IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15 digit number that serves as your mobile phone’s serial number. Every phone has its own unique IMEI number and this number can be used in multiple security verifications like identifying a phone’s manufacturer, model number and country of origin. This number can also be used to determine whether a phone has been reported missing or stolen.
You can also use the IMEI number to blocklist the stolen device so that an intruder will not be able to access its network, even if they change the phone’s SIM card. A device’s IMEI can be found either on the phone’s packaging, on the battery, or by dialing *#06# on the phone.
In a lot of countries like the United States, you can get premium phones at discounted prices or with special offers by buying them from cell carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and more. The catch however is that the cell phones come locked onto the carrier’s network. This means that you will not be able to switch carriers or swap SIM cards as long as the phone is locked onto the carrier’s network.
The only way you can do that is by unlocking your phone and this is a process that most people know nothing about. You can unlock your mobile phone using your IMEI number, by contacting the carrier or phone manufacturer, or by using third party applications.
This article will focus on guiding you through all the ways you can easily unlock your mobile phone by using your IMEI number.
What is Phone Locking and Unlocking?
Phone locking and unlocking refers to the process of restricting or allowing a mobile phone to be used on different carrier networks. Many cell phone carriers lock phones to their network by default. This prevents the phone from being used on other carrier networks, even with a different SIM card.
Phone unlocking removes this restriction, allowing the phone to work on any compatible network worldwide. An unlocked phone gives you more freedom and flexibility to choose your mobile carrier.
Is it Possible to Unlock Phone Free With IMEI Number?
Yes, it is possible to unlock many phones for free using the IMEI number. Here’s some more information on how it works:
- The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique identifier for your phone hardware. It’s usually 15 digits long.
- Many major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon provide free phone unlocks if you meet their requirements. This involves the phone being used on their network for a minimum time period, typically 40-60 days.
- To get the unlock, contact your carrier’s customer service and provide details like your account info, phone number, and IMEI number. Agents can then process the request.
- If eligible, the carrier will send you the unlock code via email or text message within 1-3 business days in most cases.
- Enter this code into your phone when prompted to complete the unlock process. It should now work on any GSM network worldwide.
- The IMEI method doesn’t work for all phone models. CDMA networks like Sprint and Verizon can’t always provide unlocks this way.
- If your carrier won’t unlock your phone, you can use paid third party services or try DIY software unlocking techniques found online.
Yes, unlocking your phone for free with just the IMEI number is possible with most GSM carriers if you meet their requirements. The entire process is quick and easy.
How can I Unlock my Phone with IMEI Number for Free?
Unlocking your mobile phone gives you the freedom to change networks whenever you want in the US. It is also important to have an unlocked phone when you are traveling because you can buy the local SIM card of any country and use it on your mobile phone. That would be a lot cheaper than having to pay the fee that accompanies international calls. There are various methods by which you can unlock your phone using your phone’s unique IMEI.
Your mobile phone’s IMEI number is the most important factor while you are trying to unlock your mobile phone. You can use this number to unlock your mobile phone by directly contacting your carrier through the customer service, or getting free online network codes by using third party software.
Before Unlocking your Mobile Phone using IMEI; There are things that you need to do first. These are:
- Check Your IMEI number: How you check your device’s IMEI number depends on what type of device you have. On both Android, iOS and Windows, you can check the IMEI through USSD by Dialling *#06#. You will get a pop up message with your IMEI number. On your Android, you can also check the IMEI number by going to “Settings” and tapping on “About Phone”. On iPhone, you can find the IMEI number by going to “Settings” and clicking on “General”. In “About”, your IMEI will be located down the page.
- Check The Phone’s Blacklist Status: After you’ve checked your phone’s IMEI, you need to use this “Number” to check the “Device’s blacklist status” and find out if your phone is actually carrier locked. If your phone has been blacklisted, you will not be able to unlock your device.
After checking this important information, you can go ahead and unlock your mobile phone using IMEI number.
Reasons to Unlock Your Phone
Here are some of the top reasons to unlock your phone:
- Use your phone with different carriers: You can switch networks seamlessly and use local SIM cards when traveling internationally. This saves money on roaming charges.
- Upgrade your phone: Unlocking makes it easier to sell or trade-in your phone. The unlocked phone has higher resale value.
- Enhanced features: Some features like tethering or running certain apps may not work on locked phones. Unlocking gives you full access.
- Mobile freedom: Overall, unlocking frees you from being tied down to one carrier forever. You can choose plans and networks at will.
How to Unlock a Phone Using the IMEI Number: Easy Steps
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique identifier for cell phones. Unlocking a phone with the IMEI number is usually free and easy to do for most phone models. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Find the IMEI Number
The IMEI is typically 15-17 digits long. To find it:
- Dial *#06# on your phone keypad. The IMEI will appear on the screen.
- Remove the battery and check the sticker underneath. The IMEI is printed there.
- Go to Settings > About Phone. The IMEI will be listed there.
Write down or copy the IMEI number to use in the next steps.
Step 2: Contact Your Carrier
Contact your phone carrier’s customer service by phone or chat. Tell them you want to unlock your phone and provide the IMEI number.
Many major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint will now unlock your phone for free once you meet their requirements:
- The phone was purchased from them directly.
- It has been on their network for a certain time period, usually 40-60 days.
- The financing is fully paid off if you purchased on installments.
- Your account is in good standing, with no overdue payments.
The agent will confirm if you qualify for a free network unlock based on their policy. The unlock code can take 1-5 business days to be emailed or texted to you.
Step 3: Unlock Your Device
After receiving the unlock code, follow these steps to unlock your phone:
- Insert the SIM card from the new carrier you want to switch to.
- Restart the phone and a screen prompt will ask for the unlock code.
- Input the unlock code provided by your previous carrier.
- If the unlock code is correct, your device will now be fully unlocked.
- Confirm the unlock was successful by checking if the phone works with the new SIM card.
After this process, your phone can connect to any GSM cellular network. You may need to call your new carrier to have the phone provisioned on their network. Enjoy the benefits and flexibility of an unlocked phone!
How to Unlock Phone Free With IMEI Number – 100% Safe Unlocking Process
1. Contacting Your Carrier Directly
The easiest and best method of unlocking your carrier-locked mobile phone is by contacting the carrier through the customer service and requesting an unlock code. Each carrier has its own process and criteria for assessing eligibility for unlocking phones.
- The first thing you need to do is contact the customer service center of the carrier and tell them that you would like to unlock your phone. The service agent will ask you for information like your name, IMEI number, account number, phone number, etc.
- Your unlock request will be processed after confirming your identity.
- If your request has been approved, you will get an unlock code from your carrier within 30 days. Instructions on how to use the code will be included.
You can then proceed to using your unlocked phone on any carrier of your choice.
2. Through Third Party Software
If you are not able to unlock your carrier-locked mobile phone through the carrier customer service, then your next option will be to use third party applications that will use your IMEI number to unlock your device. These softwares will provide you with unlock codes that will free your mobile phone from the cell carriers.
There are a lot of options available when it comes to selecting the software you would like to choose. All it takes is a single Google search and you will get hundreds of results containing websites that claim to unlock your phone. It is important to research and make sure that the site you are going to use is legit and will not expose your mobile phone to virus and malware.
A lot of these softwares require a fee, but some are actually free. The legit sites require a payment and that is fair because there is a high guarantee of success and you will only need to unlock your mobile phone once.
Some of the best free phone unlocking softwares that you can find on the internet include:
The above mentioned sites are legit and they all make use of your IMEI number to generate an unlock code that you can use to unlock your mobile phone.
Benefits of Having an Unlocked Phone
Unlocking your phone brings many benefits that enhance your mobile experience:
- Carrier flexibility: Choose any GSM carrier, plans, deals that meet your needs
- Cost savings: No roaming charges when traveling internationally
- Resale value: Unlocked phones command higher resale prices
- Phone features: Access full features like hotspot tethering that may be restricted
- Frequency support: Use different frequency bands when traveling overseas
- Customer freedom: Overall freedom to switch carriers and choose phone plans
An unlocked phone optimizes connectivity and grants you independence from being locked into one mobile carrier forever. Following the quick 3-step process using the IMEI makes it easy to unlock most modern phones for free.
Troubleshooting Common Unlock Issues
Unlock Request Denied?
If your carrier refuses the unlock request, double check if you meet all their eligibility requirements. Wait a few days and try again if you are close to meeting the criteria. If not, you may need to pay a third-party unlocking service for help.
Unlock Code Not Working?
Triple check that you have the right unlock code for your specific phone model. Contact the carrier to confirm the code they sent is valid and resend if there is any mistake. Also retry restarting the device or insert/remove the SIM card to reset the prompt for the code.
Unlock Successful But Still Not Working?
In rare cases, the phone software may need to be updated after unlocking before it can recognize the new SIM card. Connect it to WiFi and check for any pending software updates that need to be downloaded and installed. This usually resolves the issue.
If you continue facing unlock issues, visit your local phone repair shop for assistance. Expert technicians can troubleshoot and perform factory unlocks for a fee if needed.
Best IMEI Unlock Checker
Here are some tips for using an IMEI unlock checker to determine if your phone is unlocked:
- An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit code that identifies your specific device. It can be used to check if the phone is currently locked or unlocked to a particular carrier.
- You can find your phone’s IMEI number by dialing *#06# on your dial pad. It will display on the screen. Alternatively, go to Settings > About Phone to locate the IMEI.
- There are many free online IMEI checker tools you can use, such as UnlockBase, FreeUnlocks, and UnlockUnit. Simply enter your device IMEI number on their website to instantly check its lock status.
- The IMEI checker will scour databases to identify which carrier the phone is currently locked to, if any. It will also indicate if the phone is fully unlocked and able to work on any GSM network worldwide.
- If the check indicates your phone is locked, you will need to request an unlock code from your carrier. Once unlocked, run the IMEI check again which should now show the unlocked status.
- Keep in mind that some carrier-branded phones may still not work fully on other networks even when unlocked. Always confirm compatibility before switching carriers with an unlocked phone.
- Periodically checking your phone’s IMEI number on a free online service allows you to easily verify its unlocked status. This prevents any surprises if you want to switch carriers down the road.
How to Unlock my Phone for Free Online
Here are a few methods to unlock your phone for free online:
- Use your carrier’s website – Most major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have an online portal where you can request an unlock code for free. Log in to your account and navigate to the device unlock section.
- Third party unlocking services – Companies like UnlockBase, DoctorSIM, and UnlockUnit offer free unlock code services. Enter your phone’s IMEI number and details on their website to generate an unlock code.
- Online forums – Phone unlocking forums like UnlockHub and UnlockPhoneForum have users who can provide free unlock codes or access to unlocking software. Make a request post with your phone model details.
- Manufacturer website – Some phone makers like Samsung, LG, and Motorola allow you to unlock devices directly via their website. Enter your details and get the code delivered.
- Online unlock code calculators – For older/vintage phones, sites like FreeUnlocks and UnlockLocks have unlock code calculators that generate codes using your IMEI number, model, etc.
- Petition your carrier – You can submit an online unlock request form on carrier websites or contact customer service and politely ask them for a free unlock. Carriers occasionally grant them.
Be wary of any website asking for payment for an unlock code generation or download. Try the free online options first before paying a third party unlocking service. Also research the reputation of any forum or website before providing personal details.
How to Unlock a Phone to Any Network for Free
Here are a few methods to unlock your phone to work on any network for free:
- Contact your phone carrier and request for an unlock code. Most major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon will provide this for free once eligibility requirements are met.
- Use a free third party unlocking service website. Companies like DoctorSIM, UnlockBase, and UnlockUnit can generate unlock codes by entering your phone’s IMEI number.
- Check if the phone manufacturer provides free unlocks directly through their website. Companies like Samsung, LG, Motorola have online portals to get unlock codes.
- Search user forums online for free unlocking services. Sites like XDA Developers Forum, Howard Forums, and UnlockPhoneForum have knowledgeable users who can assist.
- Try online unlock code calculator tools. By entering details like make, model, IMEI, etc they can calculate a working unlock code for some older phone models.
- Negotiate with your carrier’s customer service for a free unlock. If you’ve been a loyal long-term customer they may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
- Use unlocking software or apps designed for that phone model. Search online forums and user communities to find free software downloads.
The unlocking process will involve getting an unlock code specific to your device and entering it into the phone dial pad when prompted. This removes all carrier restrictions letting you use any GSM SIM worldwide.
How to Check if a Phone is Unlocked IMEI Free
You can check if your mobile phone is unlocked by contacting the carrier and asking for unlock status of your phone. You will be requested to provide your IMEI number which they will use to check if the phone is unlocked or not. You can also easily check if your phone is unlocked by inputting a different SIM card and seeing if it will work on the phone.
How to Unlock a Samsung Phone for free with an IMEI Number
You can unlock your Samsung phone for free using your IMEI number by using; DoctorSIM and Wondershare or Dr. Fone third party software that will generate unlock codes that will unlock your Samsung phone by using your IMEI number.
How to Check the Phone Carrier by IMEI Free
You can check your phone’s carrier through the device’s IMEI number by using applications and websites like; DoctorSIM, imei, imeicheck, imeipro, imei24, unlockboot, etc. These methods are free and only require your IMEI number.
Conclusion
Unlocking your carrier-locked mobile phone is very important because it frees you from the carrier and allows you to change carriers whenever you want. Carrier-locked phones are definitely cheaper to buy, but the restrictions and the effort it takes to break these restrictions are not worth it. This is why it is much easier to buy an unlocked phone and use the carrier of your choice.
There are various ways of unlocking your carrier-locked mobile phone and these methods which include contacting your cell carrier directly or using third party software has been explained in detail in this article. Contacting your cell carrier directly is the easiest option, but there are conditions that you might not be able to fulfill.
In that case, the third party applications are a really good alternative and are a much faster method of unlocking your mobile phone. Hopefully, this article has been able to help you unlock your carrier-locked mobile phone using your IMEI number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can my Cell Carrier Stop Me from Unlocking my Cell Phone?
There are certain conditions that need to be fulfilled before you are eligible for unlocking your mobile phone. These conditions vary depending on the carrier you are on, and if these conditions are not met, your carrier might reject your unlock request. If you have an outstanding contract between you and the carrier, you will not be able to unlock the phone until you have paid your dues completely.
Can my Carrier Unlocked Mobile Phone Work on All Networks?
You will be able to use another carrier on your unlocked phone but there are GSM-CDMA limitations still. This limitation means that unlocked phones from GSM networks like T-Mobile and AT&T will not allow you to fit SIM cards from CDMA networks like Verizon and Sprint. Plus, your device technology must be compatible with the network you are planning on moving to. Also, a lot of carriers have geographical restrictions and there are networks that only work in a certain region or country.
Is Unlocking my Cell Phone a One Time Thing?
Yes. You only have to unlock your carrier-locked mobile phone once and it will stay unlocked. You don’t have to unlock your mobile phone each time you change carriers or SIM cards.
Will Unlocking my Mobile Phone Damage the Phone?
No it will. Phone Unlocking only frees your carrier-locked mobile phone from the network that it is locked on and makes it possible for the phone to accept another network carrier. Your phone can only be harmed if you input the wrong unlock code multiple times. This will lead to your phone being permanently locked onto the carrier and also turning your phone bricked and useless.
Why are Mobile Phones Carrier-locked in the First Place?
Network carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T lock phones onto their networks in order to keep them from moving to another carrier. This means that your mobile phone will not accept any SIM card other than the one from the network on which the mobile phone is locked on.
What is the IMEI number and where do I find it?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique 15-17 digit number assigned to every mobile phone. You can retrieve it by dialing *#06# on your phone or looking under Settings > About Phone.
Can I unlock my phone with the IMEI number for free?
Yes, most major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon will provide the unlock code for free if you meet their requirements. This usually involves having had active service with them for a set minimum duration.
What information do I need to provide for a free IMEI unlock?
The carrier will need your full name, phone number, account information, and IMEI number. Some also request the phone make/model. Have this information handy when contacting them.
How long does it take to get the unlock code from carriers?
Expect to receive the network unlock code via email or text within 1-5 business days in most cases. The entire unlocking process takes less than 10 minutes once you have the code.
What if my carrier refuses to unlock my phone?
If you don’t meet the carrier’s policy terms they may refuse the unlock request. In that case, you may need to pay a third party unlocking service or try other DIY unlocking methods.
Can all phones be unlocked with the IMEI number?
Almost all GSM phones can be unlocked with the IMEI method. CDMA phones on networks like Verizon and Sprint cannot be unlocked this way. Contact your carrier to confirm phone unlock eligibility.
