I bought a 10-day old unlocked 3G iPhone from a member here. He didn't tell me that the phone has a problem. Very often the phone gives the message "No Sim Card Installed" eventhough the sim card is inside. I have tried resetting the phone and also cleaning the sim card before installing it again. The problem is still there. It is frustrating because the card disables itself thinking that there is no sim card and I got missed calls without even knowing.

Also, in the middle of conversations, the phone gets disconnected often. Before the seller sold me the phone I talked to him on a few occasion on the phone and his line was cut off very often. He told me the battery was weak.

Can anyone help me ?

Thanks loads in advance.

This post has been edited by kingsley244: Oct 5 2008, 03:34 PM

Will be better if you list his name out, so that future buyers will be more alert of such people

TS has already PMed me the model serial number and i had it double checked with the list.


his is an american AT & T locked version and probably using a turbosim to bypass the locking process.

update: i just got off the phone with TS


apparently there is no such turbosim or XYZsim to bypass the locking process in his case. but i am certain that the model number part points to the american AT & T version. hence if i were to make a conclusion, his is probably unlocked using the dodgy hardware unlocking by dismantling and unchipping the iphone board.


however, these are just speculations and can be subjected to changes.

This post has been edited by nokia2003: Oct 4 2008, 02:48 PM

Nokia has been most helpful in helping to track the source of my iPhone's problems. Great guy. Thanks.

So complicated...TS say is 10days old,mean it is second hand or new set?

Normally only those turbo sims or hardware sims set will have this kind of problem... I never heard official unlock or legally unlock sets got this problem.

Try ask the seller again, see whether yours is legally unlocked or with turbosims? if not the unlock problem then its the handset problem... get a refund or exchange asap...

It's always advised to check the product nicely and then deal. Usually people like this will rush you to deal quick.

Prevention is the best way.

care to list out the members name?

yah, tell us his/her name... so we all can avoid dealing with him/her ...

This post has been edited by butthead012: Oct 4 2008, 08:13 PM

to any iPhone buyers (who rush for it).... this is the consequence if you do not do more research / read more here.

sorry to hear that TS... u'd better call up your seller to get the matter rectified.... if your call is not answered, it think most probably you are in his/her trap already.

yea... pls SHOUT OUT his/her ID or name.... so that others won't fall into the trap again.

hey guys


not that i'm defending the seller. but i would think that perhaps the seller hasn't got a clue that it is a hardware unlocked iphone as well.


i mean, who will actually go around (except for me ) with a list to check the model and part numbers?


for an average user, one will automatically assume that an iphone 3G is a unlocked unit, seeing that it doesnt require a turbosim (or an equivalent) to unlock.


hence, i reckon that my argument is a fair one to be honest.






This post has been edited by nokia2003: Oct 4 2008, 11:14 PM

well.... if Rabbit reckon that, then I think it is an unfortunate for TS.

hope other hardware unlocked will give u a better solution.

aiyoh... wen software unlocked will be available?
anyway, wats the best hardware unlocked at the moment? turbosim ?

no ideas... but if it is locked out of box, only hardware unlocked is the only option.

but as mentioned by Rabbit, it has been MOD with inside components.... the problem is not caused by the hardware unlocker things...

so, I doubt hardware unlocker will be useful for TS too... unless his iPhone has to be go with some 'operation' for further problem to be diagnosed.

@ friends


checking inside the iphone for a sign of modification is, unfortunately out of my level of understanding

perhaps TS should go for cxrx ?
if really no better solution to TS... the only left option is to treat it as iPod Touch instead.

but actually mean
there is more danger for iphone buyer out there
those that wanna buy officially unlock,
might get fooled by this kinda irresponsible seller
seller get from US which is only USD 599 or 699
but sell at official unlock price for better earning....
those buyer tot is cheaper and din see any hardware unlock tools
just slight in the sim card and can call, tot is genuine...
till some time only realize it's not official unlock....
shud we bring this up to warn more buyers?
coz it might get serious

@kingsley244,
Is it possible for U to get a refund from the seller? I mean he wasn't being 'honest' when he said it was a truly unlocked phone and what use is a phone when it's always disconnecting u?!

PS: U sure U want to leave ur number on the forum?! *grins* Nanti people call to kacau u how?!

Thanks, I have removed my number now. I have the habit to think that most people are honest so I can leave my telephone number without fear but now I am not sure. I think this 52 year old has to learn the realities of the cyber world. Thanks for the advice.

The seller is refusing to accept a return of the phone. I even offered to take RM200 less. I will wait and see before I take the next step. Meanwhile I am going to let ä friendly "expert" in this forum take a look at the phone. I should be able to know the actual state of the phone soon. If he is in the wrong, I will definitely pursue this matter against him. Somehow, I understand now why he sold his phone after only 10 days.

well for your sake, I do hope that everything will go in accordance to your desire