not work at all. Since the heyday of this method, just about every manufacturer and carrier on the planet has stopped this from being a viable option.

Hardware Unlocking: Possible but High Risk

Hardware unlocking is the riskiest option out there, as it involves actual physical alterations to your phone. This method first became popular when phones were far less complex that they are now. It involves physical alterations that circumvent the hardware that allows carriers to set their restrictions.

Many years ago, I experimented with this option and did have success. But with modern phones, I would not even think of attempting this complex procedure and anyone who offers it to you is either a genius, or ripping you off.

An iPhone is an intricate machine and no dodgy phone shop or backyard operator can be qualified to alter it. This method is almost always expensive due to the labor needed and very unlikely to work with new phones.

Not only does hardware unlocking fail most of the time, I guarantee it will void your warranty and possibly wreck your expensive new phone.

IMEI Unlocking: The Safest  Way to Unlock Your Phone

We have finally arrived at the number one, fail safe way to unlock your latest phone. Although in the past other methods have had brief windows where they have worked, IMEI unlocking is timeless and guaranteed to keep on working time after time.

The IMEI number is a unique number assigned to your device and is also the key to releasing it from carrier clutches.

Carriers who still restrict handsets do so with the IMEI, which is stored in a centralized database. When you put an unsupported SIM into an IMEI locked phone, it asks you for a password. If you can get this password, then you have yourself a device that can be used freely.

You might think that to get this, you would need to interact with your carrier and pay an exorbitant fee, but you would be wrong.

It is possible to remove the IMEI restriction on your phone using a third party service for a fraction of the price your carrier charges.

Interested to find out how this works? You better be, because it is the only viable option.

 

The Secret Method to Unlocking an iPhone That Most People Don’t Know

As you have gathered from the options outlined above, there is just one good option for iPhone unlocked and that is using the IMEI code. Everyone assumes that this process is difficult or risky, but in reality it is the only legitimate and risk free option available.

Yet there are still objections to using IMEI unlocking, which I would like to address now so that there is no confusion.

First of all, a lot of people have the idea that it is illegal to unlock a phone that is under contract with a specific carrier. To be clear, not paying for a phone according to a contract is not encouraged, but actually unlocking it is not at all illegal.

Carriers have made it difficult to remove their restriction because there is no law stopping you, only the artificial roadblocks they place in your way. You should not feel guilty in any way for unleashing the full potential of your handset.

Another common misconception is that you have to go through your carrier to get an IMEI code for your device. Years ago, this was the case and it was a frustrating and expensive process.

Things have moved on from the bad old days and there are now a number of IMEI unlocking services provided by third parties which are very cost effective. The power has been taken away from the carriers and they no longer have a monopoly on restricting phones.

Finally, a lot of people shy away from unlocking their handset because they think it is going to be a costly experience. The truth is that it has never been cheaper to free-up a new model mobile telephone.

I was there in the beginning of handset unlocking and have seen some expensive methods used, but IMEI unlocking is definitely not one of them.

With the RIGHT third party provider, you can safely remove an IMEI restriction for a little as $30.

When you consider the overall price of a modern mobile device and what carriers charge for the same service, $30 is peanuts in comparison.

When you consider the savings you could make by changing to a better deal on another carrier, can you afford not to unlock your handset?

Want to know the best IMEI unlocking service that’s guaranteed to work every time?

I’ve used this countless times myself, so I am going to introduce you to the best and most reliable IMEI code service on the internet today. I use this service with confidence day in and day out for myself and for customers who want full access to their device.

DoctorUnlock – The most reliable unlock service

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the best unlock methods on the market today.

Best Unlock Service Provider: DoctorUnlock – 9.5/10

DoctorUnlock  is the best service available today that cheaply and without fail will release your handset, removing the carrier restriction that is present.

Once you have used the IMEI code service and paid a one time fee, you will be 100% free to change your carrier and use any SIM card that you want in your device. This service is completely web based and as long as you know the IMEI number of your device, you will be able to pay for the code.

Finding the code itself is easy and free, as long as you follow the instructions of the unlocking service.

It cannot be overstated how useful having an unrestricted phone is. I would never again accept a phone bound to a single network and you shouldn’t either.

Here’s why I use this particular service:

  • Legal:
    The great news is that unlike other methods, using an IMEI code on your handset is completely legal and risk free. While other methods like those mentioned earlier in the article are likely to void your warranty, you can use an IMEI code and still maintain your manufacturer warranty. Considering the already low price of these IMEI code services, it would be silly to risk losing your warranty with any other method.
  • Easy to Use:
    Getting your unique IMEI code to get your iPhone unlocked could not be any easier. There is no additional software and no cables needed. All you need is your phone’s IMEI code, which you then provide to the unlocking service – they do the rest for you. It is so easy that you can follow the steps yourself on the provider’s website.
  • Completely Online:
    Everything is available online these days and IMEI unlocking services are no different. You do not need to visit a shop or trust your expensive handset with a stranger. Everything is done using an online interface and happens very quickly. Even if you only thought of unlocking your phone a day or two before you leave on vacation, you still have time to use an IMEI code service!
  • Immediate Results:
    When using an IMEI unlock service, you can expect almost immediate results. For most handset models, especially modern variants, you will receive a code to remove the carrier restriction from your phone almost instantly upon providing the correct details and paying the service fee. It is almost never too late to unlock your phone.
  • Cheap:
    The greatest thing about IMEI unlocking is that the service is dirt cheap. I can still remember when unlocking phones was a real art form and those who could do it charged accordingly. Today, IMEI code services have made the process so easy that they can offer you very competitive prices. With the savings on carrier costs and the increase in the resale of your handset you can expect after unlocking, it would be silly not to do it.
  • Note:  the service will not work any phones that are reported lost or stolen by the network providers.

Now is the time to act, so let’s look at how you can order an IMEI unlock code today and enjoy free and unrestricted use of your iPhone.

Get Your Guaranteed iPhone Unlocked Today

By now, the benefits of removing the carrier block on your phone should be obvious. You can change SIM cards at will both domestically and overseas and also increase the resale value of your handset.

You can escape the clutches of the carrier and regain your freedom. Previously, achieving this freedom was a real effort with expensive and dodgy services making big promises, but rarely delivering.

However, now with online IMEI unlock services, you can safely and easily unleash the potential of your brand new handset, even if it has a carrier restriction.

Ordering your IMEI unlock could not be any easier. They explain in easy to follow steps on their own website, but I will also outline it for you here as well.

  1. Go to the DoctorUnlock.net
  2. Follow the guide on how to locate your phone’s IMEI number (the unique number that identifies it). This step is totally free and has easy to follow instructions.iPhone about screen to get carrier and imei
  3. Select your type of device from the menu, and enter your IMEI number into the order form.
  4. At this point you will need to process the payment for your imei. Once you have paid, all you need to do is sit tight and wait for your phone to be unlocked. Easy right?
  5. Once you have the email confirmation, remove your old SIM and insert your new SIM. When you turn the device back on, it will detect the new SIM and ask for your code. Put the code you were sent in and enjoy!

By now you are probably itching to get out there and get rid of your carrier lock. There is no need to search the internet for an IMEI unlocking service though, because I have you covered.

I have looked at all of the major services out there and through trial and error have found the very best option. By using the service that I recommend, I personally guarantee you will get the very best service and a flawless buying experience.

You shouldn’t just take my word for it though. DoctorUnlock  gives its very own guarantee. If your code does not work as advertised, they will work with you to fix the problem, or provide you a full refund without any drama.

They really go above and beyond, providing top level service which is why I won’t hesitate to recommend them.

You could try some dodgy method to unlock your phone using hardware modification or software, but I think by now I have been able to show you why these options are not worth it, especially when they can void your warranty or destroy your device.

The only option that you should consider is using an IMEI unlocking service like DoctorUnlock. You can do this with your carrier, but it is much easier and cheaper to use a third party service and save yourself all the hassle.

DoctorUnlock.net is quick, convenient, cheap and safe unlocking service. 

It doesn’t get any better than that right?

 

How To Unlock iPhone 6/Plus & 6s/Plus?

Last updated on

iPhone 6/s phones in white and gold

 (Updated testing results for 2019) 

Summary: There are three methods available to unlock your iPhone 6/6s, or 6 plus/6s plus – software unlocking, hardware unlocking, and IMEI unlocking.

Software unlocking is a scam and doesn’t work, and hardware unlocking can ruin your device and will void your warranty.

The only safe way to get your iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus, and 6s Plus unlocked is with an IMEI unlock. An IMEI Unlock will get your phone added to Apple’s global database of iPhones that is available to use on any carrier. This means you can change to any carrier, whenever you want, without paying any extra fees.

Of the 11 IMEI unlock providers, we’ve tested the three top rated service providers and concluded that due to the nature of IMEI unlocking, the best iPhone 6 series unlock service to use depends on the location of the service provider.

 

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier inside the USA, UK, or Canada, use DoctorUnlock. They’re cheap, fast, have great support, but have a limited range of unlocks available.

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier outside the USA, UK, or Canada, use DirectUnlocks. They have a HUGE range, responsive service and support, but are a little more expensive than UnlockBase.

 

——————

 

Getting your iphone 6 s unlocked has become increasingly popular since fed-up consumers discovered they didn’t have to put up with sub-standard phone reception and service.

With the rise in demand, the range of unlocking options has also increased. The initial software hack that was so effective and popular on the iPhone 3 expanded into hardware unlocking and then into IMEI unlocking.

So, what do you use? There are now three options on the table, which one is right for you? And which unlocking service provider should you choose once you’ve decided which method you’re going to use?

These are the questions we’re going to answer today. First of all, let’s start with the unlocking options.

Get your iPhone 6 unlocked – Type 1: Software Unlocking

(Do not use it)

Software unlockingSoftware unlocking is where you download a piece of software to your device that changes the internal configuration and allows you to make calls from any carrier.

Sounds great and simple in theory, except the loophole used by hackers to unlock your iPhone 6 was closed when Apple released the iPhone 4 and hasn’t worked since.

If you’ve got an iPhone 3, great, go ahead and download your software hack and unlock your device. If you’re using an iPhone 6s, 6 Plus, 6, or 6s Plus, this won’t work for you. Stay away from software unlocking as you’re just wasting your time.

Type 2: Hardware unlocking

(It can work, but it’s dangerous)


Sim cardsHardware unlocking is where you have to alter the physical hardware of your iPhone to redirect calls through an alternate path inside your device and hopefully allow you to use the sim card of a different carrier.

To do this, you pay some dodgy looking guy in the back alley of a shady area of town to physically crack open your device and fiddle with its internal workings.

Yes, it’s as dangerous as it sounds. Best case scenario is you pay $200+ unlocked iphone 6 with a completely voided warranty, that’s been exposed to dust, dirt, greasy fingers. That’s the best case.

Hardware unlocking works in about 30% of cases. Worst case (and typically more common) scenario is you pay $300+ for a broken iPhone with a voided warranty and end up in a heated argument with an angry looking Russian with large friends.

So yes, it can work, but is it really worth risking destroying your device just to make calls from another provider? No, I didn’t think so either. The bottom line is: stay away from hardware unlocking.

Unlocking Type 3: IMEI Or Network Unlocking

(The only safe unlocking method for iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, and 6s Plus)

The final, and only that actually works, is IMEI or Network Unlocking. This is far simpler than downloading dodgy software or paying an even dodgier guy to play around with your phone’s internal workings.

Connecting device via cabel

Every iPhone 6 ever made has a unique identifying code called an IMEI (short for International Mobile Equipment Identifier) which is stored on Apple’s database, along with other details about your device, including the year it was produced, the memory size, the colour, the model number, and also, whether or not it’s unlocked.

IMEI Unlocking is where someone who has access to the IMEI database changes your device status from locked to unlocked. No software to download and no physical work to do. They click a button, you reset your device, and you’re free to go to any carrier you want.

Obviously, this is the only iPhone unlock method you should use. There’s no software to download, and no-one has to change the internal mechanics of your device. All they need to do is change the status from locked to unlocked, and you can change to any carrier you want, whenever you want.

It avoids all the potential problems the other methods pose and lasts for the lifetime of your iPhone.

Steps needed to unlock your phone.  Its takes less than a few minutes.

1. Find your IMEI code. This is the unique identification for your iPhone 6 that the 3rd party services need to unlock your device. Its easy to find:

  • 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 devices, there is a little “i” button on the activation screen, click it and you’ll see the IMEI on the screen
2. Do you know the model of the device you want to unlock? Such as the iPhone 4, 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6 plus, 7, 7 plus, iPad 2 etc.
3. Select our recommended services we review below in the article and provide the IMEI number
4. Click the Unlock now! button then,
5. Pay the unlock phone charge – using your credit card.
6. Enter your email address for updates to the unlock status.
7. You should hear back within a few days about the completion of your unlock.
 

Choosing the right IMEI unlock provider

Like any service, not all IMEI unlock providers are created equal. Some have cheap prices, but can’t deliver the unlocks in the time frame they’ve quoted. Some have a unlocks for a huge number of providers but no customer support. And, worst of all, some are just plain scams.

To make sure you end up with the right provider, we’ve gone through a process of vetting and testing the various providers available.

But, before I get into that…

Click here to skip the methodology and go straight to the reviews

Why I’m qualified to tell you this

lady with iPhone As you can probably guess, there are no formal qualifications for iPhone unlocking or any related fields, but there is a better reason than tertiary qualifications to trust me: I’ve been unlocking devices for almost 8 years.

I grabbed an iPhone 3G back in 2008 and immediately regretted signing up with AT&T. Their service was lousy and their customer support was even worse.

My online research yielded software unlocking and I was away. From that point on, I was the guy my friends came to when they needed advice about unlocking their device.

I lost an iPhone 4 to hardware unlocking in early 2011 and have been sold on IMEI unlocking ever since.

So no, I don’t have a degree or anything like that, but I’ve made every mistake you can when it comes to iPhone unlocking and so can at least tell you how to avoid the same ones I made.

IMEI Unlocking Test Methodology

The process for testing the unlock providers was simple. I started with a Google, forum, and blog search to create a list of all the iPhone 6 Unlock providers available. I found 11.

Hardware unlockingI then started an extensive online review review process; combing through sites like Trust Pilot and Ripoff Report  to whittle the list down to the most reliable sources. This left 3 services to test.

The next step was to put each of these service providers through their paces. I put a call out to my mailing list for anyone who had an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, or 6s Plus who wanted them unlocked and got 68 responses. Of these, I chose 9 iPhone 6’s to unlock. These were chosen to cover the represent the three different unlock categories:

  1. Out of contract with no money owing
  2. In contract with no money owing
  3. In contract with money still owing

We tested each of the 3 IMEI unlock service provider in each of these three categories with an iPhone 6/6 Plus and iPhone 6s/6s Plus.

How we judged their performance

Each unlock service provider was judged on the following 6 categories:

Category 1: Range of unlocks

Not every unlock service provider can unlock iPhones from every carrier. Some have an extensive list in North America (AT&T, Sprint, Telus) but can’t do anything in Australia (Vodaphone, Telstra, Optus).

Some are great in the UK (O2, Orange, T-Mobile), but have nothing available in Japan (KDDI, Softbank). A solid unlock service provider will have a wide range of unlocks available.

Category 2: Price

Like any service, the prices between services providers vary greatly. Some are cheap whilst others will charge an arm and a leg. Price is taken into account when reviewing these providers, but only as a factor. Success, support, and speed are also critical.

Category 3: Payment methods

What good is a great range of unlocks at cheap prices if you can only pay by Western Union bank transfer? None. Payment methods are taken into account but weren’t a deciding factor in our test. Every provider had a wide enough range of payment options available.

Category 4: Customer service

Some people are jerks — that’s a fact. And no one likes dealing with jerks. To make sure you weren’t dealing with a bunch of jerks, I tested each company’s customer service three times: once before placing my order, once after placing my order but before the unlock was complete, and once after the unlock was complete.

Category 5: Success

And now the critical category: were they, or were they not able to unlock the iPhone? Unfortunately, we had more ‘No’s’ than we thought were possible for a well-reviewed service provider, but it was better we find this out now than you having to go through it.

Category 6: Speed

No one likes to wait around, wasting their time, paying for services they don’t want while their order is being processed. Because of this, we included unlock speed as the final judgement category.

 

The Top 3 IMEI Unlock Services For iPhone 6/Plus & 6s/Plus

After 2 weeks of collecting and reviewing data, testing, and waiting for results, we finally were able to judge the service providers against each other.

Here’s how they turned out:

#1. DoctorUnlock– 9.5/10 (Use if you’re inside the USA, UK, or Canada)

DoctorUnlock are my #1 recommendation because the do the one thing we paid them to do: unlock the phones. Yes, I know that sounds like an obvious benefit of paying someone to do something for you, but after reading hundreds of reviews of other services, this is actually a rarity in the market.

But that’s not the only reason they’re #1. They did other things right as well.

PROs: First of all, and most importantly, they unlocked all three iPhones. And not only that, they did it in the time frame they said they would. Amazing. I know that if you haven’t tried to get an iPhone unlocked before, you might struggle to see just how amazing this is, but this is a rarity.

iPhone IMEI in US, CanadaSecondly, they’re reasonably priced. Yes, ‘reasonably’ isn’t the most glowing endorsement possible, but when everyone who’s cheaper is a scam, then reasonably is a good place to start.

Their unlocks start at around $19.99 and go up from there. You can pay by credit card without any drama and it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg.

Thirdly, their support is great. You can email them anytime, day or night, and their response is usually never more than a few hours away. Our pre-sale question was answered in 2 hours and 11 minutes, our post-sale but pre-unlock question was answered in 3 hours and 18 minutes, and our post-sale post-unlock follow up question was answered in 3 hours and 9 minutes.

CONs: The only drawback with DoctorUnlock  is that they have a limited range of unlocks. If you’re in the US, UK, or Canada, you should be able to find your carrier on their list (some of the more obscure carriers are missing), but outside that, you might struggle.

OVERALL: Overall, iPhoneIMEI  is my #1 choice because they do what they say they’re going to do, when they say they’re going to do it, at a reasonable price, and are willing to answer your questions along the way. What more could you want? And in an industry renowned for dodgy operators, this makes them a winner.

If you’re in the US, UK, or Canada and need to unlock your iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, or 6s Plus, go to DoctorUnlock.

 

#2 DirectUnlocks – 9/10 (Use if you’re outside the USA, UK or Canada)

official unlockingOfficial iPhone Unlock are the #2 rated unlock provider we found. Just like DoctorUnlock, they were able to unlock all three iPhone unlocks we sent, but they’re behind enough to make a difference in who you should use.

PROs: Just like DoctorUnlock, they tick a lot of boxes (they wouldn’t get a 9/10 rating is they didn’t).

Firstly, they have the biggest range of unlocks on the market. Is your iPhone locked to Softbank in Japan? Great. They can unlock it. T-Mobile in Poland? Done. Claro in Panama? Problem solved. Their range is SUPER impressive, and they carry unlocks that no-one else has.

Secondly, their support is excellent. Unlike DoctorUnlock  they not only have email support but phone support as well. You can call them anytime you want, day or night, and there’ll be someone there to answer your questions.

We called for our pre-sale question and spoke to one of their support agents within 7 minutes. Our post-sale but pre-unlock question and post-sale post-unlock questions were both sent by email and answered in less than 2 1/2 hours.

Thirdly, they’re fast. The majority of their massive range of unlocks are completed in 24 – 72 hours, with only some of the rarer unlocks taking longer than that.

CONs: There are two drawbacks with DirectUnlocks, and one of the reason them ranking behind the competitor DoctorUnlock.net. Firstly, they’re a little more expensive than iPhoneIMEI. It’s not much, only 15%-20%, but it’s enough to make a difference to your bank balance at the end of the day.

And secondly (and this is more of a pet peeve than anything), their prices are all in Brittish Pounds. It means that you don’t actually know exactly what you’re going to pay until your credit card is charged. Yes, you have a vague idea (you can find up-to-date exchange rates here), but you don’t know exactly until your bank decides on what rate they’re going to charge you.

I guess that’s the price you pay for being able to unlock your iPhone from just about every carrier in the world, though…

OVERALL: If you need your iPhone unlocked and you use DirectUnlocks to do it, you’re not going to be disappointed. Yeah, their USA, UK, and Canadian unlocks are a little pricier than iPhoneIMEI and their prices are in British Pounds, but they have a range or unlocks you just can’t beat.

If you’re outside the USA, UK, and Canada and need your device unlocked, go to DirectUnlocks.

#3. IMEI Codes (5/10 – Not very impressive)

using IMEI codesIMEI codes are the last pick on my list, and the results led me to believe their online reviews might have been a little dishonest. They failed to unlock two of the three unlocks we tested and we had to file chargebacks to get our money back for the other two.

Not a great way to make a solid first impression.

PROs: I like to think of myself as a positive person, but there’s very little positive to write about IMEI Codes. Sure, they unlocked one of the three IMEI’s we sent them, but they made life difficult in just about every other area including iPhone keyboard apps.

CONs: For starters, they’re very expensive when I compared their prices, they came in 50% more than DirectUnlocks  and 70% than iPhoneIMEI for iPhone’s locked to carriers in North America. And look, the higher prices would be justified if they offered something that the other guys didn’t, but they don’t.

Their customer support is sloppy. They eagerly and enthusiastically responded to my presale question (obviously have a good sales team), but I didn’t hear back to my post-sale but pre-unlock question till 4 days after my unlock was due to be completed. And even when they did respond, their English was terrible, they didn’t answer the question, and they were rude about it. That’s not the level of support I expect from what’s claimed to be a premium service.

Like I said, they were only able to unlock one of the three phones and their lack of customer support meant we had to file a chargeback to get a refund for the other two. I don’t recommend you deal with them.

OVERALL: If you can’t find your unlock on iPhoneIMEI or if DirectUnlocks is down, then you could try IMEI Codes, but I would definitely only use them as a very last resort if you’re in an emergency situation.

If you want to know more about IMEI Codes, you can visit their website here.

 

To wrap it all up…

There are three different kinds of iPhone 6 and 6 plus unlocks available.

  1. iPhone 6 software unlocking is simply a scam
  2. Hardware unlocking can occasionally work, but can ruin your iPhone and void your warranty
  3. IMEI or network unlocking is the only way to unlock and keep your warranty intact

We reviewed 11 IMEI unlock providers and tested three providers with 3 unlocks each. Our test results show:

If you’re inside the USA, UK, or Canada, unlock your device with DoctorUnlock. They only have a limited range, but they’re fast, cheap, and their customer support is excellent.

If you’re outside the USA, UK or Canada, unlock your device with DirectUnlocks. They’re a little pricier, but they have every unlock under the sun and the speed and support to back it up.

Have fun with your unlocked iPhone!

Other similar unlock guides you may be interested in:

How to unlock iPhone 7

How to unlock iPhone 8

How to unlock iPhone X

How to unlock ATT iPhone 

How to unlock iPad

How to unlock Samsung S7

How to unlock Samsung S10

How to Unlock Samsung S8 

How to unlock iCloud Activation Lock

How to iCloud Bypass 

How to unlock Samsung Reactivation or Bypass Lock 

 

How To Unlock iPhone 7 & 7 Plus?

Last updated on

Get your phone unlocked to take great photos.

 (Updated Testing Results for 2019) 

Want to know how to unlock iPhone 7?

Summary:

Owning the brand new iPhone 7 or 7 plus is exciting. Being locked to a carrier who charges through the roof and gives you substandard customer service is not…

If you want to switch to a carrier that actually provides value for money, or even just want to be able to use a local carrier while overseas, you need an IMEI unlock.

An IMEI unlock safely and permanently frees your iPhone 7 from your carrier meaning you’re able to use your device with whichever provider you want.

The cheapest and most reliable iPhone 7 IMEI provider to use depends on your location.

If you’re locked to a carrier inside the US, use DoctorUnlock.net. They have the best prices, best support, and are the most reliable provider we tested, but have a limited range of unlocks outside North America and the UK.
If you’re locked to a carrier outside the US, use DirectUnlocks. They can untether your iPhone from almost every service provider in the world, have great prices, solid support (including phone support) and are very reliable, but are slightly more expensive than iPhoneIMEI.

Unlocking Guide – How To Unlock Your iPhone 7/Plus & 7s/Plus?

The latest and greatest iPhone has landed on our shores, and with it comes the same old problems. Phone service providers are still charging ridiculous fees, providing poor network availability and customer service, and charging crazy international roaming fees to anyone who heads overseas.

Woman holding iPhoneThese high rates and substandard service wouldn’t be acceptable in any other industry, but companies like AT&T, Sprint, O2, and Vodafone can get away with it because of device locking.

Phone locking is where your mobile device is tied to a particular carrier and you’re not able to use it with any other carrier. This means they can charge what they want and provide as little as they want and they know you’re not going to leave them.

That is, of course, unless you unlock your iPhone 7 or 7 plus.

Phone unlocking is where you remove the restrictions that prevent you from using your device with another carrier and get the freedom to escape all the problems they’re creating.

There are three methods for unlocking available on the market. But, only one that works…

Method #1: Software Method

(Hasn’t worked since the iPhone 3G)

The first iPhone unlocking method to appear on the market was the software unlock. It first became available when the iPhone 3G first hit the market and exploited a hardware loophole on the device to allow some users to move their device to any carrier they wanted.

Unfortunately, this method was identified by Apple and the loophole was closed with the release of the iPhone 4 meaning that it’s not effective on the iPhone 7.

Method #2: Hardware Method

(Dangerous, unreliable, and will void your warranty)

You can also get your iPhone 7 unlocked by the hardware method. This method identified once the software unlocking loophole was closed was hardware process. Hardware unlocking is where you pay a suspicious looking guy in a suspicious looking back alley to physically open up your device and play with its internal hardware.

It’s dangerous, dirty, only has a 30% effectiveness rate, and will completely void your warranty in the off-chance it does work. Does that sound like something you want to do to your brand new iPhone 7 / 7 Plus? No, I didn’t think so.

Method #3: IMEI Unlocking

(Only safe and effective method for iPhone 7 / 7 Plus)

Woman on her iphoneThe final, and only effective method for unlocking a mobile device is the IMEI or factory unlock. An IMEI is the unique identifying code used to identify your phone.

Each device has a different IMEI and it’s stored on the Apple database along with other identifying features, including model number, colour, storage size, year of production, and most importantly, whether it’s locked to a particular network.

An IMEI solution is where the status of your iPhone is changed from being locked to a particular network to being unlocked on the Apple database.

This is safe, effective, permanent, and most importantly, does not void your warranty. Because of this, an IMEI unlock is the only iPhone 7 or 7 Plus method I recommend.

 IMEI Unlock Provider Testing Process

Hand holding iphone with the picture of kidThe explosion of iPhone sales over the last 8 years has been followed by an explosion of IMEI unlock providers. And as with any industry, the quality, level of service, and reliability of those providers varies greatly.

To make sure you only end use an IMEI  provider who’s going to deliver, I’ve gone through and reviewed and tested the major players in the industry.

Even though I’ve already done this with both iPhone 5/S/C/ and iPhone 6/6 Plus/6s/6s Plus, it was important to make sure that these service providers could deliver with the newest Apple 7. Here’s how I conducted that test.

Finding Test Subjects

Probably the hardest part of this test was finding enough people with an  7 or 7 Plus who wanted them freed up! It’s a new phone and most people haven’t had enough time to become dissatisfied with the level of service provided just yet. But, I didn’t manage to find 8 Apple 7 phone owners and 4 iPhone 7 Plus owners through my network of friends and website readers to test these IMEI  providers with.

These iPhone 7’s were locked to the following networks:

  • 3 x locked to AT&T USA
  • 2 x locked to Sprint USA
  • 1 x locked to Vodafone UK
  • 1 x locked to O2 UK
  • 1 x locked to T-Mobile USA

These iPhone 7’s Plus were locked to the following networks:

  • 1 x locked to AT&T USA
  • 1 x locked to EE UK
  • 1 x locked to KDDI Japan
  • 1 x locked to Rogers Canada

 Culling Down Factory Unlock Providers

The first step in testing these factory providers was to reduce the 29 providers down to a number I could test. I only had 12 phones to play with and I wanted to test each provider with multiple phones so I had to reduce the number down to three.

To do this, I created a list of unlock providers and then set about reading through various online review websites like TrustPilot and  Ripoff Report to find who was legitimate provider and who was simply running a scam.

It was easy to weed out the obvious scams and keep reducing the list until I had what looked like the top three iPhone 7 IMEI providers.

Testing Methodology

The test itself was simple. I purchased 4 iPhone 7 IMEI unlocks from each of three providers I’d identified as being legitimate.

Connecting phone with computerI then allowed the process to run it’s course whilst contacting their customer support along the way, so I could discover who was value for money and who was a ripoff.

Judging Criteria

There are 6 criteria I used to judge the performance of these providers:

Criteria 1: Success of unlock

This has to be #1 here: did they or did they not deliver on their promise to free the phone they were paid to unlock? If they did, hooray! If they didn’t, boo!

Success / failure is critical because THAT’S WHAT THEY’RE PAID TO DO.

Criteria 2: Range of services available

There’s no point in recommending an IMEI  provider if they can only unlock iPhone 7’s locked to some obscure carrier in a small eastern-European country that no-one’s ever heard of.

The recommended  provider needs to have solutions for a wide range of carriers from a wide range of countries, otherwise, there would be no point in recommending them.

Criteria 3: Cost

It’s great for these providers to have a wide range and actually deliver on their promises, but if each methods costs more than the phone they’re unlocking, what’s the point?

Because of this, the third criteria used to judge the quality of the providers was cost, with preference given to the cheapest provider who could deliver a quality product.

Criteria 4: Payment Methods

Can free up my iPhone 7? Great. Have a big range of unlocks? Awesome. Have decent prices? Excellent. Only accept payments with seashells sent via registered post to the Solomon Islands? Bad. Obviously, this isn’t a real scenario, but there are some IMEI  providers who only accept Western Union money transfer, which is a pain in the arse, whereas other accept PayPal and all major credit cards. It’s pretty easy to guess who I’m going to recommend.

Criteria 5: Customer Service

Paying someone you’ve never met before to perform a process you’re not familiar with can be a nerve-wracking experience. The only thing that can calm these nerves is solid customer service.

Because of this, each provider will be tested three times through the services’ process for their contact types, politeness, responsiveness, and helpfulness

Criteria 6: Speed

While you want your mobile device unlocked, you don’t want to have to wait any longer than necessary to change networks. Because of this, each provider will be judged on how long it takes them to complete the unlock.

What to expect when using DoctorUnlock or another recommended option DirectUnlocks?

iPhone 7 mockups1. IMEI Code

First you will need to figure out your devices’s  IMEI code. This is the unique number for your iPhone 7 that the provider needs to identify and unlock your device.  There are three methods:

  • Method 1: Dial *#06# and it will send back the IMEI code.
  • Method 2: For iPhone 5 or newer, the IMEI number is located on the rear of the device.
  • Method 3: All non-activated phones, find the little “i” button on the activation screen, click it and you’ll see the IMEI on the following screen.

2. Model of your device

You will also need to know the model of your device such as the iPhone 4, 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6 plus, 7, 7 plus, iPad 2 etc.

3. Fill out the requested details

Click the following link to DoctorUnlock  or DirectUnlocks and fill out the details they request (IMEI and Phone Model)

4. Click the Unlock now! button

5. Pay the service fee using your credit card

6. Supply your email address to get updates on the unlock status

7. Enjoy your phone!

Celebrate your newly freed mobile phone within a few days.

Top 3 IMEI Unlock Providers for iPhone 7/7 Plus

The tests have been completed and the results are in. If you need your iphone 7 unlocked, these are the three best IMEI  providers on the market, in order of preference.

#1. DoctorUnlock (9.5/10 – Use inside the USA, UK or Canada)

best unlock serviceThe #1 IMEI provider I found for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus was DoctorUnlock. They’re fast, reliable, reasonably priced, have great customer support, and most importantly, unlocked all 4 iPhones we paid them for.

Their range is limited outside of the USA, Canada, and the UK, but as those countries make up about 80% of unlocks, they get my vote as #1.

PROs: The biggest pro of DoctorUnlock  is that of the three unlock providers we tested, they were the only unlock provider that unlocked all 4 mobile devices we paid them for. That’s the biggest pro because it means you’re going to get what you paid them for. Simple as that.

But, that’s not the only place where they stood out. On average, they were 17% cheaper than the other unlock providers. Prices varied between phone service providers and countries, but when we averaged out the costs differences, it came to 17%.

The other area that really separated them from the crowd was their customer support. I contacted them three times — once before purchasing the unlock, once during the  process, and once after the unlock was complete — and they responded quickly, with the information I requested, and in a polite and helpful manner.

Their service delivery times were the same as our #2 recommendation (an average of 48 hours), which is excellent, but not a point of difference.

CONs: The only real con for DoctorUnlock.net is their limited range of unlocks. They can free your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus from just about every phone service provider inside the US, Canada, and the UK, but you might not find the provider you want if you’re outside those areas.

OVERALL: With great prices, helpful and polite customer support, and a 100% success rate on all 4 unlocks, DoctorUnlock  is my #1 recommendation if you’re inside the US, UK, or Canada.

If your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus is locked to a carrier inside the US, go to DoctorUnlock now.

 

#2 DirectUnlocks (9/10 – Use outside the USA, UK, or Canada)

browsing through the phoneDirectUnlocks is the #2 provider on the list. On customer service, speed, and price, they matched DoctorUnlock, and on range of unlocks, they have even more than Keys2iPhone, but there was one problem.They were only able to unlock 3 of the 4 iPhone 7’s we paid for…

Pros

  • DirectUnlocks  do a lot of things well. Their prices, customer support, and unlock speed were all the same as DoctorUnlock..
  • They averaged 2 days for each of the unlocks they completed.
  • They responded politely to our customer support enquiries.
  • They were 16% cheaper than the average.
  • The one really big pro that separates them from the rest of the providers is that they have the biggest range of unlocks available anywhere on the market. And not just by 10% or 15%; the difference is huge. I couldn’t tell you exactly how many phone service providers are on their list, but I’d guess they have just about every provider in every country in the world.

Cons

  • There’s only one con here, but it’s a big one. Of the 4 iPhone 7 unlocks we purchased, they only unlocked 3 of them. They were successful with the AT&T USA, Rogers Canada, and EE UK, but couldn’t get KDDI Japan to work. To be fair, they warned that they were having trouble getting KDDI unlocked when we placed our order, but it was still a failure.

Overall

DirectUnlocks are a solid provider. They’re reasonably priced, quick, have great customer service, and the biggest range of unlocks available on the market. Whilst they only managed to unlock 3 of the 4 unlocks we purchased, they did warn us that they weren’t having success with that particular phone service provider.

If you’re locked to a carrier outside the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada, head to DirectUnlocks now.

 

 #3 Keys2iPhone (5/10 – Don’t use them)

SIM cardsKeysiPhone are the final provider on my list, and they’re here for a reason. Sure, they managed to complete 2 of the 4 unlocks we paid for, but that was only after asking us for an additional payment that was as much as we originally paid! And if that wasn’t enough…

Pros

  • The only real pro is that they completed 2 unlocks. There’s really not much else to say here.

Cons

  • They only completed 50% of the unlocks we purchased.
  • It took an average of 5 days to complete those unlocks.
  • They only completed them after requiring additional payments of what we originally paid for the unlocks! Apparently, they had to use premium services to unlock those two phones.
  • Their customer service is terrible. They only responded to our pre-sales emails and completely ignored our support emails.
  • We had to file chargebacks to get refunds for two unlocks they couldn’t complete.

Overall

They completed two of the four unlocks we paid for and everything else went poorly. Their support, trying to get refunds, their unlock time, everything was poor. Plenty of cons. Not the kind of company I would trust with my money or iPhone.

 In Conclusion

picture of steel lockThere are three methods available if you need to get your iphone 7 unlocked: software unlocking, hardware unlocking and IMEI or factory unlocking.

Software unlocking hasn’t worked since the iPhone 3G, hardware unlocking is dangerous and will void your warranty, meaning that IMEI unlocking is the only safe way to unlock your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus.

I evaluated 29 providers and tested 3 and the IMEI unlock provider you should use depends on your location.

If you’re locked to a carrier inside the USA, UK or Canada use DoctorUnlock.  They specialise in unlocks inside the US, UK, and Canada and have the cheapest prices, fastest unlocks and polite and responsive customer support. They were the only provider to complete all 4 unlocks we purchased. They have a limited range outside the US, UK, and Canada, but if you’re inside those regions, you’ll get a great deal.
If you’re locked to a carrier outside the US, UK and Canada, use DirectUnlocks. They match iPhoneIMEI  on price, speed, and customer support and have a huge range of unlocks available from almost every unlock provider around the world. Yes, they failed to unlock our iPhone 7 Plus locked to KDDI Japan, but they warned us about that when we placed our order.

Related articles on Why The Lucky Stiff:

How to Unlock Samsung Galaxy s6 Edge Safely and Permanently

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How to unlock Samsung Galaxy s6

Dealing with cell phone carriers can feel like getting stuck between a rock and a hard place. You get locked into a plan and contract with one carrier for years with no affordable way out.

What happens when your calls are constantly dropped? No service in a certain room? Customer service support drives you crazy? Competing cell phone providers start to look appealing.

There is also the question of rapidly advancing technology.

If you don’t want to read any further, the best IMEI phone unlock service is DirectUnlock. They’re cheapest, fastest and have great support.

Our recommended service is DirectUnlock. They’re cheapest, fastest and have great support.

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Why commit to one plan for two years when the coolest phones might be carried by someone else?

Switching carriers should be a walk in the park, right? There’s one problem: Most cell phones are locked into one carrier, no matter where you bought it from.

Do you want to avoid paying ridiculously high fees to switch?

You already know there must be a better more affordable way. And there is!

Unlocking your cell is the way to win back your freedom from the cell phone companies, use any carrier you want, and get the most for your money. And keep your same device while doing it!

If you plan to travel anytime soon, you can even use a local SIM card when abroad. Avoid paying huge roaming fees with your current carrier. The savings could literally add up to hundreds of dollars.

Unlocking your device also gets the resale value to soar. You can make more money from selling it online or through your network if it is not stuck to one company.

So how do you unlock your phone?

There are a few different methods, but they vary in safety, price, and whether or not they actually work. Here are the ways I have come across:

1. Software unlocking

2. Hardware unlocking

3. IMEI unlocking

Which one of these methods work? Do you want to finally be free from cell phone plan prison? There’s a method to liberate your device that is easy, affordable, and simple!

It is a guaranteed way to release your device that works every single time. We’ll get into the details, but first let’s look through all your options so you can make the decision for yourself.

I’ll walk you through the simple steps of unlocking your device and tell you how you can finally take back control of your own device. Forget never-ending cell phone contracts, huge roaming charges, and bad cell phone service once and for all.

Free Your Samsung Galaxy s6 Phone From Annoying Carrier Restrictions

Let me share a personal story real quickly about what I went through to learn about cell phone unlocking the hard way.

How to unlock Samsung Galaxy s6 EdgeI was excited to buy the latest device model offered by one of the huge electronics stores around the holidays. The device was offered at such a cheap price, I didn’t think it would be a problem to try a new carrier.

I got my shiny new phone, signed away my rights under a long contract with a new company, and set up my smartphone. I didn’t think twice as I dove into setting it up, installing my go-to apps, syncing my photos and mail, and taking as many photos as I could with the slick new camera.

Before I knew it, I started getting poor service. My calls were always dropped when I walked into my bedroom. My service seemed to stop working whenever I entered my favorite coffee shop downtown. The week I spent at my family’s cabin? No service at all.

My family could not get enough of using their smartphones in front of me while I was forced to unplug (while still getting billed for cell service!).

I needed to get some work done while at the cabin and was left scrambling to find alternative internet and call service. I’m sure you know what it’s like to be unable to get online when you really need to. Isn’t it hugely frustrating?

Obviously I was upset with my then service provider. I had fallen in love with my device and didn’t want to give it up just to switch carriers.

That’s when I learned about cell phone unlocking.

Getting out of my service provider’s contract the regular way would be a hassle and super expensive. On a recommendation that I could “just do it online,” I tried software unlocking at the first website I could find.

They took my money but the software didn’t work. My customer service calls and emails went unanswered at the shady website. My device was still stuck to the same company.

Next I tried hardware unlocking. I planned to check out the strip mall electronics store where I heard they could perform an unlocking service. I decided to bring an old phone I had lying around, so as not to mess up my new one, just in case.

I sat and waited while my old device underwent major surgery. I had to sign a few papers saying that if it broke, it wasn’t the technician’s fault. Well, guess what happened? My device was ruined and I’d signed away my rights to get anything back!

Afterward, I read that this method works less than 30% of the time. I should have done my research first before paying to have a device destroyed. I didn’t know what else to do, feeling like I had already been scammed out of so much money.

That’s when I heard about IMEI unlocking. This time, I read about it extensively to make sure it was the real deal. I did tons of combing through internet forums and decided I’d give it one last try. I did not want to stay handcuffed to my terrible service provider for years.

My prayers were answered: IMEI unlocking finally worked. I was free!

Let me tell you everything I learned in my adventure of unlocking my device and explain everything you need to understand about it so you don’t make the same mistakes.

Ways To Unlock Samsung Galaxy s6 Phone

There are many ways (according to the internet) you can unlock a Samsung Galaxy s6, but they are not all created equally. I’ll detail the different methods I came across in my research and personal experience with freeing up phones and let you know which ones were best and which ones were flops.

1. Software downloads

The first way to unlock your device is with software downloads. You pay money to a software website where you download the software onto your computer. Hook up a USB to your computer and device, where the software is designed to reroute the system. The idea is instead of being routed to only one carrier, your phone’s operating system will work under any carrier.

The software download method is not recommended. Just like downloading any email attachment or software from the internet, you can never be sure what these downloads contain.

Downloads are a favorite method of hackers looking to pass on viruses to unsuspecting users. You should always be careful when downloading software to your device. Often times it can permanently change the way your device works.

I don’t recommend software downloads onto your device as it is dangerous and doesn’t even work!

2. Hardware unlocking

Another way to jailbreak your smartphone is hardware unlocking, which is when someone needs to physically take apart your phone to change the hardware.

This method is also risky, as you don’t know the training or expertise of the technician handling your phone. When service is not performed by an authorized Samsung technician, you also void the warranty on your device.

Even if the process goes smoothly, you have lost your warranty. If you drop your phone or it gets water damage for the duration of its life, you won’t be protected. Basically, you are giving up a lot of protection and value on your device just to ATTEMPT to unlock it.

The hardware unlocking method is also not recommended, as it isn’t guaranteed to work and you lose your warranty, making it extremely risky.

3. Unlock Codes (IMEI or Network Unlocking)

Unlock codes are the third and final method for liberating your device and they are the best option!

When you use codes, you pay a service online to send you a code that you enter into your phone. It’s easy!

There is, however, one downside to using this method. So many websites offer this service that you have to be careful you are using a reputable company. There are tons of scammy websites that are just looking to take your money.

I have had luck with one IMEI services: DirectUnlock .

These two actually delivered on their promise to unlock my phones and prices were reasonable, ranging from $25 to about $35. Both companies offer refunds if it doesn’t work, which is rare in this industry. You are safe in their hands. Better to spend money on something refundable, right?

Using codes is also known as IMEI unlocking. This method is so easy and superior that I want to tell you all about it in detail.

Let’s look at how the process of IMEI unlocking works and why I found it to be the best method for releasing your device.

Get Full Control Of Your Samsung Galaxy s6 Phone Back!

The best way to free up a Samsung Galaxy s6 Edge device is to use IMEI unlocking services, which are also called Network Unlocking. IMEI unlocking from good companies works every time (or your money back), and offers the most convenient, affordable and easy-to-use option out there for releasing android devices.

So what is it exactly? The acronym stands for International Mobile Equipment Identifier, which is basically like the social security number for your device. They are stored just like the government stores your identification in a centralized database.

Get full control of your unlocked Samsung Galaxy s6 EdgeThe IMEI number has information about your device like the year it was manufactured, the color, the amount of memory it can hold, the model number, and which carrier it is locked to.

The status of your phone can be changed by someone who has access to the IMEI database. The code method is much less dodgy than going to an electronics store for a technician to move around the internal parts of your smartphone, or to download software to your phone that could contain a virus.

An IMEI unlock code is just like taking a pencil’s eraser and gently changing the status of your device from locked to unlocked. It’s simple, non-invasive, and very reasonable in cost.

Smartphone Unlocking FAQ:

Some people may have questions about IMEI unlock codes. Let’s address common concerns out there.

1. How do you know the code is safe to use?

Some may think that it sounds too similar to software downloads. But it’s not the same thing. The code doesn’t install software onto your device. If it doesn’t work because you ended up with a bad code, then your phone won’t be harmed.

You are basically just turning your phone on and off and entering in a few numbers.

2. How can a code unlock your device?

Some may worry about whether IMEI unlocking really works, because it sounds so simple. While you need to be wary of some of these services, as there are scam artists in any field, there are honest companies too!

Once you find a reputable source, they will be able to change your phone’s status simply and easily. The reputable sites even offer a money-back guarantee.

3. How do you know if you are working with a reputable provider?

I’ve researched about 15 sites for unlocking phones, and I can definitively say that ExpressUnlock is the best service for releasing your Samsung Galaxy s6 Edge. This company met their promise and was very responsive to customer service questions.

With unlocking services starting at just $26, and averaging around $33, this service is a steal of a deal. You’ll get charged more (maybe even hundreds of dollars) at smartphone stores for hardware unlocking (which may not even work) and you may lose even more on repeated software downloads that don’t work.

For the safety and peace of mind that this service gives, IMEI unlocking can’t be beat.

Another runner-up that I found to be good was Unlock Forest for Samsung Galaxy phones but their website is not as nice and they are not as fast.

I’ll say it again – DirectUnlock  truly is the best! Here’s why.

Now that you know the safest method for cell phone unlocking, which provider are you going to choose out of the many out there?

The service offered by DirectUnlock  will send you a code, which you will enter into your device using the keypad. Depending on your country and carrier, you will buy a different set of unlock codes.

DirectUnlock  offers eight different carriers in the US and five in the UK. No matter who your carrier is, you will likely find it under one of their plans. Huge companies like Sprint and Verizon are covered also.

The unlock code charges a range from $26 to $32.50, depending on your the carrier your device is linked with. That’s nothing compared to the freedom and control that you get!

DirectUnlock  emails you specific instructions about how to unlock your device, including what to do if it shows different screens in response to the codes.

You will get emailed several different codes, like a Network Lock Control Key, Service Provider Control Key, Provider Control Key, Unfreeze/Defreeze Control Key and Region Lock Control Key.

While that may seem like a lot of information, ExpressUnlock makes it simple with clear directions to liberate your phone as fast as possible. The range of codes addresses all scenarios that may keep your device from becoming unlocked.

Another feature of DirectUnlock  that makes it a leader is its customer service. When trying to unlock my device, I sent ExpressUnlock emails pretty late at night that were returned within a reasonable time frame and my questions were fully answered.

You can also go to their website for tutorials and walkthroughs, which show step-by-step instructions for any Samsung Galaxy model. Any question you can think of will be answered so you don’t need to worry about anything.

Here are some testimonials I got from readers when I asked people to be guinea pigs in my cell phone unlocking research:

Katherine Hampton from Dover, DE
When I used DirectUnlock , I was truly shocked to see it work so quickly, and that an actual human wrote back to me from their customer service. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to unlock their phone.How to unlock a Galaxy s6

James Randolph from Des Moines, IA
Unlocking my phone was super easy with DirectUnlock  I felt lost at first, but a few minutes on their website taught me everything I needed to know about entering the codes. It couldn’t have been spelled out more for me in plain English.

Tabby Kowalski, Los Angeles, CA
I sent my money to DirectUnlock , and minutes later I was unlocking my device with their instructions and codes. No shady phone repair shops, no sketchy software, just simple numbers to enter on my phone’s keypad.

Like these users report, the method from DirectUnlock  is simple, spelled out in very clear instructions, quick, and painless. Liberating your device from carrier restrictions can be super fast.

The time frame ranges from the first 24 hours but may take up to a week. Still, one week to get full control over your phone is super fast, especially when you know it’s guaranteed to work!

If you want to get full control over your phone fast and without worry, DirectUnlock is the service for you. Let’s gather all the information we’ve learned and get to any final questions you may have.

This Unlock Code Works Every Time

No matter the model, your country, or your cell phone service provider, you know everything you need to unlock your phone by now.

Ready for the sweet taste of freedom?

The only thing holding you back from having full freedom and control over your device is about $26.

If you’re ready to be free of ridiculous phone contracts and bad service, you have that power. It’s as easy as one simple payment, a few minutes spent entering codes into your phone, and you’re all set!

Ordering codes from UnlockWarrior takes only a few steps.

1. Find the IMEI number on your device, which is located on the device near the battery.
2. Once you have the IMEI number, head to www.expressunlock.com and choose your model, country, and carrier. If you don’t know your carrier, you can also check this through their website.
3. Then, you’ll be prompted to enter in your phone model (you select this from a drop-down list) and then enter the IMEI number.
4. From there, checkout by making your payment through PayPal and entering in your billing address.
5. Once your payment goes through, you’ll receive your code from ExpressUnlock in your email.
6. To complete set-up you need to turn off your device and insert a SIM card from another carrier.
7. Enter the code and your device should be fully functional, ready to be hooked up to any service provider, right way.

Doesn’t that sound easy?
It’s guaranteed – so there’s no risk.

DirectUnlock  even guarantees their method will work, which is not something many competitors can say. You’ll feel safe knowing you can get a refund if the process doesn’t work for you.

Overall, there are a few different options to choose from when you are looking to unlock your smartphone but we’ve covered the best and ONLY one that works EVERY TIME.

AND IT’S GUARANTEED!!! The choice seems pretty obvious, right?

But don’t take my word for it – try it out for yourself risk-free.
Take back your freedom from the tyranny of cell phone carriers today by getting your code at DirectUnlock by clicking here!

 

Guide: How to Install Kodi on Firestick or FireTV in 5 minutes.

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Installing Kodi will allow you to watch free movies, TV shows, live channels, sports, Pay Per View events and more. 

This article will walk you through the easy steps to install Kodi on your Fire TV or FireStick easily in 5 minutes or less. You don’t have to be a technical guru. Anyone can do it!!

The word “system” is pretty strange to me. My stuff around the house is in a mess and my programs, my bookmarks and my files are scattered all over the digital realm of my software devices. Well, one day I’ll have to muster the courage to deal with the piles of clothes in the living room. 

For those of you who are interested in using Kodi for your mobile device, be sure to check out our article on how to install Kodi on iOS.

However, an app can help me with at least one of my software clutter issues. Organizing all your movies and TV shows on your watchlist suddenly became much more convenient. Kodi, formerly known as XBMC or Xbox Media center, is a program where you manage your digital media and where you can record live television on one device. 

What’s even better, Kodi is the most useful Amazon Fire TV app out there. It opens up a whole world of once unavailable content, be it for the hefty price tag or location issues.

You will hardly have any problems using the app. However, installing it on the Fire TV is a bit more complicated. Luckily, there’s a way to do it fast if you follow the guide. Note that our step-by-step tutorial will show you how to install Kodi on Firestick (Fire TV Stick), Fire TV, and Fire TV Cube. This This process will also work on Fire TV televisions. The guide also works great for the new Fire TV Stick 4K, which was released on October 31st, 2018.

Here’s how to install Kodi on your Fire TV in 5 minutes.

Installing Kodi 18.0 Leia on Fire TV

 Kodi 18.0 is the latest stable version. We will update this page as Kodi releases and tests newer version that have been deemed stable.  

As with every installation, you’ll have to read some information. If you’re new to the software, check the company’s website for additional details. If you’re looking for an exhaustive step-by-step tutorial and want to set it up quickly, watch out for the preparation steps first:

  • Streaming can be punishable by law, so make sure you use a VPN service, such as ExpressVPN. Covering your identity will make the best out of your viewing experience. You can check out which of the VPN services provider fits your needs. We’ll show down below how to install a VPN option of your choice. But first, you will have to tweak a few options in the Settings.
  • You will have to enable and disable a couple of options on your Fire TV. In the Settings, you have a My Fire TV / Device icon.
Click Setting from HomeScreen

When you click on it, you’ll choose Device or My Fire TV (in case you have the Fire TV Cube).

Choose Device or MyFireTV

After that, you’ll choose the Developer Options. 

Choose Developer Options

From there, enable ADB debugging option and turn on the Apps from Unknown Sources section.

Turn on Dev options.

While turning on the Apps from Unknown Sources, a warning will pop up. Click Turn On to continue.

Click OK for Apps Unknown Warning

After changing the Developer options, go to Settings> Preferences > Privacy Settings. There you can find the Device Usage Dataand Collect App Usage Data. Turn them off and you’re ready to go to the first step of the installation.

Turn off Device Usage Data.

ATTENTION:

ATTENTION: USE A VPN TO PROTECT YOUR VIEWING BEHAVIOR
ATTENTION: ISPs and governments regularly track their users’ online behavior. If the users are found streaming copyrighted content on your Fire TV device, you could potentially get into a trouble. Your IP is visible to everyone unless you use a solid VPN service. I strongly recommend you to get the best VPN for FireTV devices and mask your identity/IP so that your streaming and viewing experience isn’t tracked by your ISP. Using a VPN is perfectly legal and safe. I use ExpressVPN which is the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device including Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 3 months free and save 49% on their annual plan.

 

Step 1: Installing a VPN

Step 1: Choose the Search tab and find the VPN provider of your choice. In this case, we’ll use ExpressVPN. You can download it by clicking on Get.

Solid and dependable VPN service to protect your viewing habits

After you install it, you will have to open the ExpressVPN app. Login with the credentials you got when you purchased the subscription. Now click on the Power icon and change the location if you want on the Change Location button. You will then be connected to the VPN server and your connection will be secure.

 

Step 2: Find and Download the Downloader Ap

Return to the Fire TV or Fire Stick Home screen. 

In the upper left corner, you’ll find the search icon. Click it.

Search for Downloader

Type in Downloader in the Search tab and then click the Downloader icon. 

Choose Downloader App

Click the Select button on your remote and it will begin to download the Downloader. This is the easiest way to install Kodi, so if you’re looking for the fastest solution, stay tuned.

Click Download now

Step 3: Kodi Download

Once you install the Downloader, you’ll click Open to launch it.

Open Downloader

Once it opens, you’ll see a pop up asking you to allow Downloader to access photos, media and files on your device. Click Allow. Note that this option won’t show immediately on older Fire TV versions.

A tab will show asking you to enter a URL. By clicking on the URL tab, you will have to enter the following: http://kodi.tv/download and then click on Go.

Enter in url http://kodi.tv/download

Step 4: Choose the App

When the page loads, you’ll have to choose the Android app. Fire TV works best with the Kodi Android app since the TV is an Android OS.

Click on the Android App

 

Step 5: Choose the Installation

The app selection will lead you to a new page. The 32-bit installation is the right one for Fire TV devices. In case you think other will work well, you can choose another.

Select latest Kodi Version.

Step 6: Installation

You will click on Install and Downloader app will download and install Kodi. It could take a while – the app has a little over 80MB.

Download in progress

Click Install on the setup page in Kodi.

Start Install

It will begin installing on your Fire TV or your Fire Stick.

Kodi installing

You can click Open once Kodi has finished installing.

Kodi Install Finish Screen

 

Step 7: Move Kodi to the App List

You’ll be brought to the Kodi interface. Exit the window and go back to the Fire TV home screen. 

When you exit, you’ll be brought to the Downloader page. Click Delete so you can remove the Kodi installation file.

Delete Downloader

Click Delete once more.

Delete confirmation

Press the Home button on the remote of your Fire TV. You’ll see the Apps icon. 

Press Home Button

By clicking on it, you should be able to rearrange the position of the apps on the home screen. Pick Kodi app and move it to the preferred spot.

Move Kodi App

The Kodi shortcut will then be available on the Home screen of your Fire TV or Fire Stick TV in the Apps & Games section.

Kodi on home screen

That’s it! We hope you’ve done it in under 5 minutes. To continue using Kodi, keep it up to date. You will have to download and install the app again. In other words, just follow the steps 3-6 again. If you have questions about Kodi features, visit Kodi Wiki.

These step-by-step instructions can easily implement Kodi to your Amazon Fire TV. However, if you’re unable to jailbreak Amazon Fire TV, check out other installation methods  in our article.

?Remember to use a VPN when you use Kodi.  We recommend ExpressVPN.  

Now What?

Now that you have installed Kodi on Firestick.  You won’t have access to any content on Kodi in its basic installation.   To stream movies, TV Shows, or Sports, you will need to install different Kodi Addons  or leverage a Build which includes multiple Addons in a seamless user experience. 

Wondering how to get the best Kodi Addons or Builds on your Fire TV / Stick? Check out the links below which will help you install popular Addons and builds which are working fine and pulling quality streams.

Read our Guide to the best builds for Kodi

Read our Guide on  to the best Addons for Kodi

 

Conclusion

To all of the unsystematic people out there, I feel your burden. If your Fire TV is a hot mess, do yourself a huge favor and install Kodi. It will put your chaotic movie lists into order and open up the whole new world of streaming content.

Guide: How to install Kodi on iPhone

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There is no official Kodi app that will allow you to use Kodi on your iPhone or iPad, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to download it. You can for instance just download the app from the Cydia software store if your phone is jailbroken. But for those of you who want to download Kodi without jailbreaking your iOS device, we’ve laid out the steps for you in this simple guide. For those of you who are interested in using Kodi at home, as an all-in-one media centre, be sure to read our article on installing kodi on a firestick.

What is Kodi?

Previously known as XBMC (Xbox Media Centre), Kodi is a home media hub that uses free and open source software to let you listen to, watch, and play pretty much anything you want. By aggregating all your stored media into one location, Kodi makes the storing and streaming of all your digital media convenient and easy.While Kodi does not officially contain or create any of its own content, the highly customizable interface, from themes to plugins and add-ons, as well as an active developers community, makes the well-designed media hub a natural choice for power users.The Kodi app is available on the official site for download on all major operating systems, although you need to jailbreak your iPhone or iPad for the iOS versions to work. Kodi used to be called XBMC, which might be what’s causing the confusion. It’s a versatile and extremely popular piece of media-player software, and is often used to play internet video (or downloaded media files in variety of formats) on a big-screen TV. The biggest draw is the vast number of add-ons available, offering extended functionality like the ability to watch movies or live TV. Contrary to popular belief, you can use Kodi to play video on an iPad or iPhone – just not officially, since the software isn’t available on the App Store. Instead, the most common approach is to download it from the Cydia software store, but this strategy obviously only works on devices that are jailbroken. While it’s probably simpler to go down the jailbreaking route, there is a way to install the Kodi app on your iOS device without a jailbreak – and here’s how to do it.
ATTENTION: USE A VPN TO PROTECT YOUR VIEWING BEHAVIOR: Internet Service Providers and governing agencies monitor their users’ online behavior. If the people are flagged as streaming copyrighted content on your FireStick , you could be warned and later fined for repeated offenses. Your internet IP is visible to everyone unless you use a good VPN service which masks your IP. I strongly recommend you to get the best VPN for FireStick devices and mask your IP so that your  viewing experience won’t be tracked. Using a VPN is legal legal and safe. We recommend ExpressVPN which is the fastest and most dependable VPN in the industry. It is very easy to sign up and install on any device including Amazon Fire TV Stick. ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 3 months free and save 49% on their annual plan.

 

 

Method 1: Install Kodi on your iPhone using TweakBox App

TweakBox is a wonderful tool to download numerous apps that are unavailable on the Apple store. Even you might get many paid apps that are completely free in TweakBox. This excellent 3rd party app installer can be used to install Kodi on your favourite iPhone. Follow the below instructions to download TweakBox and install Kodi on your iPhone:
  1. Open Safari browser on your iPhone and go to www.tweakboxapp.com
  2. Click on the ‘DOWNLOAD APP’ button to download TweakBox app
Download TweakBoxapp
3. An Install Profile will now be shown in your settings. Select the ‘Install’ button from your top right and install again when prompted to get the app
TweakBox Install Profile
TweakBox Install Profile
4. The TweakBox will be on your home screen now. Return on your home screen to open the app. You might need to click away popped up ads if there’s any.
TweakBoxapp Homes Screen.
  5. Now go to ‘APPS’ from the right of the screen after launching the app and choose ‘Tweakbox Apps’ from the categories.
TweakBoxapp Apps
6. Go to the search bar and find Kodi from the there
TweakBox Find App
7. Select Kodi and install the app
TweakBox Install
8. Before opening the app, you need to go to Settings >> General >> Profile and Devices Management
TweakBox Settings
9. You will find some texts like below screen in the ‘ENTERPRISE APP’. Click on the text to proceed.
TweakBox Enterprise App
10. Now, click on the ‘Trust’ button on your text that you will find on your iPhone and click on ‘Trust’ again when it appears.
TweakBox Trust
11. Go back to your home screen and you will find the Kodi app installed.

Method 2:  Installing Kodi using Cydia Impactor

This is an alternative way to install Kodi on your iOS device without jailbreaking.  Cydia Impactor is a popular app available for macOS and Windows that allows iOS users to install non-App Store apps .To get started you will want to download Cydia Impactor and the most recent Kodi .IPA file. You can download the latest file from this link. Remember to download the latest version.  Avoid any beta versions as they may be unstable and buggy. It is important to note the current Kodi version/build isn’t a 64-bit app.  Therefore it is not supported in iOS 11, so this is for iOS 10 and earlier users.

Follow the following steps:

  • First, Connect your iOS device  to your PC or Mac. If iTunes opens automatically when you plug in your iOS device, close the iTunes application before you start the next step.
  • Open the Cydia Impactor application.  Then, drag-and-drop Kodi .ipa file you downloaded earlier on to the app.
  • Select your iOS device n the drop-down menu, then click Start button.
  • Cydia will prompt for the Apple ID login. The login is verified with Apple.
  • Once the app has been installed, go to Settings >> General >> Profiles & Device Management.  The location of this may vary depending on the your version of IOS.
  • Find the profile with your Apple ID and then open it.
  • Select the Trust button
  • Then open the appplication.   Have fun exploring many benefits that you get from Kodi!
  • After Your Kodi is Installed: Add Kodi Add-ons onto your iPhone
After downloading and installing Kodi app, you can add your preferred add-ons to get your Kodi experience at its best. You can get the full list of Kodi add-ons here so that you can choose for yourself. That’s it.  Enjoy!!

Now What?

Now that you have installed Kodi on your iOS device.   You won’t have access to any content on Kodi in its basic installation.   To stream movies, TV Shows, or Sports, you will need to install different Addons  or leverage a Build which includes multiple Addons in a seamless user experience. Wondering how to get the best Kodi Addons or Builds on your Fire TV / Stick? Check out the links below which will help you install popular Addons and builds which are working fine and pulling quality streams.Read our Guide to the best builds for KodiRead our Guide on  to the best Addons for Kodi

It is critical to use a VPN when using Kodi to view unlicensed streaming content.  We highly recommend ExpressVPN.