Member Avatar for JySysAdmin

So I know you can pay your provider to get the unlock code, or pay third parties too.

How do the third parties get the code from the IMEI? If I have lots of phones could I unlock them al in one pop?

Like if third parties can do it, then it must not be impossible.

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Short answer: paid “unlock” services either (A) submit an IMEI request through legitimate carrier/manufacturer channels (resellers, repair‑partner or OEM/wholesaler portals) so the network or maker flips the lock flag for that IMEI, or (B) use service‑level tools that talk directly to the phone (box/tools, bootloader/baseband writes or vendor protocols). Which method is available depends on model and maker — iPhones are unlocked only when the carrier requests Apple to clear the IMEI on Apple’s activation servers. Apple Support — How to unlock an iPhone. (support.apple.com)

How this maps to the thread: is right that carriers provide unlock pages; many reputable third‑party shops just act as resellers and submit unlocks on your behalf through those official channels (or buy batches from authorized suppliers). Other shops use low‑level service boxes or manufacturer DBs to retrieve codes for some models; XDA and repair communities discuss both approaches and show that availability varies by vendor and firmware. (t-mobile.com)

Practical points and risks: always check IMEI status first (blacklist/finance/Find‑My/MDM). The GSMA Device Check is the industry registry used to flag lost/stolen phones; a blacklisted IMEI won’t be fixed by a simple unlock. Many IMEI/reseller portals sell model‑specific unlocks and batch APIs if you plan to process lots of phones, but bulk resale/unlocking has regulatory and carrier policy limits and is treated differently than owner‑requested unlocks. See the congressional/FCC discussion about unlocking policy and bulk‑unlock concerns. (gsma.com)

Short checklist to act on: 1) run each IMEI through carrier BYOD/compatibility and a GSMA check; 2) if devices are eligible, request the carrier unlock (often free); 3) for many units or non‑eligible cases, use a reputable reseller with traceable workflow and refund terms (avoid instant “universal” code sites); 4) never use or pay for IMEI‑changing/“cleaning” services (that’s illegal or fraudulent in many jurisdictions — see UK Mobile Telephones (Re‑programming) Act 2002). These steps match the split of methods people describe in the thread and will keep risk and cost down. (t-mobile.com)

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Member Avatar for Alex_23

All phones are unlockable. Although Is illigal to do it while in contract.
One aproach is to tell ur carrier u r going overseas and would like to use the phone somewhere far. They should do it at no charge ( while in contract)
Without contract you can do what eve you want with the os of any phone. Research how to root ur own device.

Member Avatar for happygeek

Illegal? Really? It may be in breach of your contract with the network carrier/supplier, but hardly illegal...

Member Avatar for CimmerianX

All the big providers (ATT, Verizon) have a page to unlock a phone. OR call them and speak to a rep. If the phone is not under contract, they will usually give you the code.

Member Avatar for Alex_23

"So yes, unlocking your phone without your carrier’s explicit approval is technically verboten. But let’s not forget what this particular change doesn’t mean — the police most likely aren’t going to knock down your door because you felt the compulsion to free your phone from your carrier’s shackles. It also doesn’t mean that the stash of old phones nestled in your drawer can’t be unlocked — so-called “legacy” devices are exempt from silly change, so feel free to take your old phones and show them a little bit of freedom. You can still buy unlocked phones from eBay and Amazon like you always could, and hey, some phones sold by carriers are unlocked right out of the box anyway."

source: http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/26/unlocking-your-phone-is-now-illegal-but-what-does-that-mean-for-you/

Hope that helps!
... I most add: Other countries, sell only unlocked phones!
al

Member Avatar for happygeek

Here in the UK you can buy network locked phones (cheaper initially, buit tied to a contract which makes them more expensive over the full term) or unlocked SIM free ones (which are more expensive to buy initially but work out cheaper over the same term).

As for the US-looney-law that is the DCMA, I can't see that being used in the real world when it comes to phone contracts and I doubt that any individual unlocking their handset is going to find themselves in court.

Member Avatar for Violet_82

Hardly illegal, but, at least in th UK, it might void your warranty. I personally unlock them myself (unless it's an iphone of course, in which case I have no idea how to do it). Try to unlock it yourself, you'll see it's not too hard after all...

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