Unlocking an iPhone 3GS

[Bugsy]

As this is a subject that crops up from time to time I thought I would post a brief description of how to do it properly and permanently.

'Jailbreak' and other methods work only up to the time of a phone software upgrade after which you have to do the whole process again.

My phone was on a two-year contract with SFR and despite several long attempts to rectify it has never had a signal at home.

Procedure. SFR in my case but I presume it will be similar for other suppliers.

Log onto the SFR website and demand a 'desimlockage'. (If the phone is newish they will make a charge for this service, 65 euros I think). Mine has only a few months to run so was free.

You will receive an email confirming your request advising that it will take between 5 and 10 days.

After seven days mine was unlocked.

You put a non-contract sim into the phone and connect to iTunes. It will come up with a message "Activation required". Press OK and 'bingo', your new card works.

This is permanent and I now have a phone on Orange Fr with a full signal at home.

n.b. I will still have to pay for the remainder of my SFR contract of course but I consider that to be a small price to pay to be contactable via a mobile at home.