by Gabriela Jugaru, a technology enthusiast & writer
Gabriela's photo is in the post
Just a few years ago phone unlocking was perceived as a hacking and a bit of an illegal method of enjoying all the features of your phone. Nowadays it is seen as something as normal as sending an SMS. Personally, I think that this used to happen because most people didn’t actually know what unlocking a mobile phone consisted of. It was caused by a lack of information combined with some simple misconceptions, but that’s another story. With the rise in popularity of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), interest in unlocking handsets has risen in tandem.
Still, before talking about methods to unlock a mobile phone, we need to know what’s the whole thing with these locked phones.
Mobile phone operators all over the world employ two main types of cellular technology: – GSM and CDMA.
Naturally, GSM is the one being used on a much larger scale. CDMA networks have proved most popular in North America, Korea and Japan.
However, every mobile phone has a unique electronic serial number, which works as an identifier for routing data and phone calls from the operartor to the device.
On networks using CDMA, this serial number is normally on the device itself, while on GSM it is normally displayed inside the phone under the battery.
GSM networks use a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card to identify the customer. It means that any GSM phone can be unlocked from the original operator and used by somebody else.
Most operators lock the phones they sell, in order to be used only in their network. By unlocking them, you simply allow your phone to be used on any operator which uses GSM technology.
Before thinking that what you’re doing is illegal in one way or another, you should know that your mobile has nothing really against this.
They can even help you to unlock it for a fee (so it’s worth checking how much they charge first).
After all, most people have signed a contract for a smartphone, so the operator will get its money no matter what network you’re using it on.
Now let’s see how this unlocking thing is done. Basically, there are two main methods of doing it: – entering an unlock code or upgrading the firmware of your device in order to remove the lock.
Of course, there are other methods too – such as a special adapter which sits underneath the SIM card but they’re too thick to fit most current smartphones.
So, we’ll focus on the two main methods presented above.
Unlocking a phone by code is by far the easiest method. First of all, you need to know your phone’s unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity number) code.
You can do this by keying *#06# on the dialpad (for GSM), try *#*#4636#*#* and choose phone information (for CDMA) or simply look for it on the label underneath the battery.
On the iPhone you can find the IMEI number by clicking on Settings then General and then selecting About.
There are loads of services on the web that can help you to unlock your phone based on your IMEI.
You will usually be provided with an 8 or 16 digit unlock code, which you simply have to enter on your phone when you get the message “SIM Network Unlock Code” or”Enter Network Lock Control Key.”
The code is based on country and name of the operator who originally supplied the phone. After entering the unlock code correctly, your phone will be fully unlocked.
Code unlocking is a method which can be used on virtually all handsets from the likes of Nokia, Samsung (like the Galaxy Note 2), Motorola, LG, Apple, and RIM/BlackBerry.
The price charged for the unlock varies considerably depending on the phone manufacturer, model, country and network.
Whilst a BlackBerry for example, can be unlocked for as little as $8, for some Samsung models the price goes up to $30.
The second main unlocking method is a bit more complicated than using a code, but it can still be done after some research.
This method consists of upgrading your phone’s firmware, using a data cable and special software on your PC.
This method is sometimes known as rooting (for Android phones) or jailbreaking (for iPhones).
However, it is worth noting that not all forms of rooting and jailbreaking involve a full ‘unlock’. Some simply alter the handset’s mobile OS version so check before you go ahead.
Still, if you haven’t done this before, you should follow a very detailed tutorial (there are plenty on YouTube) or simply leave it to someone who knows how to do it. (Like a High Street retailer).
However you choose to unlock your phone, the main benefits you will enjoy after unlocking it are that you’ll have the freedom to use any network provider around the world which uses the same cellular technology (CDMA or GSM).
For example, you can significantly reduce roaming costs when travelling abroad by using a local SIM, and also you normally increase the value of your smartphone.
Author biog
Gabriela Jugaru is a tech enthusiast, passionate about the mobile industry and gadgets. She’s a technology entrepreneur and co-founder of UnlockUnit.com.
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