For iPhone owners that like to travel a lot having an unlocked device can come in handy. Unlocking an iPhone will allow it to be used on different GSM networks throughout the world. Notably the biggest use is on the T-Mobile network in the USA as T-Mobile currently doesn’t offer the iPhone. It used to be quite the hassle to get a device unlocked in the past but is slowly starting to become easier. There are a few different ways that you can get an iPhone 5 unlocked and use it on whatever GSM network that you’d like to.
Buy an Unlocked iPhone 5
Buying an unlocked iPhone 5 directly from Apple may not be the cheapest option but it will definitely be the easiest. The unlocked iPhone 5 does not come with the Nano-SIM card, you’ll have to get one from the carrier that you are going to use your iPhone 5 for. When purchasing the iPhone 5 from Apple’s site, don’t select a carrier, at the bottom of the order form there is an option to buy an “iPhone unlocked and contract-free,” selecting this will allow you to choose the size of the iPhone 5 and then proceed to check out. Keep in mind that this unlocked iPhone 5 will not work with an CDMA network such as Verizon or Sprint but it will work for most GSM networks such as AT&T.
Buy a Verizon iPhone 5
Current or new customers of Verizon Wireless who purchase an iPhone 5 will get an unlocked version of the handset. This iPhone 5 will work on Verizon’s CDMA network and will also work on GSM networks. This is going to require a customer to sign a new two-year contract with Verizon to receive the iPhone 5 at the discounted price. This will be cheaper than buying the unlocked version of the iPhone 5 from Apple but requires you have a wireless contract with Verizon.
Have AT&T Unlock Your iPhone 5
AT&T will kindly unlock your iPhone 5 for you as long as you are out of contract or are an active and deployed member of the military. Being that the normal contract rate for AT&T is 2-years you would have to be an active military member to get your iPhone 5 unlocked. Once your 2-year contract is up all you have to do is send a request to AT&T and it usually takes 5-10 days for them to process the order and then your iPhone 5 will be unlocked. This method will also work for older iPhones so if you still have an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S laying around give this a shot.
