How to Unlock Your Nokia Phone

If you purchased a Nokia smartphone through a wireless carrier, such as Verizon or T-Mobile, the phone is likely locked, which means it's restricted to that company's network. If you want to move to another network, or traveling and facing expensive roaming fees, it may be possible to unlock your Nokia phone, allowing you to switch between carriers.

Before You Unlock Your Nokia Phone

Before trying to unlock your Nokia smartphone, determine if it is locked to a carrier. If you purchased the device at full price, directly from an electronics store, your Nokia smartphone probably isn't locked. If you bought the device through a carrier plan or within a carrier store, it's likely locked.

Next, if you want to unlock your Nokia phone to use it with another carrier, make sure the device supports that carrier's network technology. Check your Nokia phone's manual to verify what frequencies it supports, and check with your prospective carrier to make sure the device is compatible.

How to Unlock Your Nokia Phone

Follow your carrier's specific instructions for unlocking your Nokia phone. Here's a look at the general process, though your service's steps may differ.

1. Contact your wireless service provider and request an unlock code.

   This is usually not a problem if you're a longtime customer, but various carriers have restrictions.

2. Remove the Nokia phone's SIM card.

   Consult the phone's manual for instructions on how to do this properly.

3. Turn on the phone without its SIM card.

   Enter your PIN code if prompted.

4. Insert a new SIM card and enter the unlock code. You should see a SIM Restriction Off message.

Carrier Unlocking Policies

Here's a look at the unlocking policies of the major wireless carriers.

Verizon

Verizon's unlocking policy says devices are locked for 60 days after purchase. It notes that an unlocked Verizon Wireless device may not work or may experience limited functionality on another carrier's network.

AT&T

AT&T's unlocking policy spells out specific conditions and offers unlocking help and resources.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile's unlocking policy describes eligibility requirements for unlocking a device and provides a form for requesting an unlock code.

Sprint

Sprint's unlocking policy describes unlocking requirements and other notes.

Online Unlocking Services

While contacting your carrier offers the safest and most reliable method for unlocking a Nokia phone, there are online services that provide unlock codes if you encounter an issue with the unlocking process.

UnlockMe focuses on older Nokia phone models, while the Nokia Unlock Calculator services several platforms.