The best ways to Unlock Cellular Phones by IMEI

By Marla Ridlen

Every time you purchase a cell phone through a network provider, it is locked to that company's service. If the company provide you with a free or discounted cell phone, you usually have to consent to a one- or two-year contract as well. You can avoid this contract and freely change between networks, in addition to travel overseas and roam on other networks, easily by unlocking your cellphone using the IMEI code. Following the three simple steps below will enable you to unlock your mobile phone permanently.

Step 1

Find the 15-digit IMEI code. This is typically written on the smartphone under the battery. You can also sometimes locate it on your mobile phone's setting page or by entering a specific code to get your cell phone to show the IMEI number on your screen. In most cases, this code is *#06#

Step 2

When you have found the IMEI number of your phone, get hold of your current network and inquire if they'll give you an unlock code. Depending on your circumstances, they may grant your request. Nonetheless, different carriers have thier own conditions that need to be met before they are willing to offer you with an unlock code, and many might refuse. Usually, if you've completed your contract, your phone provider might give you directions on how to IMEI unlock your cell phone, but in most cases they will insist you're the original owner of the mobile phone (the contract on thier system is in your name). In the event you are not, for example, you purchased the phone used, you will have to find an alternative unlocking method to unlock your phone.

Step 3

If you're not the orginal owner of the phone, you are going to have to acquire an unlock code from a 3rd party provider. Thankfully there are loads of on line suppliers selling services by merely giving them your mobile phone's IMEI number, it's model and make and the network its locked to. The price of the service and the time it takes to IMEI unlock your mobile phone depends upon these factors, and may vary quite significantly for more obscure mobiles or networks. Utilizing a third party unlocking service is frequently the quickest and most convenient way to permanently unlock your cell phone, as it can be conducted remotely without your mobile phone ever having to leave your pocession. As soon as smartphone has been sucessfully unlocked it can then be used on any network and in any country you want.