Unlocking Your Cell Phone the Free and Easy Way

Unlocking your AT&T or T-Mobile cell phone is perfectly legal and with the information in this article, it will be free and easy, as well. We'll start with some basic background information and then get into the how-to portion.

There are two main types of cell phone networks in the US: GSM and CDMA. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM, while Verizon and Sprint utilize CDMA. GSM technology utilizes a SIM card that can be moved between cell phones. Providers can lock their phones through a software code to allow only a SIM card for their network to work in their phones. These same providers are going to be your source for the code to unlock your phone.

You need to be at least 90 days into your contract, and the account needs to be in good standing before your request for the unlock code will be honored. The cellular providers are required to assist you in this process since you have purchased the phone from them, but they will not assist with any phone not purchased through them. Don't waste time trying to get your local franchise phone store to help you.

The Process

Call your provider's customer service number and indicate you will be traveling internationally and plan to use your phone overseas. This may or may not be the case, but they are more likely to be cooperative than if you talk about wanting to change providers someday. Your account number and the phone number of the phone to be unlocked are usually the first pieces of information requested.

You will need to give the IMEI number of your phone. This is a unique 15-digit identification number normally located on a sticker in the battery compartment area. Your cell phone manufacturer and model number will also be requested. The user's manual can assist with this, also.

Cell phone manufacturers maintain databases with the unique unlock codes for each phone manufactured, and your provider will get this information from them. The provider should come back with this information within a few days.

You will receive an email with the unlock code and step-by-step instructions on the unlocking procedure for your particular phone model.

As a test, you can borrow a SIM card from someone who uses another provider and it should work without giving any error messages.

International Cell Phone Use

There are four major frequency bands that cell phones operate on. The great majority of cell phones manufactured in the past few years are known as quad-band and can be used in almost any country in the world. By far, the least expensive and most convenient international calling option is to buy a SIM card at any one country you arrive at. Most of them sell them in kiosks at their respective airports.

Even if you get a new phone you may find it makes it easier to sell your old one if it's unlocked. Free and easy makes it very attractive to do.