- Breach of Rules
- Requesting Lock
- Other
So my phone has this security lock thing on it...anyone know a way to get a unlock code? and whats a IMEI number? it says to obtain one you must put in *#06#.....??????????????
8 Replies
Ice 
Posts: 149 Replies: 158
IMEI # is used to stop people from using stolen phones to access the network the phone uses even if the sim card is changed
IMEI is the carrier's way of identifying your phone, more like a second serial number. An unlock code (if you phone isn't unlocked) is required to let your phone use any other network by (cont'd)
-- putting a different carrier's SIM into your phone's slot. It's useful if the other carrier has this amazing plan that yours doesn't have. Unlock it and purchase the plan, than place it in (cont'd)
-- your phone, providing your phone works with the carrier's frequencies. The unlock code is obtained by using some wacky mathematical formula with your IMEI, and then you get the unlock code (cont'd)
People sell these on eBay because they know the formula (probably because they work at the manufacturer) and have a big IMEI databank, especially if it's a popular phone. Their prices range (cont'd)
-- based on demand. For example, my phone (IMHO, the sexiest phone in the world) has expensive unlock options because of its compatibility with frequencies, and the demand to unlock.
Oh yeah, another thing, *#06# is pretty standard on most phones to get your IMEI number stored somewhere deep, deeper than root. It's super safe to get, and it's the same every time.