Unlock your mobile phone for all networks
Maybe you are taking a trip overseas and don't feel like having to rent a cell phone or pay overseas rates to use yours. Perhaps you are just really dissatisfied with your cell phone service and would like to switch carriers. Whatever the case you will need to unlock your mobile phone to use it on different networks. It's not difficult to do and has the added bonus of making your phone more valuable should you decide to sell it later.
Instructions
1. Get the serial number of your phone. This is also known as the International Mobile Equipment Identifier or the IMEI. Some older models have an ESN (electronic serial number), which can be substituted for the IMEI if need be. Find it by dialing *#06# into your keypad and wait for a few seconds. Your phone will display a 15-17 numeric code. Write this number down.
2. Pick a mobile phone unlock site. These sites provide codes to unlock your phone with for a fee that ranges between $9.99 to $29.99 as of 2010. Some of the sites that you might consider are Unlockster.com, GlobalUnlock.com and GSMLiberty.net (see resources below). They all provide basically the same service so find the one that is cheapest and has codes for your phone.
Go to the site that best suits your needs and enter the IMEI number into the box. Find the make of your phone (such as Sony-Ericcson, Nokia, Motorola etc...) and select it from the drop down menu. Choose the model of your phone, your country, and the service provider that you use.
3. Enter a valid e-mail address where the codes can be sent to you and payment details. Most services use paypal.
4. Wait for a 1-2 days and check your e-mail. You will get an unlock code along with specific instructions on enter it for your phone. Write your code down exactly as you see it.
5. Turn your phone off and take the battery out. Remove the subscriber identity module or SIM card and replace it with one from a different service provider.
6. Turn your phone back on and wait a few seconds. You will get a message that the SIM card is invalid and your phone will ask for a code. Enter your unlock code exactly as it appears. Don't add any spaces or characters. Wait for a few seconds and your phone will beep and turn off. Once it comes back on there will be a different logo from the new SIM card. Congratulations you have now unlocked your phone for use on all networks.
Tags: your phone, your phone, mobile phone, phone will, cell phone, phone networks