The way to Unlock Smart Phones by IMEI (three quick steps)

Learn how to Unlock Phones by IMEI

By Colton Selvy

Every time you purchase a cell phone from a cellular provider, it is always locked into that network's service. If the company provide you with a free or discounted smartphone, you generally have to consent to a 1- or 2-year agreement as well. You can avoid this contract and freely switch between providers, and travel outside of the country and use domestic networks, simply by unlocking your cell phone using the IMEI code. Following the 3 simple steps below will enable you to unlock your smartphone permanently.

Step 1

Get the 15-digit IMEI number. This is typically printed on the phone beneath the battery. You can also sometimes find it inside your mobile phone's setting page or by entering a specific code to get your mobile phone to display the IMEI number on the screen. In most instances, this code is *#06#

Step 2

Once you've located the IMEI number of your mobile phone, get hold of your current service provider and ask them if they'll offer you an unlock code. Depending on the circumstances, they might possibly grant your request. Nevertheless, many service providers will likely have thier own requirements that need to be met before they are willing to offer you with an unlock code, and many can refuse. Normally, if you've finished your contract, your cell phone provider will probably supply you guidelines on how to IMEI unlock your cell phone, but typically they will insist you're the original owner of the mobile phone (the contract on thier system is in your name). If you are not, for example, you purchased the cell phone 2nd hand, you have got to find an alternative unlocking method to permanently unlock your smartphone.

Step 3

If you are not the orginal owner of the cell phone, you'll need to buy an unlock service from a 3rd party provider. The good news is there are a great deal of on-line suppliers offering services by just giving them your phone's IMEI code, it's make and model and the network its locked to. The price of the service and the time it takes to IMEI unlock your phone will depend upon these factors, and will vary quite considerably for more obscure handsets or networks. Working with a third party unlocking service is generally the fastest and the most hassle-free option to permanently unlock your smartphone, as it will be completed remotely without your mobile phone ever having to leave your pocession. Once your smartphone's been sucessfully unlocked it can then be used on any network and in any country you chose.