FAQs

Phone SIM Lock is a software feature built into GSM phones by mobile phone manufacturers. Network providers use this to restrict the use of these particular phones to specific countries and network providers.

An Unlock Code is a numeric string. When the same is entered into a locked handset, it releases the SIM lock restriction and enables the handset to be used on other GSM carriers.

International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is used by GSM networks to identify the devices which are attempting to connect to them. These can be used for stopping a stolen phone from accessing that network. IMEI is only used for identifying the device and has no permanent or semi-permanent relation to the subscriber. The IMEI number includes information on the origin, model, and serial number of the device.

On some devices, the IMEI number can be retrieved by entering *#06#, or is located in the battery compartment.

Android : Settings --> About Phone

Blackberry : Options --> Status

iOS : Settings --> General --> About

Sony Ericsson (New Devices) : Options --> status.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is one of the key features of GSM. It is a detachable smart card containing the user\'s subscription information and phone book. This enables the user to retain his or her information after switching handsets.

An Unlock Code will unlock the SIM of the handset from the original locked network, to be used on other GSM networks.

Unlocking will NOT provide free services like Internet, Talk, Text, Roaming, Ringtones, won’t add frequency bands for usage on CDMA / IDEN networks, , won’t remove Lost / Stolen Ban and wont  remove user passwords from SIM card or handset, or void your Warranty.

If your phone displays this message, try resetting your mobile, switch your phone off, remove the battery, and ensure your SIM is securely in place. Turn your mobile on again. If you still get this message try a different SIM in your working phone. If the SIM works fine then the issue may be a defective SIM. If other SIMs don’t work in your phone then there is a handset fault, or it has been blocked.

If your phone uses a SIM card, then it is a GSM device. However if your phone does not require the use of a SIM card (or simply don\'t have SIM Tray), then your phone is a CDMA device.

Yes, you will be able to do that.

Yes, as soon as the phone has been unlocked, it will stay this way forever.

No, Unlock Codes are permanent and will never expire.

It really depends on the kind of repair your handset has gone through. If the main board is irreparable/need to be replaced, then the new main board will have a different IMEI number from the original one sent in for warranty repair. In this case, a new unlock code would be required. If the main board is not replaced, usually the phone will stay unlocked. In case it is not, the customer can use the original unlock code that was purchased for reuse.

To identify compatible networks you will need to verify the compatibility of the frequency band from your handset and desired network.

GSM networks typically operate in a number of different carrier frequency ranges with most 2G GSM networks operating in the 900 MHz or 1800 MHz bands and 3G networks 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands. In rare cases the 400 and 450 MHz frequency bands are assigned in some countries because they were previously used for first-generation systems. Most 3G networks in Europe operate in the 2100 MHz frequency band.

- Africa, Asia, & Middle East

900 MHz {Most widely used} & 1800 MHz

- Europe

900 MHz {Most widely used}, 1800 MHz, & 2100 MHz {3G}

- North America:

USA 850 MHz & 1900 MHz

Canada 850 MHz {Backup / Rural Areas}, 1900 MHz {Urban Areas}

- South America:

Brazil 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800/1900 MHz

Costa Rica 1800 MHz

Ecuador & Panama 850 MHz (Exclusively)

Guatemala, El Salvador, & Venezuela 850 MHz and 900/1900 MHz

Peru 1900 MHz

The cost of unlocking a handset depends on the availability of the SIM unlock code. Some networks will release unlock codes based upon the age of the phone or requirements of the subscriber. Typically, in these cases the price per unlocking is relatively low compared to other options. Some networks don’t release the unlock code because of strict eligibility criteria or sometimes for exclusive sales arrangement with the manufacturer. Reasons can be many and varied. In such cases, the unlock code must be obtained through phone manufacturer. This is more expensive than unlock codes obtained through the network. Also not all networks have the same eligibility criteria and some others never release unlock codes under any circumstances. In these cases, all models, no matter what the age of the handset should be requested through the manufacturer.

When you use a Carrier / Network unlock method, the unlock code is acquired directly from the Carrier / Network (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile). On the other hand, when you purchase your unlock code with us, we are in the position to waive some of the eligibility requirements. This method is usually the cheapest, but it only delivers, a 75% success rate. The remaining 25% must then be acquired through Factory / Manufacture method.

When you use a Factory or Manufacturer unlock method, the code is acquired directly from the Factory or Manufacturer of the handset (e.g. Samsung, LG). This method is usually more expensive but delivers 95% of orders successfully.

A Hard Lock is a permanent carrier lock. Your phone will become hard locked when you enter an incorrect SIM unlock code more than the permitted number of times, permanently locking the phone. Usually, it is 5 attempts for HTC, Motorola, Nokia, and Samsung, and 10 for LG and Blackberry. The messages below are examples of what a Hard Locked phone will display.

- BlackBerry :

(0 Left)

Code Error, Please Wait ...

- Huawei :

SIMLOCK block unlock reset KEY

SIM network subnet unlock PIN

- HTC :

You have tried 5 times, please wait for timeout ...

- LG :

Unlock Attempt: 10 of 10

- Motorola :

Contact Service

Contact Service Provider

Number of Attempts Remaining: 0

Tamper Alter

Wait before Enter Special Code

- Nokia :

Cannot Undo Restriction

Not Allowed

This phone only accepts SIMs from specific networks, and has been blocked.

- Pantech :

Contact your customer service center for the unblock code.

- Samsung :

Phone Freeze

- Sony Ericsson / Xperia :

Could not unlock network

NCK (0)

Network (0)

PIN Unlock Key (PUK) is needed to unlock SIM cards that have become locked after three successive incorrect PIN entries.

- Power off your phone and remove the SIM card.

- Insert an active SIM card from another carrier and switch your phone back on

- Try to make a phone call.