How to Unlock GSM Quad Band Cell Phones

Unlock Your Carrier Supported Phone For Free
1. Find your phone's IMEI number. On many phones you can enter *#06# from the phone's main screen to display your phone's IMEI. For other phones remove the battery and look at the sticker on the back of the phone, where the IMEI number will be displayed. Write down the IMEI number.
2. Call your carrier's customer service number. Ask the representative how long your contract must be active before it will provide an unlock code. For example, T-Mobile will unlock one of its supported phones after 90 days of service with no late fees.
3. Ask your carrier's representative for your phone's unlock code if you have met its minimum requirements. You must provide your phone's IMEI number when requested. You may also have to provide your carrier account number and password to verify your account.
4. Enter the unlock code you receive exactly as provided. For example, you may be required to press the * key a certain number of times, followed by a sequence of keys, then your unlock code. Unlocking practices vary based on each manufacturer and sometimes based on each model at a specific manufacturer. Your carrier will provide the exact sequence.
5. Insert the SIM card for the new carrier you'd like to use. Turn off your phone and turn it back on. Make one phone call and receive another call to verify that the unlock procedure was successful.
Unlock Quad-Band Phones Using Online Services
6. Find your phone's IMEI number by entering *#06# from your phone's keypad. You can also find the code on the sticker located under your phone's battery. Write down the IMEI number.
7. Visit a trusted online unlocking service. Several popular services that have been in business for several years including GSMLiberty and Unlocking.com (see links in the Resource section), which provide hundreds of codes for various mobile phones.
8. Find your phone on the site you choose. Typically there will be a manufacturer drop-down box, followed by a model number. Some sites also allow you to type your full phone name into a search bar. For example, you may simply need to enter 'Nokia XpressMusic 5800' in a search bar, then click the search button.
9. Look for the 'Checkout' or 'add to cart' option. You will purchase the unlock code by entering your IMEI number (when requested) along with your payment information (credit card, PayPal or other options based on the site you choose).
10. Wait for your code to arrive. Codes typically arrive in one or two days. However, some codes from certain manufacturers can take up to one week to arrive. Enter the unlock sequence and code exactly as provided. Test your phone by inserting the SIM card from your new carrier and making then receiving at least one call each.