How to Unlock a Mobile Cell Phone
If you bought a cell phone through a carrier, such as AT&T or T-Mobile, chances are that it was a "locked" phone. This means that it is locked down to work with only one carrier. However, GSM cell phones, which are phones from AT&T/Cingular and T-Mobile that use SIM cards, can be unlocked. GSM phones are the most common type of phones used internationally, so many people want to unlock their phones so they can purchase a SIM card in a foreign country and use it in their phone. Depending on where you purchased your phone, there are a few ways to unlock it.
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Instructions
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Ask your carrier for an unlock code. T-Mobile will provide unlock codes for phones sold by T-Mobile USA after an account has been active for 90 days. AT&T provides less detailed information, but will often provide an unlock code if the phone is out of contract (the exception to this is the iPhone, which AT&T will not unlock). Follow the instructions provided by the carrier with the code to unlock the phone. If you are unable to get your provider to unlock the phone, you'll need to take further steps.
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Determine whether your phone can be unlocked by simply using a code, or whether special software will be needed. A few phones, mainly Nokias, can be unlocked simply by punching in a code. To get the code, you will need to find your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which is a unique identifier on every phone. On Nokia phones you can punch in *#06# on your phone's keyboard. Sites like Nokiafree.org will provide free unlock codes after you provide this number. Follow the instructions for entering the unlock code and the phone should be unlocked.
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Purchase unlocking software if your phone is not one that can be unlocked with a free code. This may include a special cable to download the software to your phone, or software that is downloaded directly to your phone. Each phone will have slightly different options that will come with specific directions. Follow these directions carefully to unlock your phone.
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Bring your phone into a cell phone repair center, such as CPR, if you can't find software or simply are concerned about performing this operation on your own. Retail repair shops like these often provide unlocking services for a reasonable fee ($25 to $50).
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Tips & Warnings
Unlocking cell phones is only possible for GSM phones. CDMA phones, which are the most common type in the U.S. (but not the world) do not use SIM cards and cannot be unlocked. Every GSM cell phone is unique, and there is not one set of directions that will work on each phone. Be sure you know exactly what type of phone you have before proceeding (the IMEA number should ensure that the unlocking software or company knows exactly what phone you have).
While it is legal to unlock a cell phone, it is not legal to change a phone's IMEA number. No reputable company should do this, and there should be no reason to do this.
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