GSM phones use SIM cards to store subscriber and network identification information.
Nokia cell phones that operate on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network are sometimes locked to a specific carrier. A locked GSM Nokia phone will only work with SIM cards from a specific network. Unlocking your GSM-based Nokia will allow it to work with SIM cards from any global GSM network provider. Although unlocking your phone is not difficult, you must be careful to get an unlock code from a reputable source. Failure to enter the proper unlock code a certain number of time, usually five, will hard-lock your phone. A hard-locked phone can only be unlocked using a cable.
Instructions
1. Insert a SIM card into your new Nokia phone. This card does not need to be activated or working. It's function is to allow the phone to fully power on.
2. Turn the phone on and allow it to start to its basic number entry screen.
3. Enter the following code on the phone's keypad: *#06# and press "Send. Your phone's International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) will display.
4. Write the IMEI number down. Double check to make sure you have written the number down correctly. The unlock code is generated based on this IMEI number. An incorrect digit will render the unlock code useless.
5. Enter the IMEI number and your phone's carrier name into unlock code generating software or on a website that sells unlock codes. In some cases, an independent cell phone retailer may be able to generate the code or unlock your phone for a fee. In other cases, a carrier may be willing to provide you with an unlock code.
6. Remove the SIM card from the phone once you have an unlock code.
7. Turn the phone on and enter the unlock code in the phone. The format for Nokia unlock codes is #p2+555 555 555 5+1#.
Tags: unlock code, your phone, IMEI number, cards from, code phone