Unlocking a SIM card will give you the freedom to use another GSM-capable phone. An unlocked SIM card saves you the hassle of having to get a separate calling plan, establish another contract, and possible roaming charges depending on where you travel. It is not illegal to unlock a sound card, however, cell phone companies tend to not make the information readily available.You can have your SIM card unlocked within a short amount of time if you know some basic information about your cell phone.
Instructions
1. Determine the specific model of your cell phone. You will need to know the brand of phone; for example, BlackBerry, HTC, or Palm, and also the specific model number. You can determine the model number of your phone by seeing what is listed when you first turn on your device, looking on the original packaging of your phone, or taking the battery out and looking for the specific model number after the phone has been turned off.
2. Record your IMEI number. Your IMEI number (international mobile equipment identity) specifically identifies your mobile phone for security purposes. You can find this number in the security settings within your device or you can turn the phone off, remove the cover and battery, and find it at the base of the phone. The IMEI number is 15 digits.
3. Contact your cell phone provider to unlock your SIM number. Depending on the device your cell phone provider's technical support department may be willing to offer the unlock code. However, there are cellular providers that will not provide this information for some of their phones. For example, AT&T does not provide unlock codes for iPhones. If your provider will issue the unlock code, the tech support representative will walk you through inputting it.
4. If your cell phone provider does not provide you with the unlock code or you are unwilling to call your cell phone provider, locate online services (such as wirelessunlocking.com) that are willing to provide you with unlock codes based on the model and brand of your phone. There is a fee involved, usually less than $25.
5. Once you locate your unlock code, go into your phone's security settings to unlock the SIM card. Each phone has a different method for unlocking, so locate an online resource to find out do so for your mobile device. A good website for this is unlocktotalk.com.
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