What does unlocking a phone mean?

First, understand why phones are locked. Networks/providers/carriers lock phones so that that you are forced to use their network at their rates. No other SIM card will work in their phones. You cannot take advantage of better rates from other providers. A locked phone is subject to roaming charges and you have no choice.

When you unlock your phone, you are free of these restrictions. There is no more restriction placed on the phone by a network carrier.

What are the advantages of unlocking my phone?

After a phone is unlocked, you are free to use any network and any SIM card of your choosing. You can insert and use SIM cards purchased while abroad that allow you to take advantage of better rates for calls and SMS messaging.

Basic advantages are that you no longer pay roaming charges, and you can switch back and forth between carriers/networks. Other advantages are the increased resale value of your phone, locking is a guaranteed safe procedure for your phone and cannot harm it, and it requires very little technical ability to unlock your phone.

Is it legal to unlock my phone?

Yes, unlocking your phone is legal. In almost all countries around the world, including the UK, USA and Canada, phone unlocking is accepted and legal. Once you have purchased a phone, it is your property and you can do with it as you choose.

If a carrier provided you with a free phone along with a contract, you should, however, check your paperwork and check what implications are involved ...i.e. cancellation and forced pay off a contract. Since unlocking in no way tampers with the handset's firmware, there is no harm to the phone and if you uphold your contractual agreement with a carrier, they often never know the phone is unlocked.

Is your unlocking service guaranteed?

If you find your phone on our list of compatible handsets, then we absolutely guarantee that we can unlock your cell phone. In the odd event that we can't unlock a phone, you will receive a complete refund.

I purchased the unlock software and I am getting an error. What should I do?

* Check the FAQs relative to your handset
* Check that you have followed all the steps in the guide
* Then, and only then, ask our support team

I successfully placed my order, but I still did not receive my unlock purchase. How much longer should I wait?

You can check your order and processing time by going to our status site. Login in at
http://www.uniquephones.com/Order-Status.html

Can I get a discount if I have more than one phone to unlock?

We are happy to offer a 25% discount on your second order. Simply place an order and check the order email for more information.

For unlocking quantities of more than 10 handsets, please email resellers@uniquephones.com

How do you send me the information/product offered for unlocking my phone?

You will receive everything you need via two methods. One, on your screen and another by email.

What is a SIM?

A SIM stands for a 'subscriber information module'. It is a chip which inserts into a GSM handset and is what allows the phone to work within a given network. Non-GSM phones, on the other hand, are based on an ESN basis, which mean it has a unique serial number that the provider supplies to it. It identifies who you are, knows to send calls to you when your number is dialed and also controls your calling rates according to your contact or pay-as-you go plan that you signed up for with the carrier.

What is a GSM phone? How is it different, and how do I know I have one?

GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is the most popular standard for mobile phones in the world. It is estimated that 82% of the global mobile market uses the standard. The GSM standard is common in most countries other than the US, although T-Mobile and AT&T do have them in the U.S. now. Many phones in the US are still CDMA phones which do not take SIM cards.

If I have my phone unlocked, will my cell provider know?

It's unlikely unless you take your phone into one of their shops and they look at it.

We suspect it might be possible for them to monitor signals, and check the status of the phone that way, but it's unlikely.

Does a cell phone provider care if I unlock my phone?

We doubt it. If you've signed a contract with a provider, then you have to spend a set amount each month with them whether you use your minutes or not.

Is it possible for a provider to relock my phone without letting me know?

No. Once your phone is unlocked the only way to relock it is by plugging a cable in to the phone and reprogramming the phones software.

How can I determine if my phone is locked or not?

That's a simple one. Just borrow a SIM card from a friend that comes from a alternate carrier from yours. If the phone works, your phone is unlocked. If you get an error message, it means you've got a locked phone.

Can my phone be unlocked?

If you have a GSM phone, it can be unlocked. If your phone is a CMDA phone, then in all likelihood, it cannot be unlocked.

Does my phone have to be unlocked every time I change SIMs?

No. Once unlocked, your phone stays unlocked unless you reprogram it to become locked again.

What about my existing service? Will it work if I unlock my phone?

Your existing service will not be affected as long as the SIM card from your provider is in the handset.

Can I save money with an unlocked phone?

Yes. While you will still be paying your provider the usual monthly rate, you can save money by using other SIM cards for other regions or countries if you are traveling. You can avoid roaming charges and you can search around for better rates wherever you are.

I tried unlocking before and it didn't work. Can you still unlock it?

Most likely, yes. Some brands limit you to five attempts to unlock before the handset starts to reject any code, correct or not. In these cases, unlocking won't work, but our cable unlocking service will. You can read more about cable unlocking and when to use it on our site.

How much technical knowledge do I need to unlock my phone?

None at all for code unlocking. In the case of cable unlocking, being familiar and comfortable with computers and cables is necessary for success using this mode. In the case of code unlocking, the instructions are easy to follow and requires only that you be able to enter the code unlocking number on your keypad.

Can unlocking harm my phone?

No. Unlocking simply removes the network and SIM locks imposed by your network carrier. However, you should check your contract and paperwork to make sure that it doesn't affect your phone's warranty or that it breaks the terms and conditions of your contract.

Do any American carriers have GSM phones?

Yes, AT&T and T-Mobile both offer GSM phones as well as a few other providers.