Unlock your mobile phone software so that you can use the device on any network.
When you purchase your mobile phone from a service provider, rather than a retailer, the phone software comes locked. This prevents you from using the phone with a SIM (subscriber identity module) card from another network. In exchange, you can purchase the phone at a discount. If you have completed your contract, you may wish to switch to another provider. Unlock your phone software to do so.
Instructions
1. Turn your phone on and enter *#06# into the keypad. A 15-digit number will appear on the screen. This is your international mobile equipment identification number (IMEI). Cell phone service providers use the IMEI to keep track of phones on their system.
2. Contact the customer service department at your cell phone provider. Request an unlock code for your phone. If you have completed your contract, the provider may give it to you. It is not required to do so. If it does, provide your IMEI number.
3. Choose an unlocking service. If you cannot get your phone service to provide you a code, you can purchase one (see Resource links). As of 2010, these codes can be purchased for approximately $20 per code.
4. Enter the phone's IMEI number on the site you're using to purchase the code. Choose the cell phone brand, model and service provider that you use from the drop-down menus. Enter your payment details and a current email address.
5. Get the code from your email's inbox in one to two days. Write it down.
6. Turn the mobile phone off and take out the battery and SIM card. Turn the unit back on and you will be asked for a "Subsidy Code" or "Unlock Code." Enter your code and press "OK." Wait for it to beep, blink and restart. After the phone has come back on, the software will be unlocked.
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