FAQs

Unlocking your cell phone has multiple benefits : It increases the resell value and marketability of your phone by not restricting the resell to a specific carrier, it allows the handset to work worldwide (See What networks are compatible with my phone ?), it eliminates roaming charges by allowing you to switch to a local carrier in the local region.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act, introduced an exemption on November 27, 2006 specifically permitting unlocking of cellular devices. The exemption was scheduled to expire on October 27, 2009, but was extended on an interim basis, because the Register of Copyrights had not yet completed its triennial review of DMCA exemptions. In July 2010, the Librarian of Congress extended the DMCA exemption for another 3 years.

When the purchase price of the mobile phone to the consumer is subsidized with revenue from subscriptions, operators must recoup this investment before a subscriber terminates service. In order to secure their investments, GSM network providers implements a software feature called SIM Lock on the handset to prevent usage outside their network. Such subsidies are worth more than several hundred US dollars and in that's why carriers also charge an early termination fee; another form to recoup the subsidy investment.

It is a software capability built into GSM phones by mobile phone manufacturers. Network providers use this to restrict the use of these phones to specific countries and network providers.

An Unlock Code is a numeric string. When entered into a locked handset it releases the SIM lock restriction and allows the handset to be used on other GSM carriers.

SIM (i.e. Subscriber Identity Module) card is one of the key features of GSM. It is a detachable smart card containing the user's subscription information and phone book. This allows the user to retain his or her information after switching handsets.

An Unlock Code will SIM Unlock the handset from the original locked network, to be used on other GSM networks. (See What Networks are compatible with my phone ?)

A PUK (i.e. PIN Unlock Key) is required to unlock SIM cards that have become locked after three successive incorrect PIN entries.

Note : If you enter the wrong PUK code 10 times in a row, your SIM card will be invalidated, and you will need to purchase a new one. The phone will display the following error: "PUK blocked call operator".

When using a Factory or Manufacturer unlock method the code is acquired directly from the Factory or Manufacturer of the handset (e.g. HTC, LG). This method is usually more expensive but delivers 95% of orders successfully.

When using a Carrier / Network unlock method the unlock code is acquired directly from the Carrier / Network (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile). When you purchase your unlock code with us, we will have the ability to waive some of the eligibility requirements. This method is usually the cheapeast, but it only delivers, on average, 75% of orders successfully, the remaining 25% must then be acquired through Factory / Manufacture method.

The cost of unlocking a handset varies upon availability of the SIM unlock code. Some networks will release unlock codes based upon age of the phone or requirements of the subscriber. Typically in the these cases the price per unlocking is relatively low compared to other options. In the other instances the network will not release the unlock code because of strict eligibility requirements or exclusive sales arrangement with the manufacturer or plenty of other reasons, then the unlock code must be obtained through the manufacturer of the phone. Obtaining codes via the manufacturer will in most cases be more expensive than through the network. Additionally all networks don't have the same eligibility requirements and some never releases unlock codes under any circumstances. When this is the case, all models no matter the age of the handset should be requested through the manufacturer.

It depends on the level of repair done to the handset. If the main board can not be repaired and will need to be replaced, the new main board will have an IMEI number separate from the one sent in for warranty repair and a new unlock code would be required. If the main board is not replaced normally the phone will stay unlocked, in the event it is not, then the customer can use the original unlock code that was purchased for reuse.

No, unlock codes are permanent and do not expire.

No, OEM software / OS updates should not lock the phone. However, in the event that the phone does lock again, the customer can reuse the original lock code already purchased to unlock the phone.

Yes, as soon as the phone has been unlocked with us, it will stay this way forever.

Yes, for example:

if you unlock an T-Mobile phone, it will still work flawlessly on T-Mobile.

if you unlock an AT&T phone, it will still work flawlessly on AT&T.

if you unlock an Rogers phone, it will still work flawlessly on Rogers.

ect....

Here’s a quick look at 10 common questions and answers relating to the FCC and its unlocking guidelines.

1) Is the FCC okay with consumers unlocking their cell phones?

Yes.  There was a ban on unlocking phones, but it has been lifted.

2) What do the FCC guidelines mandate U.S. wireless carriers to do?

The guidelines instruct that five of the nation’s biggest US wireless carriers must inform their customers of the dates and stipulations related to when their phones can be unlocked.

3) Does the FCC implement a fee when a phone is unlocked?

No.  The FCC mandates that carriers not charge an unlock fee when a consumer has met all ‘unlocking’ requirements.  The providers themselves, however, may charge a fee if the consumer has not met the requirements, such as an Early Termination Fee.

4) Does the FCC decide when phones can be unlocked?

The FCC says that phones can be unlocked when the contract with the carrier has been fulfilled.  If the contract has not been fulfilled and the carrier charges an Early Termination Fee, this fee must first be paid before the phone can be unlocked.

5) What does the FCC say about unlocking prepaid phones?

All prepaid phones can be unlocked, but there may be delayed unlocking dates.  For example, some carriers will mandate that you cannot unlock a prepaid phone until after it has been activated for at least 60 days.  All carriers must allow prepaid phones to be unlocked at least one year after initial activation.

6) Does the FCC unlock all phones once the contract has ended?

No. The FCC itself does not unlock phones, however, some carriers automatically unlock them after a contract is up.

7) What does the FCC say about unlocking phones for military members?

There are exceptions in which the FCC mandates that military members who are deployed internationally will receive the right to have their phones unlocked before a contract has been fulfilled, and most times, the associated accounts must be in good standing.

8) If I owe money on my phone but not the service itself, can I get my phone unlocked?

If you purchased your phone through a network carrier and your contract has ended but you still owe money on the phone, you will most likely be required to pay off the balance on your phone before you can unlock it.

9) Can a lost or stolen phone be unlocked?

Yes, but not if it is reported lost or stolen before it gets unlocked.

10) Will an unlocked phone work on any carrier?

No. The technology on your phone must be compatible with the technology being used by the network carrier. GSM Cell Phone will only work on a GSM Carrier and will not work on CDMA Network Provider, and CDMA Cell Phone will not work on GSM Carrier but only CDMA Service Provider.

If you would like more information on unlocking your phone, contact us today.

If you have a cell phone that you would like to have unlocked, there’s a good chance that it is on a Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon network. Fortunately, unlocking a phone on any of these networks isn’t as difficult as you might think.

Sprint Unlock Policy

• You must be current on all payments
• You can’t have a write-off balance associated with the phone you want to unlock
• Your contract has been fulfilled
• If your contract isn’t fulfilled, you can pay an early termination fee
• Phone cannot be associated with a bill sent to collections

AT&T Unlock Policy

• Phone must be currently locked to AT&T network
• Phone cannot be reported lost or stolen
• Phone cannot be connected with any type of fraudulent activity
• Contract must be fulfilled or an early termination fee must be paid
• Phone must be associated with only one AT&T account

If phone was obtained through an early upgrade, the unlock cannot take place until 14 days have passed since the phone was activated. And finally if you own a prepaid/GoPhone AT&T phone, it must be active for 60+ days before it can be unlocked, and there can be no unpaid balance.

T-Mobile Unlock Policy

• Phone must be a T-Mobile device
• Phone cannot be reported lost or stolen
• The account the phone is connected to must be in good standing
• You can request only two unlock codes within 12 months
• All postpaid and/or prepaid balances must be paid in full
• The phone itself must be completely paid for
• Early termination fees must be paid if the account is canceled early

Verizon Unlock Policy

Please keep in mind that most devices obtained through a postpay service account with Verizon are not normally locked.  Also, 4G LTE Verizon devices are not locked, meaning there is no unlock code needed to use them on a different carrier.  3G devices are not locked either, except for Global Ready 3G phones.  To unlock these phones, either of the following unlock codes will work:

• 000000
• 123456

If you do not know how to access the unlock menu on a Global Ready 3G phone, simply Contact Us and we can walk you through the process.

*Bonus Tip

Almost all carriers have special processes you must go through to unlock a phone for Deployed Military Personnel reasons.  View the features of Unlimited UNLOCK today and learn more about the cell phone unlocking services that we provide.

Sure. Please register to our website we offer special discounts for professional unlockers.

The unlock codes we supply for most handsets will be entered without any SIM card inserted. However, certain handsets do require either an alternative SIM card, or the original SIM card to be inserted in order for the unlock codes to work.

We accept a wide range of payment methods:

If you want to unlock one phone only :

1. Visa
2. Mastercard
3. American Express
4. Paypal

If you are a registered customer using your account freqently we accept the following payment methods:

1. Visa
2. Mastercard
3. American Express
4. Paypal or PayPal MassPayment
5. Bank Transfer
6. Direct Deposit (TD Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo)
7. Western Union
8. MoneyGram

We made the registration process very easy and fast. Create a PRO account today and enjoy instant discounts in all services and server features.

Register an account by using the standard procedure and fill your personnal informations

1. Enter your username
2. Enter your password
3. Confirm your password
4. Enter your first name
5. Enter your last name
6. Enter your email address
7. Select your country
8. Select your currency
9. Select your language
10. Enter your address
11. Enter your city
12. Enter your state
13. Enter your zip
14. Enter your captcha
15. Read and acknowledge the Terms & Conditions
16. Click SIGN UP button when you are done.

You will receive a confirmation by email. Please make sure you add our email address to your white contacts list and make sure our mails does not go to spam folder.

To find out if your phone is locked, simply place a different SIM card in the phone and turn the phone on. Ensure you use a different SIM and not the SIM that the phone was supplied with. If the phone does not allow you to view the menu and displays an error message such as 'SIM not valid', 'Phone Restricted', 'SIM not accepted' then your phone is most likely to be locked. If the phone does allow you to view the menu then the phone in unlocked.

No, this is a service that we do not offer as this is not legal.

Please make sure when ordering the handset is verified and confirmed being locked to this network only. If you are unsure please do not order, as phone will NOT be unlocked, and it may result in not getting a refund depending the solution you choose, therefore please use iPhone Network Finder to verify on which network your iPhone is locked. Please check features supported.

Your cards details are fully encrypted and processed over a secure server. We do not store your card details for maximum security. We also support PayPal, which has a Thawte certified 128bit SSL Security site.

We strongly recommend you to be SURE than your phone is NOT BARRED. We provide a CHECKMEND tool to verify that your imei is CLEAN BEFORE processing this unlock process. it may result in not getting a refund depending the solution you choose, please check features supported.

If you obtained your phone on a contract, you should consider that the phone remains the property of the network until the end of your contract. Unlocking your phone while under contract may be a breach of your contract. You may wish to check with your contract supplier to see if unlocking is prohibited before purchasing unlock codes from us.

In order to cancel out an already existing order, you will need to click the cancel button on the codes page located to the right near that specific imei. If the cancellation button is not displayed, this means the order has been batch and processing on suppliers main server. For which you will need to open a support ticket requting cancellation.

Each provider for each unlock method have their own cancellation policy. Once the cancellation request is received, the order will be in a pending status which means it is not yet cancelled. It will reflect a status of either Cancelled or Not Cancelled shortly thereafter depending on whether or not the supplier has begun to process the code. We advise you to please wait until you receive this notification before you refund your customers because if the supplier has already begun to process the codes then your request will be rejected and you will not be refunded.

To request a full copy of our API Documentation and API Key, please access your account and proceed to the tab at the top of the screen marked "API KEY", follow the instructions listed and the documents will be emailed to you shortly. If you have any issues please feel free to contact us or open a support ticket from your portal.

If you think you received the wrong unlock code, you have 5 days following the delivery of your order to request, free of charge, the supplier to verify the code. You can launch this procedure by pressing the "Verify" button in the "Order History" section in your GSM UNLOCKING portal.

You also accept that for some unlock tools (including, but not limited to, the tools that come for a calculator and that are guaranteed to return everytime the same code) this procedure may not be available. If, after the verification procedure has been launched, the code is the same as the first one, GSM UNLOCKING will issue a refund of your order if you provide a video proof; this video proof must be compliant with the rules listed under "Refund Policy" page.  Click on the following link for details: http://gsmunlocking.biz/page.php?id=20

The delivery time, will depend on the service you choose based on the device you are processing. Each service is have detailed descriptionsin which will also state the "estimated delivery time", as each of our suppliers have different delivery schedules. In general, entering an unlock code on a phone once you've received it takes just a couple of minutes or less.

If you made a standard payment (Credit Card, or PayPal Standard Pay) and it doesn't show up in your account right away, don't get nervous as this is normal, sometimes it takes a few minutes for the payment to apply to your account. However if you paid using an e-Check (no funds in your Paypal account so they are being pulled from your bank) then the payment will not appear until the funds come through from your bank, this usually takes between 1-3 business days to complete. Once delivered the funds will appear in your account. If you made a PayPal, Masspayment or Google Checkout then there will be a slight delay, representatives are standing by to apply your Payments so the wait shouldn't be too long. If you like you can Contact Us, to assist in speeding up the payment verification.

There is an important difference between unlocking and unblocking a cell phone. Unlocking a cellphone from a service provider to be able to choose another is perfectly legal, but when a mobile phone is “unblocked” criminals can change the IMEI number and make the cellphone operational again. This practice is illegal and only the manufacturers are allowed to alter it.

Unblocking mobile phones is a criminal offence and carries custodial sentences. It is even an offence to simply offer to unblock or reprogram a phone.

Yes, we do. To learn more about GSMUNLOCKING Remote Software Unlocking and FAQ's visit our Knowledge Base > Software Unlocking FAQ ? 

A question that has been asked a lot lately is what is the difference between Google FRP Lock and Samsung Reactivation Lock?

Well, many of the most recent Android Phones including models from Samsung, HTC, and Sony can become stuck on activation screen requesting for your ID and password, while others are requesting your Google Account. Samsung phones will ask for a Reactivation Lock ID & password, so that people can be identified along the same lines as apple iCloud Lock. To clarify things, here we provide detailed information on the difference between the two.

What is Factory Reset Protection (FRP) Lock ?

Android Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a new feature designed to protect your device. It has been added to several Samsung devices that are running Android OS 5.1 or higher.

This feature enables you to set up your device to prevent other people from using it in the event that it has been reset to factory settings without your permission.  For example, if your device is lost, stolen, flashed, or wiped, only someone with your Google account or screen lock information can perform a factory data reset and use the device.

When a device is factory reset, the device will not be able to be setup without the user entering the Google Account associated with the device (for hard reset) or screen lock information (for reset in Settings menu). It’s essential that you set up a Google account in order to use the FRP feature.  It is also highly recommended that you set a secure screen lock on your device.

What is Reactivation lock and how do I use it on my Samsung?

Similar to FRP, Reactivation lock lets you use your Samsung account to prevent others from activating your device if ever it is lost or stolen. With Reactivation lock turned on, you will be required to enter your Samsung account credentials (sCloud) prior to performing a factory reset on the device, so your Samsung account login should be something you can easily remember.

For more information about this, please check https://findmymobile.samsung.com/help/startupDeviceUse.do