(Newly Updated Test Results for 2019)
Many mobile users are faced with the prospect of having to put up with poor service and ever-increasing prices from their carriers because they are locked to them. This means that when you buy your brand new iPhone, it is tied to a carrier before it even leaves the Apple factory. The solution? Get busy unlocking your iPhone X or iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max or iPhone XR today!
The process relies on something known as an IMEI unlock. This is a safe and reliable way to free your beloved iPhone X/XS/XS Max from the inconsistent service of its locked-in carrier so that you can use it abroad without extortionate roaming charges, and have the freedom to shop around for the best deal.
If your iPhone X is locked to a provider inside the US, the UK, or Canada, then I strongly recommend DoctorUnlock. They have the most comprehensive range of unlocks inside these regions and accompany them with service, prices, and turnaround times that are the best on the market.
If your iPhone X is locked to a provider outside the US, the UK, or Canada, then I suggest DirectUnlocks. They can cost a little more than UnlockBase, but they offer by far the biggest range of unlocks for the rest of the world. If that’s where you live then, I can’t recommend them highly enough
Time To Master iPhone Unlocking
Your iPhone X has just arrived. It’s the coolest, easiest to use, most powerful, most advanced phone that has or ever will be made! You know it, and the world knows it! But there will be a catch; there’s always a catch… It’s tied to a carrier, which means that they can charge you as much as they like and treat you as badly as they like and there’s nothing you can do about it!
Phone locking with a little help from Apple makes this possible because it means that even though you have parted with your hard earned money, you can only use your shiny new device on your original network.
The only way to get around this is to explore the world of iPhone unlocking. It may sound like something akin to codebreaking or hacking, but there are a host of reputable companies out there who will take care of it for you.
Unlocking your iPhone X is a case of finding a company who knows the right tricks to get your phone free from your carrier. That’s all there is to it!
To save you hours Googling around I’ve put together a few notes about the three methods you’ll find when you search.
Method 1: The Software Approach
(This hasn’t worked once since the iPhone 3G)
This is the oldest technique, and for a while at least it was successful. The iPhone 3G brought with it a loophole that users were able to exploit to change carriers.
Unfortunately for the clever people that figured this out Apple closed it as soon as possible with the introduction of the iPhone 4. This means it is of no use to those lucky people like you who are holding the X right now!
Method 2: The Hardware Approach
(Users Beware: This Is An iPhone KILLER)
A brute force approach that works 30% of the time involves some less than reputable people, and will likely kill your iPhone. It doesn’t sound like the way to go about things now does it?
Not only is it hit or miss, but it’ll also invalidate your warranty which means Apple won’t step in and take the hit for you. Best avoided by anyone who wants to keep their iPhone X in one piece…
Method 3: Unlocking Your iPhone X/XS/XS Max with an IMEI Unlock
(The ONLY Approach That Works For Your iPhone X)
This is the latest and most advanced way to free your new iPhone X from the tyranny of excessive charges and poor service. Your IMEI is a unique identifier that Apple uses to track your device over its lifetime. It’s a safe and secure method to go about things, and there are a number of reputable companies that specialize in doing just that so that you can have the freedom to choose!
The iPhone X IMEI unlock method changes what is recorded in Apple’s database by reassigning your device’s status from locked to unlocked. Because it is safe, reliable, and doesn’t invalidate your warranty, this is the method that I recommend above all others.
Time To Test The IMEI Specialists
The explosion in iPhone sales has resulted in a huge growth in the number of businesses claiming to be experts in the field of IMEI unlocked. The problem is finding a company you can trust that offers value for money.
I’ve surveyed numerous big names in the industry for previous iPhone models, and now the time has come time to put them to a serious test. By checking how they stack up against the features, Apple has added to the iPhone X; you’ll get a great idea of who you need to go with to free your device.
Selecting My Test Cases
I’ll be honest and say that the hardest part of this was finding a dozen people willing to let me play with their iPhone X’s for a few days! It was a hard sell but through the help of few people who always come through for me I got it done and selected the following locked devices:
- 1 x iPhone X’s locked to AT&T USA
- 1 x iPhone X’s locked to Sprint USA
- 2 x iPhone X locked to Vodafone UK
- 1 x iPhone XS locked to O2 UK
- 1 x iPhone XS locked to T-Mobile USA
- 2 x iPhone XS Max locked to AT&T USA
- 1 x iPhone X Plus locked to EE UK
- 1 x iPhone XS Max locked to KDDI Japan
- 2 x iPhone XS Max locked to Rogers Canada
Choosing The IMEI Providers To Test With The iPhone X / XS /XS Max
I began by using the reviews on places like TrustPilot, Ripoff Report, and Trustmark Reviews to get a feel for which companies were worth a closer look. With hundreds on the market, it was a question of getting rid of the scams straight away so that I could spend my time looking at the professionals. In the end, I narrowed it down to three and opted to test multiple devices with each of them.
Testing Time
Every test should be simple to understand, at least that’s my philosophy. With that in mind, I tested four separate devices with each of my chosen three companies.
I acted like a customer first and foremost when interfacing with the companies, rather than a tester. This extended to sending them reasonable requests and queries during the process to try out their customer service. I paid particular attention to how their pre-sale and post-sale communication compared with each other.
The Judging Criteria
To make the testing as comprehensive as possible, I devised 6-criteria that would allow me to endorse the best service in all areas at the end.
1: Can they unlock the iPhone X
It’s an obvious one really isn’t it? If they can’t do it, then they’re a waste of money and time, and we certainly don’t want that.
2: What is their range of services like?
I never want to recommend a provider that unlocks in an instant but then offers a really limited choice of carriers they can put you on. The aim is to give you the freedom to choose, not to free you from one carrier and then give you a really poor selection of choice.
3: Are they reasonably priced?
There’s no point finding a service that does it all if it’s more than the cost of your iPhone X. We’re looking for value as well as amazing service and flexibility after all.
4: What payment methods do they offer?
So many online businesses make paying far more difficult than it needs to be. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve found restrictions on PayPal or credit card payments and subsequently given up and gone elsewhere. If the process is going to run smoothly, then you want a team that makes payment simple, after all, they should want your money if they’re a serious business.
5: How effective was their customer service?
I want you to be dealing with a company that puts you and your iPhone X first. You don’t want to be unable to use it for long periods of time after spending all that money on it. Prompt responses are what they need to provide if they are to build your trust and get the job done the right way.
6: How fast are they?
We’re looking for a company that gets the job done professionally. This means that not only do they do everything they say they will, they also get it done in a timely manner. The stress and annoyance caused by long delays is something we’ve all experienced, so I’m keen to make sure I only recommend a service that takes care of the work in the shortest time possible.
Using DoctorUnlock.Net or you can also get your iPhone X Unlocked by visiting following link DirectUnlocks
Step 1: Find your iPhone X IMEI code.
This is a unique identifier that you need for the method to work. You can find it in any of three ways:
- 1: If you dial *#06# you will be sent the IMEI code
- 2: You can copy it down on paper from the rear of your device. Please make sure you double check it before submitting it.
- 3: If you haven’t yet activated your iPhone X then you need to find the small “i” button that appears on the activation screen. Clicking on it will then display your IMEI.
Step 2: Next you need to know which model your iPhone is. Yours will be iPhone X.
Step 3: Select the following links DoctorUnlock.net or DirectUnlocks and input the IME and Phone Model that they request.
Step 4: Now click on the “Unlock” button.
Step 5: Decide on your method of payment and then enter your details.
Step 6: Add your email address to receive timely progress updates on your unlock.
Step 7: Enjoy the freedom to choose which carrier your iPhone X goes with!
The 3 Leading Providers of IMEI Unlocks for your iPhone X
The testing is done, the analysis is complete, now for the results!
#1. DoctorUnlock(9.5/10 – The definitive #1 choice for iPhone X owners in North America and the UK)
The standout IMEI unlocking specialist for both the iPhone X is definitely DoctorUnlock.net. They unlocked all four devices I paid for which gave a quite impressive 100% success rate. Not only that, but they did so for a great price and in good time. Their customer focus came through and they really did a good job all round. Let’s take a closer look at what they did right during my testing.
Pros: They were the only one out of the 3-companies who unlocked every single device. This is ultimately what you would expect from a professional organization, and with a 100% success rate, their performance in this regard couldn’t be beaten.
On average they come in an at an impressive 17% cheaper than the competition. This is a great indicator that they offer value for money. Perfect for ensuring that you don’t pay more than the cost of your device to have the freedom to use it as you wish.
Their customer service was truly outstanding. They responded to all three of my queries within 24 hours which is exactly what I was looking for. This customer-focused approach to unlocking will enable them to build your confidence during the process.
Only the second entry on my top 3 could match their average unlocking time of just 48 hours! This is very impressive and a definite plus point that has played a big part in coming top of the pile.
The Cons: I always try and find an area where a provider can improve. It was hard, but I would say that customers outside of North America and the UK aren’t given the same level of choice when it comes to new carriers. That said, if you do live in these two regions then you are onto a winner!
The Overall Rating: A 100% unlocking rate is something that is highly impressive. This was matched by their turnaround time, price, and customer service. If I were being hypercritical, I would say that their range of services is much better for users in North America and the UK than those outside. This, however, is a minor point if your location isn’t a factor.
If your iPhone X is locked inside the US, UK, or Canada, use DoctorUnlock today.
#2 DirectUnlocks (9.0/10 – The leading choice if you are outside the USA, UK, or Canada)
The battle for the top spot was a very closely run contest. The only thing separating the two companies was surprisingly the unlocking reliability. DirectUnlocks failed to unlock one of the four devices that I paid for. This wasn’t great as I paid for it, but there is so much good about this company that they still came in a very strong second.
The Pros: They do an awful lot right. They are quick, efficient, customer-focused, well priced, and easy to deal with.
The really eye-catching thing about their service was the number of unlocked options available and the extent to which these were available in regions right around the world. I don’t have an exact number because to be honest, I lost count, but I think it was every carrier in every country by the look of things! This is fantastic for those living in more remote or less well-covered areas.
The Cons: The significant failing has to be the inability to unlock the KDDI Japan device I paid for. They did their best and warned me prior to purchase that this may be an issue. At the same time, I can’t help feeling that they should consider removing this as a service they offer until it is 100% reliable. That said, the customer service side of things really softened the blow and left no ill-feeling.
The Overall Rating: A highly professional company who offer a comprehensive choice, broken down by carrier and region. The main reason they aren’t at #1 right now is that the unlocking rate during testing was only 75%
If you have an iPhone X that is locked to a carrier outside the US, UK, or Canada, I suggest using the team at DirectUnlocks.
#3 Keys2iPhone (5/10 – AVOID)
The fact that this company was bad is one thing, but it was really exacerbated by the fact that I was using two much better companies at the same time. Honestly, they were truly awful and so unprofessional.
The worst thing was the demand for an extra payment for the same amount before any actual unlocking took place. Even with that additional spend they only had a 50% unlock rate rich is laughably poor.
The Pros: Some phones were unlocked…
The Cons: Here we go!
1 They only managed to unlock half the phones
2 They took on average 5 days and seemingly endless prompting to do even that which to me was the worst thing about the whole experience.
3 They asked for extra payment that wasn’t declared at the original time of purchase. This irritated me as it wasn’t clear and came across as very unprofessional.
4 Whilst their pre-sale responses were great they made zero effort to reply after the money had been paid. This made me feel like they didn’t care about the customer and that they were completely disinterested as to whether they provided a useful service.
5 I had to file two chargebacks to cover the money for phones which were never finished. This was drawn out and completely unnecessary.
The Overall Rating: A dreadful service from beginning to end. I would never recommend this company and they were highly unprofessional. The poor unlocking rate of only 50% was one thing, but for me the worst part was complete disregard for the feelings of the customer. Never responding was a series black mark. Buyers beware!
The Conclusion
When it comes to freeing your new iPhone X/ XS /XS Max from your carrier so that you have the freedom to choose it is important to remember that hardware and software unlocking don’t work. One will destroy your iPhone X whilst the other is so outdated it didn’t even work on the iPhone 4! The only way forward that makes sense and actually works is IMEI unlocking. This is a safe and reliable process, and is also known as factory unlocking.
I looked at a huge range of IMEI providers and used review sites to narrow it down to what appeared to be three of the best. I found the result to be strongly based on your region.
If you have an iPhone X that is locked to a carrier inside the US, UK, or Canada, then DoctorUnlock are the people you need to deal with. They specialize in these regions and provide a range of services at prices that cannot be beat. When you factor in their best in class 48-hour average turnaround time then you are onto a winner from day one.
If you have an iPhone X that is locked to a carrier outside the US, UK, or Canada, then DirectUnlocks are the team I would use. They came level with UnlockBase in every category bar the unlocking rate. At only 75% they did miss one of the phones, but to be fair I was told about the likelihood of this happening prior to purchase. Their comprehensive range of services make them the clear choice for users in regions not covered in such depth by UnlockBase.
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