AT&T off-contract iPhone unlock in 4 easy steps

This week the folks at AT&T have granted the vast world of AT&T off-contract iPhone users the ability to unlock their devices. In doing this, they've sent out an extremely easy to follow set of instructions that anyone can follow with minimal effort. You'll just need your off-contract AT&T iPhone, access to a Mac or PC, and about 5-10 minutes of spare time.

According to AT&T, the steps are extremely easy – and we'd have to agree! It's exciting to see a mobile carrier work with a device like this, and certainly we're not done hypothesizing why here and now seemed like the best time to make all of this happen- but here it is, iPhone users! To complete your unlock, you've only got to follow these steps:

1. Open iTunes on your Mac or PC and verify that you have internet connectivity.

2. Connect your iPhone using the dock connector to USB cable that came with your iPhone.

3. Backup and restore your iPhone using iTunes.

(for backup and restore information, head to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414)

4. After restoring, your iPhone will be unlocked.

Look easy enough to do? You'll of course have to start this process with a request with AT&T to unlock the phone in collaboration with Apple. You can do this by heading to your local AT&T carrier location to give them your IMEI (international Mobile Equipment Identity) (in Settings > General > About at the bottom of the screen.) They'll check to make sure your phone is off-contract and will speak with Apple, you then receiving an unlock code via email within a week – tops.

Make it happen, folks!