A second generation (2G) cell phone can not be used with other cellular providers if the one providing the service has "locked" it prior to it being sold. To unlock the cell phone, enter a special hidden code that will deactivate the code in the operating system prohibiting free use. There are a number of services that will provide the code needed to unlock the cell phone, some for free and some fee-based. Once the code has been entered, you will be free to choose the cellular provider that you prefer to use.
Instructions
1. Go to a website that features a cell phone unlocking code interface, for example, the "The Traveler Insider" website. Enter the "IME1" code of the 2G cell phone in the appropriate text field on the web page; this 15-digit number is located somewhere on the cell phone, most likely in the battery compartment or on the bottom of the phone.
2. Select the cell phone's manufacturer from the drop down menu below where the "IME1" code was entered. Enter your email address in the appropriate text field. Click the "Agree" button.
3. Pay for the service using a credit card if a new web page comes up asking for service. Fill out the appropriate text fields and press the "Pay" button.
4. Open the Mail program on your 2G cell phone. Open the email from the website and write down the numbers listed in the email.
5. Go to "Settings" on the cell phone. Select "About this Phone," "User Data," or any other designation referring to information about the cell phone's operating system. Press the keys to enter the numbers that were sent to you by email. Press the cell phone's "Enter" or "OK" button to unlock the phone.
Tags: cell phone, appropriate text, appropriate text field, IME1 code, operating system, phone Select