This wikiHow teaches you the difference between CDMA and GSM phones. Knowing the network your phone is on is very important if you want to unlock a carrier, or use a SIM card from a specific carrier on the phone you're currently using.
Step
Step 1. Know which mobile network you are using
By default, Smartfren uses the CDMA network, while Telkomsel, Indosat, XL, and Tri use the GSM network. If you bought your phone from a specific carrier, knowing the carrier name is enough to find out which networks are supported.
- Some Smartfren phones use the CDMA network, but are also compatible with GSM.
- If you buy a phone without a carrier lock, it can be used with any carrier. So, this step will not help.
Step 2. Check the "About" setting on the phone
If you look at the categories MEID or ESN, your phone is a CDMA phone. Meanwhile, if you look at the categories IMEI, your phone is a GSM phone. If you see both categories (as in some Smartfren phones), your phone supports one or both networks.
- iPhone - Open the app Settings, tap General, tap About, and swipe down to see the MEID/ESN or IMEI entry.
- Android - Open the app Settings, swipe the screen, then tap About Phone'. After that, tap Status and find the MEID/ESN or IMEI entry.
Step 3. Look for the model number of the phone
If you still can't figure out which network your phone is on, try looking up your phone's model number in the manual or settings. Enter the model number into a search engine, and you will see the networks that the phone supports.
If you don't know the phone number, visit the phone manufacturer's website and find your phone type there (e.g. iPhone 7, jet black, 128 GB). You can narrow your search on these sites
Step 4. Contact the operator you are using
If you subscribe to a certain carrier, you can call the operator to check which network your phone is using. Generally, carriers will need a MEID or IMEI number, in addition to your name and other account information.
