The right way to Unlock Cellphones via IMEI

Easy methods to Unlock Cellular Phones by IMEI

By Winfred Staines

Anytime you buy a cellphone via a mobile phone provider, it is always locked into that company's service. If the company provides you with a free or reduced price phone, you typically have to consent to a 1- or 2-year contract as well. You can avoid this contract and freely move between providers, along with travel outside of the country and roam on domestic networks, simply by unlocking your cellphone using the IMEI code. To permanently unlock your mobile phone follow the 3 simple steps below.

Step 1

Locate the 15-digit IMEI number. This is generally printed on the cellphone underneath the battery. You can also sometimes find it in your cellphone's setting page or by keying in a specific code to get your cell phone to display the IMEI number on your screen. In many cases, this code is *#06#

Step 2

When you have located the IMEI number of your cell phone, get hold of your current network and find out if they can provide you with an unlock code. Based on your circumstances, they may very well grant your request. Having said that, different service providers will probably have thier own set of guidelines that need to be met before they are willing to offer you with an unlock code, and many will refuse. Usually, if you have completed your contract, your phone provider will most likely supply you directions on how to IMEI unlock your phone, but typically they will insist you are the original owner of the mobile phone (the contract on thier system is in your name). In the event you're not, for instance, you bought the smartphone second-hand, you will have to find an alternative unlocking technique to permanently unlock your mobile phone.

Step 3

For those who are not the orginal owner of the cellphone, you are going to have to obtain an unlock code from a 3rd party supplier. The good news is there are a lot of online companies offering services by merely providing them with your phone's IMEI code, it's model and make and the network its locked to. The cost of the service and the time it will take to IMEI unlock your mobile phone will depend upon the above mentioned factors, and can vary quite considerably for more obscure phones or networks. Utilizing a third party unlocking company is often the quickest and most straightforward method to IMEI unlock your phone, as it can be performed remotely without your cell phone ever needing to leave your pocession. When your mobile phone has been sucessfully unlocked it can then be used with any carrier and in any country you wish.