There are a number of reasons to unlock a phone. To begin with, it rises the marketability and resale value of the cell phone by not limiting the resell to a specific network provider. Secondly, it permits the phone to function worldwide. Last but not the least, it removes roaming charges by enabling to switch to a local network provider in the local area.
In accordance with, Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act which was signed by the president of the USA in 2013, unlocking a phone has been legalized. The Law allows consumers to unlock their mobile wireless devices and use their mobile phones with any network provider.
The income from subscription is subsidized with the purchase price of the handset, operators have to compensate the investment before the termination of subscriber service. To guarantee their investments, GSM carriers establish SIM-Lock, a software feature on the mobile to eliminate the usage of another network. Therefore, the carriers also add additional charges as an early termination fee.
In order to know the following steps should be implemented:
- Insert a SIM card from different network provider than the one which is currently using.
- When the phone is switched on one of the following messages would be displayed:
- Enter Subsidy Code
- Enter Unlock Code
- Incorrect SIM Card
- Insert Correct SIM Card
- Invalid Smart Chip
- Phone Restricted
- SIM Network Unlock Code
- SIM Network Unlock Pin
- Special Code Required
- Wrong SIM Card
- Network Lock Control Key
- SIM Password
- Incompatible SIM
- Enter Subsidy Pin
A phone SIM lock is considered to be one of the capabilities of software that is inserted in GSM handsets by manufacturers of mobile devices. It is made to restrict the usage of these mobile phones to specific countries and carriers.
Unlock code is a series of numbers. When these numbers are entered to a locked phone, the SIM lock restriction will be removed by allowing the phone to be used.
The IMEI is a number of GSM networks to identify devices requesting to connect to them. Consequently, allowing to stop from a usage of a stolen handset from accessing that carrier. It is utilized to recognize the handset and has no relation to the subscriber permanently. The numbers consist of information on the origin, serial number as well as model.
The IMEA number can be reached by entering *#06#* or it is displayed in the battery part of the phone.
- Android: Settings—About Phone
- Blackberry: Options—Status
- iOS: Settings—General—About
SIM card is one of the main features of the GSM network. It the type of card that can be detached which contains information regarding subscription and phone book. It permits the user to maintain personal information after switching their devices.
