A Google search on “unlocking an iPhone 4” generates thousands of results. The question many ask is why do you want to unlock an iPhone? Reasons may vary but the idea of a locked device limiting what you can and cannot do with your phone is reason enough to unlock the iPhone 4 for many users.
Unlocking an iPhone 4
What exactly is a locked phone? In the case of Apple’s iPhone, it means that the device is loaded with software that does not allow any third-party software from being loaded on it. So unlocking really means being able to download and use apps from any developer whether or not it is as per Apple’s app specifications.
The initial thought of unlocking an iPhone 4s was started in China where people wanted to use local apps that showed the Chinese characters better than the other similar apps available on Apple’s app store. These apps were not as per the standards specified by Apple, but their use and related benefits far outweighed the risk of an unlocked phone. This means that you now have an Apple phone but Apple does not control or decide or limit what you do on that phone or what software you use.
An unlocked iPhone can become one’s personal Internet searcher as now you can add any network to it and can also use it on the home Wi-Fi. Thus it becomes possible to do so much more on your device.
Another reason to unlock an iPhone is that you are free to choose a carrier that Apple does not have a tie-up with. It also allows you the flexibility to change your provider and get the best deal possible instead of being stuck in a contract with one provider for two to three years.
The most important question about unlocking an iPhone is whether or not unlocking a phone is legal or not. Apple fought a hard battle to ensure that its system remains intact but a ruling in 2010 made unlocking iPhones legal. Rules in the technology world change fast and there may be a ruling in the future that makes unlocking phones illegal in the future but for the time being you are not breaking the law if you unlock your iPhone 4.
Apple has protected its interest in another way. When a user complains to Apple about a misbehaving unlocked phone, Apple charges to fix the iPhone and they make up for the income lost when a non-approved application was used on the iPhone.
Many firms assist in unlocking an iPhone. The process is also specified on the official Apple site. The process is fairly simple and takes a few minutes. Using the unlock iPhone 4 program will ensure that your phone is completely free of all contractual limitations. Many websites also offer software for unlocking an iPhone 4. Be careful to read the instructions fully. The steps are stated below.
- Take a backup of your phone and store all the important information
- Ensure that you have the most recent version of iOS and iTunes installed
- Connect your iPhone to your computer and log in
- Select the program and click the unlock button
- Disconnect the iPhone once done.
Unlocking Risks
A word of caution is necessary. Unlocking an iPhone 4 makes it easy for hackers. With every update of iTunes, the phone will have to be reset and locked again. The warranty becomes void on an unlocked phone. This can be corrected by resetting the phone to the default software. In extremely rare circumstances the iPhone may not work properly.
