What is a imeilock
SIM lock:
A simlock, network-lock, Carrier Lock, imei lock or (master) SUBSIDY lock serves as a technical constraint built into CDMA and GSM mobile phones by manufacturers to be used by carriers to restrict the use of these phones to particular countries and/or networks. This is in contrast to a phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that doesn't impose any SIM restrictions.
Most mobile devices can be unlocked to work with any GSM network provider, however phone may still show the original logos and may not support features of the new carrier. In addition to the locking, mobile phones might also have firmware set up on them which is specific to the mobile phone network provider. This firmware is installed through the service provider which is separate from the locking mechanism. The majority of smartphones can be unbranded by re-flashing a new firmware variation, a procedure suited to advanced users only.
Unlocking Technology:
Typically, a locked smartphone will show a message if a restricted SIM is used, requesting the unlock code. On the latest phone models working on Android os software, the phone will show a message saying “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it's network locked. Windows phones will show the message, “This SIM card can only be used on specific networks. Contact your customer service center for the unlock code”. Several other devices could show alternative messages for example "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some instances the device will simply show a message stating it's locked. Once a valid code is entered, the mobile phone handset displays "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.
Economics:
The reason to unlock a device is usually to be able to utilize it with another type of SIM card. Customers might want to keep on using their cell phone but with a different provider or if traveling abroad they may want to connect to a foreign network using a pay as you go subscription.
Unlocking Services:
A certain amount of businesses offer a carrier mobile phone unlocking service . This service needs all those who would like to unlock a phone to provide their IMEI number to a unlocking company and quite often they will also require the country and service provider the mobile phone is locked to, either sent by email or submitted on their web site. The company will then provide (once you have paid) a unlock code for the mobile phone handset.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Regrettably there are lots of dodgy organizations active in the cell-phone carrier unlocking industry. As a consequence it is prudent to make sure you use a genuine provider for this service. To assist with the search for a legitimate supplier, we've supplied a listing just below (and in no particular order) of a number of genuine organisations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
A simlock, network-lock, Carrier Lock, imei lock or (master) SUBSIDY lock serves as a technical constraint built into CDMA and GSM mobile phones by manufacturers to be used by carriers to restrict the use of these phones to particular countries and/or networks. This is in contrast to a phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that doesn't impose any SIM restrictions.
Most mobile devices can be unlocked to work with any GSM network provider, however phone may still show the original logos and may not support features of the new carrier. In addition to the locking, mobile phones might also have firmware set up on them which is specific to the mobile phone network provider. This firmware is installed through the service provider which is separate from the locking mechanism. The majority of smartphones can be unbranded by re-flashing a new firmware variation, a procedure suited to advanced users only.
Unlocking Technology:
Typically, a locked smartphone will show a message if a restricted SIM is used, requesting the unlock code. On the latest phone models working on Android os software, the phone will show a message saying “SIM network unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key” if it's network locked. Windows phones will show the message, “This SIM card can only be used on specific networks. Contact your customer service center for the unlock code”. Several other devices could show alternative messages for example "Enter special code" or "Enter unlocking code," or in some instances the device will simply show a message stating it's locked. Once a valid code is entered, the mobile phone handset displays "Network unlocked” or “Network unlock successful”.
Economics:
The reason to unlock a device is usually to be able to utilize it with another type of SIM card. Customers might want to keep on using their cell phone but with a different provider or if traveling abroad they may want to connect to a foreign network using a pay as you go subscription.
Unlocking Services:
A certain amount of businesses offer a carrier mobile phone unlocking service . This service needs all those who would like to unlock a phone to provide their IMEI number to a unlocking company and quite often they will also require the country and service provider the mobile phone is locked to, either sent by email or submitted on their web site. The company will then provide (once you have paid) a unlock code for the mobile phone handset.
Unlocking Service Providers:
Regrettably there are lots of dodgy organizations active in the cell-phone carrier unlocking industry. As a consequence it is prudent to make sure you use a genuine provider for this service. To assist with the search for a legitimate supplier, we've supplied a listing just below (and in no particular order) of a number of genuine organisations currently offering such services.
Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers:
