All phones are manufactured unlocked. A cell phone provider places a lock on a phone when it does not want consumers using it with other networks. Unlocking a GSM phone allows you to use the phone across all service providers.
Instructions
Unlocking A GSM Cell Phone
1. To unlock a GSM phone, request the access code from the service provider. Unlock codes are provided for phones exclusive to certain carriers, such as the G1 for T-Mobile or the iPhone for Cingular. A charge may be applied for the unlock code.
Unlock codes can also be generated online through websites such as freeyourcellphone.com. The website simply asks for the IMEI code from the back of the phone, located under the battery, the model of the phone and the current service provider to generate an unlock code.
2. Once you have the code, remove your battery and sim card. Place your battery back into the phone and turn it on. The phone will state "insert SIM." Enter the code exactly as it was given to you.
3. Once you enter the code, hit the call button. A prompt will pop up stating that the restriction has been lifted or that the phone lock has been removed. Both messages indicate that the phone is now unlocked.
4. Now that the phone is unlocked, a new sim card can be placed into the phone. The new service provider must also work off a GSM network in order for the phone to work.
5. Unlocking a cell phone is legal, but it will void the warranty of the handset. Phones also have a built-in number of unlock attempts allowed.
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