How to Unlock Your Nokia Cell Phone

Most of the time, when you buy a new phone, the retailer "locks" it so that you can only use it on their network. When traveling abroad and trying to avoid costly roaming fees, this can be a problem. Unlocking your Nokia device typically only requires a few steps, depending on the model.

Step 1: Contact your service provider. Usually, if you've been a customer of theirs for some time, they will provide you with an unlock code for free. This is, by far, the best way to get your phone unlocked. After you connect with your provider follow what they say to unlock.

Step 2: Turn on your phone with no SIM card inside. To determine how to remove the SIM card of your particular model, reference your user manual. Enter your PIN number if you are prompted. For newer models, simply insert a new SIM card and enter your unlock code. You can find this by using easily downloaded software. If you have unlocked your device correctly, you will see "SIM restriction off" on your screen. If you are using an older model, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Key in the following code: # PW + unlock code + 7#. Enter the P by tapping the * three times. Enter the W by tapping the * four times. Enter the + by tapping the * twice. If that code doesn't work, try replacing the "7" in the code with a "1."

Step 4: Unlock your Nokia device. If you have unlocked your phone correctly, then "SIM restriction off" will appear on your screen.

How to Unlock Your Nokia Cell Phone