How to unlock your cell phone and save money
How to unlock your mobile phone to save money
Many people want to unlock a mobile phone so that they can use another company’s sim card with it. For instance, many people I know use the Iphone with T-Mobile which requires the Iphone to be unlocked. The problem is, most mobile phone companies are not too happy to unlock them for you, as you are in effect, using their product without them getting the benefit. There are alternatives however.
First of all, check with the carrier that sold the phone originally. If you are with a company like T-Mobile that is easy to work with, simply ask for the unlock code. They will unlock just about anything except a Sidekick. Other carriers vary in their degree of willingness to work with you. AT&T seems to be O.K. with most phones except the Iphone which they won't unlock. Just be sure and tell the customer service rep that you are planning on going out of the country (aren’t we all at some point), and want to use an international sim card because you can’t afford roaming.
Now, if you bought a used phone and don’t have service with the company, you can ask the person you bought it from to unlock it for you before you buy it. In most cases, companies will unlock a phone for up to 6 months from the time the account is closed.
The next thing you can do is contact the manufacturer to get the unlock code. Some, like Motorola seem eager to help if you have one of their phones, Nokia not so much, you just have to call and ask. Check with 8005551212 for the customer service line for your manufacturer.
If that still doesn’t work, you will then need to go the third party route and pay. Phones like the Sidekick and Iphone can only be unlocked by an electronic specialist that knows the code to enter. You can find this information on certain web sites for only a couple of dollars. Give one of those a try, it's only a couple of bucks.
If that still doesn't work, check with a shop. I have seen shops that unlock phones for as low as $10, but commonly I see $15 to $30. Still a lot cheaper than a new one. Check in the yellow pages for cell phone repair, or a dealer that sells multiple brands of phones, including yours. They will probably have the ability to help you.
The only problem you have to watch out for when a phone is unlocked are updates which might kick out the unlock code and you have to start over. Make sure whoever unlocks it will agree to reset it if that happens, or simply don't accept the OTA download when it comes to your phone. One way or another, you can unlock your phone and use it with the carrier you want.