How do I learn to unlock CDMA phones ie Bell Mobility

[ticktock]

Hello I would like to tearn how to unlock CDMA phones and what equipment do I need any help would be appreciated Thanks

[macguy9]

In a nutshell... you can't. The only way to unlock a phone (short of reflashing it completely) is by using the subsidy unlock code, which is provided only by the service provider... in this case, Bell. The unlock code is specific only to your handset, and is based on a combination of your ESN and a second code that Bell has decided on. Sorry man, I know it su(ks... but the only way you'll get service on another provider with that phone is to either ask Bell reeeeeealy nicely (long shot at best) or sign up with Bell themselves. Hope that answers your question...

[UNLOCKONLINE]

The code you need is called an spc code or master subsidy unlock code. Its 6 digits and bell mobility is usually the only ones that have it but will not give it out because you can then use the phone to work with another pr0vider of the same technology. We actually do pr0vide a service that allows you to get the spc code for most carriers and phones. We have a database that calculates the algorith at high speeds and shouldnt take more that 24h before you get a email reply with the code. Email us for more info.

[QwestGuy]

I work for Qwest (which is CDMA and uses the Sprint network) One way that I would suggest to get your Sub-Lock code is to call into the phone company and state that you have just changed your number (even though you haven't) and that you were in the middle of re-programming your phone when you were cut off. The agent will then go thru how to re-program your phone with you, part of which is giving you your sublock code. It's 6 digits, write it down and go ahead and finish the re-programming steps as it will just re-enter your current cell phone and not change any settings or lose data. Once you have that lock code you can flash it with another provider. That part however, I'm not to sure how to do.

[conceptedge]

This site is devoted to providing accurate general information, proven solutions and instructions for unlocking and reprogramming CDMA and iDEN cell phones.

Whether you are a consumer who wants to know if you can use your CDMA or iDEN cell phone with another network, or a hobbist or cell phone shop who wants to learn quickly how to use the most popular CDMA and iDEN programming software correctly. You can find it all here.

The instruction documents on this web site are high-quality and market-proven. The instruction here have been used to convert many CDMA phones to Cricket's network so if you are technically proficient, you can save months of learning curve. All major PST software are covered and most popular phone models too.

Since it's a free site, be sure to click on the sponsor ads to support it!

This site will answer the following questions:

How to use a Verizon phone on Cricket?
How to use a Sprint phone on Cricket?
How to use a US Cellular phone on Cricket?
How to use an Alltel phone on Cricket?
How to use a Qwest phone on Cricket?
How to use a Virgin Mobile CDMA phone on Cricket?

Although this document focus exclusively on Cricket because the result was predictable and reliable, the procedure here can be used for converting a CDMA phone described here from any CDMA network to any CDMA network.

This is a list of what we can unlock so far as of 4/25/07

Audiovox 8610, 8500, 8900, 8930, 8940, 8910, 8915, 8912
CDM-8100, CDM-135, CDM-130, PCX-1110XL
Audiovox/Toshiba VM4050, CDM-9900, 9500, 9155GPX
Audiovox / Toshiba VM4050, 9100

LG Lx-5550, Vx-6100, Vx-8300, Vx9800, KG800 Chocolate (with LG PST)

Motorola V60, v120, V60, V3c, T720. t730, V810, E310, V325, c210, c215, c357, E815

Qualcomm / Kyocera 2235, SE44, SE47 Slider, 7135, 6035, 2035 and most Kyocera
Kx5 Slider Remix (no Virgin phones)
Kx9 / 10 okay (no US Virgin phones)
Kx18 Jade

Samsung
211, 411, 850, T300, 2540, A310, A500, A530, A600, A610, A620, A650, A660, A670, A680, A700, A740, A760, A790, A800, A820, A840, A880, A920 (Sprint OK)
I330, I500, I550, I600, I700

N150, N270, N300, N400 and 90% of pre-2006 Samsungs (except A900, A950 and similar phones)

Sanyo 8100, 8200, 8300, 7200, 7400, 5500, 2300

[mulderr]

Just to clarify, is it then possible to buy an unlocked CDMA phone off of ebay and activate it on Bell network if you already possess a contract with then?

[Jay2TheRescue]

No matter if its "unlocked" or not, many CDMA carriers will not activate a phone if its ESN isn't in their database (I.E., They didn't sell the phone when it was new). Its best to email the seller and get the ESN, then call your carrier and see if they will activate it before you buy.

Also, if that phone was used on your carrier's network before, and the subscriber cancelled with an unpaid balance the carrier will blacklist the ESN, and not allow it to be used by anybody until that bill is paid.

Call your carrier. Its the best way to make sure before you spend money on an expensive paperweight.

-Jay

[nikromatt]

I have an Nokia 6255i that is currently locked onto Alltel (now Verizon) which is CDMA. The phone also accepts a sim card and I would like to unlock it for use on a GSM network. Does anyone know if this is possible once unlocked?

[M in LA]

I have an Nokia 6255i that is currently locked onto Alltel (now Verizon) which is CDMA. The phone also accepts a sim card and I would like to unlock it for use on a GSM network. Does anyone know if this is possible once unlocked?

The 6255i is a CDMA phone and does not accept SIM cards, unless it was modified. Even so, it is NOT compatible with GSM networks. Unlocking it won't make it work with any GSM carrier. Even if it has some kind of card slot, the inner workings are CDMA.

Are you sure it's unlocked? Most CDMA phones aren't locked as it's not necessary to do so, unlike with GSM phones. There was NO GSM version of the 6255i made, so there is no SIM card slot in the phone (again unless it was modified).

Edit: I have the 6256i, and after opening it up, beneath the battery compartment is what looks like a SIM card slot. This is NOT usable for a SIM card, no matter how convincing it looks. Why Nokia designed this the way they did is anybody's guess. It might be a memory card slot (for a larger, SIM-sized memory card). As this is a 2005 phone, it would surprise me.

[nikromatt]

The 6255i is a CDMA phone and does not accept SIM cards.

I also read the statement that the slot is not functional. But I'm willing to bet it is only there to appease the CMDA carriers.

[M in LA]

I also read the statement that the slot is not functional. But I'm willing to bet it is only there to appease the CMDA carriers.

That slot is for a R-UIM card, the CDMA equivalent of a GSM SIM card. No carrier in North America supports or uses R-UIM cards, despite the availability of the slot on this phone.

The phone supports CDMA 800/1900mhz and old analog 800. That's it. It would need to have GSM frequencies on it to work with a GSM carrier, so it's still a no go with this phone. It's CDMA only and only usable on CDMA carriers, card slot or not.

GSM and CDMA are NOT compatible no matter how much one wishes they were.

[bwaynep]

Which Site are you referring to? Site Adviser??

This site is devoted to providing accurate general information, proven solutions and instructions for unlocking and reprogramming CDMA and iDEN cell phones.

Whether you are a consumer who wants to know if you can use your CDMA or iDEN cell phone with another network, or a hobbist or cell phone shop who wants to learn quickly how to use the most popular CDMA and iDEN programming software correctly. You can find it all here.

The instruction documents on this web site are high-quality and market-proven. The instruction here have been used to convert many CDMA phones to Cricket's network so if you are technically proficient, you can save months of learning curve. All major PST software are covered and most popular phone models too.

Since it's a free site, be sure to click on the sponsor ads to support it!

This site will answer the following questions:

How to use a Verizon phone on Cricket?
How to use a Sprint phone on Cricket?
How to use a US Cellular phone on Cricket?
How to use an Alltel phone on Cricket?
How to use a Qwest phone on Cricket?
How to use a Virgin Mobile CDMA phone on Cricket?

Although this document focus exclusively on Cricket because the result was predictable and reliable, the procedure here can be used for converting a CDMA phone described here from any CDMA network to any CDMA network.

This is a list of what we can unlock so far as of 4/25/07

Audiovox 8610, 8500, 8900, 8930, 8940, 8910, 8915, 8912
CDM-8100, CDM-135, CDM-130, PCX-1110XL
Audiovox/Toshiba VM4050, CDM-9900, 9500, 9155GPX
Audiovox / Toshiba VM4050, 9100

LG Lx-5550, Vx-6100, Vx-8300, Vx9800, KG800 Chocolate (with LG PST)

Motorola V60, v120, V60, V3c, T720. t730, V810, E310, V325, c210, c215, c357, E815

Qualcomm / Kyocera 2235, SE44, SE47 Slider, 7135, 6035, 2035 and most Kyocera
Kx5 Slider Remix (no Virgin phones)
Kx9 / 10 okay (no US Virgin phones)
Kx18 Jade

Samsung
211, 411, 850, T300, 2540, A310, A500, A530, A600, A610, A620, A650, A660, A670, A680, A700, A740, A760, A790, A800, A820, A840, A880, A920 (Sprint OK)
I330, I500, I550, I600, I700

N150, N270, N300, N400 and 90% of pre-2006 Samsungs (except A900, A950 and similar phones)

Sanyo 8100, 8200, 8300, 7200, 7400, 5500, 2300

[Jay2TheRescue]

Which Site are you referring to? Site Adviser??

That user hasn't logged in for over 2 years. You probably won't get a reply.

[dr3phud]

OK, so here is the deal.

I bought and paid for a Motorola Model VU204 phone and added it to my girlfriend's Verizon Wireless account so we could talk for free. I also helped her with the expense of minutes, just in case I added any extra costs to her bill.

Then unfortunately the relationship falls apart and she dumps me off her Verizon account. No big problem I figure, I'll just take my phone and sign up for another service. Then she tells me that in order to avoid cancellation fees with Verizon, she reported my cellphone as "lost or stolen" and that it is now on some nationwide list.

Am I completely $crewed? Reading the thread here suggests to me that the likelihood of another carrier being willing or able to add my cell phone to their network is zilch! Also it would seem that that nationwide list would even mean that Verizon would never let me fire it up on any network. I'm a bit pizzed as I did pay for the phone.

I did pull the battery out, as I wasn't sure if the phone was still transmitting a location signal and I didn't want any men in black show up at my door demanding I turn over the phone.

Do I have an expensive paperweight now? Any options?

Any advice?

[M in LA]

OK, so here is the deal.

I bought and paid for a Motorola Model VU204 phone and added it to my girlfriend's Verizon Wireless account so we could talk for free. I also helped her with the expense of minutes, just in case I added any extra costs to her bill.

Then unfortunately the relationship falls apart and she dumps me off her Verizon account. No big problem I figure, I'll just take my phone and sign up for another service. Then she tells me that in order to avoid cancellation fees with Verizon, she reported my cellphone as "lost or stolen" and that it is now on some nationwide list.

Am I completely $crewed? Reading the thread here suggests to me that the likelihood of another carrier being willing or able to add my cell phone to their network is zilch! Also it would seem that that nationwide list would even mean that Verizon would never let me fire it up on any network. I'm a bit pizzed as I did pay for the phone.

I did pull the battery out, as I wasn't sure if the phone was still transmitting a location signal and I didn't want any men in black show up at my door demanding I turn over the phone.

Do I have an expensive paperweight now? Any options?

Any advice?

Since your ex-girlfriend took the crooked way out, unless she decides to do the right thing and tell them it wasn't stolen (like this will ever happen), the phone will remain blacklisted. It was her account and her choice to do what she did, as wrong as it is.

Question - why did you add a line to her account? Did you want to save money? If you had your own Verizon account, you would have mobile-to-mobile automatically (with all current available postpaid phone plans). What would it really save her having you on there? The truth is none of this really matters at this point, but it's a lesson not to do this again as this situation is the risk you take by doing so.

Unfortunately you do have a paperweight on your hands.

[hme83]

Unless it is different with CDMA, at least with at&t it is very easy to report a previously lost/stolen phone as now being "found" and reactivate the line of service. Then if your line of service is under contract, again at least with at&t - you can do a transfer of financial responsibility so that there is no cancellation fee. I would think that Verizon would have this same type of transfer available - you'd end up with your own individual account (probably more expensive than the prior family plan arrangement) but you'd be able to use (hopefully!) the phone that you have already purchased.

If you were looking to leave Verizon, it may not be what you prefer to do. But if remaining with Verizon is an option and you are still on at all reasonable terms with your girlfriend, you may want to ask her to check into it for you.

[dr3phud]

Thanks Mobile Mike & hme83! I appreciate the replies and information! Always amazed at the power of the 'net and it's citizens to share and increase the collective knowledge!

Unfortunately she isn't going to be doing me any favors any time soon [for one she doesn't wanna get hit with whatever charges would go with canceling the service.] I suppose after a bit she could recant her story with no economic penalty, but you know how these things go.

So all in all a life lesson learned. Oh well, not a pleasant thing, but shoot not the most expensive lesson life has to teach. I'll get over it.

But to tell the truth I'm one of those old-school, old-fashioned types that really never had much need for a cell phone. It was just a cheap way to keep the long-distance bills down. Yeah, I know... 20 minutes away, but cross a state line..... worked well for a couple of years so I probably got my nickel's worth out of the phone.

So now I'm only missing a cell for the safety it provides while traveling. I'll be looking into pre-paids as it looks like the minimum "toll" there is $20/month of expiring 10-cent minutes from NET10. Can't see what is the advantage of 25-cent minutes that burn up 2.5 times as fast, yet last twice as long.

But I've wandered off track...

Thanks again for the information!

[deathrider1]

what is the web site

[M in LA]

what is the web site

That information has been removed from the post. No longer available.

[ouch007]

So from your posts she just cancelled the whole account and not just your line?
You can either take your phone into Verizon with the reciept - you bought the phone there?
They can prove it and you can either activate it ther or flash it over to another provider.
Bottom you can just buy and throw away phone if you really need one...

I went through the same thing with a room mate; tried to help this guy out and like an idiot added them to another line on my account.
I moved out due to job and told them the line is going to cancel in about four days so go to the provider and get an account.
Instead this guy runs up a 1600.00 dollar bill on my account. You ask how that can be done? Very easy; call your international family members and leave the phone connected.

I told phone carrier what happened and basically they told me tough pay it WHAT WTF...
I took the _____ to court and the judge hammered him; I also motioned for an immediate seizure of his assets to pay this judgement since he will "dissappear". The judge believed me and had the sheriff's take his car and sell it at auction...

Ain't karma great..

Thanks Mobile Mike & hme83! I appreciate the replies and information! Always amazed at the power of the 'net and it's citizens to share and increase the collective knowledge!

Unfortunately she isn't going to be doing me any favors any time soon [for one she doesn't wanna get hit with whatever charges would go with canceling the service.] I suppose after a bit she could recant her story with no economic penalty, but you know how these things go.

So all in all a life lesson learned. Oh well, not a pleasant thing, but shoot not the most expensive lesson life has to teach. I'll get over it.

But to tell the truth I'm one of those old-school, old-fashioned types that really never had much need for a cell phone. It was just a cheap way to keep the long-distance bills down. Yeah, I know... 20 minutes away, but cross a state line..... worked well for a couple of years so I probably got my nickel's worth out of the phone.

So now I'm only missing a cell for the safety it provides while traveling. I'll be looking into pre-paids as it looks like the minimum "toll" there is $20/month of expiring 10-cent minutes from NET10. Can't see what is the advantage of 25-cent minutes that burn up 2.5 times as fast, yet last twice as long.

But I've wandered off track...

Thanks again for the information!

[alsarama1]

i need to know hoe i could unlock cdma phones, let me know

[M in LA]

i need to know hoe i could unlock cdma phones, let me know

Is there a phone in particular you are trying to unlock? Generally Verizon and Sprint phones aren't locked. But trying to use them with other CDMA carriers gets a bit tricky, depending on the carrier. You cannot use an unlocked CDMA phone with AT&T or T-Mobile, as they are GSM carriers. GSM and CDMA are two different incompatible network technologies.

CDMA carriers use the ESN number of the phone to make it work on their network. If they won't add the ESN, you're out of luck.

"Unlocking" a CDMA phone doesn't work the same way as unlocking a GSM phone.

[thejosh88]

hey everyone so im very new to this subject, so after a full 24 hours of searching im just going to break down and ask.....

here is my problem...i bought a telus (cdma) htc diamond today...awesome phone...but the problem is you cannot put this phone on a prepaid account (as it is a data phone) now i understand there has to be a way to get this phone working....

one thing i've seen is esn cloning but every fourm will not talk about it so its very hard to find out how i do this. is this a viable option? if so does anyone know how?! if not any other suggestions?

Thanx to everyone in advance and if this is in the wrong section my bad ive never been here before....

[M in LA]

hey everyone so im very new to this subject, so after a full 24 hours of searching im just going to break down and ask.....

here is my problem...i bought a telus (cdma) htc diamond today...awesome phone...but the problem is you cannot put this phone on a prepaid account (as it is a data phone) now i understand there has to be a way to get this phone working....

one thing i've seen is esn cloning but every fourm will not talk about it so its very hard to find out how i do this. is this a viable option? if so does anyone know how?! if not any other suggestions?

Thanx to everyone in advance and if this is in the wrong section my bad ive never been here before....

ESN cloning is illegal and a forbidden topic on this forum as well.

Your only other option (if Bell or Telus do this) is to get on a post paid account non-contract since you already have a phone. Not quite prepaid, but one way to use the full functionality of your phone (a data fee will be required).

[chollynut]

I have a Verizon LG Env3 that I want to use on a Cricket network. Can I?

[johnsp]

Need Help!

I own an HTC evo 4g with Sprint, and I am moving abroad. I have checked, and abroad there is a cell carrier that uses CDMA. Is there any chance I would be able to make it work there? Maybe an unlock code? What frequencies would this phone support?

Thanks
John

[M in LA]

Need Help!

I own an HTC evo 4g with Sprint, and I am moving abroad. I have checked, and abroad there is a cell carrier that uses CDMA. Is there any chance I would be able to make it work there? Maybe an unlock code? What frequencies would this phone support?

Thanks
John

Gernerally Sprint doesn't lock their phones, though you might want to check with them to be sure. Your phone only works on CDMA 850/1900 and WiMAX 2500. It's unlikely the WiMAX frequencies will work outside the US. There still is no guarantee it will work.

You might want to get more information on the carrier you wish to use it on abroad. If possible, you might want to contact them and see if you can use your phone there. CDMA carriers activating non-native phones can be a tricky prospect. Some do, some don't.

If it will work there and be activated, find out what configurations (if any) are needed for data to work.

[smanning]

I acquired the Unlock Code for my HTC cdma HERO from Sprint. Anyone step me through unlocking???

Thanks.

[hme83]

I acquired the Unlock Code for my HTC cdma HERO from Sprint. Anyone step me through unlocking???

Thanks.

Was Sprint's customer service department not able to give you specific instructions for the unlock process?