What is Unlocking?

Before explaining how a phone is unlocked, it is necessary to explain why it is locked in the first place. When you purchase a phone, you are often given a SIM (Subscriber identity Module) card from a network provider. Although you can purchase a handset alone, most phones sold are either on pay-as-you-go or a contract which is why the SIM card is always included. The SIM contains a serial number that identifies you to the network provider so when your number is dialed, the call can be connected with your handset. Because your number is tied to the SIM card rather than the handset itself, you should be able to use any SIM card. It isn't that simple.

Many cell phone carriers offer handsets at a cut price to encourage you to sign up to their network and also to sign a contract. They do this so recoup their costs on the phone itself, and they want to ensure you use their service for an extended period of time. Contracts are the perfect example of this. Most carriers require you to use a particular service for at least 12 months. However, pay-as-you-go plans are different and in principle, you should be able to change the network as soon as you purchase the phone. Even though the profits are much lower on pay-as-you-go phones, a provider still wants to keep you as a paying customer.

The way the network carriers attempt to do this is to lock your phone for use only with a specific SIM card or network. Should you attempt using an alternative SIM card, you will receive error messages ...such as SIM Card Not Accepted. And this is where unlocking comes in. Unlocking enables you to use any SIM card on any network in your handset, and cuts all ties to your initial network provider.

There are two primary methods for mobile phone unlocking ...code unlocking and cable unlocking. Which method is used depends largely on the handset manufacturer as well as the carrier.

The easiest method of unlocking a handset is by code unlocking. The user enters a number of details about their handset, including their IMEI, the handset model, the network and their country. The information is then used to generate their unlock code, and we send that code to you via email along with instructions on how to use it.

Once keyed into your phone, any existing restrictions are removed.

Your handset is in no risk during the process.

When handsets require their firmware to be updated or adjusted, the second method of unlocking may be necessary. This entails using our unlocking software, a USB cable and your PC. The process uses one of two methods depending on the handset. Partial flashing is the first method. Our software patches a small fragment of the phone's software to open the 'locks'. Often this is as simple as changing one number. When the code reading method is used, our software accesses your phone's internal hardware, locates the unlock code stored on the handset and displays it on your PC screen for you to enter into the handset yourself. Don't worry, nothing about your IMEI is altered nor is any additional information written to the phone.

There are many benefits to unlocking your handset. Not only will you be able to use any SIM card on any network, but you will also be able to take advantage of roaming services offered by most major networks. Unlocking may also enable dual, tri or even quad band functions allowing you to use your phone in even more countries around the globe.

Phone unlocking is perfectly legal if you own your handset. That cell phone carriers and providers are required to supply unlocking information should convince you of that fact. You are free to do whatever you wish with a handset you own free of a contract which includes the phone.