Tips from iPhone Dev Team to Fix Unlock Issues

by Simon Ng on July 21, 2009

Earlier, iPhone Dev team released the ultrasn0w 0.9 for iPhone 3G/3GS unlock. Despite the latest version of ultrasn0w fixes lots of unlock issues, some of the readers still experience hiccup during the carrier unlock process. Yesterday, iPhone Dev team posted a great post and offered a number of unlock tips:

1. The first tip is about the battery issue. The team mentioned unusual battery depletion is almost always caused by choosing “Restore from backup” instead of “Setup as new iPhone” when iTunes prompts you during the initial setup. The battery depletion issue is no related to jailbreak or ultrasn0w tool but it’s common for iPhone 3.0 if you’re using “Restore from backup” option to restore back your iPhone. And, here is the possible fix:

The fix is to just re-run the official 3.0 restore and choose “Setup as new” this time. Your music and apps and all that will still be synced, but you’ll get rid of any conflicting wifi, bluetooth, or carrier settings. Then just re-run redsn0w and install ultrasn0w.

Personally, I used “Restore from backup” option to restore back the iPhone. Not all jailbroken iPhones experienced this battery depletion issue. But I did turn off push notification and push email to preserve battery. But if you encounter this issue, I suggest you to follow iPhone Dev team’s recommendation and re-jailbreak your iPhone again.

2. Remember ultrasn0w only works on hacktivated iPhone. That means, even you’re using the official carrier, please don’t use the official sim to activate the iPhone via iTunes. Use redsn0w for the activation (i.e hacktivate) and keep your unofficial sim card in iPhone all time when using ultrasn0w.

3. For T-mobile USA user, remember to turn off 3G before using ultrasn0w. Ultrasn0w does not support 3G service of T-mobile USA (actually, it’s not ultrasn0w’s problem but due to t-mobile’s non-standard 3G).

4. For certain unofficial plans, they have limitations on whether you can make calls and use data at the same time. That’s not unlock-related.

For those of you experience any unlock problem while using ultrasn0w, remember to read through the above tips and go through the jailbreak & unlock process again. For details of the tips, you can further check out iPhone Dev Team’s post.

If you’re planning for jailbreak and unlock your iPhone 3G/3GS, you can also check out this step-by-step guide.

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Tagged as: iPhone Dev Team, ultrasn0w, Unlock iPhone

{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Dennis July 21, 2009 at 7:56 am

Hey Simon,

Wondering, if the battery issue applicable to Iphone 1st Generation or not. I got this same issue. Before upgrade my battery can last for 4 days… after I upgrade my OS, maximum can last for 30 hours

–Dennis.

2 Simon Ng July 21, 2009 at 10:46 pm

@Dennis, this may be one of the reasons. I suggest you to take a look at this post first and disable those unused options. This may improve the battery life.

3 Dennis July 22, 2009 at 8:46 pm: I’ve done all that.. Re-Jailbreak probably my final option which I’ll do it very soon.. keep you posted!

Reply

4 Ernest July 23, 2009 at 9:42 am

Hi Simon and friends!, please help!
some weeks ago i updated my Iphone 2G to OS 2.2, it was working fine but today i found that I can’t make phone calls.
I can receive calls and send/receive SMS but if I try to make a phone call the iphone says Call ended immediately after dial number.

(I am not sure if I had the same problem months ago and somebody gave some directions to change something in settings, I don’t remember)

Please help me!!

5 Simon Ng July 23, 2009 at 11:13 pm: @Ernest, did you try to reboot your iPhone? Also, try to reset the network settings (Settings -> General -> Reset -> Reset network settings). Further, you can re-sync the iPhone with iTunes.

BTW, are you using jailbroken iPhone?

Reply

6 Ernest July 24, 2009 at 1:57 am

Sorry fo ask about something different -

I can’t make phone calls, reviewing on Settings I found that Show my Caller ID option was in Off position, but the button is disabled, I mean I can’t turn it On.

What can I do?

7 Ernest July 24, 2009 at 2:00 am

Yes, I am using a jailbroken Iphone. Let me try the options that you recommended Simon, thanks!

8 JacksRevenge July 26, 2009 at 2:50 am

I just recently JB and unlocked my iPhone and I noticed that the battery life seem to depleat in 1 day without use. My question is the quote “The fix is to just re-run the official 3.0 restore and choose “Setup as new” this time.”"Then just re-run redsn0w and install ultrasn0w.” How do I do this. I tried to “restore” using iTunes but it did not give me the option to “Setup as new” untill I already JB and unlocked my phone and hooked up to iTunes after the restore. I know Im missing something. thank for the help.

9 Jeremy July 31, 2009 at 11:26 am

Iphone 3G OS 3.0

I’ve ran through the offical “walkthrough” about 5 times now. I keep the T-Mobile Sim card in the slot for activating, turn off 3G, everything. I still end up with “Searching…” followed up by “No Signal” Every time. I’m not sure what else I can try, as every search I’ve attempted has simply led me back to following the steps again.

Anybody else have this problem, and get it fixed? If so, could you post a response letting me know how you did it?

Many thanks in advance.

10 nolan parinas August 5, 2009 at 10:54 am

im planning to buy a pre-paid iphone from globe…if i plan to use it with SMART do i activate it first before unlocking or can i activate it first and try it if its in good condition before unlocking…HELP iwant an i phone…

11 laura August 29, 2009 at 11:09 pm

Hi Simon,

I have the 3GS 3.0.1, I’ve restored it as new, jailbroken with redsn0w 0.8, unlocked with ultrasn0w 0.91, put off wifi, 3G, push – everything i can come up with. Still, the battery runs out in 6 hours! Any suggestions which might help..? It’s not really a practical phone with 6 hours’ battery..