Unlock the AT&T iPhone 4S Without Jailbreaking

If you have a GSM iPhone 4S and want to unlock it without jailbreaking, a self-proclaimed hacker by the name of @Chronic tweeted the instructions to do just that.  To perform the hack, you will need a T-Mobile Micro SIM and your AT&T SIM from your iPhone 4S. Click through the break for the instructions.

WARNING:  Unlock at your own risk.  As with any modification to your iPhone, there is a chance you could cause damage to your device permanently.

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

Please keep in mind that Apple sells the GSM iPhone 4S unlocked at a starting price of $649. Even though the above hack will unlock your iPhone from AT&T, it can only be used on T-Mobile’s slower EDGE network in the US.