How you Unlock Smartphones via IMEI (three simple steps)

By Eleonore Beaubien

If you purchase a phone from a cellphone provider, it is actually locked to that network's service. If the company provide you with a free or discounted cell phone, you ordinarily have to consent to a one- or two-year plan as well. You can avoid this contract and freely swap between networks, along with travel abroad and roam on other networks, simply by unlocking your mobile phone using the IMEI number. In order to unlock your phone, simply follow the 3 steps below.

Step 1

Locate the 15-digit IMEI number. This is usually written on the cell phone under the battery. You can also generally locate it in your cell phone's setting page or by entering a specific code to get your cell phone to show the number on your screen. In many instances, the code is *#06#

Step 2

After you have located the IMEI number of your cellphone, speak to your existing carrier and ask them if they will supply you with an unlock code. Dependent on your circumstances, they might possibly grant your request. Having said that, different network carriers can have thier own requirements that need to be fulfilled before they will provide you with an unlock code, and many could refuse. Usually, if you have finished your contract, your phone provider will most likely give you directions on how to IMEI unlock your phone, but in most cases they'll insist you are the original owner of the cellphone (the contract on thier system is in your name). In the event you are not, for example, you bought the phone 2nd hand, you have got to find an alternative unlocking process to IMEI unlock your mobile phone.

Step 3

When you're not the orginal owner of the phone, you will have to purchase an unlock service from a third party provider. The good news is there are a lot of on line suppliers selling services simply by giving them your mobile phone's IMEI code, it's model and make and the network it's locked to. The cost of the service and the time it will take to IMEI unlock your cell phone will depend upon the above mentioned factors, and can vary quite considerably for more obscure handsets or networks. Working with a third party unlocking provider is normally the fastest and the most convenient method to IMEI unlock your smartphone, as it can be carried out remotely without your cell phone ever having to leave your pocession. As soon as your cellphone's been sucessfully unlocked it can then be used on any network and in any country you decide.