Buying mobile phones and smartphones directly from telephone operators is an increasingly common practice to get the latest models at a lower and more accessible price. The telephone operators who offer these telephones at reduced prices, however, do so by subscribing to a subscription, limiting the operation of the telephone exclusively to their network for a certain period of time, which varies according to the contract. In many cases, whether it is a trip abroad or a simple temporary exchange with a friend, there may be the need to use the phone with a SIM card from a different operator. Unlocking your phone and using it to its fullest potential is, however, very simple. Find out how to do this by going to step 1 now.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Get an Unlock Code
Step 1. Find the IMEI code of the phone
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) code is a unique 15-digit code assigned to each phone by the manufacturers to identify the device. Enter on the phone keypad: * # 06 *, and the IMEI code will appear on the screen.
Make a note of the code
Step 2. Get an unlock code
Once you have your phone's IMEI code, you will need to get an unlock code. Unlock Codes are 8-digit codes used to remove restrictions placed by carriers on contract phones; there are several internet sites where you can request and obtain them. All you have to do is select the make and model of your phone from the list provided on the site and enter the IMEI code.
- You will also need to provide a valid e-mail address where you can receive the unlock code once your request has been processed.
- A free site for unlocking phones is
Step 3. Check the email
Once your request has been reviewed, you will receive an email containing the unlock code you requested. The procedure usually takes a few days, depending on the site you have chosen.
Part 2 of 2: Unlocking the Phone Using the Unlock Code
Step 1. Turn off your phone
Press the on / off button located on the side or top of the phone. The location of the power button depends on the make and model of the phone.
Step 2. Remove the carrier's SIM card you contracted with from your phone
The procedure for removing the SIM card will depend on the make and model of your phone:
- Some phones have the ability to remove the SIM card directly from the phone without turning it off. Look for a slot on the sides of the phone, if there is one, open it carefully and you will see the SIM card inside. To remove it, press lightly inwards and it will pop out on its own. Some examples of mobile phones and smartphones with this possibility are the various iPhone models and some Android such as LG and HTC.
- If your phone does not have this option or you cannot find any specific external SIM card slot, it will mean that you will need to remove the back cover and battery first. Turn the phone off. Find the button or slot on the top or bottom of the device to use to lift the back cover. Once removed, also remove the battery following the directions of the arrows located above it.
Step 3. Replace the SIM card of the carrier you subscribed to with that of a different operator
Insert the new SIM card in place of the one you removed earlier and replace the battery and back cover.
Step 4. Turn on the phone
Press the power button and wait for the screen to turn on. Instead of the usual initial screen, a message will be displayed asking you to enter a code.
Step 5. Enter the unlock code
Using the phone keypad, enter the 8 digits of the unlock code. Press the "Enter" or "Ok" button to confirm the code entry.
- A confirmation message will appear on the screen to confirm that the code has been accepted.
- Your contract phone has been successfully unlocked and is now ready for use with another carrier.
Advice
- Some sites that offer the service and unlock codes require payment. Do a short research about the reliability of the site before requesting its services, you will avoid wasting money.
- If a site requires a payment, be very careful before entering your credit card or bank account information. Check carefully if the site is reliable and safe or not.
- By unlocking a phone whose subscription period has not yet ended, you could violate the conditions and terminate the contract entered into with the telephone operator. In many cases there is a pecuniary penalty for early withdrawal, and often also the loss of warranty for the telephone. Be well informed, consult the operator and explain your reasons before proceeding, you may receive an unlock code directly from the operator.
