• Ben Reid on November 18, 2011, 4:40 am

How To Unlock iPhone 4S Without ANY Hardware Or Software Modifications

It used to be rather simple with Ultrasn0w back in the early iPhone era, but these days, users tend to be limited to either requesting the carrier to unlock the device, or using the ethically-dubious GEVEY interposer, which requires a spoof-dial to the emergency services.

Completely out of the blue, though, there seems to be a method circulating around the Web which suggests that Apple's latest and greatest smartphone effort can be unlocked, without ANY hardware or software mods - including jailbreak. Sound interesting? Read on.

Now, before we present to you this rather simple step-by-step, we must clear up a few things.

  • Firstly, this has not been tested by any Redmond Pie staff member, thus proceed at your own risk, and be prepared for a disappointing conclusion.
  • As far as we know, it only unlocks AT&T devices.

Step 1: If you haven't already, insert your AT&T SIM into your iPhone 4S.

Step 2: Make a drop-call to 611, which is AT&T's customer service number. Once you've dropped the call, activate Airplane mode.

Step 3: Remove your AT&T SIM and replace with the T-Mobile one

Step 4: Ensure that Wi-Fi is deactivated completely by 'forgetting' any automatically connected networks.

Step 5: Now deactivate Airplane mode. Your device will begin searching for a signal. You will be met with the Apple splash screen followed by the familiar activation screen.

Step 6: EDGE network should automatically activate, and if all has gone well, you should see that "E" in the top-left corner of your iPhone's screen.

Step 7: After a 20-30 second waiting period, switch your phone off, and back on again. You should once again see that Activation Required screen.

Step 8: Once you notice a signal bar, hit Use Cellular Connection

Step 9: Eject your SIM, after which you will see the activation notice for the third and final time.

Step 10: Finally, re-insert your SIM, and your device should be unlocked!

Here’s a video of it in action:

If you're running an AT&T iPhone 4S, and you like the idea of releasing the cuffs beset by the big corps, please test this out and let us know if it worked for you via the usual mediums below.

UPDATE x1: Apparently, this trick is said to be working on iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS too. More details here.

UPDATE x2: As confirmed by MuscleNerd, this trick isn't really a great solution as it will only work until the TMSI is refreshed, which means the unlock wont stay for that long.

(via Gizmodo)

You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web.

Many of you will be more than aware of the difficult – often impossible – task that is carrier unlocking a brand new iPhone.

It used to be rather simple with Ultrasn0w back in the early iPhone era, but these days, users tend to be limited to either requesting the carrier to unlock the device, or using the ethically-dubious GEVEY interposer, which requires a spoof-dial to the emergency services.

Completely out of the blue, though, there seems to be a method circulating around the Web which suggests that Apple’s latest and greatest smartphone effort can be unlocked, without ANY hardware or software mods – including jailbreak. Sound interesting? Read on.

Now, before we present to you this rather simple step-by-step, we must clear up a few things.

  • Firstly, this has not been tested by any Redmond Pie staff member, thus proceed at your own risk, and be prepared for a disappointing conclusion.
  • As far as we know, it only unlocks AT&T devices.

Step 1: If you haven’t already, insert your AT&T SIM into your iPhone 4S.

Step 2: Make a drop-call to 611, which is AT&T’s customer service number. Once you’ve dropped the call, activate Airplane mode.

Step 3: Remove your AT&T SIM and replace with the T-Mobile one

Step 4: Ensure that Wi-Fi is deactivated completely by ‘forgetting’ any automatically connected networks.

Step 5: Now deactivate Airplane mode. Your device will begin searching for a signal. You will be met with the Apple splash screen followed by the familiar activation screen.

Step 6: EDGE network should automatically activate, and if all has gone well, you should see that "E" in the top-left corner of your iPhone’s screen.

Step 7: After a 20-30 second waiting period, switch your phone off, and back on again. You should once again see that Activation Required screen.

Step 8: Once you notice a signal bar, hit Use Cellular Connection

Step 9: Eject your SIM, after which you will see the activation notice for the third and final time.

Step 10: Finally, re-insert your SIM, and your device should be unlocked!

Here’s a video of it in action:

If you’re running an AT&T iPhone 4S, and you like the idea of releasing the cuffs beset by the big corps, please test this out and let us know if it worked for you via the usual mediums below.

UPDATE x1: Apparently, this trick is said to be working on iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS too. More details here.

UPDATE x2: As confirmed by MuscleNerd, this trick isn’t really a great solution as it will only work until the TMSI is refreshed, which means the unlock wont stay for that long.

(via Gizmodo)

You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web.