How To Unlock An iPhone

When the first iPhone was unlocked, the owner was offered a brand new iPhone and a car in exchange for the unlocked phone. Since iPhones only worked with AT&T, users that had another provider could not get the newest, coolest toy. But an unlocked iPhone is compatible with any carrier, and it can accept third-party downloads, eliminating the monopoly of iTunes. The original iPhone took hours to unlock, but owners can now have an unlocked iPhone in seconds with a simple software installation.

Go to website

Although several websites offer this service, AppTapp works best for seamlessly integrating new software or a new carrier into an iPhone. On the phone's Safari browser, simply navigate to www.appsafari.com and following the links to the Apptapp installer. Selecting this, users see a screen asking if they would like to install the program. Just in case, users should back up all the information on the phone and sync with iTunes, since iPhones are expensive, and there are known complications with unlocking phones.

Loading AppTapp

After downloading the software, the program is automated. The phone usually shuts on and off, perhaps twice, depending on the phone's version. When it finishes and restarts, a small addittion appears on the interface called Installer. Clicking on this app loads a screen that allows installation of third party software. Then, after simply changing the SIM card, the phone now accepts most other service providers. To change the SIM card, users only have to push a pin on top of the phone that pops the SIM card out, allowing users to exchange it for another.

A properly unlocked iPhone has no comparison today in terms of technology, featuring speed, power, memory and design in a small package, coupled with added accessibility.

A properly unlocked iPhone has no comparison today in terms of technology

by Denise Oliver, Electronics writer