The best way to Unlock Phones via IMEI (in three simple and easy steps)

By Lynetta Altamirano

Every time you acquire a cell phone from a cell phone provider, it is always locked to that network's service. If the company gives you a free or reduced price smartphone, you usually have to agree to a 1- or 2-year agreement as well. You can avoid this contract and freely switch between providers, in addition to travel outside of the country and use domestic networks, simply by unlocking your cell phone using the IMEI code. Following the three simple step below will enable your phone to be unlocked permanently.

Step 1

Locate the 15-digit IMEI code. This is typically written on the smartphone beneath the battery. You can also generally find it in your mobile phone's setting page or by entering a specific code to get your cell phone to show the IMEI number on the screen. In many instances, the code is *#06#

Step 2

After you've found the IMEI code of your cell phone, get in touch with your current carrier and ask them if they can offer you an unlock code. Depending on the circumstances, they could possibly grant your request. However, different network carriers will have thier own conditions that need to be met before they will provide you with an unlock code, and many might refuse. Normally, if you have completed your contract, your cellphone provider might give you directions on how to unlock your cellphone, but usually they will insist you're the original owner of the handset (the contract on thier system is in your name). If you are not, for instance, you purchased the cellphone second-hand, you will need to find an alternative unlocking strategy to unlock your mobile phone.

Step 3

When you're not the orginal owner of the cell phone, you will need to obtain an unlock code from a third party service provider. Thankfully there are lots of online vendors offering services merely by providing them with your phone's IMEI number, it's model and make and the network it is locked to. The price of the service and the time it takes to IMEI unlock your phone will depend upon the above mentioned factors, and will vary quite considerably for more obscure models or networks. Using a 3rd party unlocking provider is normally the quickest and the most convenient method to factory unlock your cell phone, as it can be completed remotely without your mobile phone ever needing to leave your pocession. As soon as mobile phone has been sucessfully unlocked it can then be used on any network and in any country you decide.