How to Unlock a G1 Phone for Free

If your mobile phone uses a SIM (subscriber identity module) card, it draws its mobile number and mobile network information from it. Switching the SIM card means you can switch your phone number on that phone. Mobile providers install a subscriber subsidy lock on their handsets to prevent users from using a SIM card and phone number from another company. For example, if you have a T-Mobile G1 and you want to use that phone with an AT&T phone number, you have to unlock your G1 so it will recognize an AT&T SIM card.

Things You'll Need

• SIM card from other company besides T-Mobile

Instructions

1. Turn on your T-Mobile G1. Dial *#06# to display your handset’s unique international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number.

2. Call T-Mobile Support. (See Resources) Ask for your free SIM unlock code for your T-Mobile G1. Give the representative the IMEI number to your G1. Give the representative a valid email address to which to send the SIM unlock code.

3. Turn off your T-Mobile G1 when you receive the SIM unlock code by email. Remove the back panel and battery from the phone. Replace the T-Mobile SIM card with one from another mobile service provider. Replace the battery and battery panel. Turn the G1 back on.

4. Click “OK” when the G1 displays a message that it does not recognize the SIM card installed. Enter the SIM unlock code on the next screen. Click “OK.” Use your T-Mobile G1 as desired after you get the confirmation message that the G1 has an unlocked SIM.

Tips & Warnings

• T-Mobile USA provides free SIM unlock codes for customers in good standing whose accounts are more than 40 days old. They make exceptions in some cases, and they may change their eligibility qualifications for free SIM unlock codes at any time. Contact T-Mobile Support to have a representative go over your account and determine your eligibility.

• If you enter the wrong SIM unlock code too many times, your G1 can end up permanently locked to the T-Mobile network. Avoid this by contacting T-Mobile Support for troubleshooting help if you receive a code error more than twice.

References

• T-Mobile Support: SIM Unlock Code

Resources

• T-Mobile Us: Contact Us