John Chase’s Blog

I switched my iPhone 3G over to T-Mobile yesterday and it was a little confusing. Here’s a quick wite up that might be helpful if you’re doing the same thing. I now have unlimited talk, text and data on the iPhone 3G. In major cities I have near 4G data speeds, ~8meg download or 800kbps. Since I’m moving to Seattle, which is about 15 minutes from T-Mobile USA headquarters - I should be in good shape.

Unlocking is the process of what needs to be done to enable other SIM cards to work in the original AT&T iPhone, Jaiilbreaking needs to happen first, because jailbreaking is what allows you to install whatever software you like - including the software the unlocks the phone.

Usually, it’s not a big deal to unlock your iPhone, but Apple has switched baseband’s with the iPhone4 and iPad so you really have to commit to this unlocking and update your baseband, which is irreversible.

Before you try updating it’s best to check what version of IOS you have and what your baseband is. You can do this in Settings –> General –> About; look for Version and Modem Firmware (baseband).  After my jailbreak and unlock was finished I have 4.2.1 and 06.15.00 - the latest IOS version and the updated baseband.

To start the jailbreak/unlock process you need to download the latest version of redsn0w, I used version 0.9.7b6

You also need a copy of the latest ipsw (iPhone Software) for your phone, you can use 4.2.1.

After you download these two files, remove your SIM card from the top of your phone with a paperclip, dock your iphone and launch redsn0w. It will prompt you for the ipsw, select the ipsw that you downloaded and it will validate the ipsw.

You’l then see the menu below. I checked a custom boot logo and added my company logo, not necessary, but cool.

You’ll then need to push the right button sequence to go into DFU (Device Fireware Upgrade) mode.

Relax, wait for your phone to update and start Cydia, a new app that was installed during the process.

You now need to install ultrasn0w, the software that unlocks your phone. In Cydia click Manage, then sources, in the left hand corner add the source: http://repo666.ultrasn0w.com.

Once it’s added, click on your new source and select ultrasn0w, insert your T-Mobile SIM card and follow the instructions to install.

Once it’s done, restart your phone. You’re finished; everything should work on your new T-Mobile iPhone 3G.

Living List of iPhone tricks as I discover them.

1. Easily go back and edit text while typing. Hold your finger on the word you are typing and the magnifiying glass will appear. This will allow you to move through your text, up-down-left-right, very easily.
2. Easy period. Double tap the space bar to auto-enter a period.
3. Favorites. Access your favorites at any time when your phone is unlocked by double-taping the home button. Great for avoiding looking up numbers in your contact list or recent call history.
4. iPod controls (when locked). Listening to music in your car with you phone locked? Just double tap the home button and you can easily control back, forward, pause and volume.
5. Rearrange your app icons by holding down any icon until all begin to shake. You can then rearrange.
6. Screenshot. Hold the home button, press and release the sleep/wake button. A picture will be taken and saved in your photos.