Used iPhone 4GB, not activated; Need to set up for T-Mobile

[travis7977]

Hi, I just received a used original iPhone 4GB from a friend who upgraded. My current service is with AT&T, but I want to transfer the number to T-Mobile so I can opt out of having the data plan.

The phone was given to me without a sim card and the memory was wiped clean. My friend cannot tell me which O.S. (firmware) is on the phone, but he assures me it has not been updated to 3.0. Also, I have access to my friend's iPhone 3G, so I can borrow the sim card, if doing so does not mess up his phone or iTunes account.

I downloaded the latest iTunes software to my notebook and obtained a new sim card from T-mobile. I see instructions on the modmyi.com blog for unlocking and jailbreaking, but they say to be sure to upgrade to 3.0 first.

Problem: when i connect the first generation phone with the sim card I got from Tmobile to iTunes, it says it's not a valid sim. I took my friends sim out of his 3G model and put it in the first generation model; now iTunes says I can activate with AT&T and wants me to type in my phone number, SO I STOPPED.

I noticed that the space to type the phone number was already pre-filled with my friend's number that he uses on the 3G Phone.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO SAFELY ACTIVATE THE PHONE FOR TMOBILE USAGE AND INSTALL THE 3.0 FIRMWARE AND NOT MESS UP MY FRIEND'S PHONE.

Of course, I want then to unlock and jailbreak the phone, but I think the Guide will walk me thru.

Any help is gladly appreciated,

Travis

[iGuy]

Use your sim.

Update to 3.0 (iTunes will say the sim isn't recognised but that's because you haven't unlocked it yet).

Use redsnOw to UL & JB.

Follow the guide carefully and all will be well.

[UZU309]

The reason it's not a valid sim is because it isn't jailbroken yet. I think you would have to jailbreak whatever firmware is on the phone first.(most likely 2.2.1 or whatever) Then put in your T-Mobile sim and check if it reads. If it does then upgrade to OS 3.0 and then jailbreak the 3.0 firmware. I hope this helps...

EDIT: oh I didn't see iGuy's above post, but that should work as well.

[travis7977]

Thanks, so much for the help. I think I goofed up, though. I successfully updated to 3.0 and thought I successfully unlocked and jailbroke. I could access the main menu, use the wi-fi for email, internet, and youtube.

When I tried to use Cydia (spelling?), it said there was an error caused by installing Cydia and Icy at the same time. It said I should reset and reinstall and check the box to install only Cydia.

I selected to clear the phone of all settings and data under settings. It said it would take about an hour. When it got to the end of clearing, it displayed just the apple symbol and won't respond to any buttons. I guess it's locked.

What do I do to get it out of this mode? Once out of the mode, how do I know if the phone is ready to be unlocked/jailbroken again?

Thanks again for all your help.

Hey, please disregard the last post I made above. I got all the software re-installed and it seems to be working. Thanks always!