Unlocking your cell phone allows it to work with any service provider. You can even use multiple service providers simultaneously by changing out the SIM cards, which can be beneficial if you are a frequent traveler. If you want to unlock your Nokia 8800 cell phone for use with any provider, it is a simple procedure.
Instructions
1. Get the IMEI number of your phone. The IMEI is a serial number that can be obtained in a couple of different ways. Remove the back of the phone and the battery pack. The IMEI number will be listed beneath the battery. You can also type "*#06#" into the phone. The IMEI number will appear on the screen. The IMEI will be a fifteen-digit number.
2. Get a free unlocking code for your phone. There are a few free code generators online, including the Nokiafree.org generator. Enter the IMEI number, pick your country, choose your network provider from the drop-down list, select your phone model next to "GEN" and click the button to get codes. Nokiafree's generator will provide a list of several free codes for your specific phone type and carrier. You only get three tries to unlock your phone though before the phone is no longer able to be unlocked with a code, so use free codes with caution.
3. Pay for an unlock code. Besides the free online code generators, there are several sites that provide confirmed unlocking codes. You will get only one code that has been confirmed to work with your specific phone. While you will have to pay for the code up front, it eliminates the risk of making your phone unable to be unlocked.
4. Take the SIM card out of your phone. This card is usually located under the battery in the back of the phone. To remove the card, take off the back of the phone, remove the battery and pull the card out of its slot. Once the SIM card is removed, return the battery to the phone.
5. Enter the unlock code into the phone. Power the phone on and you will see a message telling you to insert the SIM card. Type in the unlock code, including all of the non-numeral characters. Do not enter the spaces. If the code is entered correctly, a message should appear stating that the SIM restriction is off.
Tags: your phone, IMEI number, back phone, unlock code, your specific phone