Can iPhones be "locked" or "shut down" like normal phones?

Matt_C · 06-08-2008, 7:33 PM

ie, if you lost your iphone or it was stolen, can it be locked like your Nokia could be by your operator? And if they can, can it be "unblocked" like a Nokia, for example, can?

Just curious is all.... I would have thought that seeing as it's a computer interface device, then there would be a programme you could use to unblock it, but in the other hand, being a computer interface device would it be more of a block than you get when say, Orange, block your phone when you lose it?

It stems from I'm still looking to get an iPhone offline (want to jailbreak it and use it on T-Mobile if thats possible with the new 3G model) but worried if I get a "second hand" one it'll actually turn out to be stolen or "lost" and that I'll end up with a useless lump of silicon chips as soon as it's connected to a computer etc....

Thoughts?

RobM · 06-08-2008, 7:45 PM

As a consumer device, yes it can be blocked. But all the operators can do is block the IMEI number so it wont pick up a mobile signal. In that case, whoever has it now has gotten themselves an iPod touch

As an enterprise device, the enterprise tools from Apple can increase the control you have over the iPhone and can erase the content of it remotely. The device will still work though, but your personal data will be erased.

To ease your worries though, no operator will block a phone unless it's reported lost and often not unless it's insured. And equally, most phone insurance only covers the phone when the SIM card is inserted and active. So the moment the seller of the iPhone uses their SIM in another phone, it will register on the operators network as such and they will reject the claim.

I think you'll be fine. Obviously you can never be 100% sure so do be careful and get as much protection from the likes of PayPal as you can, but I wouldn't panic too much

Matt_C · 06-08-2008, 8:24 PM

Ok, so playing devils advocate. I buy an iPhone 3G off ebay for example (or knock off Nigel down the pub

) and it turns out to be stolen or "lost". The original owner reports this to o2, and since its' insured he gets a new one. He's happy.

I however think I got a bargain, and stick my t-mobile sim in it and try to jailbreak it so I can use it as a proper fully working iphone. Will I end up with an expensive ipod touch or can it be fully "unblocked" so I can use it normally? Or as soon as it connects to a server or internet connection, or iTunes etc it will be wiped? Will it do this everytime as it's been reported stolen?

**I'm not advocating you go out and steal ipods, just wanna make that clear. But you never know REALLY where "second hand" stuff comes from these days, so I'm just trying to find out as much as I can**

So if o2 block the IMEI on it, and iTunes (for example) wipes it remotely when it connects to the web, can it be fully unblocked, then jailbroken back to fully working, albeit on a new sim/operator?

hutch · 06-08-2008, 11:15 PM

If your iPhone is IMEI blocked it is against the law for you to take steps to try to get it working again, you wont be able to use it on any other network and rightfully so as well if its been stolen.

RobM · 07-08-2008, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_C

So if o2 block the IMEI on it, and iTunes (for example) wipes it remotely when it connects to the web, can it be fully unblocked, then jailbroken back to fully working, albeit on a new sim/operator?

No, not legally, and I've not even seen any illegal ways of doing this with the iPhone as I guess there hasn't been a need for it.

There is always this risk with buying any second hand phone. So the best thing I can suggest is stay legit and buy from O2/CPW/Apple or buy second hand from a trusted source.

Matt_C · 07-08-2008, 6:32 PM

I would, but can't afford the offline prices, and don't want an o2 contract

Was hoping to get one second-hand/used/cheap but wanted to make sure all the bases were covered just in case....

dejongj · 07-08-2008, 6:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_C

I would, but can't afford the offline prices, and don't want an o2 contract

Was hoping to get one second-hand/used/cheap but wanted to make sure all the bases were covered just in case....

You have got to think why anyone would sell a 3G model cheaply secondhand...Either they make a loss on a PAYG model, or they have stolen it...Can't imagine someone doesn't want it and keeps the contract going for 18 months...

Matt_C · 08-08-2008, 6:44 PM

There's plenty of people getting them though work for free and the like..... Was just a question really - cos if someone offered me an iPhone for a hundred quid, I'd probably take it!

dejongj · 08-08-2008, 9:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_C

There's plenty of people getting them though work for free and the like..... Was just a question really - cos if someone offered me an iPhone for a hundred quid, I'd probably take it!

right people get them for free through work!? And then sell it on. That is theft and the company is liable to tax fraud. Are you on a wind up?

Matt_C · 08-08-2008, 11:07 PM

Err no? My company gives me a Tom Tom. I don't need one, I already have one. But it's now my property. I don't want it. So I sell it. Tell how that is wrong?

hutch · 09-08-2008, 1:45 AM

Closing as the original question has been answered and I dont think we are going anywhere now. If the OP wants it reopening please PM me.