Get the freedom of an unlocked phone.
LG phones are known for their cutting-edge technology, sleek designs and good looks. However none of this will do you any good if you can't make a call on it, which may be the case if your phone is locked. This is something that mobile service providers often do to prevent their clients from moving to another company. The simple answer is to unlock it, which is neither illegal nor particularly difficult to do.
Instructions
1. Get the IMEI number for your phone. This is also known as the International Mobile Equipment Identification Number. You can do this in one of two ways. Remove your battery, and look for the 15- to 17-digit number underneath it, or type in *#06# and wait for it to appear on your screen. Once you've gotten it, write it down on a piece of paper.
2. Find a website that sells unlock codes for LG phones, like TheTravelInsider.com. GSMLiberty.net and GlobalUnlock.com (see Resources). As of 2010 these sites charge between $9.99-$24.99 for their unlock codes (prices as of 2010).
3. Go to the site that you have chosen and enter the IMEI number. Find the make and enter LG, then enter the model of your phone, the country that your phone is registered in along with the mobile service provider, and click "Submit." This will bring you to the next page, where you must enter your payment details and a valid e-mail address.
4. Get the unlock codes from your e-mail.
5. Turn your phone off, removing the battery and the SIM card.
6. Get a SIM card from a different network. If you don't have one, borrow one from a friend or purchase a prepaid card from any convenience store.
7. Replace your battery and turn the phone back on. When it comes on, it will ask you for a code. Simply enter the one that you got in your e-mail exactly as you see it. Do not add any additional spaces or characters. Enter "OK" and wait a few seconds. The phone will beep and flash and turn off.
8. Wait a few more seconds and it will turn back on automatically. If it doesn't push the "On" button. When it comes back look at the top of the screen. If the unlock was successful the new network name will show. If it doesn't work the first time, try the unlock code again.
Tags: your phone, unlock codes, card from, IMEI number, mobile service