What is an "unlocked" wireless phone?
GSM phones use a SIM card to talk to the wireless network. When you buy a device from a wireless company, it's usually "SIM locked." This means the phone will not work on another wireless providers' network until you get a SIM unlock code from the original wireless company where the device was purchased. Some phones are sold unlocked.
How do I know if my device is unlocked?
Try borrowing a SIM card from a friend or family member who uses a different wireless company than the one the phone was purchased from. For example, if your phone came from T-Mobile, find a friend with an AT&T SIM and see if it works.
If you put that SIM card in your phone and you are able to make and receive calls, your phone should be unlocked. If you can't make or receive a call - or you get some sort of error message - then your phone is probably locked.
What can I do to get it unlocked?
If your phone is locked, check with the original wireless company where the device was purchased to get the unlock code. Different wireless companies have different policies/requirements for when and how they'll provide a SIM unlock code. Cricket can't guarantee that your phone is unlocked just because it works with another wireless company's SIM card.
GSM phones use a SIM card to talk to the wireless network. When you buy a device from a wireless company, it's usually "SIM locked." This means the phone will not work on another wireless providers' network until you get a SIM unlock code from the original wireless company where the device was purchased. Some phones are sold unlocked.
How do I know if my device is unlocked?
Try borrowing a SIM card from a friend or family member who uses a different wireless company than the one the phone was purchased from. For example, if your phone came from T-Mobile, find a friend with an AT&T SIM and see if it works.
If you put that SIM card in your phone and you are able to make and receive calls, your phone should be unlocked. If you can't make or receive a call - or you get some sort of error message - then your phone is probably locked.
What can I do to get it unlocked?
If your phone is locked, check with the original wireless company where the device was purchased to get the unlock code. Different wireless companies have different policies/requirements for when and how they'll provide a SIM unlock code. Cricket can't guarantee that your phone is unlocked just because it works with another wireless company's SIM card.
Instructions on finding and locating a SIM card
In most GSM cell phones, the SIM card is located under the battery, near the electronic circuit board. This part of the handset can be accessed by removing the back cover and unclipping or sliding out the battery.
However, the exact location differs between makes and models, and it is always best to consult the user manual for more precise instructions. If you do not have the manual at hand, you should be able to find it by visiting the manufacturer’s website.
Additional information about SIM location and use may be found on most service providers’ sites. The table below gives a general indication of where the SIM is commonly located in some popular brands of cell phones.
As can be seen from the above information, some models from the same manufacturer feature different SIM locations and trays. If you are unsure of the location of the SIM in your phone, it is best to do further research or contact the manufacturer to avoid damage to your handset.
How to Insert or Remove Your SIM Card
While cell phone handsets differ in the exact location and seating of SIM cards, most systems are similar in design. If the phone has a removable SIM tray on the side, the SIM card can be removed or inserted by simply opening the tray. It is important to note that you should always switch off your phone before removing or inserting a SIM card. You should also take note of instructions that show which side of the card is ‘up.’
To insert or remove a SIM card that is located in a phone’s battery well
If the phone’s manual is available, it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Error Message Solution
Go back and make sure the SIM is inserted correctly. Next, make sure the SIM is not damaged. Check if the problem is with the phone or the SIM by putting the SIM into a different handset. Additionally, make sure your handset is not network locked, or your SIM is compatible with the handset. If the problem persists, contact your service provider.
SIM Card Rejected
This message is displayed when the cell phone is network locked and a SIM from a different provider is inserted in the device. Have the device unlocked or obtain a SIM from the original service provider. In some cases it also indicates a broken or blocked SIM. Contact your service provider to resolve.
Emergency Only or No Service
No network coverage. Sometimes this can be resolved by switching the phone off for a minute and powering it back on. This could also be an indication of suspended service, or that your SIM has not been registered on the network yet (if you are a new user).
Unregistered SIM
The SIM may not be registered on the network yet if it is new. Alternatively, switch off your phone, leave it for a minute, and switch it back on. If the problem persists, contact your service provider.
SIM Card Registration Failed
With a new SIM, the card may not be registered on the network yet. With older cards, restart your device as described above. If the error is persistent, contact your cellular provider.
As can be seen from the table above, most errors can be fixed by turning the phone off, leaving it off for a minute, and turning it back on. This is similar to rebooting a computer and allows the phone to update its software and reset the necessary settings.
In most GSM cell phones, the SIM card is located under the battery, near the electronic circuit board. This part of the handset can be accessed by removing the back cover and unclipping or sliding out the battery.
However, the exact location differs between makes and models, and it is always best to consult the user manual for more precise instructions. If you do not have the manual at hand, you should be able to find it by visiting the manufacturer’s website.
Additional information about SIM location and use may be found on most service providers’ sites. The table below gives a general indication of where the SIM is commonly located in some popular brands of cell phones.
As can be seen from the above information, some models from the same manufacturer feature different SIM locations and trays. If you are unsure of the location of the SIM in your phone, it is best to do further research or contact the manufacturer to avoid damage to your handset.
How to Insert or Remove Your SIM Card
While cell phone handsets differ in the exact location and seating of SIM cards, most systems are similar in design. If the phone has a removable SIM tray on the side, the SIM card can be removed or inserted by simply opening the tray. It is important to note that you should always switch off your phone before removing or inserting a SIM card. You should also take note of instructions that show which side of the card is ‘up.’
To insert or remove a SIM card that is located in a phone’s battery well
- Turn off the phone. Removing the battery while the phone is switched on could lead to data loss or electronic damage.
- Carefully remove the back cover by following any visible instructions, looking out for buttons or sliding mechanisms.
- Remove the battery. Some are ejected by pushing one or two buttons, some slide out, and some are removed by simply turning the phone upside down.
- Look for the SIM card or empty SIM card slot. Some cards slide in, while others are housed in holders that flip open.
- When inserting a card, make sure the card is facing the right way up and the card is inserted according to its shape. Most cards feature a cutout on one corner, making it easy to see the right direction. Make sure the holder clicks back into place and the card is in the correct position.
- Replace the battery with the contacts facing the corresponding area in the handset.
- Replace the back cover securely, allowing it to click into place, before turning the phone back on.
If the phone’s manual is available, it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Error Message Solution
Go back and make sure the SIM is inserted correctly. Next, make sure the SIM is not damaged. Check if the problem is with the phone or the SIM by putting the SIM into a different handset. Additionally, make sure your handset is not network locked, or your SIM is compatible with the handset. If the problem persists, contact your service provider.
SIM Card Rejected
This message is displayed when the cell phone is network locked and a SIM from a different provider is inserted in the device. Have the device unlocked or obtain a SIM from the original service provider. In some cases it also indicates a broken or blocked SIM. Contact your service provider to resolve.
Emergency Only or No Service
No network coverage. Sometimes this can be resolved by switching the phone off for a minute and powering it back on. This could also be an indication of suspended service, or that your SIM has not been registered on the network yet (if you are a new user).
Unregistered SIM
The SIM may not be registered on the network yet if it is new. Alternatively, switch off your phone, leave it for a minute, and switch it back on. If the problem persists, contact your service provider.
SIM Card Registration Failed
With a new SIM, the card may not be registered on the network yet. With older cards, restart your device as described above. If the error is persistent, contact your cellular provider.
As can be seen from the table above, most errors can be fixed by turning the phone off, leaving it off for a minute, and turning it back on. This is similar to rebooting a computer and allows the phone to update its software and reset the necessary settings.
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