What is a IMEI LOCK

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SIM lock:

A SIMLOCK, NETWORK-LOCK, CARRIER LOCK, IMEI-Lock or (Master) SUBSIDY lock is actually a technical restriction built into CDMA and GSM mobile devices by manufacturers for use by carrier networks to restrict using these phones to specific countries and/or networks. This is not like a phone (retrospectively called SIM-free or unlocked) that does not enforce any SIM constraints.

The majority mobiles can be unlocked to operate with any GSM network provider, though the phone can still show the original branding and may not support features of the new carrier. Apart from the locking, cell phones could also have firmware set up on them which is specific to the network provider. This firmware is installed through the service provider and is separate from the locking mechanism. Almost all smartphones can be unbranded by re-flashing an alternative firmware variation, a process suited to advanced users only.


Unlocking Technology:

A handset can be unlocked simply by entering a code supplied by the service operator. Different mechanisms include software operating on the handset or a pc connected to the device, hardware devices that connect to the mobile or over-the-air by the service provider. More often than not the unlock process is permanent. The code required to get rid of all locks from a smartphone is known as the master code, network code key, or multi-lock code. If the handset is carrier locked it will generally display one of the following messages: SIM network PIN blocked, Enter lock PIN.


Economics:

Mobile handset makers have monetary incentives both to improve SIM lock security (which placates mobile phone network companies and enables exclusivity offers) as well as to weaken it (increasing a phone's allure to buyers that typically are not interested in the provider that offers it). Also, making it very hard to unlock a smartphone could possibly make it considerably less attractive to network service providers that have a legal liability to provide unlock codes for some handsets or in particular countries.


Unlocking Services:

Many companies provide a online smartphone unlocking service . This service needs all those who need to unlock a mobile phone to provide their IMEI number to a unlocking company and frequently they will also need the country and network the device is locked to, either sent by email or submitted on their web site. The organization will then supply (in return for a fee) a unlock code for the device.


Unlocking Service Providers:

Disappointingly there are a lot of scammers web sites active in the cell-phone IMEI unlocking industry. Consequently it pays to make sure you use a honest provider for such a service. To assist with a search for a trustworthy company, we have supplied a list just below (and in no specific order) of a few genuine organizations currently offering such services.


Reputable Mobile Phone IMEI Unlocking Service Providers: