You can unlock a phone via help of your phone company / carrier. Before doing so, make sure:
- Your phone is not stolen
- You have paid off your phone completely
Next, find your phone’s IMEI number (a special code for your phone). Then ask your phone company to unlock it for free. If your phone company says no, an authorized and trusted third-party phone unlocking service provider can also help you with this process if your carrier denies your request. Once your phone is unlocked, put in a new SIM card and you are done.
You can dial *#06# to see your phone’s IMEI number on the screen.
How to unlock a phone with IMEI number?
IMEI based phone unlocking is one of the most trusted ways to unlock your phone from its current network. It allows you to use your phone with any network service provider worldwide. Here is a step-by-step guide on unlocking your phone via its IMEI number.
1. Check for compatibility
Before unlocking, you must ensure your cell phone complies with the requirements. Each carrier has its own criteria to be met to begin the unlocking process.
Verify if your phone is carrier locked by trying to use it with a SIM card from another provider. If you see messages like “SIM Not Supported” or “Enter Unlock Code,” the phone is locked.
2. Find your IMEI number
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit code assigned to all cellular devices. You will need this number to request an unlock.
There are a number of possible ways to find your IMEI:
- Go to your phone’s settings. Most handsets have it under Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI Information.
- If your phone has a removable batteryor SIM tray, a sticker inside lists the IMEI number behind the battery or SIM card.
Write the number accurately. Mistakes can delay unlocking.
3. Contact your carrier
Many mobile carriers provide a way to “officially” unlock your phone. This is usually the safest and most reliable method for unlocking your phone, provided your device meets their requirements.
Follow these ways to unlock a phone through the carrier:
- Go to your carrier’s website and find the page to unlock your device. Examples are Airtel, Jio, VI with its “Device Unlock Portal” or T-Mobile with “Device Unlock Request.”
- Send your IMEI and any account information.
- Some carriers may ask for additional verification, like confirming account ownership via email or a small charge to your card.
- After submission, the review times can vary from hours to a few business days, depending on the carrier and your account status.
If authorized, the carrier will provide you with the unlock code, or you can unlock it remotely on the network from which the phone is locked.
4. Contact a trustworthy third party IMEI unlock service provider
You can contact a third-party IMEI service provider online if the carrier refuses your unlock request due to ineligibility or unpaid debts. They focus on unlocking phones that are locked by carriers.
Go to its website and enter your phone’s IMEI number and information about your phone’s make, model, and current carrier. Pay the respective fee, which varies by phone and carrier.
After submitting all the details, you must wait a few days for your device to be unlocked. Then, you will receive an unlock code in your email.
5. Insert a new SIM card
After your phone is officially unlocked, you will need to activate it using a SIM card from a different carrier. Here are the final steps to unlock a phone.
- Start by turning off your phone.
- Take out the SIM card currently in the phone and insert a SIM card from a new carrier.
- Turn on the phone.
- Enter the code your carrier or third-party unlock service has provided.
- The unlock was successful if you don’t get a request for the network code and the phone connects to the new network.
To get the SIM card to work, you may need to restart the phone app or reset network settings (Settings > System > Reset Network Settings).
Caution
Beware of free IMEI unlocks or downloading scam software. These can harm your cell phone or compromise your data.