UPDATED: June 8, 2018 – Our method still works on all iPhone 5 models
Summary: How to unlock iphone 5? Of three available unlock methods for iPhone 5, 5s, and 5c, the only reliable and effective one is IMEI Unlocking (sometimes called factory unlocking). Software methods hasn’t worked since the iPhone 3 was released, and hardware locking is a dangerous scam that could destroy your device while also voiding your warranty.
IMEI solutions doesn’t require you voiding your warranty or downloading potential virus’ to your device. All you need to do is get a phone industry insider to add your device to the global database of iPhone’s that are able to be used on any network and you’re free to choose whichever carrier you want!
So how to get your iPhone 5 unlocked? The best place to get an IMEI unlock depends on your location.
If you’re inside the US or Canada, unlock your iPhone 5 using iPhoneIMEI. The fast, cheap, and have great support but have a limited range of unlocks outside North America.
If you’re outside the US or Canada, use Official iPhone Unlock. They have Unlocks for just about every country and have excellent phone support to back it up. They’re a little more expensive for North America but outside that, they’re the best.
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There’s nothing worse that being locked to a poor quality carrier.
They hold it over your head like a death sentence “Sure, we have poor service. Sure, we want to charge you crazy global roaming fees. Sure, we’re expensive. But there’s nothing you can do about it!”
In any other industry, this wouldn’t fly. Which car manufacturer gets to decide what petrol company you use? Which computer store gets to decide what electricity provider you choose?
None, that’s how many. Yet phone carriers have been doing it for years and getting away with it.
Lucky for you, they can’t do it anymore because you can now get your Apple phone unlocked and move away from your carrier whenever you want to.
There are three primary methods you can choose from, but only one that works. So how to unlock iphone 5?
Here’s a breakdown of the three iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c methods (including the only one that’s actually worthwhile):
Option #1: Software unlock
(Which doesn’t work)
I’ve fallen for this scam. Actually, I’ll let you in on a secret – I have fallen for this scam twice. It consists of a great looking website that claims it’s software can unlock your mobile device.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work and hasn’t worked since Apple released the iPhone 3. They plugged the flaw in the system and now software unlocking is a dirty lie.
Please don’t fall into the same trap as me and fall for this.
Avoid unlocking software for the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s at all costs.
Option #2: Hardware unlocking
(Which will void your warranty)
Unlocking iphone 5 by this method is another one of those ‘guaranteed’ methods that just isn’t worth the risk.
To do it, you have to take your mobile device into some back alley in a dodgy part of town, and a creepy looking stranger will ask you for $100+ to modify the hardware of your device.
That’s right, someone you’ve never met before and have no reason to trust is going to use his dirty, greasy hands to open your iPhone and change the physical chips and wiring inside.
Yes, it’s as bad as it sounds.
The worst part is that even if he is successful (which they are in about 30% of the time), you’ll be left without a warranty. Is that what you want? A 30% chance of success and no warranty?
No, me neither.
It’s best to stay WELL away from hardware unlocking.
Option #3: Network or IMEI unlocking
(The ONLY reliable and permanent method)
The final, and only reliable, safe, and permanent, unlock for your iPhone 5, 5s, or 5c, is IMEI or Network Unlocking.
Every device ever produced has a unique identifying code known as it’s IMEI code. Apple has a global database of these codes where every iPhone is listed.
As well as listing the model number, colour, memory size, and production date, it also lists whether the device is locked to a particular network.
An IMEI solution simply involves getting your iPhone’s IMEI lock status changed from ‘locked’ to ‘unlocked’.
You aren’t required to download any unknown software, and nobody has to pry open up your device to risk voiding your phone’s warranty. The only thing that occurs is phone’s status is updated on Apple’s master global database.
It’s that simple.
Because of this, IMEI or Network Unlocking is the ONLY method I recommend.
But where do you get one? And who do you get it through?
Well, I don’t have contacts who can do this, but there are companies who know industry insiders who can get your device solved quickly and easily.
Unlocking iPhone 5 is easy
1. First located your IMEI code. This is the unique id for your iPhone and you need to provide it so you can get it unlocked. The steps to find it are below
- Method 1: Dial *#06#
- Method 2: For iPhone 5 or newer, your IMEI is located on the back of the device
- Method 3: For non-activated mobile devices, there is a little “i” button on the activation screen, click it and you’ll see the IMEI on the screen
Here are my top 3 recommendations:
The Top 3 iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c IMEI Unlock Services
So now that you know what unlocking is and what methods you should avoid, here are the top 3 services that I have used to unlock the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s.
1. iPhoneIMEI (9.5/10) – The best choice for IMEI unlocks inside the US and Canada
iPhoneIMEI are without a doubt my #1 choice for iPhone 5, 5s, and 5c devices.
PROs: First of all, they’re cheap. They’re consistently 20% – 30% cheaper than just about every other IMEI unlock service on the web.
Normally, when someone’s that much cheaper than their competitors, it means you’re getting an inferior quality product, but that’s not the case with iPhoneIMEI They’re cheaper because they process more unlocks than any other service (according to one customer support representative, they’re processing more than 200 unlocks per day). The more you process, the cheaper it becomes and that means they can unlock your iPhone for less.
My big concern with their cheap prices was it was going to mean no customer support. I was glad to be proven wrong. When I needed an update on how much longer the process was going to take (turns out it had already been unlocked and their notification email was in my junk folder), their support team responded within 7 minutes. Amazing.
And finally, the last reason why iPhoneIMEI are #1 on my list is the speed of their service. The very nature of device unlocking makes it an uncertain and slow process. Some companies I’ve used (see below) have taken up to 45 days to give me what I paid for. I was very happy when my AT&T unlock was processed in less than 3 hours… That’s what I call service!
CONs: The only downside with iPhoneIMEI is they don’t have the biggest range of unlocks outside North America. There’s a few there, but it’s not as comprehensive as the #2 on my list.
If you’re not in North America, definitely check out iPhoneIMEI but you might have to keep scrolling.
SUMMARY: iPhoneIMEI are cheap, fast, and have fantastic customer support. Whilst they don’t have the biggest range of unlocks, if you’re in the US or Canada, you should definitely use them to free up your mobile phone today!
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t want to wait weeks, and you’re in the US or Canada, unlock your iPhone with iPhoneIMEI now.
2. Official iPhone 5 Unlock (9/10) – Unlock your device 5 if you’re outside North America
Official iPhone Unlock is another great unlock company.
PROs: First of all, they’re not some flash-in-the-pan startup that’s popped up in the last few months. They’ve been around since the first generations of the iPhone, and they’re very experienced with the iPhone 5/5s and 5c. I’ve used them more than once, and so have many of my family and friends.
Secondly, they’re fast. Like REALLY fast. When I first used them, I started the process on a Friday night. I though there’s no way this would be completed until at least Tuesday. However on Saturday morning, I was surprised to find an email to say that my iPhone 5 was now unlocked. They really are ahead of the game here.
Thirdly, they have unlocks available for just about every carrier in the world. Seriously, try them. Locked to Orange in the UK? They can unlock it. Softbank in Japan? They can unlock it. Bharti Airtel in India? They can unlock it. Any phone, any carrier, any country. It’s truly amazing.
And finally, their customer support rocks. When my mum unlocked her device, she managed to put the wrong email address in… (She’s not too tech savvy). To make sure we didn’t miss any notifications, I called them (Yes, they have phone support) immediately to fix it all up and it was all done in less than 3 minutes.
CONs: Whilst they can unlock just about any carrier in any country, they are a little more expensive in North America, especially with AT&T. If you’re not in the US or Canada, definitely try them out but if you are, I’d go with iPhoneIMEI.
SUMMARY: Official iPhone Unlock are a great choice to unlock your iPhone 5 if you’re outside North America. They’re fast, cheap, have great support, and the biggest range of unlocks on the market.
To unlock your device outside the US or Canada, head to Official iPhone Unlock today.
3. IMEI Codes (5/10 – Not recommended)
IMEI Codes is my final iPhone 5 unlocking alternative to iUnlock Pro. Maybe alternative is the wrong word; distant back up is more like it.
They will unlock the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s however don’t expect a quick unlock or a detailed email answer to any of your questions. It is a no frills unlocking service that should only be used if my other two picks aren’t available.
iPhoneIMEI or Official iPhone Unlock are a far better option, however you can find their site here if you want to find out more about them.
In Summary…
Of the three iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c unlocks available, only one is safe and effective.
- Software unlocking doesn’t to work
- Hardware unlocking can damage your device and void your warranty
- IMEI unlocking is the only truly effective and safe method for unlocking your iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c
There are several iPhone IMEI unlocking services available, and the best one for you depends on your location.
If you’re locked to a carrier inside the US or Canada, iPhoneIMEI. They’re fast, cheap, reliable, and have excellent support for any carrier in North America or Canada.
If you’re locked to a carrier outside the US or Canada, use Official iPhone Unlock. They have the biggest range of iPhone unlocks, the best prices, the fastest customer service, and will have your device unlocked in as little as 24 hours, but are more expensive in North America.
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