The tools needed to unlock a phone can vary among service providers.
Although many phones are intended to be used with any service provider's network, many providers electronically lock their phones when offering discounts or other incentives to consumers. This can result in high roaming charges when using the cell phone outside of their service area. However, there are tools for unlocking cell phones so they can be used anywhere in the world without surcharges.
Information You Need to Start
In order to use any of these tools, you will need your cell phone number with the area code, the names of the network and country to which the phone is locked, the model number and manufacturer name, and the International Mobile Equipment Identity (or IMEI) number. The latter is a 15-digit number that can be found by dialing "#06#."
Ask the Service Provider
The service provider may be able to help you unlock your phone. Simply call and ask. They might charge you an unlocking fee (if, for example, your contract ties you to their wireless plan for a certain amount of time). They may require a few weeks' wait. If they help you out, they will give you a code that will instantly unlock the phone.
Outside Sources
There are also third-party companies that unlock phones, for a small fee. You can send them your IMEI number and have them generate a code for you. Some companies, and some phones, might require you to mail in your phone for unlocking. If this is the case, a money-back guarantee should be offered if they are unable to unlock your phone.
Be careful when using these services--fraudulent phone-unlocking companies do exist, and entering the wrong unlock code too many times may result in a phone becoming "hard-locked." A hard-locked phone requires special equipment to unlock.
Equipment
Phone-specific or general unlocking equipment is also available. These are often effective and carry no risk of hard-locking, but they are also costly. Phone-unlocking software exists as well. It works by connecting your phone to a computer with a data cable and calculating an unlocking code.
Tags: your phone, cell phone, IMEI number, service provider, unlock phone