How to Unlock Your Phone for Free Using the IMEI Number [2024 Update ]

Having a locked phone can be extremely frustrating, especially if you want to use a different carrier or give the phone to someone else. Thankfully, there are services available that allow you to unlock phones for free using just the IMEI number. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the entire process of looking up your IMEI, finding an unlock service, and completing the unlock step-by-step.

>> How to Unlock Phone Free With IMEI Number<<

Key Takeaways

1. Check if your phone is eligible for free IMEI unlocking by contacting your carrier's customer support or visiting their website. Eligibility often depends on the device being fully paid off and used on the carrier's network.
2. Obtain your phone's unique 15-digit IMEI number by dialing *#06# on your device or by checking in the phone's settings (usually under "About Phone" or "General").
3. Contact your carrier's customer support and provide them with your IMEI number, account information, and any necessary proof of ownership or identity to request the unlock.
4. Once your carrier approves the unlock request, they will provide you with instructions on how to complete the unlocking process, which may involve entering an unlock code or following specific steps on your device.

>>How to Check if Your Phone is Unlocked Using the IMEI Number<<

What is IMEI and Why it's Important for Unlocking Phones

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a 15-17 digit unique number assigned to every single mobile phone, typically found behind the phone's battery.

The IMEI number is important for unlocking phones because it allows unlock services to identify your specific device model and determine if it can be reliably unlocked. Most unlocking services will ask for the IMEI number upfront before generating an unlock code.

Some key facts about IMEI:

• IMEI is unique to each device and cannot be changed.
• Carriers use it to blacklist lost or stolen phones.
• Unlocking services need it to identify phone model and unlock capability.
• IMEI number can be used to track lost or stolen phones.

Knowing your phone's IMEI is crucial for a quick and easy unlock process. Let's look at how to find it:

>>How to Unlock an AT&T Phone Yourself for Free<<

How to Find Your Phone's IMEI Number

Finding the IMEI number is easy and takes just a few seconds. Here are some common ways to retrieve it:

On the Phone Itself

1. Dial *#06# on your phone's dial pad. This will directly display the IMEI number.
2. Remove the back cover of your phone and look for a sticker with the IMEI printed on it. Usually found underneath the battery.
3. Go to Settings > About Phone > Status. IMEI will be listed there.
4. For iPhones, open Settings > General > About. The IMEI will be listed as MEID or IMEI.

>> Click Here to Unlock Check if Your Phone is Unlocked Using the IMEI Number

On the Phone Box

The IMEI is usually printed on a sticker on the original phone box. Look for a 15-17 digit number labelled as IMEI, MEID, ESN, or DEC.

From Your Carrier

You can also contact your phone carrier and provide them the SIM card number. They can retrieve the IMEI number linked to that SIM and provide it to you.

Choosing an Unlocking Service

Now that you have your phone's IMEI number, the next step is finding a reliable service to generate the unlock code. Here are some tips for choosing an unlock service:

• Search for reputable services - Read reviews and look for companies with a proven track record of unlocking various phone models successfully. Avoid any newer or shady looking sites.
• Confirm they support your phone model - Not all services can handle all phone models. Share your IMEI first to confirm they will work with your specific device.
• Compare prices - Unlock prices can range from $10 to $50+ depending on phone model and service. Compare rates between a few top services.
• Check for money-back guarantee - The best services will guarantee to deliver your unlock code or provide a full refund. This removes any risk on your part.
• See what's included - Make sure full instructions are provided for entering the unlock code. Email support should also be available if you need any help.
• Check expected delivery time - Some services instantly email the code while others can take 12-24 hours. Opt for instant delivery if you need the fastest turnaround.

My personal recommendations would be CellUnlocker.net or DC-Unlocker.com which I have used successfully many times. However, always compare options to find the best deal for your specific phone.

Step-By-Step Guide to Unlock a Phone Using IMEI

Follow these steps to safely unlock your phone for free using the IMEI number:

Step 1 - Retrieve the IMEI Number

Use one of the methods above to find your phone's unique IMEI number. Make sure it is 15-17 digits long. You'll need this for the unlocking service.

Step 2 - Choose an Unlocking Service

Do some research to pick a trusted unlocking service with a good reputation. Make sure they can handle your specific model based on the IMEI.

Step 3 - Purchase the Unlock Code

Visit the unlock service website, enter your IMEI number, confirm your device details, and purchase the unlock code. Prices range from $10-$50+ typically.

Step 4 - Receive the Unlock Code

The unlock code will be emailed to you instantly or within 12-24 hours depending on the service. Make sure to note this code somewhere safe.

Step 5 - Backup Phone Data

It's always smart to backup your phone data before making any major changes. Save your contacts, photos, apps and other important data.

Step 6 - Insert Non-Accepted SIM Card

Turn off your phone and insert a new SIM card from a carrier that currently isn't allowed on your phone. This triggers the unlock process.

Step 7 - Enter Unlock Code

Power on your phone with the unaccepted SIM card inserted. You should see a prompt to enter an unlock code or SIM network unlock PIN. Enter the unlock code you purchased.

Step 8 - Reboot Phone

After entering the unlock code, you'll be prompted to reboot your phone. Power it off completely and then restart it.

Step 9 - Confirm Phone is Unlocked

Once restarted, your phone should now be fully unlocked and accept any GSM SIM card worldwide! Confirm this by making calls and texts on the new carrier.

And that's it! By using your IMEI number and following these steps, you can safely unlock your phone free of charge without any hassle. This allows you to use any carrier you want or resell your device. Unlocking by IMEI is quick, easy, and affordable.

Benefits of Unlocking Your Phone for Free

Unlocking your smartphone using the IMEI number offers many great benefits:

• Use any GSM carrier worldwide - An unlocked phone can be used with any carrier that uses GSM networks. This gives you maximum flexibility.
• No roaming fees when traveling - Just pop in a local prepaid SIM abroad to avoid expensive roaming charges on trips.
• Resell value - Unlocked phones have higher resale prices since they work on all carriers.
• Freedom from contracts - Leave your current long term contract any time without penalty.
• Upgrade when you want - Get new phones whenever you want instead of waiting out contracts.
• Enhanced features - Some carrier locks disable certain phone features. Unlocking gives you unrestricted access.
• No commitment - Try new carriers at will instead of being locked into the same service.
• Use multiple numbers - Easily swap different SIMs for separate numbers on business and personal lines.

Overall, free IMEI unlocking gives you true freedom, flexibility and convenience to use your device however you please. It's a simple but highly useful process for any smartphone owner.

Alternate Unlocking Options

While using the IMEI number is the best approach, here are a couple alternate ways to unlock your phone:

Unlocking Software

Specialized software like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock can unlock some device models via USB. This works offline but isn't compatible with all phones.

Unlock Code from Carrier

In some cases, your phone carrier may provide an official SIM unlock code. However, they often charge high fees of $50+ and have long waiting periods.

Third Party Services

Stores and kiosks sometimes offer unlocking services. However quality and reliability vary greatly. Online IMEI unlocks are safer and more consistently effective.

Always start by trying the official IMEI unlocking method for the safest and fastest results. The above options are backups that may work for certain situations as needed.

Conclusion

Unlocking your phone using the IMEI number is the quickest, safest and most affordable way to get unlock codes. Simply find your IMEI, choose a trusted unlock service, purchase the code online, enter it when prompted, and reboot your device. After following these easy steps, your phone will be permanently unlocked to work on any GSM carrier. Enjoy the flexibility and freedom that comes with having an unlocked smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is unlocking by IMEI safe for my phone?

Yes, using the official IMEI number is a completely safe method for unlocking phones, recommended by manufacturers. It does not void warranties or damage devices when done through reputable services.

Can I unlock my phone myself for free with IMEI?

Yes, you can unlock most GSM phones yourself for free using just the IMEI number and an unlock code from a reputable online service. This method is easy, fast, and safe for your device.

Can I unlock my IMEI for free?

Most major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon etc., will unlock devices that have completed the contract or installment tenure. This service is free but only for fully paid-off devices used on their network.

Can you unlock a locked phone with an IMEI number?

The IMEI number is a unique identifier for a mobile device and is used for tracking and identifying the device, but it does not have any direct relation to unlocking the lock on a smartphone. To unlock a smartphone, you typically need a valid unlock code or the assistance of the mobile service provider.

Can I unlock phone for free?

Wireless service providers are required by law to unlock your phone for free, as long as your account is in good standing and you've fulfilled all contract terms. Contact the FCC if you experience problems unlocking your phone for free with your wireless carrier.

What is the free IMEI code?

Find your device's IMEI number by dialing *#06#.

Can I unlock my phone myself?

You can unlock your Android phone even if you've forgotten the passcode, but you'll usually need to factory reset the phone. You can unlock most Android phones by performing a factory recovery or using the Find My Device website.

Is my Android IMEI unlocked?

Enter your phone's IMEI number into the dialog box on the IMEI checker website and click "check" or a similar command. Your IMEI number should contain 15 digits. The website will display information about the Android phone associated with the provided IMEI, including the unlock status.

Why is IMEI locked?

Because it's been blacklisted. The phone could have been reported lost or stolen. Another reason is that you haven't been paying the bills. Contact your carrier.