A cell phone is a great tool when it works, but traveling overseas can turn your expensive BlackBerry into an equally expensive paperweight if you don't unlock it so it can work with local carriers. You can get the unlock codes from your carrier or from an external source. Follow this guide to learn how to do it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Get an Unlock Code
Step 1. Find your BlackBerry's IMEI number
This is a unique identification number that is required by both the telephone company and an external provider to communicate the unlock code to you. To find this number, follow the specific instructions based on your mobile phone model:
- BlackBerry 10: Open 'Settings' and select 'Advanced Settings'. Tap 'Device' from the drop-down menu that appeared. The IMEI code of the phone is listed on this screen.
- BlackBerry 6 and 7: click on 'Options' and then on 'Device'. Select 'Device and Status Information' to find the IMEI number.
- BlackBerry 5 and earlier: click on 'Options' and then select 'Status'. The IMEI code appears on the screen.
Step 2. Contact your telephone company
There is usually no problem unlocking a mobile phone if the terms of the contract have expired. This means that you may not be able to receive any codes if the contractual terms have not yet been met and you have not finished paying for the device.
Step 3. Contact an external provider who deals with these services
If you need to unlock your mobile and your carrier doesn't help you, you will need to purchase a code from a third party.
- Be sure to read reviews and comments from other customers to make sure this provider is trustworthy and licensed.
- You will need to provide your phone's IMEI code when prompted to get the unlock number.
- It may take up to three days, but it usually takes a few hours.
Part 2 of 2: Unlocking the BlackBerry
Step 1. BlackBerry 10
Enter the 'Settings', select 'Security and Privacy' and then 'SIM Card'. Scroll down the screen and tap the 'Unlock Phone' button. Enter the code and tap 'OK'.
You have 10 attempts to enter the code, after which the mobile will be disabled
Step 2. BlackBerry 7
First of all deactivate the connection with the manager. You can see the connections by opening the 'Manage Connections' function. Make sure both data and WiFi connections are turned off.
- Open the 'SIM Card' menu from the 'Options' by first selecting 'Device', 'Advanced System Setup' and then clicking on 'SIM Card'.
- Type “MEPD” while in the 'SIM Card' menu. Another menu will appear and the manager will appear as active. Those who own a BlackBerry of the 71xx, 81xx and 91xx series must type in “MEPPD”.
- Type “MEP [Alt] 2”. If nothing happens, try “MEP [Alt] 4”. You have to press the alt key = "Image" to activate the numeric function. The 71xx, 81xx and 91xx series models need the codes “MEPP [Alt] 2” or “MEPP [Alt] 4”.
- Enter your unlock code (MEP). You have 225 attempts so don't mess! Once the mobile is unlocked, you can insert the SIM card and reactivate the connections.
Step 3. BlackBerry 6 and earlier
Remove the SIM card by first removing the battery and then the card from its slot. Insert the SIM of the new carrier.
