For Phones Locked by Service Providers

Required Tools

Internet access

Cell phone

Step 1

Go online and download a program that can unlock the unit. Usually you need to hook up a cable to join the phone to the computer. In other cases, a cable is not required; you will be given a code instead. Note: most of these sites will charge you a fee.

Step 2

Purchase a SIM card. Install it and you may be able to use the phone. However, this method does not work with all phones.

Step 3

Call your old service provider and ask them to unlock it. They will do so for a charge.

Phones Locked by the User

You can try the following methods.

Step 1

Type the PIN number. If that does not work, type 1, 2, and 3. This is the default code used by many service providers. Other providers use 1, 2, 3, 4 or 1, 1, 1, 1.

Step 2

If none of those methods work, take the unit to the service provider store. They will know how to unlock a phone.

How to Unlock a Smartphone

Step 1

Verify that the device is indeed locked. Try making a call. If it is locked, you will not be able to do this. When the smartphone is locked, you will not be able to change other settings too.

Step 2

Press the menu key. The word unlock should appear. Follow the instructions to unlock it. Often, you can unlock the phone by pressing the asterisk key.

If you want to unlock it to install third party apps, you have a few options. You can go online and download unlocking software. These programs will provide you with the code needed to unlock it.

Follow their instructions to the letter. If you make a mistake, the phone might get damaged. Or you can contact the manufacturer and ask to have it unlocked.

Unlocking a Samsung Omnia

Step 1

Touch the LCD screen. This will turn on the password screen. The keypad will be displayed on the screen.

Step 2

Type the password or the PIN number. You can use the keypad or the one onscreen.

Step 3

To enter your password, touch the end or unlock key.

Unlocking an Android Phone

Step 1

Buy unlocking codes on the Net. Make sure you have the IMEI as it will be needed. You can find this in Settings > About Phone > Status.

Step 2

Turn off the phone and remove the battery. Take out the SIM card. Replace it with a new one. Put the battery and cover back on. Turn on the phone and enter the SIM unlock code.

As the techniques above show, you do not need technical knowledge to unlock a phone. As long as you use the appropriate method, you will be able to use that phone in minutes.