Locked Cellphones? Simple Steps to Unlock It

When we talk about the biggest communication system that cellphones are using, then CDMA and GSM topped on the list. Let's have a short review of what does CDMA and GSM means.

CDMA, otherwise known as Code Division Multiple Access is a coded response system. It ties the phone and the user with a particular system and a particular number. CDMA is commonly used in the United States and few countries in the world.

The second type of system is the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), this is the most used system to most countries in the world. With this kind of cellphone, communication is possible using a SIM card. Upon buying a cellphone, SIM cards are usually free, but if you wish to insert another SIM card of different network, then you are free to do so.

What can be done to unlock a cellphone? Here are some tips on how to unlock locked cellphones.

1. The kind or type of system your cellphone belongs.

Before you consider to ask assistance from a service provider, know first what type of system your phone belongs. A CDMA phone does not use SIM cards, thus they don't  need to be unlocked. But, once you've learned that your phone is a GSM, then read the next step.

2. Determine whether your phone is really locked.

The simplest way to determine if a phone is locked is to borrow a friends SIM card of different service provider and insert it in you phone. Determine whether the newly inserted SIM card is recognized by your phone. When you notice that  your phone recognizes different SIM card, then you don't have to unlock it because it is not really locked in the first place. But, if it is locked, you will receive an error message instead.

3. Time to surf the internet, seek help from a reliable company and ask the unlocking code.

Unlock cell phone codes can be expensive but there are also affordable ones, depending on the company. The code will be emailed to you and you it has to be keyed into your phone so it will be unlocked. An encouraging message is usually displayed in your phone or you may insert another SIM card so you'll be so sure.

However, there are also chances that your phone cannot be unlocked with simple free phone unlock. The service provider usually check it out if your cellphone's model can be unlocked with simple codes or not. Once it cannot, you are encouraged to connect your phone to a piece of hardware such as a USB cable so your phone will be successfully unlocked. You are given two options: you can send your phone to the service provider so they will be the one to unlock it or purchase the necessary hardware and unlocking software and do it yourself. This is quite expensive.