A locked phone will only accept a SIM card from the current carrier, while an unlocked phone will only accept a SIM card from any carrier. (This is especially useful if you want to use your phone abroad, for example.) To identify an unlocked phone, follow these steps.
Step
Step 1. Turn off your phone, remove the battery cover and battery, then look for the SIM card
- If you can't find the SIM card on the back, look for the card on the side or top of the phone. The card may be covered by a small plastic cover. On some models, you have to open the cover with a pin.
- If your phone operates without a SIM card, meaning your phone is a CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) phone, which is the opposite of the more common GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) phone. CDMA cannot be unlocked.
Step 2. Insert a SIM card from a different carrier into your phone and close it again
For example, if you have TMobile, insert a Cingular SIM card. The easiest way to do this is to borrow a cell phone from a friend.
Step 3. Turn on your phone
Step 4. Try accessing the phone book or making a call
If the phone functions normally, then you have an unlocked phone. If the phone says "Restricted," "Contact Service Provider," etc. (in other words, not allowing you to access your phonebook or make calls), means you have a locked phone that won't accept another SIM card from a different service provider.
Tips
- With an unlocked phone, you can use your phone with any SIM card including international SIM cards.
- Some ways to unlock your phone are illegal and you shouldn't.
- There are many ways to unlock a phone, but the best way to get an unlocked phone is to buy the phone directly from the manufacturer.
