[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1480440768573{margin-bottom: 100px !important;background-color: #fcfcfc !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1480438072882{background-color: #fcfcfc !important;}”][vc_toggle title=”Why should I unlock my device?” color=”grey” el_id=”1480435068011-884bc2e3-0c46″]Unlocking your cell device has multiple benefits : It increases the resell value and marketability of your device by not restricting the resell to a specific carrier, it allows the handset to work worldwide (See What networks are compatible with my device ?), it eliminates roaming charges by allowing you to switch to a local carrier in the local region.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Is it Legal to unlock my device?” el_id=”1480436138731-c578f950-79b2″]The Digital Millennium Copyright Act, introduced an exemption on November 27, 2006 specifically permitting unlocking of cellular devices. The exemption was scheduled to expire on October 27, 2009, but was extended on an interim basis, because the Register of Copyrights had not yet completed its triennial review of DMCA exemptions. In July 2010, the Librarian of Congress extended the DMCA exemption for another 3 years.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Why is my device locked?” el_id=”1480436138231-69c51237-85b6″]When the purchase price of the  device to the consumer is subsidized with revenue from subscriptions, operators must recoup this investment before a subscriber terminates service. In order to secure their investments, GSM network providers implements a software feature called SIM Lock on the handset to prevent usage outside their network. Such subsidies are worth more than several hundred US dollars and in that’s why carriers also charge an early termination fee; another form to recoup the subsidy investment.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How do I know my device is locked?” el_id=”1480436137697-cc83f262-9c34″]Insert a SIM Card from a different carrier than the one your handset is using. When power up is complete the handset will display a message like those below if it SIM locked :

– Enter Subsidy Code
– Enter Unlock Code
– Incorrect Sim Card
– Insert Correct Sim Card
– Invalid Smart Chip
– deviceRestricted
– Sim Network Unlock Code
– Sim Network Unlock Pin
– Special Code Required
– Wrong Sim Card
– Network Lock Control Key
– Sim Password
– Incompatible Sim
– Enter Subsidy Pin

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What is a device SIM lock?” el_id=”1480436137190-952b2cc3-966a”]It is a software capability built into GSM device by device manufacturers. Network providers use this to restrict the use of these device to specific countries and network providers.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What is a device unlock code?” el_id=”1480436136679-8726f732-3c80″]An Unlock Code is a numeric string. When entered into a locked handset it releases the SIM lock restriction and allows the handset to be used on other GSM carriers.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What is an IMEI?” el_id=”1480436136120-cfc19d94-5667″]The IMEI (i.e. International  Equipment Identity) number is used by a GSM network to identify devices attempting to connect to them and therefore can be used for stopping a stolen device from accessing that network. It’s 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.

IMEI = 14 digits + 1 Check Digit
IMEISV = 14 digits + 2 Digit Software Version Number
IMEI + SV = 14 digits + 1 Check Digit + 2 Digit Software Version Number

The format of the IMEI is AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D, (15 Digits) although it may not always be displayed this way. The IMEISV drops the Luhn CD (i.e. Check Digit) in favour of an additional two digits for the SVN (i.e. Software Version Number), making the format AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-EE. The IMEI+SV incorporates both the check digit and the additional two digits for the Software Verison Number, making the format AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D-EE.

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What is a device SIM card?” el_id=”1480436135630-11122ba3-e803″]SIM (i.e. Subscriber Identity Module) card is one of the key features of GSM. It is a detachable smart card containing the user’s subscription information and device book. This allows the user to retain his or her information after switching handsets.

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Where do I find the IMEI?” el_id=”1480436376692-9d4d5573-aa5a”]On many devices, the IMEI number can be retrieved by entering *#06#, or is located in the battery compartment.

Android : Settings –> About device
Blackberry : Options –> Status
iOS : Settings –> General –> About
Sony Ericsson (New Devices) : Options –> status.
Sony Ericsson (Old Devices) : Dial * Right * Left Left * Left

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What ARE results of unlocking a device?” el_id=”1480436121681-f5531510-0f52″]An Unlock Code will SIM Unlock the handset from the original locked network, to be used on other GSM networks. (See What Networks are compatible with my device ?)

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What are NOT results of unlocking a device?” el_id=”1480436121245-97d4f499-00da”]Unlocking will NOT add frequency bands for usage on CDMA / IDEN networks, give customer free services (e.g. Internet, Talk, Text, Roaming, Ringtones), remove Lost / Stolen Ban, remove user passwords from SIM card or handset (See What is a PUK Code ?), void your Warranty.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”device shows ‘unregistered SIM’, what should I do?” el_id=”1480436120725-049348ea-c114″]By process of elimination you should be quickly able to narrow down the cause to either a locked/defective device, or a faulty SIM. If the issue appears to be a faulty SIM visit your neared network provider store to get a replacement SIM Card. If your device displays this message then try resetting your device, turn your device off, remove the battery, and ensure your SIM is securely in place. Turn your device on again. If you still get this message try your SIM in another working device – if the SIM works fine in another device then the issue may be a defective SIM If other SIMs also will not work in your device then there is a handset fault, or it has been blocked.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How to determine if your device is GSM or CDMA?” el_id=”1480436120171-bb41a803-6055″]If your devicerequires a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card which is a small, removable card or chip that contains your device account information and is interchangeable between all GSM devices and if you use a SIM card in your device, then your device is a GSM device. However if your device does not require the use of a SIM card (or simply don’t have SIM Tray), then your device is a CDMA device.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_toggle title=”What is a device hard lock?” el_id=”1480435329706-6c8dc4b6-540d”]A Hard Lock is a permanent carrier lock. Your device will become hard locked by attempting to enter an incorrect SIM unlock code more times than your device allows, permanently locking the device to the current carrier. Each device has different limits regarding unsuccessful attempts before the device becomes hard locked. The usual amount for HTC, Motorola, Nokia, and Samsung is 5 attempts, usual amount for LG and Blackberry is 10 attempts. The messages below are examples of what a Hard Locked device 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 device only accepts SIMs from specific networks, and has been blocked.

– Pantech :

Contact your customer service center for the unblock code.

– Samsung :

device Freeze

– Sony Ericsson / Xperia :

Could not unlock network
NCK (0)
Network (0)

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What is a Factory / Manufacturer unlock method?” el_id=”1480436144127-29907d2b-3c5c”]When using a Factory or Manufacturer unlock method the code is acquired directly from the Factory or Manufacturer of the handset (e.g. HTC, LG). This method is usually more expensive but delivers 95% of orders successfully.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What is a Carrier / Network device unlock method?” el_id=”1480436144572-2ddd45f8-9371″]When using a Carrier / Network unlock method the unlock code is acquired directly from the Carrier / Network (e.g. AT&T,). When you purchase your unlock code with us, we will have the ability to waive some of the eligibility requirements. This method is usually the cheapeast, but it only delivers, on average, 75% of orders successfully, the remaining 25% must then be acquired through Factory / Manufacture method.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Why do some unlock codes cost more than others?” el_id=”1480436145009-16989ae5-c454″]The cost of unlocking a handset varies upon availability of the SIM unlock code. Some networks will release unlock codes based upon age of the device or requirements of the subscriber. Typically in the these cases the price per unlocking is relatively low compared to other options. In the other instances the network will not release the unlock code because of strict eligibility requirements or exclusive sales arrangement with the manufacturer or plenty of other reasons, then the unlock code must be obtained through the manufacturer of the device. Obtaining codes via the manufacturer will in most cases be more expensive than through the network. Additionally all networks don’t have the same eligibility requirements and some never releases unlock codes under any circumstances. When this is the case, all models no matter the age of the handset should be requested through the manufacturer.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What networks are compatible with my device?” el_id=”1480436145452-afcbef64-014b”]To determine compatible networks the customer will need to verify the compatibility of the frequency band from their handset and desired network.

GSM networks 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

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Will my device unlock code expire?” el_id=”1480436145881-3a208bc7-91a0″]No, unlock codes are permanent and do not expire.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Will a software update lock my device?” el_id=”1480436146310-29ea026a-7ae3″]No, OEM software / OS updates should not lock the device. However, in the event that the device does lock again, the customer can reuse the original lock code already purchased to unlock the device.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Is the device unlock permanent?” el_id=”1480436146774-55dbd326-7a5c”]Yes, as soon as the device has been unlocked with us, it will stay this way forever.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Can I use the original device network after unlocking?” el_id=”1480436147144-187e6ae0-4d8f”]Yes, for example if you unlock an AT&T device, it will still work flawlessly on AT&T.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What is a PUK code?” el_id=”1480436143709-3198bba3-2c95″]A PUK (i.e. PIN Unlock Key) is required to unlock SIM cards that have become locked after three successive incorrect PIN entries.

Note : If you enter the wrong PUK code 10 times in a row, your SIM card will be invalidated, and you will need to purchase a new one. The device will display the following error: “PUK blocked call operator”.

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How will I know if my device is already “Unlocked“?” el_id=”1480436143154-2779376a-8d07″]- Power off your device and remove the SIM card.

– Insert an active SIM card from a different carrier and power your device back on

– Attempt to make a device call (If you are able to call or text then your device is not locked to a particular carrier)

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Will warranty repair lock my device?” el_id=”1480436142702-71612029-cc36″]It depends on the level of repair done to the handset. If the main board can not be repaired and will need to be replaced, the new main board will have an IMEI number separate from the one sent in for warranty repair and a new unlock code would be required. If the main board is not replaced normally the device will stay unlocked, in the event it is not, then the customer can use the original unlock code that was purchased for reuse.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row]