Flashing a cell phone is a way to enable its use on a variety of cellular service carriers.
If you purchased a Nokia cell phone and then switched cell phone carriers, from Verizon to T-Mobile, for example, you have probably noticed that your cell phone doesn't work with the new carrier. That is because most cell phones, including Nokia cell phones, are commonly programmed to prevent use on any networks other than the one from which you purchased the phone. However, Nokia phones contain SIM cards, making them GSM phones, which allows them to be flashed. Flashing a phone unlocks its ability to be used on other networks which also utilize SIM cards.
Instructions
1. Ensure your cell phone is fully charged. Then, remove the battery cover and battery from the phone.
2. Slide the SIM card out of its cradle. The SIM card is a white data chip that is typically resting in a silver cradle.
3. Write down the 15 digit IMEI number, which is frequently located on a silver sticker on the back of the phone. Commonly, the IMEI number is located near the scan bar on the back of the phone.
4. Return the SIM card to its cradle. Replace the battery and its cover.
5. Call your cellular service provider's customer service phone number. Ask the customer service representative for an unlock code. The customer service representative will likely ask for the IMEI that you obtained in Step 3, so be certain to have that information available when you call. Write down the unlock code.
6. Visit a website, such as Unlock it Free or Trycktill (see Resources) to have an unlock code generated for you if your cellular service provider refuses to provide you with an unlock code.
7. Turn on your cell phone. After it fully powers on, enter "+1#" and press the talk or send button. Input the unlock code that you obtained from the customer service representative or website in Step 5 or Step 6. Do not do anything else until the screen says "SIM Restriction Off" which may take a few minutes to appear.
Tags: cell phone, unlock code, customer service, cellular service, customer service representative, service representative, your cell