[Video Guide]: How to Unlock iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS without Gevey SIM or Jailbreak

By sheer serendipity, Michael Capozzi has found a way to unlock AT&T version of iPhone 4S without using any hardware like GEVEY SIM or software (though ultrasn0w is yet to be updated). The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone 4S sans 2-year contract obligation and choice of networks galore (in US only T-Mobile’s network supports unlocked iPhone).


Many people in US have confirmed that the method works with AT&T’s iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. All you have to do is just cut the T-Mobile SIM card so it fits into the Micro-SIM card slot in the iPhone 4S. Alternatively, you can order microSIM through T-Mobile’s website.

Step 1: Insert original carrier AT&T SIM card
Step 2: Dial 611 for AT&T customer service hotline and drop the call (if you’re outside USA, don’t call 611. Call your carrier’s customer service hotline)
Step 3: Turn on Airplane Mode
Step 4: Take out AT&T SIM card
Step 5: Insert T-Mobile SIM card
Step 6: Make sure WiFi is off (also tap on ‘Forget this Network” to make sure it doesn’t connect automatically later)
Step 7: Switch off Airplane Mode and iPhone will search for network. This is followed by the Apple splash screen appearing.
Step 8: Activation Required will be displayed on the screen
Step 9: EDGE network will activate automatically – notice the ‘E’ on the top left corner of the screen
Step 10: Wait for about 20-30 seconds and turn off the phone
Step 11: Turn on iPhone and the same Activation Required screen will be displayed
Step 12: When you see one signal bar, tap on Use Cellular Connection
Step 13: Eject SIM card
Step 14: Activation Required screen will be displayed the second time
Step 15: Insert SIM card
Step 16: Unlocked!

Note: You need to repeat the entire process every time your restart your device. It is ‘NOT’ a permanent unlock.

VIDEO: How to Unlock iPhone 4S with Hardware or Software

Frequent business travelers, who often switch between different countries can go ahead try the method to unlock their iPhone 4S without using any doohickey or third party adapters. Get it done before Apple find a way to block this method. Let us know if it works for you outside USA or withinUnited States!

Interestingly, Apple is also selling unlocked version of iPhone via its online store. But to buy Factory unlocked iPhone 4S, users have to pay more price, since they are not subsidized by the carrier. For 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB model, users have to pay $649, $749 and $849 respectively. Those who wish to buy unlocked iPhone 4S from outside US, can use this method. Via Chronic

[UPDATE]: MuscleNerd has confirmed that the method is temporary. He says that ‘If you are successful at temporarily gaining network access, you’ll lose it as soon as TMSI is refreshed (happens often)’