Unlocking your mobile phone gives you the freedom to change networks.
A new mobile phone is very likely to be locked to a network. If you try to use a SIM card from another network, your phone won’t work. Unlocking your phone gives you the freedom to use other networks and take advantage of any special deals or offers that may be available. It may also make your phone worth more if you decide to sell it. Unlocking your mobile phone is not illegal, providing you are the rightful owner of the phone and are out of your contract term or minimum service period.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Type *#06# on the keypad of your mobile phone to retrieve the IMEI number. This is your international mobile equipment identity. You will need to enter this number on a website or give it to your local phone shop in order to verify your phone has not been registered as stolen.
2. Visit a site that specializes in provided free unlocking codes, such as unlock.nokiafree.org, unlockitfree.com or www.trycktill.com/eng (see Resources for the links). Follow the instructions for your particular phone. The code will appear similar to this: *2767*688# or this #pw+2746763089+1#. If you can’t find a code for your phone, it cannot be unlocked by a free code and you will have to either buy a code or unlock your phone via a cable.
3. Phone your network operator to ask if you can buy a code to unlock your phone. In 2010, the prices for codes from different networks ranged from f20 to f120. You can also go to phone shops in your local high street to see if you can get a cheaper price.
4. Replace your old SIM card with the new SIM card. Enter the new code. Use the normal number keys to enter numbers and the * key for letters and the + sign. When you have entered the code correctly, the message "phone restriction off" or something very similar will appear.
5. Visit your local phone store to unlock your phone via a cable attachment if you can’t acquire a code. A data cable with the correct software may be the only way to unlock your phone. Going to a local phone shop is the easiest and often cheapest way to do this. It is possible to buy a cable and software to unlock your phone online. This can be very complicated, though, and is only for those who are technologically minded and can work through the instructions. There are different cables for each brand and for each handset within that brand, so be sure to research thoroughly before you buy.
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