As a Global System for Mobile Communications, or GSM, company, T-Mobile USA uses Subscriber Identity Model, or SIM, cards to identify handsets in its network. To protect its investment, the company locks out other companies' SIM cards from its handsets. To unlock a T-Mobile USA mobile phone, you need the unique SIM unlock code associated with your handset. T-Mobile USA offers these unlock codes free of charge to its current and former customers.
Instructions
1. Dial *#06# from you mobile phone. Write down the mobile phone's 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity, or IMEI, number that appears on the screen. Click "OK" to clear the screen.
2. Dial *611 from your T-Mobile USA mobile phone or dial 1-800-937-8997 from a non-T-Mobile USA phone to connect to customer service. Explain to the representative that you want to use your mobile phone with other GSM mobile providers. Give her the IMEI you found in Step 1. Give her a valid email address to send the unlock code to when it's available.
3. Remove the battery panel and battery from the back of your mobile phone. Remove the T-Mobile USA SIM card from the holder and replace it with the SIM card from your new network. Replace the battery panel and the battery. Turn on your T-Mobile USA mobile phone.
4. Click "OK" to remove the SIM card error message that appears on the screen. Enter the unlock code you received from T-Mobile USA in the field on the next screen. Press the enter button.
Tags: mobile phone, T-Mobile mobile, T-Mobile mobile phone, unlock code, your T-Mobile mobile