If you want to use another carrier on your old phone, you'll need to know how to flash your phone. Flash is also referred to as reprogramming. You can take your phone to a cell phone shop to have it flash for you, or you can learn how to do it yourself.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Working with the Right Equipment
Step 1. Make sure you flash for CDMA phones
CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access. If you are not sure whether your phone is CDMA or not, remove the battery and look for the subscriber identity module (SIM) under the battery. If you don't have a SIM card, you do have a flashable CDMA phone.
- GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) phones cannot be flashed (like AT&T and T-Mobile). Metro, Sprint, Cricket, Boost, Verizon and others are CDMA types and thus can be flashed as they are controlled by the SIM card.
- Your phone must also have a clean ESN (electronic serial number), -- that is, an ESN that has never been reported as lost or stolen.
Step 2. Take the USB cable
This is the cable you use to connect to your computer and download music.
Step 3. Look for compatible flash software
There are several flash programs that are easy to use, and some are even free to download. Make sure the software you choose is specific to your phone.
Examples include Easyflasher.com, CDMA-ware.com, Flashyourphone.com and Your cellular. Look it up first before you risk damaging your phone with inadequate or incompatible programs
Step 4. Know what your phone will look like once it's flashed
You will change your cell phone carrier. The only requirement for new operators is to support CDMA networks. Cricket, Page Plus, and Metro PCS are three popular choices.
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You can check reception in your area for various carriers at Cellreception.com. Make sure before you do! Certain carriers are affiliated with larger networks, for example Page Plus is affiliated with Verizon.
You can try for an hour of Page Plus from their website
Part 2 of 3: Continuing the Flash Process
Step 1. Download the flash program of your choice to your computer and extract the file
Read and follow the instructions carefully. After reading the instructions, you will be able to flash in 15 or 20 minutes.
Since every phone setup is slightly different, it's not possible to outline a step-by-step guide here. However, there are some general things you should know
Step 2. Check for existing drivers
If you're not sure if your phone is up to date, you can simply get the update online. As long as you know the model number or phone name, you can continue. If not, you can look it up on the internet.
Make sure you have all the necessary drivers before flashing! Otherwise the flash process will not work. Visit your phone company's website (for example, Samsung) to do this
Step 3. Know the basics of flash
The software will ask what your original carrier is, what your flash destination is, as well as your phone and model. You can choose between "half flash" and "full flash." "Half flash" is for chat and text only.
Step 4. Know the MEID and ESN
If you go into the program you used to flash, you can "read" the phone which will provide all the information to continue the process. Or you can search for it on your phone. MEID and ESN can be found under the phone battery.
- MEID consists of 18 digits (starting with 2) if MEID is Dec or 15 numbers and letters for MEID Hex.
- The ESN consists of 8 digits and may be labeled PESN.
Step 5. Detect your phone
The software should have the option of detecting your phone so that it can be read. If you do this, you don't have to worry about determining the COM port - the software can do it.
- If you are asked for an unlock code, the code for Verizon phones is six zeros. It could be one six times or three six times.
- Certain phones require you to change the PRL. In the US, these codes are *228 (for Verizon/MetroPCS/US Cellular) and ##873283# for Sprint. In Canada, the code is *22803 for Telus Mobility.
- If for some reason the COM Port is not showing, you can manually find that port via Device Manager.
Step 6. Select "write
"Most software will ask you to select "write" and ask you to confirm. Once you select "yes," the phone will continue to flash and automatically reboot on success. That's it! You're done. It's that easy, right?
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing the Risks
Step 1. Know that cell phone bricking is a risk
This is the term used for the "sudden death" of a cell phone. The phone will become almost useless… unless you use it as a ballast.
This risk is still there even when carried out by a professional, or even a mobile phone expert
Step 2. Understand that your warranty is voidable
It makes sense - you leave your carrier, and they leave you too. However, if you go to the store and they do it for you (which is an option), the warranty remains (depending on the state of the phone).
Step 3. Make sure the carrier of the flash destination accepts foreign ESNs
Flashing to Boost or Cricket should have no problem. But flashing with carrier giants like Verizon can pose some problems -- they're less likely to approve carrier changes like this.
Step 4. Know that you are still using the same technology
When you use a CDMA phone whether it is flashed or not, you are still relying on CDMA technology. If you live in the United States and travel, most phones in other countries have GSM (ie have a sim card). The main benefit of flashing your phone is that it saves money.
All carriers in the US except AT&T and T-Mobile use CDMA technology. Their ESN numbers are hard-wired and cannot be changed, unlike GSM
Step 5. Flashing Straight Talk is illegal
You have to emulate the phone's ESN to do this, i.e. clone it. Having two cell phones with the same number is definitely a crime with a hefty fine or more. If you want Straight Talk, check out their website and talk to the experts first.
Tips
Flashing can save money, as you eliminate the need to buy a new phone after switching to a new carrier. You can also take advantage of the cheaper plans offered by other carriers after you flash
Warning
- Flashing the phone yourself will void the manufacturer's warranty. Taking the phone to an authorized dealer or shop to flash it does not void the warranty.
- Only CDMA phones can be flashed. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) phones that contain a SIM card and are used by carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile cannot be flashed. The GSM phone you have is locked with whatever carrier you use.
- CDMA phones can be used only with CDMA operators such as Metro, Sprint, Cricket, Boost, and Verizon.
- CDMA phones can only be used on CDMA compatible networks if your new carrier is willing to activate the phone. Economy carriers like Cricket or Boost usually allow flash, while larger mainstream carriers like Sprint or Verizon don't. You can call the new carrier first and confirm if they accept a foreign electronic serial number (ESN) before you flash.
- There is always a risk in flashing. The data can be permanently deleted or the phone may stop working. Make sure you're aware of these risks, and make sure you follow the software's instructions before you decide to try them.
