Cell phones generally come with security codes.
It's possible--though not always easy--to unlock a phone that's been locked with a security code. Your carrier's customer service department can often help. Sometimes you can generate a code online to get around the forgotten security code. But one thing you don't want to do is to try to guess your security code by trial and error. Phones generally limit how many tries you can make, and some cell phones--BlackBerries, for example--are especially inconvenient to unlock once you hit that point.
Instructions
1. Try the code you programmed for the phone. Depending on the model of phone you have, you'll want to avoid trying all possible codes you might have used, because you could make the phone even harder to unlock with too many attempts. To avoid this, write down your security codes somewhere that you don't store your phone.
2. Try the factory default code. Some phones, such as Nokias, are programmed with a factory default code that is mentioned in the owner's manual--something simple like 12345.
3. Contact your service provider. Locked cell phones generally allow you to call customer service and 911. Have your international mobile equipment identifier (IMEI number) ready. You can get this number from the inside of the battery compartment. Customer service may be able to help you over the phone once you sufficiently identify yourself. However, you might have to mail in the phone for them to unlock it.
Tags: customer service, default code, factory default, factory default code, might have, phones generally, security code