How to Unlock a Cell Phone

If you want to get the most out of your phone and cut back on costs, you'll probably want to learn How to Unlock a Cell Phone. The steps below will get you on your way, so you'll be able to use your phone with different services, anywhere in the world.

Introduction
- While all cell phones are manufactured unlocked, chances are your service provider has locked it so that you can only use the phone with their service. Unlocking the phone will let you use the phone with different SIM cards, in order to avoid, for example, roaming charges when you move into a new area.
How To Unlock ANY AT&T or Cingular Phone (except iPhone & Nokia)

This video provides instructions on how to unlock most AT&T or Singular branded cell phones so they can be used on any network you like!

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Step 1: What Kind Of Phone
- There's a number of different cell phone manufacturers, and some of them tend to lock up their phones in a different way. Some of them can be unlocked with just a numerical code you can put into the keypad, while others will require you to bring them into a professional service.
1. Identify the make and model of your cell phone. The label should be easy enough to find on the outside of the phone.
2. Also identify your service provider. Some service providers will need you to have it unlocked by a professional, even if the model phone is otherwise code-locked.
3. You'll also need the phone's serial number, which is usually found somewhere on the phone, typically underneath the battery.
4. Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Siemens, Motorola, and LG phones need to be taken in for service to be unlocked.
5. Some Nokia and T-Mobile phones can be unlocked with a keypad code that's based on the phone's serial number, while others need to be brought in.
6. If you have questions, unlocking websites, such as this one, will usually have a service to identify whether or not your phone can be unlocked via a code.
Step 2: Finding An Unlocking Service
- Most model cell phones need to be brought in for service to be unlocked.
1. Search online via google, using your cell phone manufacturer and service provider, for unlocking services.
2. Most services you find will ask you to mail in your phone, so make sure you can stand to lose it for a couple weeks.
3. Also keep in mind the cost associated with having the phone serviced, as it can run anywhere from $25 to $50, depending on what level of service, and the company's policy.
4. Once you've found a company with a reasonable price, that looks reliable, follow their website's instructions on how to send in your phone.
Step 3: Unlocking Via Code
- If you're lucky and your phone is one of the types that can be unlocked via a button code, it will cost you a lot less and be more convenient in general.
1. Find your phone's serial number.
2. As before, do a google search for unlocking phones, with your phone's make and model number, to find a service that can give you the code.
3. Some sites will charge for the codes, while if you're lucky you might find one that does it for free.
4. Once you've settled on a site, follow the instructions to find the code you'll need.
5. Put in the code, and your phone should make a positive sounding noise.
6. Your phone will still, upon startup, display the logo of your original service provider, because that's hardwired into the phone. To test whether the unlocking worked, get a SIM card from another provider, and see if it works in your phone.
Conclusion
- Unlocking your phone can be useful, especially if you travel a lot outside of your normal service area. You'll need to find a website to help you out, but if you can find a good one, you'll be set up within a couple weeks at the longest.