Instructions: Remove the SIM lock from the iPhone

29 April 2019 9 October 2020 / From Johannes Domke / The omniscient garbage dump / Post a comment

Chapter in this post:

1 Remove the SIM lock from the iPhone
2 Your experiences with SIM locks from network operators
3 Similar posts

Newer iPhones no longer get a SIM lock from the cell phone providers and network operators who sell them with a corresponding contract. Older Apple smartphones such as the iPhone 4 or iPhone SE can still be used with this restriction. This means that you can only use SIM cards from a certain mobile phone provider with these devices - mostly Vodafone or Telekom. To remove the SIM lock from the iPhone, they offer their own options, but these do not always work. You can do a work-around to unlock the device via iTunes on a Mac or PC.

Here are the instructions for removing the SIM lock from the iPhone - easily on a Mac or PC.

Sir Apfelot recommendation: Clean up your Mac hard drive with CleanMyMac

Remove the SIM lock from the iPhone

In order to remove the SIM lock on the old iPhone without the original SIM card and thus be able to use discount rates as well as Vodafone or Telekom, you need iTunes. If you have the latest version of the program on your computer, proceed as follows:

Open iTunes and connect the iPhone using the Lighting USB cable
Create iPhone backup (image for data backup)
iPhone Reset to factory settings
Restore the device with the backup created
Switch on the Apple smartphone and use any (active) SIM card

This procedure helped with my wife's iPhone SE after the procedure proposed by Vodafone was unsuccessful. If you want to see the official help for unlocking the iPhone from the network operators, here are the links:

Instructions from Vodafone (recommends only syncing the device)
Service from T-Mobile (required IMEI number of the iPhone)

Your experiences with SIM locks from network operators

Have you recently had to do with an older smartphone that has been blocked by the network operator or mobile operator? How did you get the problem solved in order to be able to use a SIM card from your chosen provider? Or did you only find the right way with these instructions? Feel free to leave a comment with your experiences;)

SIM cards: History, sizes and use

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.

Did you like the article and did the instructions on the blog help you? Then I would be happy if you the blog via a Steady Membership or at Patreon would support.

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Starting today for everyone: Connected Devices tab in the CleanMyMac X Menu app
Three weeks ago I informed you about the beta test of a new feature of CleanMyMac X: Keep track of connected devices - Update for CleanMyMac X Menu App. As of today, the device monitor extension for the Apple Mac menu bar is available from the beta version and as an update for all users. Therefore, in this post, we take another look at the core functions. Below you will also find a few other sources that explain the new tool and how to use it in more detail. Info and purchase options for CleanMyMac X can be found with this link.
Starting today, the Connected Devices extension for the CleanMyMac X Menu Bar app is out of beta and available as an update for all users. Image source: MacPaw

Connected devices - Apple, Bluetooth and storage devices at a glance
How much space is on the iPhone, when should I charge the Magic Mouse and how much junk is on the external hard drive? These and other questions can be answered quickly and easily with the new extension. In addition, the memory cleaning module of the main app can be called directly. Virtual eject buttons are available for external storage media to safely disconnect them from the Mac. "We're proud to introduce the Connected Devices Monitoring Viewer in the CleanMyMac Menu appsays Oleksii Myronenko, product manager at CleanMyMac X. "With the newly added feature, CleanMyMac X now offers a comprehensive solution for centralized management of all devices. Whether you want to keep external drives clutter-free or make sure your Bluetooth devices never run out of juice, CleanMyMac X has you covered.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuDzEEEvop0
Overview of the functions of the new device monitor
If you have an Apple Mac with you macOS 10.13 High Sierra or newer and have the latest version of MacPaw CleanMyMac X installed, starting today you can access the Connected Devices tab of the Menu app. As already indicated above, various practical functions are available to you that allow quick device management. Here is an overview of the core functions:
- iOS and iPadOS devices: Keep an eye on the battery status and memory usage of devices that are registered with the same Apple ID and are active in the same WLAN network.
- Bluetooth devices: Keep an eye on battery levels and get notifications when your mouse, keyboard, headphones, etc. need to be charged.
- External drives: See storage usage and junk files that can be deleted at a glance, as well as access the main app with just one glance for a more detailed look at storage.
- device eject: Individual devices such as SD cards, USB sticks and external hard drives can be ejected using a virtual eject button. If you want to quickly disconnect all external storage, you can also use the "Eject all" option.
- Further information: Official blog post by MacPaw
Anyone who purchases CleanMyMac directly from the MacPaw website or via the Setapp subscription can access all the functions of the new device monitor. Due to Apple restrictions, only external storage options are available in the App Store version. Image source: MacPaw

Important differences between web and app store versions
Already three years ago we have here in the blog compared the different sources of supply for CleanMyMac X. The range of functions, which is lower due to certain Apple restrictions in the App Store, has not yet had much of an impact. With regard to the new device monitor, however, it is important to know that only the versions from the MacPaw website and from the Setapp-Subscription (with 240+ more App-Full versions) support all mentioned functions. If you get CleanMyMac X from the Mac App Store, you won't be able to access the iPhone, iPad, and Bluetooth device features. Only flash drives are supported.
About the software company MacPaw
MacPaw is a software studio based in Kiev, Ukraine, that develops and distributes apps for macOS and iOS. MacPaw is the developer of CleanMyMac X, Setapp, ClearVPN and other products. In 2017, MacPaw took over The Unarchiver and has been actively supporting the app ever since. Today, MacPaw products are used by 30 million people around the world. On average, every fifth Mac in the world has at least one MacPaw app installed. MacPaw is from Ukraine and proud of it. Supporting and advancing Ukraine is at the heart of the company culture.
Flickering image content: Light effects can be muted on Apple devices
With the new “Dim flickering light” option, Apple offers the option in the updated operating systems tvOS 16.4, macOS 13.3, iPadOS 16.4 and iOS 16.4 to dampen rapid changes between light and dark image content or stroboscopic effects. This should help light-sensitive people and those with photosensitive epilepsy to watch films, series and videos without the risk of damage to their health. What is interesting about the new technology is that Apple does not keep the underlying algorithm for itself, but makes it publicly available. For more information and instructions on how to enable accessibility, see this guide.
Dim Flickering Lights - New option for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV reduces strobe effects in videos, movies, and more. Instructions for activating on iOS, iPadOS, macOS and tvOS can be found here.

Setting against rapid light changes and stroboscopic effects
The new setting on the most common Apple devices with video output is an accessibility feature. Accordingly, you will also find them in the so-named area of settings / system settings. The description for the slider that you activate for the option reads this: "Video content with repeated flickering or strobing lights is automatically dimmed.“ Depending on the device or operating system, the way to the setting is a bit different. Also, be careful when trying it out with related video content after activating it - I haven't found any test reports confirming that the new feature works properly.
iPhone and iPad guide: Dim flickering light on iOS / iPadOS
Here is the step-by-step guide for iPhone and iPad iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4:
1. Opens the Settings on the Apple iPhone / iPad
2. Tap the menu item Accessibility an
3. Select the point from its list Exercise from
4. Tap the Dimmer Flickering Light slider
5. The option is enabled when the slider is highlighted in green
Mac guide: Dim flickering light on macOS
Here are the step-by-step instructions for the Mac from macOS 13.3:
1. Click on the in the top left Apple logo the menu bar ()
2. Select the item from its menu System settings ... from
3. In the list on the left, click the Accessibility an
4. Also opens the submenu here Show
5. Click on the Dimmer Flickering Light slider so it is highlighted in blue
Apple TV guide: Dimming flickering lights on tvOS
Here are the step-by-step instructions for Apple TV from tvOS 16.4:
1. Opens the Settings on the Apple TV
2. Navigates to the menu item Responsiveness
3. Then select the point Exercise from
4. Activate the "Dim flickering light" slider here as well
5. Now you can return to the media selection
Background and algorithm: "Video Flashing Reduction" explained
Apple has provided a document on its developer platform that shows the background of the new technology. The new release entitled “Video flash reduction. Background and Algorithm“ in v1.0 from March 2023 you can with this link view as PDF. After an introduction to the topic and the technical hurdles in the development, there is a detailed description of the algorithm used to counter heavily flickering video content. After this nine-page insight, there is a look ahead, as well as appendices and a bibliography. All in all, a scientific paper that can provide all those interested with the necessary starting points for dealing with the topic.
Opportunities for developers to implement in their own apps
Apple also urges app developers to take the changes in settings outlined above into account for their interface as well. Under the headline "Responding to changes in the flashing lights setting" is it [called at this point: "Adjust your UI when a person chooses to dim flashing lights on their Apple device.– To get familiar with the matter, a sample code can be downloaded and used for your own project. The tags on the page show that developers working on apps for iOS 16.4 and newer, iPadOS 16.4 and newer, and Xcode 14.3 and newer are primarily addressed here.
Swift, MATLAB and Mathematica projects also available on Github
In addition to the sample code on Apple's developer website itself, the technology for detecting, warning and / or dimming flickering video content is also made available on Github. In addition to the "Video Flashing Reduction" technique for Swift, you will find implementations of the algorithm for MATLAB and Mathematica there. You come to the overview of the project with this link. Both the Github content and the example code on the developer website indicate that there is a flickering light video in the material provided. So if you are photosensitive and want to watch the thing, you should approach the sample video with caution.
Lock Launcher – App selection on the lock screen (from iOS 16)
Lock Launcher is a tool available on the App Store for iPhones that have at least iOS 16 installed as the operating system. Because with this widgets and live activities can be placed on the lock screen of the device. The Lock Launcher app ensures that you can place a kind of "dock" from which you can open directly from the so-called lock screen Apps can access. Of course, the iPhone has to be unlocked via Face ID or Touch ID, but accessing apps is still much faster this way than accessing it via the home screen. You can find the Lock Launcher Download in the official app store.
With Lock Launcher app, you can easily link iPhone apps on the lock screen to launch them faster. You can find instructions and screenshots here.

How it works: Short test of the Lock Launcher app
To try the lock launcher app, one can download it for free from the App Store download. There is also a Pro version for a one-time fee of €2,49, but this is not necessary for the first steps. If you have downloaded the 84,8 MB application to your Apple smartphone, you can add quick start apps to your lock screen as follows:
1. Open the bottom left Favorites-Tab
2. Then tap on Add action (plus symbol)
3. In the first selection field Featured you now tap Choose Action
4. Now you can select the desired programs from several app collections or via the search field
5. Tap a single app
6. Then tap on the top right Save
7. To add more apps, repeat steps 3 to 6
8. Adds up to six apps this way to the lock screen launcher by default
9. again in Favorites-Tab, select this in the top right Palm Island Emoji from
10. Activates the Rules next to "Live Activities" (umbrella emoji), then tap in the top-right corner Done
As you can see from the screenshots, there are many more options and menus that I haven't addressed in the list. For example, in the menu where you enable Live Activities to use app shortcuts from the lock screen, you can increase the number of apps you see - to show ten apps, just select two rows and five app icons per row . You can add four more to the selection shown above and have them all clearly displayed. Experiment with the app and its different settings to find the best options for you.
Very many menus and choices
If you just want to add a dock with individual apps to your iPhone lock screen, then you can follow the step-by-step guide above. However, the Lock Launcher app offers other options for app collections on the lock screen and for an app overview, which can be accessed by pressing the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro (Max). Various widgets and groups can be created and used depending on the issue. If you use the buttons and menus that are available in addition to those described above, you will find all sorts of options and possibilities.
Display must be reactivated after at least 12 hours
The Lock Launcher App uses the "Live Activities" function of the lock screen iOS 16. Accordingly, the display will be removed from the lock screen after 12 hours of inactivity. However, if you use the lock screen dock to launch any of the apps or launch the Lock Launcher app during this time, the 12-hour timer will reset. Worried about letting time pass, but still want the dock to be permanently available? Then just let the Lock Launcher app open automatically multiple times a day: Use shortcuts and automations on iPhone. While the linked guide covers location-based app launch, you can quickly modify it to launch apps at specific times.
Which apps do you need quick access for?
Have you already tried the app described here or a similar one? What apps do you associate with it on your iPhone lock screen? Feel free to leave your recommendations and experiences in the comments! Maybe you know an app that works even better, is clearer and has other advantages? I look forward to every hint!
Apple Music Classical: Available today on the App Store
That Apple has an iPhoneApp would release for streaming classical music has been known for a long time. The release was actually supposed to take place in 2022, but it was repeatedly postponed. As of today, Apple Music Classical can finally be downloaded from the iOS App Store. Use, including all available titles and playlists, is included in the Apple Music subscription. This costs €10,99 per month for regular bookings, and only €5,99 for students. The Voice subscription for €4,99 does not entitle you to use the new offer. You can find more details on this below.
From today you can download the Apple Music Classical app from the official store for iPhone programs. There are various suggestions, playlists and curated content, but also eras, genres, instruments and other categories for your own search. Here you get a first insight.

Apple Music Classical officially on the App Store starting today
Apple had announced more than two weeks agothat the new classic app should be available from today. Now, after a long wait, it is available really free of charge and with a small download of just 16,6 MB. At least iOS 15.4 or a more recent operating system is required on the iPhone or iPod touch. The individual pieces from what Apple calls "the world's largest classical music catalogue" are available in the best possible sound quality - i.e. in Hi-Res Lossless with up to 192 kHz / 24 bit. The individual tabs of the app, the various sorting options, search aids and playlists are designed to enable newcomers to classical music to familiarize themselves with this type of music.
First look at the classical music app on the iPhone
When you launch the Apple Music Classical app, the Listen Now tab already gives you a few suggestions for listening to specific albums or genres. Exclusive content is served up directly, which is accompanied by 3D audio Dolby Atmos can be enjoyed. If you still can't make up your mind, it's best to have a look around in the "Discover" tab first.
Using the app begins with the "Listen Now" tab, which directly suggests high-quality recordings. Suggestions are also made for exploring eras and genres of classical music.
In the "Discover" tab there are three sections "Catalog", "Playlists" and "Instruments". In the catalogue, you look around for specific composers, conductors, orchestras, soloists, ensembles, choirs, or for epochs and genres. So if you have heard of this group or person before, you can start here. Playlists have similar choices, but also offers for specific moods, curated playlists, and so on.
The "Discover" tab offers various options. You can browse the catalog, search for specific playlists, or discover classical music played on your favorite instrument.
The Instruments tab offers a selection of these musical instruments: Piano, Organ, Harpsichord, Cello, Violin, Viola, Gamba, Guitar, Lute, Double Bass, Harp, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Clarinet, Oboe, Flute, Bassoon, Recorder, Saxophone and percussion/drums. Various voices are also performed: soprano, mezzo-soprano, countertenor, tenor and bass-baritone. Here you can search specifically for certain sounds and pitches.
In the Instruments section of the "Discover" tab, you can select a variety of musical tools. So you can quickly and easily find exactly those sounds and pitches that you want to listen to.
The "Library" tab in the Apple Music Classical app is very similar to that in Apple's Music app. There are also the categories Albums, Playlists, Tracks and Artists – as well as Recordings, Works and Composers. The last three make more sense here, of course, which is why they're a good addition to the Classics app. In the regular music app, there is instead a "Loaded" item for downloaded tracks.
In the media library, the stored content can be viewed well sorted and selected for playback. However, there is no "Loaded" point. Classical music can only be streamed in the new Apple app.

Apple wants to offer “the ultimate classic experience”.
In the description of the new offer in the iOS App Store the same is referred to as "the ultimate classic experience". This statement is not just in the room, but is substantiated with a few explanatory points. These are as follows:
- Get unlimited access to the world's largest classical music catalog (over 5 million titles), featuring everything from new releases to famous masterpieces. Also, it offers thousands of exclusive albums.
- Search by composer, work, conductor or even catalog number to find specific recordings instantly.
- Listen in the highest sound quality (Hi-Res Lossless with a maximum resolution of 192kHz/24bit) and enjoy thousands of recordings in impressive 3D audio with Dolby Atmos.
- Benefit from complete and accurate metadata so you know exactly what and who you're reflecting.
- Learn by listening with thousands of composer biographies, major work descriptions and more.
- Listen to music via AirPlay on compatible wireless devices.
Classical music cannot be downloaded
That all sounds good, but if you want to play classical music with the new app on the go or in places without Wi-Fi, you should know that none of the tracks, albums or playlists can be downloaded. The "Requirements" part of the app description states: "You must be connected to the internet to listen to music in Apple Music Classical."
You won't find the download option in this app.
Furthermore, the description of the app states that available content and functions may vary depending on the country or region. The app is also currently not available in China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Taiwan and Turkey. Whether you can use a VPN to get the app working while on vacation or any other trip to one of those countries, I don't know. What do you think of the new classic offering for the iPhone? Have you already listened? Please leave a comment with your opinion and your experiences!
Self-adhesive patches or bandages - my pick of the week
This time I have another tip that has nothing to do with Apple. I just take the liberty and use it Pick of the week for such recommendations.
Adhesive patches instead of sticky patches
But enough of the preamble: It's about self-adhesive patches that do not require any glue at all. In the doctor's office, things seem to go under the term "adhesive bandage". I discovered these things when I was looking for band aids on Amazon... Actually I wanted to have a piece of this kind where you can cut off band aids as big as you need them. But in the end I ordered something else, namely a plaster on a roll that sticks to itself and does not require any glue at all. However, the adhesive bandages have a few advantages and disadvantages, which I would like to mention here.
Health Press's self-adhesive patches are my pick of the week - and no, they didn't pay me anything... I just find them handy (Photos: Sir Apfelot).

Benefits
- You can make the patch as long as you need it and it is more adjustable than sticky patches.
- The patch has no areas that are only sticky and not for covering wounds.
- It's soft, yet it sticks to itself. So you don't have a rough area like you have with Velcro.
- It comes off the skin easily because it only sticks to itself and not to the skin. Therefore it is great for children.
- It can withstand hand washing (but it gets wet underneath).
- It lets more air through (if you just wrap it around once) than a regular patch.
Disadvantages
- You can't stick it on one area, it always has to be wrapped around something so that it gets caught by the pull on the corresponding part of the body. To attach such a patch to the chest, for example, you would have to wrap it around the chest once.
- Even though the product description says "waterproof", it doesn't absorb water like normal fabric because it has a waxed feel and repels water a little.
- The fabric is not very thick. If you put iodine on it, you have to wrap a few layers to keep it from going through.
- Once the plaster has been removed, it no longer sticks properly and you have to take a new one.
- If a wound is to be covered as "tightly" as possible, you may have to put something underneath it - but it will never be airtight or watertight.
I ordered the patches in 2,5 cm and 5 cm widths – I haven't used the 5 cm version yet, but I'm sure that will come.

Two widths available
The adhesive bandages I got are from Health Press. There is one 2,5 cm and one 5,0 cm wide, each with a length of 4,5 meters. Both are listed here:
- Health Press adhesive plasters 2,5 cm x 4,5 m (8 rolls)
- Health Press adhesive plasters 5,0 cm x 4,5 m (8 rolls)
5,00 EUR
Finger plaster self-adhesive - 8x plaster roll (2,5cm x 4,5m) - bandage self-adhesive -...

👍 FINGERPADS THAT CONVINCES: The fingertape is self-adhesive and can therefore be quickly removed in emergencies...
🙅‍♂️NO MORE TEARS WHEN PULLING OFF: The original Health Press finger plaster can be compared to ...
👨‍🔬 MEDICALLY CERTIFIED: The medically certified fixing bandage from Health Press was tested by DERMATEST ...
14,99 EUR −5,00 EUR 9,99 EUR
Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 26.03.2023 at 23: 41 clock)
Self-adhesive dressing - 8x plaster roll (5,0cm x 4,5m) - Original Health Press dressing material...

👍 SELF-ADHESIVE EFFECT: The fixing bandage is self-adhesive and easy to attach, so you can also ...
😇 PULL OFF PAINLESS: The original Health Press adhesive bandage can not only be removed painlessly, but ...
👨‍🔬 DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED: The elastic bandage from Health Press is medically certified and has been ...
14,99 EUR
Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 26.03.2023 at 23: 41 clock)
I like to use these band-aids when I've torn my cuticles somewhere on a finger and it keeps getting stuck when you put your hands in your pockets. The plasters protect the areas well and they are not bulky. And you can make them just as long as you need them. Therefore, the price per plaster is not as high as with the sets that you usually get and from which you always need exactly the size that is currently used up.
I didn't have a wound, but I wrapped my finger for you - this is what the adhesive plaster looks like.

Summary
I hope you can do something with the recommendation and maybe stick – sorry, “stick” – things will soon also stick to your fingers, feet, arms and legs. For earlobes, forehead and buttocks they are not so good to use. 😊

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Instructions: Remove the SIM lock from the iPhone

Remove the SIM lock from the iPhone

Your experiences with SIM locks from network operators

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