By unlocking a T-Mobile cell phone, you can choose another wireless carrier
If you own a T-Mobile phone and wish to use the phone with another wireless carrier or use an international SIM card when traveling, then you will need to unlock your phone. The SIM lock is used to prevent T-Mobile cell phones from operating on another carrier, but in many cases after as little as 40 days of service you can request the unlock code. You can also request the code if you are a former customer. This will give you the freedom to choose whichever wireless carrier you want, and not have to give up a phone you like.
Instructions
Unlocking the Phone with T-Mobile
1. Have the phone that you want to unlock available.
2. Call T-Mobile customer care at 1-800-937-8997. Provide the cell phone number, name on the account, the last four digits of the account owner's Social Security number and a password if one has been set.
3. Speak to a live representative. Ask for the phone's unlock code. As of December 2010, a T-Mobile Postpaid plan customer will need a minimum of 40 days active service with T-Mobile. A Prepaid plan customer will need a minimum of 60 days active service and either a balance of $10 or to have purchased a refill within the past 30 days.
4. If the phone is no longer active on a current account, if there are numerous phones on the account, or the T-Mobile account has been canceled, the representative will need the phone's IMEI number. This number can be found on the back of the phone under the battery, on a sticker attached to the battery compartment, or by dialing *#06#* while the phone is turned on.
5. Follow the instructions given by the T-Mobile representative. The instructions are based on the T-Mobile phone's brand and model, and each phone requires a difference series of steps to unlock it.
6. Test the phone with a new SIM card, if available.
Using an Online Unlock Service
7. Locate an online service that unlocks cellphones such as Unlocktotalk.com.
8. Visit the unlock service's website. Select T-Mobile as the carrier, and choose the cell phone brand and model.
9. Provide the IMEI number in the space provided. This number is located on the back of the phone under the battery, on a sticker attached to the battery compartment or by dialing *#06#* while the phone is turned on.
10. Pay the unlock services fee. The unlock company will email the unlock code and instructions on unlock the phone. Follow these instructions. If the email is not received within the time specified on the site or the company was not able to locate the unlock code for the phone, most unlock services will refund the payment.
11. Test the phone with the new SIM card, if available.
Tags: unlock code, will need, cell phone, wireless carrier, active service, another wireless