Unlocking restricted cellphones allows them to work again.
A restricted cell phone has a locked SIM card. A SIM card is a memory chip that connects the phone to the wireless provider's network. To unlock any phone, including those from Cingular, is a fairly simple few-step process. This process first requires permission of the original network provider and then a new SIM card from the next provider, if the phone is changing networks.
Instructions
1. Contact Cingular customer service. Tell them the phone is restricted. They will ask a series of questions about the phone to determine the contract its model number, last owner, etc. After Cingular has gathered enough information they will find the phone's IMEI number. This number identifies the particular phone, like a license plate on a car.
2. Remove the battery cover on the back of the phone. Near the battery is a smaller slot. Make sure this slot has a chip in it with Cingular's label. This is the SIM card. If there is no card and you wish to continue with Cingular's service, ask Cingular for a new SIM card; if switching services insert the SIM card of the new provider. Once a contract is entered with a new provider they'll ship their SIM card.
3. Restart the Cingular phone. It will detect the SIM card, old or new, and a message will appear on the screen saying the phone is restricted. The phone will request a code to cancel this restriction. This code is the phone's IMEI number. Enter the number. Now the phone will begin using the SIM card and function properly.
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