Why can I not activate my factory unlocked iPhone 3GS after a restore?
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EADizzle • February 18, 2013 at 7:07pm
I requested a factory unlock from AT&T for an iPhone 3GS 32GB that was previously using a software unlock. Although the unlock was processed, I cannot activate the device after a restore and cannot access the Springboard. The device was previously using the 6.15.00 iPad baseband for the software unlock. What steps are required to successfully activate a 3GS that has been factory unlocked when it was previously running the iPad baseband?
Answers
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iClarified • January 12, 2026 at 7:11pm
The issue you are experiencing is due to the 6.15.00 iPad baseband. Even if AT&T has officially processed a factory unlock for your iPhone 3GS, iTunes will often fail to activate the device if that specific baseband version is present. To fix this, you must use a tool like Redsn0w to downgrade the baseband from 6.15.00 to 05.13.04. After the baseband has been successfully downgraded, you can perform a standard restore in iTunes to the latest compatible iOS version. The device should then activate normally using any valid SIM card. This process also has the added benefit of restoring GPS functionality, which is typically disabled when using the iPad baseband.
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EADizzle • March 8, 2013 at 9:34pm
Resolution: Custom restored the 32GB phone to iOS 4.1, ran a redsn0w session to install Cydia and downgrade BB at the same time. This bypassed activation screen and booted the phone with BB 5.13 and Cydia installed.
Thanks, me! And the numerous websites and tutorials that gave me ideas to try.
Thanks, me! And the numerous websites and tutorials that gave me ideas to try.