If you own a cell phone and have ever tried to change service providers, you may have been frustrated to learn that sometimes you are unable to do so without purchasing a new phone. This is because service providers program a code into the phone that locks it to that provider, without giving the owner access to that code. Recent legal rulings allow cell phone owners who have completed their service contracts the ability to unlock their phones. If you encounter this problem, be sure to follow these steps.
Instructions
Steps for Phones Locked by a Service Provider
1. Contact your previous service provider. They will likely sell you the code for a small fee.
2. Search online for programs that will provide this service. You many find that most will charge a fee. In order to do this you may need a cable to connect the phone to the computer. For some phones a cable is not needed and a pass code is used.
3. Buy a SIM card, which is available at most cell phone stores. Put it in and voila! You are now allowed to use your cell phone with any service provider.
Steps for a Phone Locked by the User
4. Carrying a phone in your pocket will sometimes result in the phone accidentally becoming locked.
5. Enter in your PIN to unlock the phone. If that doesn't work, try pressing the numbers 1, 2 and 3 as some providers use this as a default code.
6. Enter in the default password to unlock your phone. Some providers use 1, 2, 3. Other providers use 1, 1, 1, 1 or 1, 2, 3, 4.
7. Take the phone to one of your service provider's stores. They will unlock the phone for you.
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