Is it possible to have a device unlocked when I am overseas?
Hbennett
Newbie

Yesterday I called Verizon and requested they unlock my iPhone 4S so I can use the device with a Singapore SIM. The representative confirmed that the unlock request was processed and instructed me to connect to wifi and/or iTunes with the new SIM card later in the day. I did, but the phone did not recognize the new card. I called two other times and was, again, instructed to connect to iTunes as well as to turn off my international CDMA. On the final call, the representative also told me the unlock may not work since I am not able to connect to the Verizon network while in Singapore. I have since tried restoring the phone with the original Verizon SIM card inserted as well as with the Singtel (Singapore) SIM inserted. No luck in either case.

So. Two questions for the community here:

1.) Is there something I'm still missing?

2.) Has anyone successfully had her/his phone unlocked from overseas? (Does it make a difference whether or not I'm connected to the Verizon network?)

Thanks for the help!

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Re: Unlocking iPhone 4S from overseas?
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hi Hbennett,

My sincere apologies that you may be having issues with utilizing your device overseas. We certainly want to make sure you have full functionality of your device. To get this resolved, please reach out to our Global Support Team from an alternate line at 908-559-4899. You may also visit http://bit.ly/xZd3pS for alternative support options, thanks!

MatthewS_VZW
VZW Support
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSUPPORT

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Re: Unlocking iPhone 4S from overseas?
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hi Hbennett,

My sincere apologies that you may be having issues with utilizing your device overseas. We certainly want to make sure you have full functionality of your device. To get this resolved, please reach out to our Global Support Team from an alternate line at 908-559-4899. You may also visit http://bit.ly/xZd3pS for alternative support options, thanks!

MatthewS_VZW
VZW Support
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSUPPORT

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Re: Unlocking iPhone 4S from overseas?
a-q
Newbie

Hello!

I need your help with solving a non-standard solutions.

My name is Andrii and I represent the civil charity. Not so long ago, one man gave us the iPhone 4S (as a donation). But later - it became known that this iPhone can not work with SIM cards Ukrainian mobile network operators, as it is blocked by Verizon.

Is there a way to unlock it with your help, and how it can be done?

I hope for your understanding and assistance in this matter!

Thank you.

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Re: Unlocking iPhone 4S from overseas?
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hi Andrii,

I have checked my resources and we can only unlock Apple products when active in our network. I regret to inform you that we are not able to unlock your device as it is not active with Verizon Wireless. Have a nice day!

AntonioC_VZW
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VZWSupport

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Re: Unlocking iPhone 4S from overseas?
a-q
Newbie

Hello!

Regarding the release:

I took up the matter more diligently and read a lot of information on various forums regarding activation in networks of Verizon.

If it helps I can ask my friend so when he arrives in Ukraine gave me his SIM card to activate our system.

If I activate our unit using its SIM cards Verizon, you can help me to unlock our device?

Thank you.

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Re: Unlocking iPhone 4S from overseas?
Vwaku
Newbie

I am having a similar problem. I supposedly had my iPhone 4S unlocked and was told I could just insert the foreign sim.  Well I am now in Japan with a local sim ( data only) and I get a message that I need to request my carrier to unlock the phone.  I tried to live chat with Verizon, but cannot connect with my iPad--don't have a computer with me.  I don't think is reasonable for us to have to rack up international phone charges to get help

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Re: Unlocking iPhone 4S from overseas?
AssociateX
Enthusiast - Level 1

Have you tried using a different SIM card? Maybe a card that works for both GSM and CDMA?

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Re: Unlocking iPhone 4S from overseas?
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hey there a-q,

Thanks for the additional information. For an iPhone to be unlocked for international use it needs to be currently activated on a Verizon Wireless account. If its not, we won't be able to unlock the iPhone 4s. I apologize for the inconvenience.

NicholasB_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

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Re: Unlocking iPhone 4S from overseas?
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Vwaku, let's be reasonable and clear the air. I apologize that we're unable to support that iPhone 4S once it has been provisioned to work on an International carrier with their sim card. For more information regarding our Global Services, click here http://vz.to/134zbLK

Lasina_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport 

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Re: Unlocking iPhone 4S from overseas?
Vwaku
Newbie

Thanks for the suggestion.  It turns out that the phone had to be re-unlocked. Now the SIM works and downloads data much faster than at home. 

Lasina,  My beef is that if VW is going to offer support options, such as live chat, they should work.  Or it should be made clear that certain platforms are required.    In the end I called the global support number as suggested was transferred from there to a tech specialist  who could actually help me ( a very nice person, no gripes there) and had the phone re unlocked.  The fact is VW COULD provide support, but directs the customer to someplace where services are pushed. 

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