Ways to Unlock Cell Phones by IMEI (in three basic steps)

The way to Unlock Smartphones via IMEI (in 3 very easy steps)

By Mikaela Kade

Whenever you purchase a cell phone through a mobile provider, it is locked to that network's service. If the company provides you with a free or discounted smartphone, you typically have to agree to a one- or two-year contract as well. You can avoid this contract and freely change between providers, along with travel abroad and use domestic networks, simply by unlocking your cellphone using the IMEI number. If you wish to unlock your cellphone quickly and easily, follow the three simple steps below.

Step 1

Find the 15-digit IMEI code. This is usually written on the cellphone under the battery. You can also sometimes find it inside your cellphone's setting page or by keying in a specific code to get your cell phone to show the number on the screen. Most often, the code is *#06#

Step 2

Once you've located the IMEI number of your phone, get hold of your current service provider and inquire if they are willing to give you an unlock code. Based on your circumstances, they might grant your request. Although, many network carriers are going to have thier own requirements that need to be met before they'll offer you with an unlock code, and many may well refuse. Generally, if you've completed your service contract, your mobile phone provider may well give you guidelines on how to permanently unlock your cellphone, but normally they'll insist you are the original owner of the handset (the contract on thier system is in your name). If you're not, for example, you purchased the cellphone used, you'll have to find an alternative unlocking process to permanently unlock your cellphone.

Step 3

When you are not the orginal owner of the smartphone, you are going to have to acquire an unlock service from a 3rd party service provider. Thankfully there are loads of on-line providers selling services by simply providing them with your 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 takes to IMEI unlock your phone will depend upon these factors, and may vary quite considerably for more obscure phones or networks. Making use of a 3rd party unlocking service is frequently the quickest and the most straightforward way to factory unlock your mobile phone, as it can be completed remotely without your cellphone ever having to leave your pocession. As soon as your cellphone has been sucessfully unlocked it can then be used on any network and in any country you want.