Everything About How to Unlock a Blackberry
Calling all Blackberry owners who wish to know certain things about unlocking their Blackberry, here is a step-by-step guide that answers most of their questions. By following these simple steps you will be able to understand how to unlock a Blackberry better. This write-up has been prepared in response to the numerous queries received from people who are keen to understand the process of how to unlock a Blackberry and the benefits that you can enjoy.
If you own a GSM Blackberry then this write-up will surely help you. A Blackberry that has a SIM card slot is a GSM Blackberry. On the other hand Blackberry models like the Storm 9530/9550, Tour 9630 and 8830 with providers like Verizon/Sprint/Telus/Bell are CDMA dual technology based phones.
So here is everything (updates will be provided whenever something new comes up) that you wanted to know about how to unlock a Blackberry along with the benefits.
Why should you learn how to unlock a Blackberry?
Suppose you want to avail the services of another GSM provider, in that case knowing how to unlock a Blackberry will help you use your phone with another provider. Moreover when you are traveling you have to pay higher roaming charges. If you know how to unlock your Berry you can easily use a local prepaid SIM card and thus make substantial savings. It also enhances the value of your Blackberry should you decide to sell it. You also get the option to choose any GSM Blackberry device as well as network.
Which Blackberry’s can be unlocked?
Blackberry’s can be either GSM or CDMA based. A GSM Blackberry has a SIM card slot whereas a CDMA has a Memory Card slot. You can only unlock a GSM Blackberry.
Can you use your Blackberry with any GSM provider after unlocking it?
In 99% of the cases you can do provided your Blackberry is compatible with the network that you wish to choose. Therefore it is better to check the GSM capabilities of your phone by comparing the same with the frequencies of the network that you wish to use.
For example if you own a Blackberry 8830 which is capable of GSM 900 / 1800 on GSM then after unlocking it you will not be able to use it in North America. There are many similar instances that show the limitations on the use of your Blackberry. So you have got to check things out beforehand. It would be better if you ask before unlocking your Blackberry so that you can be sure.
Is it possible to use your unlocked Blackberry with Verizon/Sprint which also has SIM cards?
If you are on roaming outside North America and your Blackberry is a dual technology phone (models-8830/9530/9550/9630) then you can. However you are required to inform them so that they can activate your SIM card for International use. Right now you cannot use your Verizon/Sprint line on their SIM card in North America.
If you unlock your Blackberry will that affect its warranty?
No, it will not. This used to be an issue in the past. This is because while unlocking some phones it was necessary to get them opened and this led to tampering of the software. This procedure did affect the warranty. However, most providers reply in the affirmative because they have to tow the line. Numerous Blackberry phones after unlocking were used with ATT/T-Mobile/Verizon/Rogers and there were no problems at all.
Will unlocking of a Blackberry affect the functionality of features like BBM/Email/Browser?
It will certainly affect but there is a way. You got to have a Blackberry Data Plan with your provider. You may also be required to load the Service Books manually into your Blackberry. Given below are some forums which can help you with the process. You can also check out other forums as well focusing your search criteria on ‘Service Books’. There may be certain cases where the Blackberry owner will be required to ensure that the previous provider has released the PIN (in case the phone has been used earlier).
Understanding the unlock code of a Blackberry (MEP and SP)
MEP stands for Mobile Equipment Personalization and SP means Service Provider lock. The MEP is the unlock code which can be used to unlock most Blackberry’s and a majority of Blackberry phones have it. On the other hand SP has been newly introduced by Bell/Telus in their GSM Blackberry’s.
To know whether your Blackberry is unlocked or not
This is pretty simple. Insert your SIM card and select Options/Advanced Options/SIM card. Thereafter, without putting any quotes type in the letters ‘mepd’. You can be sure that your Blackberry is unlocked if the network displays ‘Disabled’ or ‘Inactive’. In case it displays the opposite then your phone is locked. Sometimes the network may say ‘Blocked’. In that case you have to take your Blackberry to an authorized shop to get it unlocked by their trained personnel.
In case the network says ‘Disabled’ but the Service Provider says ‘Active’, then you will have to use the SP Unlock Code to get your Blackberry unlocked.
Unlock code digits and their usability
Usually the unlock code comprises 8 to 16 digits and the same depends on the model and the provider. The IMEI based unlock code is unique for every Blackberry and it won’t work on another.
Can you unlock your Blackberry if have a past-due balance with your previous provider?
Of course but you have to report that your Blackberry was stolen and get the PIN blocked by RIM.
How to enter the Unlock Code into your Blackberry?
Visit our first choice Blackberry unlock codes reseller Unlocking.com and watch the video that will give you instructions on how to unlock a Blackberry.
The number of attempts that you are allowed to enter the correct code
Normally you will get 10 tries or 255. Your Blackberry will display ‘Enter Network MEP Code (xx Left)’. In case you have exhausted your tries then to unlock your phone you have to take it to an authorized unlocker.
Buying unlock codes: Easy, fast and (mostly) safe!
If you have an account with a provider you may get the unlock code for free. In case you don’t get it, or you simply do not wait to wait for days before receiving one, then you can approach any reliable unlocker and purchase a blackberry unlock code. If you are buying your unlock code then the cost depends on the model of your phone, the provider you are using and the country where you live. Sometimes you may get discounts provided you are a member of a forum which sells Blackberry unlock codes.
Our most recommended online platform to buy blackberry unlock codes from has to be the guys over at Unlocking.com. They have been active for over 5 years now, selling unlock codes for almost all handset brands and models. Since a bit over a year they started dedicating more to selling Blackberry unlock codes, meaning they can deliver a code within one minute after a purchase has been done. Also, their pricing is fairly reasonable, selling a code for a one-time fee of just $14,99. Codes are delivered with details instructions that have your Berry unlocked in minutes. Be sure to check out their site, if you do not want to follow the ‘apply with carrier’ route. They also have a great video available, showing how easy it can be to unlock your Blackberry. Watch the video here.
Hope this guide on how to unlock a Blackberry helped in addressing most of your queries. New inputs will be added to it shortly so as to make it more comprehensive. We also look forward to your suggestions which if applicable will be included in this guide.
