Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my phone locked?

Today’s mobile phone handsets have various different codes to keep data safe, keep theft and fraud under control, and to keep network operators and phone sellers protected.

Network Lock Code
Also known as a “restriction code”, “network code” or “subsidy code”

When you get a new handset, in many cases this may be “locked” to a specific mobile phone network. This is done so that the mobile phone company don’t lose out by people getting a discounted phone to sell on for profit.

If your phone was fixed to work on a specific network (for example, Orange), this lock may prevent you from using another SIM in the handset. You may see “SIM card rejected” or “SIM card unaccepted”.

Once my phone is unlocked, what networks can I use?

When you have unlocked your phone, you are free to use any network in any country (providing the phone supports the network you wish to use. In the uk some phones will not work with the 3 network)

What is De-branding ?

De-branding basically means removing awful operator firmware, and replacing it with the manufacturers original firmware.  Hence converting your phone to the full spec as it was intended by the manufacturer. (the way it should be)

How do we debrand phones ?

We have the necessary tools and latest mobile firmware’s (software flash files) to enable us to flash the software in your phone.  This deletes and replaces the existing operator’s software with the original and un-restricted, unbranded manufacturers software.

What are the benefits of De-branding ?

Once your mobile has been de-branded, you will notice all the menu systems are clearer, un-restricted, and often faster too.  We also use the latest firmware to date, which will hold improvements on your old firmware.  This often removes any software glitches that your phone previously had.  Also some network firmware’s prevent you uploading ringtones & pictures via cable, or manually setting your internet homepage, debranding enables you to do this.

What Mobile phones cannot be unlocked?

We cannot unlock a mobile phone that has been locked due to it being stolen or lost.

I’ve visited a local mobile unlocking shop and they have told me that it’s not possible to unlock my handset, but you say you can?

Many unlocking shops use cables and software to unlock handsets. The latest handsets are proving to be much more difficult to unlock via this method as security and software is much harder to crack on these handsets. The codes we supply are pre-programmed into the handset by the manufacturer for the sole purpose of unlocking the handset. This means there is no cracking software or tampering with security settings or the firmware of the phone. With our contacts in Manufacturers and Networks, we obtain the original unlock code for the phone, which is guaranteed to unlock it with the genuine unlock procedure of the handset, as designed by the manufacturer.

Is unlocking permanent?

Yes, after an unlock code is entered into your handset, it will be permenantly unlocked. You will never have to enter the unlock code again.

IMEI blocked?

The IMEI is a phone’s serial number. If a phone is reported as stolen, the network will block the IMEI, preventing that phone from accessing their network. Details of blocked/stolen phones are added to a central EIR (Equipment Identify Register) and shared with all the mobile phone networks, meaning that phone can’t be used again. This reduces the incentive for thieves to steal phones.

That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a record of your phone’s IMEI. To do this, type in the following code as if you were dialling a phone number: *#06#

If you have a phone that has been blocked in this way, this probably means that either

a) you reported your phone lost/stolen and have now found it, or

b) you have bought a phone that has been previously reported as lost/stolen. You should contact your network operator, or the place of purchase.

 

N.B. Back-up phone content before unlocking your phone as some unlock process initializes/resets the phone to the original manufactured state.