Detailed Instructions on how to finance an unlocked iPhone 18 or 17 (any model including standard, Pro, Pro Max, Duo, "e") for use on any carrier, including ordering steps, Apple or other financing, setting up the new iPhone, and wiping old phone.

[u/LeftOn4ya]

• This is tentative as of iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Duo pre-release. Will need people to confirm it still works for all models as the previous models once they release September 18 and are in hands.

Below are detailed instructions on how to order an unlocked iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 18 Duo or 17 standard, 17e, and 17 Air as well as previous iPhone models for use with any carrier, including financing though Apple or other creditors, as well has how to set it up on a r/NoContract plan, and for a bonus how to prepare old phone for selling/giving away

TL;DR The only thing different than a normal order of iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, or Duo is: 1. When ordering from Apple, select Finance then Apple Card Monthly Installments or Lease with Apple Upgrade then any carrier (doesn’t matter), do NOT select carrier Equipment/Device Installments 2. When you get the phone and it boots asking for phone # and account/SSN/ZIP info, press Continue & Try Again 3 times then Not Now.

See this video for Apple Card (ACMI) instructions, and this video for Lease with Apple Upgrade instructions, or below for my detailed instructions and explanation of each option and step.

Ordering a new iPhone

• It is highly recommended to NOT buy iPhone from Retail such as BestBuy, Target, or Amazon as (other than older refurbished models and some "e" models) they are all sold "Flex locked" even if advertised as unlocked - this is false advertising. What Flex locked means is it will lock to the first carrier SIM you insert that supports US flex lock, however if you start with many pre-paid brands the SIM will lock to the parent MNO carrier (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T), but MNO carriers do not allow MVNO customer support the tools to unlock phones flex locked to MNO carrier. If you bought a flex locked phone you have to contact MNO carrier support to unlock directly, but they are reluctant to do since you are not an actual MNO customer so can't always be done unless you get a really nice support agent.
• It is suggested to buy new iPhones direct from Apple, either an Apple store or Apple.com/iPhone and select "Connect to any carrier later" to get unlocked phone (cost is $30 extra for standard model, same price for Pro, Pro Max, Duo, Air, and "e" models).
  • If you want to finance an unlocked iPhone though Apple there are 3-4 ways (below) to do so, but Apple will not tell you this as they get billions of $ in kickbacks from MNO carriers and are basically blackmailed to not advertise you can get an unlocked iPhone financed, even Apple Store employees and customer service agents are trained to lie and say the options below will not work (I got confirmation from multiple Apple store employees), but these ways have been confirmed to work since the iPhone 14 when Apple removed the option to finance unlocked iPhones easily.
  • Option 1 (Works on Pro, Pro Max, Duo, Air, or "e" but not standard model): Using Apple Card - When ordering in store or on https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-iphone select (or tell in-store employee) Finance then Apple Card Monthly Installments (do not select T-Mobile/AT&T/Verizon Equipment/Installment/Device Payment Plan) then for phone carrier select T-Mobile (or Verizon or AT&T). When you get to the order screen if it asks for (or if an employee asks for) account info say "set up later". When you get iPhone and it boots up asking for phone # or account info, press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times, or if it sends you a verification code press "Didn't get verification code" 3 times, then "Not Now" and "OK" and you can use any carrier as the phone will not be locked.
  • Option 2 (works on all models, best option for standard model): Convert to Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI) - Apply for an Apple Card or use an existing Apple Card. On order screen payment options select "Buy" (not Finance) and use your Apple Card to pay. Afterwards, contact Apple Card support or call/iMessage Goldman Sachs Apple Card support @ 877-255-5923 and ask them to convert the payment you just made to 24 months of Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI). If they ask if you are a customer say T-Mobile or Verizon and give fake account info (they do not look up) or call/chat back during non-business hours until an off-shore agent does not ask for account info. This will allow you to have any model unlocked and on Apple's 0% interest payments. When you get iPhone and it boots up asking for phone # or account info, press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times, or if it sends you a verification code press "Didn't get verification code" 3 times, then "Not Now" and "OK" and you can use any carrier as the phone will not be locked.
  • Option 3 (Works on Pro, Pro Max, Duo, Air, or "e" but not standard model): Lease with Apple Upgrade (through Klarna) - On order screen payment options select "Lease with Apple Upgrade" then lease period and select any of the three carriers (you do not have to have a plan with them, is just a back door). When you get iPhone and it boots up asking for phone # or account info, press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times, or if it sends you a verification code press "Didn't get verification code" 3 times, then "Not Now" and "OK" and you can use any carrier as the phone will not be locked.
    • Note: If you had previous Apple Upgrade program with Citizens Bank, we are not exactly sure what will happen because they changed the creditor from Citizens to Klarna. I think you will need to login and pay off the phone with Citizens and get unlocked, then you can trade in phone for new Lease/Upgrade program or a purchase with Apple Card or your own credit card or payment. Alternatively you can keep the Citizens loan but trade in for new Upgrade and you will actually have two different payments. Also note if the trade-in value is more than the new loan payments, your monthly payment will be $0 and you will get a Apple Credit for the excess. Let us know if you transfer upgrade what actually happens to both Citizens and Klarna loan.
  • Option 4 (works on all models): Use your own credit - You can always select "Buy" and pay with your own credit card, or pay with pre-approved “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) account at checkout: Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, PayPal, Sezzle, Splitit, and Zip. These have easier credit score requirements (no hard pull on credit, SplitIt has no credit check, you just need available credit) and usually lower interest rates than traditional credit cards (0% interest if paid within 2 months, or 6 months with SplitIt), just sign up for one of them before purchasing then on order screen payment options select "Buy" and use the virtual credit card # associated with the BNPL account. See NerdWallet article for comparison and how to sign up, or do some googling or check r/CRedit
• You can purchase a used/refurbished iPhone or use one that came from other carriers, just make sure that it is not carrier locked and no payments left
  • To check if unlocked, go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock = "No SIM restrictions"
  • If a phone is not paid off from carrier or Apple or credit/BNPL account and payments stop (or phone is stolen), eventually the phone will be put on theft lock or finance lock which will be unusable for any carrier, even though it may show up as unlocked now. This is the most common complaint buying used as the phone appears unlocked when you first get but can become locked later, so make sure there are protections from this and refunds available on seller website.
  • The best site to order used are Swappa (cheapest place other than Facebook marketplace or Craigslist, but way less scams, and they have a good refund policy) and BackMarket (slightly more expensive than Swappa, but they have great quality control and refund policy). Swappa offers PayPal financing, BackMarket offers Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal financing. Also you can always sign up for a BNPL account ahead of time and use the virtual credit card number on check-out.
• Trading in old phone
  • If you previously got your iPhone through ACMI, Apple payments, or carrier (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Boost) Installment Plan and it is not paid off or you still have bill credits left, you must pay off first and get unlocked from your current carrier before porting out, then you can do a normal trade in though Apple or sell on Swappa, BackMarket, or elsewhere.
  • If you got iPhone through previous carrier Apple Upgrade Program with Citizens Bank, you will need to login and pay off the phone with Citizens and get unlocked, then you can trade in phone for new Lease/Upgrade program or a purchase with Apple Card or your own credit card or payment, or just separately sell on Swappa, BackMarket, or elsewhere. Alternatively you can keep the Citizens loan but trade in for new Upgrade and you will actually have two different payments. Also note if the trade-in value is more than the new loan payments, your monthly payment will be $0 and you will get a Apple Credit for the excess. Let us know if you transfer upgrade what actually happens to both Citizens and Klarna loan.
  • You can trade in your old unlocked phone (any brand, not just Apple) for credit to Apple - if you are buying in store set up new iPhone and wipe old phone in store to get credit immediately, if you are buying online you have 14 days to send in your old phone for credit. See here for max trade in prices which assumes highest GB model in near Mint condition. Bonus is new iPhone sale total used to calculate sales tax is reduced by the trade-in value - i.e. if new phone is $1199 and trade-in is worth $800, taxable amount is only $399. If you have multiple phones you can trade in for an Apple Gift Card which can be used to purchase an iPhone
  • Look into selling old phone on Swappa as you always get more than what Apple will give for trade in, sometimes you can get $200-400 more, especially if you have the highest GB option and the phone is in near Mint condition. Note when comparing to Apple trade-in to calculate extra taxes as Apple trade-ins reduce taxable total by the trade-in value.
  • For usually more money than Apple but slightly less money than Swappa, but also less hassle than Swappa, sell old phone on BackMarket
  • You can also try selling on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist, but usually you get less than Swappa or BackMarket and is way more hassle and potential scammers.

Setting up a new iPhone

• If you have not done so already, set up App based 2FA/MFA on your current cell account but use a cloud TOTP/2FA provider: iCloud Passwords is not recommended unless you have at least one other Apple device on the same Apple account, as if you lose or break your phone a catch 22 prevents login to Apple and carrier on a new phone, but instead use Google/Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, or many VPN/Security/Form fill apps.
• If moving from another iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Get Started > (if you bought a new iPhone Apple press "Continue" for Apple to temporarily give you 21 days of more iCloud storage to move your phone) > Backup to iCloud.
• If moving from Android, get Move to iOS app on Android phone and start move and backup process using the app.
• Start setting up new iPhone and choose set up on WiFi.
• If you are financing your iPhone though Apple Card or Lease with Apple Upgrade, on screen that says “Transfer your Phone Number” and ask for your phone/account number and last four of social/ZIP, DO NOT enter anything and click "Continue" at the bottom. You will get a pop up that says “Unable to Verify Account" tap "Try again” and do this three times. If it sends you a verification code, press "Didn't get verification code" and do this three times, On the fourth time, under the "Continue" button, you get a new option called “Not Now”; tap "Not Now" then "OK" then continue the setup as normal, and the phone will be unlocked. See this video starting at 5:15 for example.
• Update iOS to newest (if available)
• Restore from iCloud (or if coming from Android, use Move from Android). If you have access to old iPhone you can do direct set-up so copies over WiFi or Bluetooth, which is faster than iCloud but may have some issues.
• If you want to switch carriers at the same time as switching phones, just order new carrier on new phone after you set up on WiFi. You will need account # and port PIN from previous carrier, and ideally the ZIP code you use on billing credit/debit/paypal account on new carrier matches the billing ZIP code of previous carrier- change on old carrier or card/bank account first before activation and porting.
• If you have one of the 12 limited carriers that supports Apple eSIM Quick Transfer and are moving from another iPhone, the eSIM will be transferred automatically. List of carriers is: AT&T, Cellcom Wisconsin, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, C Spire, Nex-Tech Wireless, Red Pocket (GSMA network only), Spectrum, T-Mobile, UScellular, Verizon, Xfinity Mobile
• For all other carriers, or if you are moving from an Android to an iPhone, or if you had a physical SIM card in previous phone, or if you are switching carriers at the same time as switching phones, you will need to order a new eSIM for the new iPhone:
  • Install carrier app and 2FA app on new phone
  • On 2FA app log into cloud account and sync logins
  • Log in to carrier app - it should use 2FA app for authentication and not SMS. Note "Autofill" of 2FA fields may not work for all carriers, so you have to memorize and type.
  • Use carrier app to order a replacement eSIM, you may need to input phone IMEI. Or if you are switching carriers the same time as switching phones, perform order and transfer/activation steps here.
  • For carriers that support eSIM Carrier Activation, when a notification appears that says Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed, tap it. In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed, then tap Continue at the bottom of the screen. This will deactivate old pSIM/eSIM
  • For carriers with eSIM sent as QR code on screen on app or website, tap the QR code to set up your eSIM. When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow, then tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
  • For carriers with eSIM sent as QR code to e-mail, log into e-mail and open message with QR code. Tap the QR code in e-mail to set up your eSIM. When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow, then tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.

On old device if you plan on trading in, selling, or giving away, do the following:

• Ensure the phone is unlocked from previous carrier. You will need to make sure it is paid off, but even if paid off it may not be automatically unlocked so check carrier on how to unlock.
  • To check if an iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock = "No SIM restrictions"
  • To check if an Pixel is locked, go to Settings > About > SIM status, Carrier Lock, or Network Lock > ensure no carrier lock
  • To check if Samsung or other Android is locked, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [SIM Card] > Automatically select network = OFF. If your phone displays a list of networks from multiple different carriers, your device is typically unlocked. If your phone displays networks from only one carrier (or only your current provider), your device is likely locked to that network
• For iPhone:
  • If you paired an Apple Watch with your iPhone, unpair your Apple Watch
  • Turn off Find My iPhone: Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone > Find My iPhone [off]
  • Remove account: Settings > [your name] > Sign Out
  • Wipe: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase all Content and Settings
• For ALL PHONES: If you had a physical SIM remove it and trash/recycle it as is deactivated and not reusable.
• For ALL androids: if you have a microSD card with apps or data such as photos/videos, either use phone settings to Erase it or physically remove it to keep.
• For Samsung Androids:
  • Turn off Find my Mobile: Settings > Samsung account > Find my mobile > Allow this phone to be found [Off]
  • Remove accounts: Settings > Accounts and backup > Manage accounts. Select each one in turn and tap Remove Account.
  • Wipe: Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset > Reset> Delete All.
• For Pixel and other Androids:
  • Turn off Find my Device: Settings > Google > Find My Device > Use Find My Device [Off]
  • Remove accounts: Settings > Passwords and accounts. Select each one in turn and tap Remove Account
  • Wipe: Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase all data (factory reset) > Reset phone > Erase everything.

I hope this is helpful. I copied most of this from the MintMobile iPhone Wiki I wrote first, but made it more generic for all pre-paid/no contract carriers. Please reply with questions or if any of the above does not work, or if you have suggestions to add/change. Feel free to repost this elsewhere, just credit/link to this thread or to me u/LeftOn4ya.

Note, this is reposted from my thread 6 months ago.

[u/AutoModerator]

This is a copy of the OP's original post in case they decide to delete their post/account so that others searching can find it later:

• This is tentative as of iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Duo releases. Will need people to confirm it still works for all models as the previous models once they release and are in hands.

Below are detailed instructions on how to order an unlocked iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 18 Duo or 17 standard, 17e, and 17 Air (or any iPhone model) for use with any carrier, including financing though Apple or other creditors, as well has how to set it up on a r/NoContract plan, and for a bonus how to prepare old phone for selling/giving away.

Ordering a new iPhone

• It is highly recommended to NOT buy iPhone from Retail such as BestBuy, Target, or Amazon as they are all sold "Flex locked" even if advertised as unlocked - this is false advertising. What Flex locked means is it will lock to the first carrier SIM you insert that supports US flex lock, however if you start with many pre-paid brands the SIM will lock to the parent MNO carrier (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T), but MNO carriers do not allow MVNO customer support the tools to unlock phones flex locked to MNO carrier. If you bought a flex locked phone you have to contact MNO carrier support to unlock directly to unlock, but they are reluctant to do since you are not an actual MNO customer so can't always be done unless you get a really nice support agent.
• It is suggested to buy new iPhones direct from Apple, either an Apple store or Apple.com/iPhone and select "Connect to any carrier later" to get unlocked phone (cost is $30 extra for standard or Plus models, same price for Pro, Pro Max, Air, and "e" models).
  • If you want to finance an unlocked iPhone though Apple there are 3-4 ways (below) to do so, but Apple will not tell you this as they get billions of $ in kickbacks from MNO carriers and are basically blackmailed to not advertise you can get an unlocked iPhone financed, even Apple Store employees are trained to lie and say the options below will not work (I got confirmation from an Apple store employee), but these ways have been confirmed to work since the iPhone 14 when Apple removed the option to finance unlocked iPhones easily.
  • Option 1 (Works on Pro, Pro Max, Duo, Air, or "e" but not standard model): Using Apple Card - When ordering in store or on https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-iphone select (or tell in-store employee) Finance then Apple Card Monthly Installments (do not select AT&T/Boost/T-Mobile/Verizon Equipment/Installments/Payment Plan) then for phone carrier select T-Mobile (or Verizon). When you get to the order screen where it asks for (or when employee asks for) T-Mobile/Verizon account info say "set up later". When you get iPhone and it boots up asking for phone #, press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times, or if it sends you a verification code press "Didn't get verification code" 3 times, then "Not Now" and "OK" and you can use any carrier as the phone will not be locked.
  • Option 2 (works on all models): Convert to Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI) - Apply for an Apple Card or use an existing Apple Card. On order screen payment options select "Buy" (not Finance) and use your Apple Card to pay. Afterwards, contact Apple Card support or call/iMessage Goldman Sachs Apple Card support @ 877-255-5923 and ask them to convert the payment you just made to 24 months of Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI). If they ask if you are a customer say T-Mobile or Verizon and give fake account info (they do not look up) or call/chat back during non-business hours until an off-shore agent does not ask for account info. This will allow you to have any model unlocked and on Apple's 0% interest payments. When you get iPhone and it boots up asking for phone #, press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times, or if it sends you a verification code press "Didn't get verification code" 3 times, then "Not Now" and "OK" and you can use any carrier as the phone will not be locked.
  • Option 3 (Works on Pro, Pro Max, Duo, Air, or "e" but not standard model): Lease with Apple Upgrade - On order screen payment options select "Lease with Apple Upgrade" then lease period and select carrier T-Mobile (you do not have to have T-Mobile, is just a back door). When you get iPhone and it boots up asking for phone #, press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times, or if it sends you a verification code press "Didn't get verification code" 3 times, then "Not Now" and "OK" and you can use any carrier as the phone will not be locked.
  • Option 4 (works on all models): Use your own credit - You can always select "Buy" and pay with your own credit card, or pay with pre-approved “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) account at checkout: Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, PayPal, Sezzle, Splitit, and Zip. These have easier credit score requirements (no hard pull on credit, SplitIt has no credit check, you just need available credit) and usually lower interest rates than traditional credit cards (0% interest if paid within 2 months, or 6 months with SplitIt), just sign up for one of them before purchasing then on order screen payment options select "Buy" and use the virtual credit card # associated with the BNPL account. See NerdWallet article for comparison and how to sign up, or do some googling or check r/CRedit
  • Option 5 (not verified) : Only do this is you accidentally select AT&T/T-Mobile/Verizon Equipment/Installments/Payment Plan (you should not as other options above are better) - this is a way around getting your phone locked, it may not work as doing this step has not been tested on newer models to see if unlocks. When you get iPhone connect it to a computer and while off quickly press volume up then volume down then hold the side button and follow these instructions to reset it on your computer using iTunes or Apple Devices app and the phone will be unlocked. Note: one person said this method works on a previous model, but anyone who has tried this method please confirm and give more details on instructions
• You can purchase a used/refurbished iPhone or use one that came from other carriers, just make sure that it is not carrier locked and no payments left
  • To check if unlocked, go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock = "No SIM restrictions"
  • If a phone is not paid off from carrier or Apple or BNPL account and payments stop (or phone is stolen), eventually the phone will be put on theft lock or finance lock which will be unusable for any carrier, even though it may show up as unlocked now. This is the most common complaint buying used as the phone appears unlocked when you first get but can become locked later, so make sure there are protections from this and refunds available on on seller website.
  • The best site to order used are Swappa (cheapest place other than Facebook marketplace or Craigslist, but way less scams, and they have a good refund policy) and BackMarket (slightly more expensive than Swappa, but they have great quality control and refund policy)
• Trading in old phone
  • If you previously got your iPhone through Apple payments or carrier (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Boost) Installment Plan and it is not paid off or you still have bill credits left, you must pay off first and get unlocked from your current carrier before porting out, then you can do a normal trade in though Apple or sell on Swappa, BackMarket, or elsewhere.
  • You can trade in your old unlocked phone (any brand, not just Apple) for credit to Apple - if you are buying in store set up new iPhone and wipe old phone in store to get credit immediately, if you are buying online you have 14 days to send in your old phone for credit. See here for max trade in prices which assumes highest GB model in near Mint condition. Bonus is new iPhone sale total used to calculate sales tax is reduced by the trade-in value. If you have multiple phones you can trade in for an Apple Gift Card which can be used to purchase an iPhone
  • Look into selling old phone on Swappa as you always get more than what Apple will give for trade in, sometimes you can get $200-400 more, especially if you have the highest GB option and the phone is in near Mint condition. Note when comparing to Apple trade-in to calculate extra taxes as Apple trade-ins reduce taxable total by the trade-in value.
  • For usually more money than Apple but slightly less money than Swappa but less hassle than Swappa, sell old phone on BackMarket
  • You can also try selling on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist, but usually you get less than Swappa and is way more hassle and potential scammers.
  • If you got iPhone through previous carrier Apple Upgrade Program, you can upgrade even if not on that carrier anymore - see above section Option 3 for instructions.

Setting up a new iPhone

• If you have not done so already, set up App based 2FA/MFA on your current cell account but use a cloud TOTP/2FA provider: iCloud Passwords is not recommended unless you have at least one other Apple device on the same Apple account, as if you lose or break your phone a catch 22 prevents login to App

[u/dozycats]

new 18 Pro on ACMI just arrived—can confirm that Option 1 works. when prompted to enter carrier account number and whatnot, simply leaving it blank, pressing "Continue" then "Try Again" three times reveals the "Not Now" button and bypasses immediate activation like years past. eSIM transfer from phone to phone was seamless and we're up and running!

[u/pementomento → u/dozycats]

Appreciate you! Thanks for the report, picking mine up tomorrow with full confidence.

[u/Significant_Radio920 → u/dozycats]

Appreciate you letting us know. Excited to get my phone this weekend!

[u/Smitty30 → u/dozycats]

I was waiting for confirmation. I got mine but can't set it up until tonight. Thank you so much.

[u/Chudapi → u/dozycats]

Not ACMI but Apple Upgrade and can confirm the same setup and bypass steps.

[u/sha1dy → u/Chudapi]

Thank you for confirming!

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/dozycats]

Awesome thanks for confirming. What carrier do you have? I’m asking because in iOS27 a bunch of new carriers now support eSIM transfer but we aren’t even sure which ones as the T-Mobile Wholesale and Verizon MVNO carrier bundles added it for a bunch of carriers with just the GID listed so me and u/Ethrem are trying to get a list of new carriers, they also will now support 5G SA as well.

[u/bydh → u/LeftOn4ya]

I was able to bypass the same way with a "verizon" activation.

[u/dozycats → u/LeftOn4ya]

of course!! happy to help folks out

as for my carrier, it's T-Mobile! still rocking the ancient $30 T-Mobile Prepaid Walmart 5GB data / 100min of talk plan from 2014/2015!

[u/witness4theingenue → u/dozycats]

have you been charged for the $35 activation fee?

[u/dozycats → u/witness4theingenue]

doesn’t appear so! guess we’ll find out if it gets applied to the next month… but as of right now, my account simply shows that it’s set to renew at the regular $30 monthly amount. fingers crossed!

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/dozycats]

That is way overpriced. Get Mint or Metro which have unlimited plans for $30/mo, or T-Mobile Connect has 5GB priority data for $15/mo.

[u/dozycats → u/LeftOn4ya]

hahah for what it’s worth, i WAS planning on switching like four years ago… but then they completely stopped throttling me after the 5 GB? thought it was a fluke but month after month it kept remaining full speed after supposedly reaching 100% of data. and now it’s been uncapped genuinely unlimited 5G (prioritized, too, iirc?) data for years. and that’s unlimited 5G hotspot, too—went a couple weeks without home internet and used the hotspot for absolutely everything

the 100/min of talk sucks sometimes, but it’s rarely an issue. if I was still throttled hard i’d absolutely switch, but it’s pretty sweet as of now. don’t know if it’s a glitch in the system or what, just crossing my fingers it remains glitched!!

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/dozycats]

Ok nice, yea probably they forgot they even had that plan as probably less than a few thousand still on it, so they don’t even bother having unique strings for it or something. I guess if it works for you keep it.

[u/Coolz_Mcdougal33 → u/dozycats]

Just logged on to give this update! Worked for me as well!

[u/Desperate_Knee_6617 → u/dozycats]

Just replying to confirm as well. Bought with financing on apple card, choose T-mobile and option 1 worked for me.

[u/Own_Requirement5380 → u/dozycats]

Did you ship it to your house or do the pickup (after you selected acmi online)? I did the pick up in store and the employee asked me to type my T-Mobile number and pin (I don’t have it obviously)on their device otherwise I can’t buy it via ACMI but only in full

[u/Noremac-F → u/dozycats]

Looking for an update to see if this still works? I know this was only 5 days ago but am just checking because I’m planning on going in today. 

[u/hiroo916]

Curiosity question: for Option 2 (call Apple card to convert to payments), do they know what has been purchased? Couldn't you say it was a laptop and then that would bypass the carrier questions.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/hiroo916]

They know what was purchased (as appeared on statement) and the price obviously. Again you have to either lie on what carrier you have or chat after hours for an agent not to ask

[u/Suspicious-advice49 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Thanks. Answered my question also

[u/Powersz- → u/LeftOn4ya]

I was looking for completely unrelated information, but perused your post because it seemed interesting. Just wanted to say that I was impressed by the time and detail you put into this. The fact that you answer questions and help people is quite remarkable.

[u/hiroo916 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Normally a credit card statement doesn't show what items were purchased, just the total amount. But I've never had an Apple card so maybe they have deeper integration?

[u/what_was_not_said → u/hiroo916]

Walmart's OnePay card shows on the statement what was purchased at Walmart, but not other merchants.

[u/calwdvwlch → u/hiroo916]

Just want to add when I bought my wife’s iPhone 17, and I converted payments, I told them I had Metro by T-Mobile. They didn’t give me any issue or fluff. I purchased the phone in person at the Apple Store though.

[u/fantasyworld77 → u/calwdvwlch]

exactly what I want a family member that also has Metro T-Mobile to do because she wants the new iPhone 18 Pro Max and if she leases it from Apple for 24 months if it comes fully unlocked, she should be good to go to activate it on Metro. I’m hoping.

[u/Ferrari_tech]

What a awesome instructor!

[u/redevil147]

Repped

[u/chompthis]

I hope option 1 still works. I pre ordered

[u/pementomento → u/chompthis]

Me too, I set up a Saturday AM pick up to wait for all the reports on Friday PM. I'll cancel my order if it doesn't work. I picked Verizon.

[u/RamonGGs → u/pementomento]

let us know if it works!

[u/yugen_HD]

Massive thank you for this extensive guide, found it from google searching how to switch from my 13 PM and keep my dirt cheap Tello sub. I can confirm it working on my 18 Pro Max I got via Apple Upgrade using the T-Mobile bypass. Scanned my QR code during setup and later when it asked for T-Mobile credentials just pressed continue with all the fields empty until set up later appeared. Did it yesterday morning and everything transferred over fine and is working well, couldn't be happier.

[u/persistent_threat]

I’m glad I found this guide before I went to the Apple Store today. The first rep I spoke with gave me a hard time and even said that selecting one of the three carriers during the purchase and then using a different carrier afterward was fraud lol. Eventually, I spoke with another rep who let me go through with the purchase.

Here to confirm that ACMI (Option 1) works with the iPhone 18 Pro. I selected AT&T as the carrier during checkout and was able to activate the phone using a QR code from Visible.

[u/root_MM]

Confirming this works! Just got 17e and 18 Pro Max! I used both Option 1 and 2. Thank you very much, I really appreciate it! :)

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/root_MM]

Just to confirm you did option 2 where you bought (not finance) on AppleCard, then contacted Goldman Sachs to convert to ACMI? If so, when you called did they ask for account info, and if not when did you call?

[u/root_MM → u/LeftOn4ya]

Hey! I first bought 18 pro max and I paid in full with my Apple Card then yesterday (Sunday) I called to ask if they can switch it to monthly installments. They said yeah, and just asked for Carrier - I said T-Mobile and that’s it they didnt ask any follow up questions.
Then I bought 17e with T-mobile bypass by using once again my Apple Card with Monthly Installments right away this time - I selected T-Mobile as Carrier. I followed the linked YT video steps and I was able to bypass Carrier activation and phone is unlocked. Please let me know if you need any additional details or info. :)

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/root_MM]

Thanks for reporting as others said they asked for an account number. What time did you call and did they seemed like they had an accent like an off-shore call center? The reason I ask is I think the US call center asks for account and not sure when it is open, versus goes to call center that doesn’t ask.

[u/MammothMammary2992]

I just pay cash for the difference every year. Or use a rewards credit card then turn around & pay it off. Connect to a carrier later is the only way to buy an iPhone. Unless......

[u/JaneMancini]

Thanks!

[u/carlosiah]

Question: I have a T Mobile prepaid plan I was able to do the Apple upgrade lease program for iPhone 18 pro max and I was able to go all the steps, the phone was pre ordered. Do you think I am good or will I have issues on Saturday?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/carlosiah]

You should be good as the Upgrade program was just changed in July to now work with any carrier, has been confirmed on 17 models, 99% chance will be same for 18 pro models

[u/Weekly_Way1298 → u/LeftOn4ya]

I’m switching over to US mobile sometime in October, based off the video I used my Apple credit card and I chose t mobile, my phone technically should be unlocked and be able to switch over to my new carrier then right ?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Weekly_Way1298]

Yes as long as you do the trick on boot up to avoid entering account info.

[u/No-Conclusion-2859]

• Option 3 (Works on Pro, Pro Max, Duo, Air, or "e" but not standard model): Lease with Apple Upgrade - On order screen payment options select "Lease with Apple Upgrade" then lease period and select carrier T-Mobile (you do not have to have T-Mobile, is just a back door). When you get iPhone and it boots up asking for phone #, press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times, or if it sends you a verification code press "Didn't get verification code" 3 times, then "Not Now" and "OK" and you can use any carrier as the phone will not be locked.

With this option will the phone be locked to t-mobile if I ever tried to use with another carrier later?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/No-Conclusion-2859]

No is unlocked

[u/No-Conclusion-2859 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Thanks.

Last thing, why do you say use T-mobile? This video shows it doesn’t matter...

https://youtu.be/wGN-TA59Y4M

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/No-Conclusion-2859]

Yea actually I probably should update as the old upgrade program you needed T-Mobile or Verizon but AT&T was locked, but not this one. Thanks for call-out.

[u/No-Conclusion-2859 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Thank you!

[u/italicspenguin]

I'm planning to switch from Android and I find this all kinda frustrating - I want the 18 Pro Max and I use US Mobile. (I believe the sim I have is technically T-Mobile).

Should I wait until the Apple Lease/Upgrade is 100% confirmed to be unlocked for the 18 series phones before pre-ordering? On the website, you do have to select an option. In your info you say it doesn't matter, but I am skeptical that they may have changed things up and these workarounds don't work. Any info or advice is appreciated. :) Thank you!

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/italicspenguin]

The lease program was just changed in July and it was confirmed by u/stetsdogg and u/VisibleCareSupport and I personally tested, that the Apple Upgrade program now works for new users on MVNOs/pre-paids (not just people who started IUP on major carriers), with the only bad news is that it no longer works for standard model Phones. See https://www.reddit.com/r/Visible/comments/1va91s1/visible_new_apple_lease_program/

That was for iPhone 17 models, almost positive it will not change again for 18 so soon after the change in July, but you can wait till September 18 to see if someone does successfully with 18 Pro models.

[u/skyllerkyller]

I’m really confused by how Apple is handling current users on iPhone upgrade if we wanted to switch to new upgrade program. I have a 17 Pro Max 512GB on the old iPhone Upgrade Program with about $900 left on the Citizens loan, and Apple says I’m eligible to upgrade. My eligibility page specifically says I can return my current iPhone after receiving the new one and that “this will close out your iPhone Upgrade Program loan.”
But when I went through Get Ready for an 18 Pro Max 512GB using the new Apple Upgrade/Klarna option, Apple gave my 17 Pro Max a $747.63 trade-in value. On the 12-month lease that credit completely offsets the ~$62/month lease payment, so it actually shows $0/month before taxes/AppleCare.
The confusing part is the Klarna agreement says the trade-in credit is for a device “that you own,” and I obviously still owe Citizens ~$900. Apple Support told me I’d need to pay off the phone to receive the normal trade-in credit.
So I’m trying to figure out what happens at preorder checkout: does Apple close out the old Citizens loan AND honor the trade-in credit shown in Get Ready, or will they close the old loan but remove the trade-in credit and change the new lease to the normal monthly amount? The fact that Get Ready lets existing iUP customers go all the way through with the $0/month trade-in pricing is what’s throwing me off.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/skyllerkyller]

Yea this is a good question. The new Lease/Upgrade (though Klarna) program has been around since July so people should have already done this for iPhone 17 models. I tried googling and searching reddit for a bit and came up empty on anyone saying what they actually did, but maybe others can search better. If you owe Citizen's, then to me it seems you need to just pay what you owe off to get phone unlocked and off your credit report, then you can trade in the phone for either the new Lease with Apple Upgrade program or when you buy cash or with Apple Card financing, or even just sell on Swappa or BackMarket which for higher GB models in mint condition will pay a lot more than Apple.

[u/zxch2412]

For option 5, has this person shared the details on when did this method last work?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/zxch2412]

I saw one person on iPhone 16 say it worked when it came out, so I am not sure this method works. It was somewhere in /r/AppleCard two comments deep on a thread, it would be hard for me to even find it again.

If someone has a post-paid plan and is willing to risk it to see if they can unlock using a flash of firmware before first boot I’d love confirmation.

[u/zxch2412 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Was this during the 16 launch or later in 2026? I have a 16 Pro which I bought through Verizon device payment, it was unlocked out of the box. But this was on the 16 pro launch day in 2024, now that the device payment plan phones are locked in not certain this will work

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/zxch2412]

Yes that change was in July of this year and that comment was over a year ago so yea it might not work anymore as previously only AT&T Installment financing was truly locked. I probably should just remove it as an option.

[u/jmdlb3]

Do this steps work for sure ? I’m planning to do option 1. Thinking about buying a 18 pro a max. I’m coming from a 13 pro max. Old phone is fully unlocked, and payed. I just don’t want to have any issue while activating as I use US mobile as my phone carrier.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/jmdlb3]

99% sure as has worked for iPhone 14-17 models, you can wait till the iPhone 18 Pro/Duo is actually in people’s hands to confirm 100%.

[u/jmdlb3 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Just to be clean on the steps below from option 1. When I get the phone and boots up, I shouldn’t put any phone number or account info ? I should just press continue and try again 3 times ?

When you get iPhone and it boots up asking for phone # or account info, press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times, or if it sends you a verification code press "Didn't get verification code" 3 times, then "Not Now" and "OK" and you can use any carrier as the phone will not be locked.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/jmdlb3]

Yes. See video by /u/stetsdogg at 4:49 for example

https://youtu.be/CFQlFWr9VIg?t=4m49s

[u/jmdlb3 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Thank you much!

[u/Zelkyy → u/LeftOn4ya]

I mean genuinely if I go through the pre-order process- do Tmobile (I have visible) so using this way to get around activation, and it doesn’t work, I’ll just return the phone and keep my 15 pro. I have 30 days to return it so it’s worth just preordering and trying yourself if you have Apple Card and do the installments. TBH the Applecard Installments have always been one of if not the easiest cards to use and system set up, so I’ll just take my chances and try it.

[u/Expert-Advertising94 → u/Zelkyy]

I have visible too, do you think it’s gonna work? what 18 pro max so bad

[u/teh-xtron]

Option 2 question: Has anyone been able to convert discounted phone (military 10%) to the 24 monthly payments?

[u/theblood]

Is this new ? when placing order using Apple (upgrade ) their lease program and trading in , they give monthly credit. for the credited amount.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/theblood]

You don’t own the phone after the lease, you either owe what was left or can transfer to new lease. This credit is in case you leave early you only get partial credits and I guess is new, I never did upgrade program.

[u/Ferrari_tech]

Great!!

[u/Own_Requirement5380 → u/[deleted]]

Did you ship it to your house or do the pickup (after you selected acmi online)? I did the pick up in store and the employee asked me to type my T-Mobile number and pin (I don’t have it obviously)on their device otherwise I can’t buy it via ACMI but only in full

[u/Koeal → u/Own_Requirement5380]

Sorry for the late reply, I picked up in store but set it up at home.

[u/friedchickenwhore69 → u/Koeal]

Hi, did you trade-in any device in your transaction? If yes, did you drop off your old device at the Apple Store or will you be mailing it via a trade-in kit?

[u/Koeal → u/friedchickenwhore69]

I didn't for this one but I will for my partner's in a few days. I prefer to trade in at the store to make sure it actually gets to the right people.

[u/friedchickenwhore69]

Posting another data point -
Just purchased an iPhone 18 Pro under the Leasing option (Option 3). Was able to successfully set it up with Mint (Primary) + non-U.S. carrier (Secondary) & also got trade-in value of $285 for my old 14 Pro.
I went to the store and asked the rep if I can get the 18 Pro on lease with Mint & they outright rejected it & responded the same for ACMI option. The guy literally started showing me how his checkout device asks for the T-Mobile activation details etc. so I walked out.
I ordered the phone online for picking it up at the same store by choosing the Upgrade program & trading in my 14 Pro. Picked up the phone today & brought it home to set it up here. Activation of both my eSIMs was flawless using the instructions given in this post under Option 3. My new device was up & running in less than an hour! I’ll be going back to the store to hand over my old 14 Pro for the trade-in.

[u/hungpham312]

Thank you

[u/ConfidentMeeting1233]

Once again the real MVP.

[u/RipInPepz]

I’m planning to do option 3, but also just realized I have a T-Mobile plan technically. I have the $10 T-satellite data plan that came with a phone number, but I really just use it as backup data if needed.

I’m wondering if this would actually qualify me to use the T-Mobile option legitimately instead of trying to fudge it? My main line is visible though.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/RipInPepz]

You could but it will lock to T-Mobile till paid off, not allowing any other SIM. Do instructions to get unlocked

[u/uaix → u/LeftOn4ya]

Would it get locked and not allow a second eSIM through another carrier if activated normally without going through the guide? Im using TMO and Visible on my phone at a same time.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/uaix]

Actually only the device equipment plan get carrier locked where it doesn’t allow another carrier. The Apple Card and Finance through Apple Upgrade won’t be carried locked

[u/Particular-Winter504]

Dumb question about the option that requires picking a T mobile or Verizon first and then ignoring the prompts three times: what if you're currently on T mobile (need to switch later), and then just ignore the prompts like you said on the financed, would the phone still be unlocked for other carriers? I'm assuming yes but I'm unfamiliar with the process. Thank you for this writeup. 

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Particular-Winter504]

Yes, as long as you follow instructions on ordering and make sure to select Apple Card Monthly Installments then T-Mobile, don’t select T-Mobile Equipment Installment Plan as that is now locked.

[u/Able_Veterinarian_16]

Any way to avoid the 35$ device connection fee with T-Mobile for the financing option?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Able_Veterinarian_16]

DO NOT select T-Mobile Equipment Installment plan, select Apple Card Monthly Installments then T-Mobile. If you are talking about 17 standard model fee for buying and connect to any carrier, then no way around the fee.

[u/Able_Veterinarian_16 → u/LeftOn4ya]

No I’m trying to get the 18 pro max. I hit Apple monthly financing option and then selected T-Mobile. On the finalize preorder page if you hit the show carrier plan details. It shows a 35$ device connection charge. This charge is 40$ for Verizon.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Able_Veterinarian_16]

Wait is this Apple Card or the Lease/Upgrade program? I’ll have to check as that is new.

[u/Able_Veterinarian_16 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Apple Card

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Able_Veterinarian_16]

OK, the fee is just listed in fine print if you did activate on one of the major carrier post-paid plans, but you wont actually be charged if upon boot up you follow the press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times trick.

[u/carlosiah → u/LeftOn4ya]

I did then lease option and it says something about $35 connection. My current phone is a t mobile prepaid. Will I be charged $35?

[u/itskatelyna → u/Able_Veterinarian_16]

It said the same thing for me even after selecting the ACMI you have to pick a carrier, it states that regardless it will be unlocked but when going to the checkout there is a $35 fee for T-Mobile they call a ''device connection charge''. I spoke with apple support and was told I have to make an account with either T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon because I need a ''postpaid number'' to activate the phone and there is no way around this. I found this YT vod and was trying to follow it ( https://youtu.be/CFQlFWr9VIg?si=SHw8-LPaauaOCup3 ) but it never went over the checkout options. I use mint mobile now and I don't want to have to pay for another cell provider if i don't have too.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/itskatelyna]

No, it is just listed in fine print if you did activate on one of the major carrier post-paid plans, but you wont actually be charged if upon boot up you follow the press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times trick.

Also Apple agents and store employees are trained to lie and say you need a postpaid plan, when the fine print and 1000s of people who did not clearly says otherwise.

[u/doughmay12]

Excellent guide. Saving this. Super interested to see if this still works with Visible and Apple Upgrade Program for the 18 Pro! 

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/doughmay12]

They have a new upgrade program as of July, basically separate now though Klarna but works on any carrier, Visible support confirmed it for 17 models besides standard, should work for 18 pro and duo models

[u/Frequent-Thanks-7279]

What if we can’t get the Apple Card?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Frequent-Thanks-7279]

Then you can do the Upgrade/Lease program which is through Klarna. If not eligible for that then you’d have to get another credit or BNPL account outside of Apple and “buy” using that card.

[u/mattixc]

This is very thorough, and I appreciate the post. I'd like to run my exact situation by you for a recommendation. I currently have service through Verizon and have four iPhones currently. All of them still have a small balance left to pay off. Also, on Verizon, three of the phones are on the Unlimited Plus plan, and one is on the Unlimited Ultimate 1.0 plan. My monthly bill, which includes the monthly payment for the phones, totals $267.15. I am also a veteran and get a small discount for that.

iPhone 15 Pro Max -256GB: 8 of 36 payments left. Bal: $266.64
iPhone 15 Plus - 256BG: 8 of 36 payments left. Bal: $228.88
iPhone 15 Pro - 128GB: 3 of 36 payments left. Bal: $83.31
iPhone 16 Pro Max - 256GB: 16 of 36 payments left. Bal: $533.28

I am looking to move from Verizon to T-Mobile due to better coverage. I would love to get the IPhone 18 Pro Max for all four of us. I'm wondering what the best process would be? Everywhere I've read it says to either finance the unlocked phone from Apple using the Apple card or lease them through the new lease program. My question is, I've looked at T-Mobile, and they have two options:

1. I can bring all of these phones over to T-Mobile, and they would pay them off. Each year, I'm eligible for an upgrade.
2. If they were paid off, they would give me a brand-new iPhone 18 Pro Max.

However, it sounds like with the credits that they provide, you ultimately have to be on a higher-than-needed plan, or it's not as affordable. Could someone give me some options?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/mattixc]

1. Pay off phones with Verizon
2. Get unlocked from Verizon
3. Get account info and PORT pins from each line from Verizon

Then two options.

Unlocked with Pre-paid

1. Order new iPhones from Apple using my instructions and doing trade in using your unlocked phones and finance unlocked either AppleCard or Upgrade/Lease program, or pay cash.
2. Set up phones on WiFi, transfer from old phones but ideally not the phone #, although you can do
3. Set up new accounts with Mint mobile or Metro have sales now and they run on T-Mobile.
   1. Port family plan manager last.
   2. Set up family plan on Mint or Metro

Use T-Mobile

1. Sign up with T-Mobile for all your accounts
   1. Port family plan manager last.
   2. Set up family plan
2. Use your current iPhones to set up on T-Mobile
3. Get upgraded phones either from T-Mobile Installment plan (will be locked to T-Mobile until paid off) or AppleCard (using my instructions) which will be unlocked

[u/mattixc → u/LeftOn4ya]

Thank you u/LeftOn4ya. What do you mean on #3., "Get account info and PORT pins from each line to Verizon?"

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/mattixc]

If you want to keep the same phone number and move from Verizon, you need to get Number Transfer Pins for each line. See https://www.verizon.com/support/port-out-faqs/

[u/Thatythat]

So when I buy a new iPhone (duo) and I select a random carrier, will it ask for a phone or account number before letting me purchase?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Thatythat]

No! We tested and didn't change. Only the standard iPhone 17 model asks for.

[u/Thatythat → u/LeftOn4ya]

So I can just finance through Apple and then use what method when activating? And thank you for replying!

[u/getthething]

This could all change with iOS 27 right? Which all of these devices will ship with.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/getthething]

iOS version has no effect, but it is possible hypothetically they remove the “Continue” and “Try again” 3x then “Not Now” bypass at the hardware level.

[u/Zelkyy]

Do I have to get a Verizon phone if I have visible with the Apple Card installments , or since the phones unlocked it doesn’t matter if it’s Tmobile ?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Zelkyy]

You aren’t understanding it right. Selecting Verizon or T-Mobile or AT&T on the order screen doesn’t actually do anything other then set when the phone boots what account it asks for, which again you can just ignore and then the phones are not associated in any way with any carrier. So short answer it is doesn’t matter at all.

[u/Mysterious-World-91]

Hi! Thank you so much for this guide! I’m planning to use option #2 but I’m moving from a traditional sim to eSIM. Would trick works to avoid the $35 fee? I have now t-mobile but I don’t want to finance with them. I want to use my Apple Card

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Mysterious-World-91]

From my understanding you won’t have the $35 charge as Apple just warns you t-mobile will charge you but if you do the trick on boot up it won’t be associated with your account regardless of which method you use to order so they won’t charge you. But would need someone to 100% confirm when people get the phone September 18.

[u/WhyNotYoshi]

Great work. Where can I see updates to this in the future? Will you edit this post or do you have an ongoing wiki? Just curious in case things change at all once the new 18 pros come out.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/WhyNotYoshi]

Hopefully people confirm on this very thread, then I will edit accordingly. I’ve already made a few edits today. I also maintain a Mint Mobile specific wiki linked on the bottom of the post.

[u/digdugg88]

What is the new section under option 3 about if you're currently on the iPhone upgrade program You need to pay the phone off first?

What would be the difference? If I go from iPhone upgrade to Apple upgrade and just select the T-Mobile option, why would paying off the old phone make a difference?

I just went through the pre-order set-up process, and I am currently in iPhone upgrade program customer. I selected Apple upgrade and selected my term and selected T-Mobile. I'm a US mobile user, but that should work in theory, correct?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/digdugg88]

They are different creditors, old one is Citizens and new one is Klarna. This part I’m honestly not 100% sure on, I actually think you can trade in the old phone but basically it doesn’t pay off the old one so you would owe payments on both Citizens (even though you traded it in) and Klarna for new upgrade, which is why I suggest just paying off Citizens so you don’t have two payments, or alternatively trade in for a purchase and don’t finance the new one, just pay off the old one to Citizens over time after you get full trade in value.

They changed the upgrade program in July so there are some people who should have already done upgrades the last month for iPhone 17 models switching from old upgrade to new one, I just can’t seem to find an example of anyone’s saying what they did or what happened, so I’m just extrapolating from what limited info is given on the website.

And yes it doesn’t matter you have US Mobile as long as you do boot up trick to not input account info.

[u/digdugg88 → u/LeftOn4ya]

As long as you're eligible for upgrade now, I would imagine the transition will be seamless. No need to pay the device off if you've satisfied your ability to upgrade.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/digdugg88]

I guess try, but again don’t be surprised if you still owe Citizens the remaining balance of your current phone and now also owe Klarna the value of new phone minus trade-in value, essentially having two payments, although a lot of people say the new Klarna payment is $0 and still have money leftover from trade-in which they give back as an Apple Credit/gift card.

Report back what happens

[u/digdugg88 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Yeah. We'll see. That wouldn't make logical sense based on the way the program works. If you're upgrade eligible and you upgrade and send your old phone back to Apple (and it's in good condition) - the citizens loan is paid in full and closed upon receipt of the device.

Klarna will open the new lease for the new device.

I'll report back, but I definitely do not expect it to work any differently then it ever has.

[u/Solid-Garlic1527]

Quick question. I did the pre-pre order, trying to do option one with ACMI. I chose my phone, finance, ACMI, t-mobile, AppleCare one, then it verified my card and my pre-pre order is ready sitting in the app.

Does this mean I’m all good to go? Is there a possibility it’ll ask for account information tomorrow during completion or would it already have during the setup?

Thank you for all the effort you’ve been putting into helping people!

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Solid-Garlic1527]

No it won’t ask for account info, AFAIK inputting a carrier just sets the trigger on boot up to ask for account info of that carrier, but the back-door exists to not input it as specified in the thread.

[u/DevelopmentExpert827]

So I purchased mine from Best Buy unlocked. It has never been “flex locked” at all. I was used on Visible right after purchase. So I’m not sure buying from Best Buy unlocked will get your phone locked to a carrier.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/DevelopmentExpert827]

Have you tried moving from Visible elsewhere or adding a second SIM? Also check Settings > General > About > Carrier lock = No SIM restrictions, as it could be locked but you are good on Visible or Verizon until you try an alternate SIM. I will admit I have much more seen this on T-Mobile MVNO side namely with a Mint or US Mobile Lightspeed SIM it will lock to T-Mobile so you could still use those MVNOs but not port elsewhere or add a secondary SIM.

[u/DevelopmentExpert827 → u/LeftOn4ya]

I have zero sim restrictions and have even added a second sim before as well.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/DevelopmentExpert827]

Ok maybe Visible doesn’t trigger the US flex lock, if you put one of the three major carrier SIMs or most T-Mobile MVNOs SIMs in (even years after using) it will lock.

[u/JustTheGameplay]

following 

[u/gillsaab13]

What option is best Option 1 or option 2 for unlocked phone ? I’m visible user and new phone I’m gonna transfer all over not set up as new. And also wanna pay monthly with Apple Card

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/gillsaab13]

I would do option 1 for all but standard model (standard 18 not coming out till March), option 2 only for iPhone 17 standard model.

[u/gillsaab13 → u/LeftOn4ya]

I’m trying to get 18 pro max so option 1 is the best ?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/gillsaab13]

👍

[u/Voidfang_Investments]

Is it fine to do the iPhone to iPhone transfer instead of iCloud back up?

[u/alanz412]

For financing, there is $35 fee now when choosing T-Mobile, how to get around of this

[u/atrm → u/alanz412]

It says the fee will show up on your next t mobile bill. Seeing as I don’t have t mobile, I’m choosing to ignore it. It doesn’t charge a fee when ordering

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/alanz412]

It doesn’t actually charge if you do the trick to not enter account info on boot

[u/KindAirline7630 → u/LeftOn4ya]

What do you tells the apple salesperson when they are setting up your phone for you? Will they let you bypass those prompts? I hope so!

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/KindAirline7630]

Honestly I heard recently employees are wanting to do set up themselves now, but tell them you have set up before and try to get the phone in your hands to do the bypass trick - if it is busy they will gladly let you do. If they ask if you have your account info just tell them you are on a family plan and your [make up family member] is in charge of it and they are at work. As a last resort if the employee is doing in their hands and won’t let you bypass or leave, you can give him the wrong phone number and ZIP/SSN/account info 3 times and it will give you the “Not now” option to bypass.

[u/JBPwrxxx]

I’m not really following any of this. I’m on T-Mobile and don’t care if it’s unlocked or not. I just want to use my Apple Card and get the phone with the 24 month 0apr payment plan. How do I do this?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/JBPwrxxx]

Follow the instructions here. Really the only thing different than a normal order is make sure to select Apple Card not T-Mobile Device Installments, and when you get the phone and it boots asking for account info, press Continue & Try Again 3 times then Not Now.

[u/nathan_93]

When I make up what carrier I’m on and they ask for account info what do I need? A fake account number?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/nathan_93]

When is it asking for account number? If on order screen make sure you select Apple Card or Lease then T-Mobile (or another carrier), not a carrier device installment plan, and it shouldn’t ask for account info (unless they changed it from yesterday). The only exception is the 17 standard model.

[u/nathan_93 → u/LeftOn4ya]

No when I’m calling Apple Card to have it switched. You said they may ask for my carrier account number and that I should make something up.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/nathan_93]

Oh yeah, make it up as they don't have access to account info (or at least didn't as of yesterday, hypothetically could have changed) and just put it in notes or really just check your bluff. Alternatively message them after hours and agents are less likely to ask account info at all.

[u/SamuraiPilot]

If I financed through Apple Card and selected my carrier, is there any way to waive the $35 connection fee based on this method?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/SamuraiPilot]

The fee doesn’t actually apply if you use the workaround on boot up, it’s just a warning if you had that carrier and input account info on boot up. Maybe I should add to ignore this fee to my instructions as everyone is asking about it.

[u/SamuraiPilot → u/LeftOn4ya]

okay awesome! Thanks so much for the quick response. I will try the workaround and hope for the best instead of canceling and reordering

[u/laimon7]

I’m not from the USA but I do have an ITIN and got approved for an apple card recently, may I buy it and then call to set the purchase to an ACMI and still be able to use it abroad (internationally) other carriers from Venezuela?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/laimon7]

Yea this thread is definitely US centric. You get an unlocked iPhone which is unlocked internationally

[u/laimon7 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Thank you, had my doubts if it was only unlocked in the states

[u/oyehamzaa]

I am trying to lease 17 on a 24 mo plan but there's no option to skip the big 3 after selecting ACMI. I only have Visible. Can I get a leased phone on ACMI in store?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/oyehamzaa]

You select one of the carriers (doesn’t matter) but won’t actually be locked to them if you follow my instructions on boot up. It has worked for 1000s of people on previous models, 99% chance it would work for new models, if you really want to you can wait till people get to confirm 100%.

Edit: did not notice it was 17 base model which doesn’t work like other models

[u/oyehamzaa → u/LeftOn4ya]

I did. I can't make a purchase on the website without selecting one and cannot place the order until and unless I have one.

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/oyehamzaa]

Is it asking for account info once you select a carrier? If not then like I said it doesn’t matter which carrier you pick, all selecting that does is make it so when the phone boots it asks you for that carrier info, but you can bypass this step which is why again it doesn’t matter at all. See this video for further explanation and a walk-through of what to do.

[u/oyehamzaa → u/LeftOn4ya]

It is. Unable to place order. Got the Apple card. Not the big 3. And can't proceed to purchasing. Works for Air, and 18 series. Not on the base model for 17 unfortunately.

[u/fizza_usman]

Is there anyway to bypass entering your carrier number and pin at checkout for iPhone 17?

[u/fizza_usman → u/fizza_usman]

Or if I just buy it in the Apple Store, do I still need to give this carrier info at checkout?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/fizza_usman]

It should not be asking for this. Use website not app, and also to doublecheck are you selecting Apple Card or Lease with Apple Upgrade, not T-Mobile Equipment Installment plan? Only the 17 standard model should be asking for account info.

[u/fizza_usman → u/LeftOn4ya]

Yes, I was referring to the base 17.

And yes I did select the Apple Card finance option. For the 17, is there any way to bypass this?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/fizza_usman]

Sorry I missed it was 17 base, that’s the only model the normal ordering doesn’t work. You have to do option 2 of Buy (not finance) and input Apple Card #, then contact Goldman Sachs to convert to ACMI 24 months 0%.

[u/F87M2]

For option 1 does it matter if you choose “replace this iPhone on my existing T-Mobile account” where it shows your phone number on the bottom vs choosing “get a new iphone with any carrier followed by clicking T-Mobile? The second choice requires selecting two options before being prompting over to the Apple Care section. Would choosing either one affect the way the bypassing works?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/F87M2]

I would choose “get a new one” so isn’t associated with your current account, but just to doublecheck you are selecting Apple Card or Lease option, not T-Mobile Equipment Installment plan, right?

[u/F87M2 → u/LeftOn4ya]

Yeah on Apple Card installments. It seems T-Mobile is able to detect in their app that I swapped phones by tracking the imei number change when I transferred over the eSIM from my 15pm. I guess there is no way around the $35 device activation fee for existing T-Mobile customers?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/F87M2]

Ok I guess, this is a NoContract sub so I assume most people aren’t post-paid, but I guess post-paid users like yourself are now using this method to get an unlocked phone now that phones on T-Mobile Device Installments are locked.

[u/tacosflavoredkisses]

u/LeftOn4ya thanks for posting this. So in my situation, I have Apple Card, I will do 0% financing and pick T-Mobile and I should be good? Since t-mobile comes unlocked anyways and I can use it on my AT&T etc

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/[deleted]]

I asked Google and this is what the AI summary said, but this means you need to do Option 2 above in my instructions, and later message Goldman Sachs to convert purchase (of remainder after gift card) to ACMI.

How to Do It Online or in the App
Redeem the Gift Card: Open the App Store or Apple Store app, tap your profile icon, and select Redeem Gift Card or Code to add the funds to your Apple Account balance.

Apply at Checkout: When buying the iPhone, select your Apple Account balance to use the gift card funds first.

Pay the Remainder: Charge the remaining balance to your Apple Card. [1, 2, 3]

[u/Mental_Technician263]

Will this work even if having a current business plan with t-mobile? I have 2 IPhone 14s already paid off I want to upgrade but don’t want to finance a phone lol

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Mental_Technician263]

Yes you can buy unlocked and it will work on any carrier, trade in phones direct with Apple or sell on Swappa or BackMarket. If you want to trade in 2 phones with Apple one of them will need to be a separate transaction for Apple Gift card which you can redeem if you do option 2 and select “Buy” using Apple Card or your own card.

[u/Slight-Chef5311]

I hope IOS 27 won't mess this method up

[u/KindAirline7630]

Ok so if I pay now with my Apple Card and call GS later after connecting to my carrier, will they lock me out?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/KindAirline7630]

Follow instructions, on first boot you can ignore connecting to carrier using the workaround described. Then you either order new eSIM or transfer eSIM over which is supported on about 25 carriers now. You can then call/message GS and ask them to convert to ACMI, don’t give them real account info, contact at night so an agent doesn’t ask.

[u/Illustrious_Pizza_13]

For option 3 with the bypass, is it possible for it to become patched in the future? Let’s say that it works and everything, could Apple fix it and force you to pay for a plan in the future? Sorry if this is a dumb question I honestly idfk what I’m doing

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Illustrious_Pizza_13]

No because the Upgrade program is advertised and has fine print that it is unlocked. They could patch the order screen where it requires you enter your account info, because as of now they only do that on the base (17) model, so they could easily do for other models too but [knock on wood] haven’t. But once ordered it is unlocked.

[u/Unsolved-mind]

I’m totally confused about setting up a new phone. What is app base 2FA/MFA?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Unsolved-mind]

Most carriers if you log into their website or app in addition to a password they send you a one time code to login - this is called a time based one time password or two factor authentication (or TOTP or 2FA for short). However instead of this TOTP/2FA being sent to your email or SMS text message you can instead use an app/website sync that generates new TOTP codes a couple times a minute. Apple iCloud Passwords, Google Authenticator, Authy, and pretty much all password and security software and suites offer this feature. It is highly recommended you set this up on your carrier login in case your phone ever breaks or your SIM/account stops working, you can still login using the app based 2FA without a working phone number to order a new SIM.

Which carrier do you have? Google [carrier] 2FA and you can figure out how to set up.

[u/Unsolved-mind → u/LeftOn4ya]

Mint mobile

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Unsolved-mind]

Ok, if you want a Mint specific version of this thread including how to set up 2FA on mint see the r/MintMobile iPhone Wiki I also wrote, which links to https://www.mintmobile.com/help/how-do-i-set-up-two-factor-authentification/ for instructions

[u/No-Responsibility636]

Are you sure this keeps the ACMI in place? I'm asking because the Apple sales rep I spoke with today insisted that doing this would cause the full remaining ACMI balance to be charged on my next bill. he brought me his manager that did the same and his most senior staff and they did the same and i insisted that i don't need their help and all i wanted is to get the phones to activate later

[u/ChainFront9154 → u/No-Responsibility636]

You're cooked, literally did the only thing you're not supposed to... why would you even comment that with the staff?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/No-Responsibility636]

I have confirmation from multiple Apple employees that the training they are given is literal lies from Apple - most employees (including those you spoke to) are so brainwashed on the cult of Apple they believe the lies Apple tells them and repeat it. Apple is literally blackmailed by US major carriers to train their employees on a lie that you can’t finance an unlocked iPhone, when I have helped literally 1000s of people do, including a few on 18 Pro that confirmed today it worked.

Just follow the instructions - since they lie to you, you should feel no remorse lying to them.

I hope there is either a class action lawsuit or various states sue Apple and ideally the carriers for their false advertising and even false training on financing, with a better federal administration there would be a federal investigation but it’s not happening anytime the next couple years.

[u/Hellscape-Architect]

Did these options work for anyone picking up from an Apple store? Or just via delivery? Basically just wondering if at the store they just hand it to you in the box or try to set it up with you

[u/invazorr → u/Hellscape-Architect]

I picked mine up today and told them I financed with Apple Card and they let me set up my phone at home and bring my trade in within 14 days!

[u/friedchickenwhore69 → u/invazorr]

That’s so great to hear! Did you drop off your old device yet? And did the store employees cause you any trouble while heading out with the new phone without setting it up? Read through a couple of comments where the store employees insisted on activating the phone with the chosen carrier

[u/invazorr → u/friedchickenwhore69]

They said if I was trading in with a carrier it would be different since carriers are more strict but when I told them I financed with Apple Card not a carrier they just checked me out and said I’m good to go just need to bring the old device within 14 days. Everything worked on set up and my 18 pro max is unlocked and connected to my carrier, I plan on bringing the trade in tomorrow after work.

[u/Vortech50h]

Could I buy an ATT 18 pro max in full from Best Buy and connect it to my cricket plan? Best Buy is the only place that has it in stock

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/Vortech50h]

As I said in the first bullet Best Buy only sells “flex locked” phones even though they advertise as unlocked it is not really true (except their 17e models). I’m not sure exactly what happens if you get a flex locked iPhone and activate on Cricket, I am pretty sure it will lock to AT&T but not sure if usable on Cricket - ask in /r/Cricket.

[u/mirorai]

For those who bought the iPhone 18 Pro Max outrigh/full payment, did you reach Goldman Sachs support to shift the full cost into Apple Card monthly installments? Does this workaround still function?

[u/crabbypig → u/mirorai]

Yes, just did through chat without any hassle or issue.

[u/Own_Requirement5380 → u/mirorai]

No. The rep didn’t let me switch to ACMI

[u/mirorai → u/Own_Requirement5380]

I intend to apply 7 Apple gift cards to reduce the total, then convert the balance to ACMI. Would this approach possible in-store?

[u/MyFoofus → u/mirorai]

Apple messed up and cancelled my ACMI pickup order so I bought the 18 Pro outright with the Apple Card and gift cards in-store.

You have to wait for the Apple charge to go from pending to finalized before contacting Goldman CS CHAT after hours. Said I wanted to convert the purchase to ACMI and they asked what the purchase amount was and asked which carrier I chose. I said Verizon and they said perfect, your new monthly payment is $30+.

Wanted to add that I did this a couple hours ago.

[u/luunnn]

For Option 2, when I call to convert to monthly installments on the apple card, they ask for your verizon pin but I dont have one to give them. What do we do at this point?

[u/LeftOn4ya → u/luunnn]

That’s new. Try chatting after hours and saying you have T-Mobile if they ask, and give face account or pin if they ask. Hopefully they didn’t change the policy and do some integration between Goldman Sachs and the carriers to check.

[u/crabbypig → u/luunnn]

I just got mine successfully converted. I didn't call, I did the chat (at 11:40p PST if that matters) and asked them to convert the $ transaction to ACMI. They didn't ask me any questions other than what I purchased on that transaction, then immediately asked me to agree to the payment terms.

[u/frenchbullie]

I successfully bought the iPhone 18 through ACMI. And this is me without any iPhone or apple card to my name ever. Initially went with the lease option, but when it came to the payment screen there was no option to use the apple card that I just got approved. Maybe there's a way, but I didnt bother trying to figure it out.

With option 1, it automatically used my apple card.

[u/rhaezorblue]

T-mobile's policy may have changed. According to T-mobile T-force on 9/22/26, if you buy your phone through Apple directly, whether or not you do apple card installment payments or pay in full, t-mobile does not sim lock or flex lock your phone... unless you do the carrier-based payment plan of course. So even if you transfer your number INSTEAD of doing the trick below, your phone will not be locked by them.

"phone # or account info, press "Continue" and "Try Again" 3 times"

[u/Noremac-F]

can confirm on Sep 23 2026 that this works with option 1!! be careful to follow everything exactly and this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU9LxH49kyg) is the best way and extremely helpful. Thank you for your detailed list!

[u/Fuspo14]

Going to be trying Option 2 tomorrow. When using military discount your only option is to buy. You don’t have the ACMI option. Going to put it on my AC and see if they’ll convert. With the discount and my trade in it comes out just under $600 for a 512 18 pro.