How to Unlock a GSM Cell Phone
GSM cell phones can be had at rock bottom prices on auction sites such as eBay or Overstock, however these phones are useless unless they are "unlocked." When wireless companies provide cell phones at reduced rates they will sometimes put an electronic "lock" on the phone to prevent you from using other wireless providers' services. This also helps them keep track of your roaming fees when you are not in their covered areas. Unlocking cell phones you have purchased on the Internet or want to use for a different wireless carrier is fairly straightforward.
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Instructions
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Visit one of the links to the websites below that offer an "unlocking service" and locate your phone manufacturer. These websites provide electronic passwords or button combinations that will unlock the phone to work with other networks.
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Take the battery off of your phone and locate the SKU label inside the body. Write down the manufacturer and model number of your phone, then send this information to the unlocking provider.
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Put the battery back in your phone and turn it on. Enter in the unlocking key sequence provided by the unlocking service and follow the provided instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also try to see if a sales representative at your current wireless provider will unlock the phone, depending on the reason for trying to unlock it.
Do not pay more than a few dollars for an unlocking sequence as the passwords are most likely generic from the manufacturer.
