Cell Phone Repair Irvine
 Unlocking
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​949-344-2292

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1. Need to have your smartphone unlocked? Traveling abroad, or switching service providers?

There are two main reasons that you might need to have your smartphone “unlocked” – to travel abroad and to switch carriers but keep your phone. At Cell Phone Repair Irvine, we would be happy to help answer your questions and determine if your device needs to be unlocked.

Some carriers use “locks” on their devices to make sure that their devices can only be used on their specified networks. These locks are software pieces that prevent you from buying a phone from one provider and then trying to talk that phone straight to another carrier.

Switching Service Providers
When you purchased your phone, unless it was specified to you that your new smartphone was unlocked, you should assume that your device is locked by your carrier.

If you are looking to switch to a different service provider and wish to unlock your phone, there are a few steps you need to take before the unlocking can take place.

1. You need to contact the new service provider you are looking to switch to. You will need to see if your existing phone will work on their network. If your device and their network are not compatible, there is no need to unlock your phone; you will need to go another route with a new phone from this carrier. Not all phones work across different carriers’ networks, since some operate with different cellular technology than others. If they do indicate that your smartphone could operate on their network, you can proceed with the process.
2. Contact your current service provider. You will need to ask them a series of questions to find out more information about your current coverage with them. First, you will need to find out if your phone is eligible for unlocking. This would include finding out if you are currently in a contract with them, and if so, for how long. If you switch carriers before your contract is up, you will likely have to pay an early termination fee. Also, review the terms and conditions of your current agreement with them to make sure you would be able to unlock your phone. If your account is determined to not be in good standing, they may tell you that your phone is not eligible for unlocking.
3. Your new carrier may require a few extra steps after you unlock your smartphone to align it with their network.

​Traveling Abroad 
Whether your smartphone is locked or unlocked, you should check with your service provider to find out if your smartphone will function normally while you are abroad. Your device might not be compatible with the networks abroad because they tend to vary from country to country. For example, your calling functions may work fine, but texts or data may not. Your carrier will be able to give you more information about your device and its functionality.

How We Can Help The process of unlocking a phone can be very confusing, and varies from carrier to carrier. Some providers will give you an unlock code, while others do the unlocking through a software update. We understand this can be a confusing and overwhelming process. Let us help you!

Our technicians at Cell Phone Repair Irvine would be happy to answer your questions, and safely take care of the unlock process. We will work with your carrier and determine the route to take to get you where you want to go!

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Fill out our form for a free quote or call 949-344-2292