Content

• Steps
• Tips

Meanwhile, as a locked phone accepts SIM cards from a specific operator, an unlocked phone will accept SIM cards from any operator. (This is very useful if you need to use your phone abroad.) To recognize an unlocked phone, follow these steps.

Steps

1. 1 Turn off your phone, remove the battery cover, then find the SIM card.
   • If you cannot find the SIM card on the back, look at the side or at the top. It can be closed with a plastic cover. On some models it will be necessary to open the cover with a pin.
   • If your phone works without a SIM card, it is a CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) phone, in contrast to the more common GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). CDMA phones not possible to unlock.
2. 2 Insert a SIM card of another operator into the phone and close the cover. The easiest way to do this is to borrow a friend's phone.
3. 3 Switch on your phone.
4. 4 Try opening the phone book or making a call. If the phone works fine, then you have an unlocked phone. If the message “Forbidden,” “Contact the operator,” etc. is displayed. (in other words, you do not have access to the phone book or you cannot call), then you have a locked phone that does not accept SIM cards from other operators.

Tips

• Some phone unlocking methods are illegal and their use is not advised.
• With an unlocked phone, you can use any SIM cards, including international SIM cards.
• There are many ways to unlock phones, but the best way to get an unlocked phone is to buy it directly from the manufacturer.