Unlock a ZTE Phone
ZTE mobile phones, like any other units, can be used on whatever network service provider or baseband you have in your location (provided of course that the ZTE unit you have supports the specific technology). But if you’ve purchased your ZTE phone from a specific telecommunications carrier (like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) through contracts or plans, you won’t be able to use your ZTE to any other network except for the network of the carrier you got it from until you finish or complete the said contract. Now, of course, there’s a way you can still use your unit on other networks without having to complete your plan first—and that is by unlocking your ZTE phone.
Contents
Steps
Getting Your ZTE’s IMEI Code
- Open your ZTE call screen. Do this by tapping the “Phone” application icon on the screen or just by pressing its physical keypad (if any).
- Dial *#06# once the call key screen is up. Your phone’s IMEI code will appear on the screen.
- Write down the code. Take note of your phone’s IMEI code because you’ll need this to unlock your phone.
Getting an Unlock Code
- Find unlock websites. Search for a site on the Internet that provides an unlock code service. There are a lot of websites on the Internet that offers this service for free or in exchange for a small fee.
- Enter your phone’s basic details. These websites need to identify your phone’s IMEI code, the model of your ZTE unit (e.g.., ZTE Sonata 4G), the network carrier your phone is locked in to, and an email address where they can send to you the unlock code after.
- Provide these details on the allocated text fields in order for the website to process your request.
- Wait for the unlocking website to email you the unlock key. After providing the necessary details, these websites will send you your phone’s unlock key to your email address within 12–36 hours from time of request.
- Check your email. After the waiting period, check your email for the unlock key. Jot it down.
Unlocking Your ZTE Phone
- Switch off your ZTE phone. Do this by pressing its Power button.
- Note that the Power button’s location depends on the model of your phone. Check your phone’s manual if you’re not sure where it’s located.
- Remove the SIM card from your phone. Some units have SIM card slots located on the sides for easy removal while other units need to have the battery removed first before you can access the SIM card.
- Again, this will depend on the model of your phone so make sure to check your phone’s manual if you’re not sure where the SIM card is located.
- Place the SIM card you want to use with your ZTE phone. You should use a different SIM card and not one from the same mobile carrier your ZTE is locked in to.
- Turn on your phone and wait for it to boot up. Instead of the usual welcome screen, a notification message will appear on your phone screen telling you that you need to unlock the phone first before you can use the SIM card inserted.
- Enter the unlock code. Do this using your phone’s on screen or physical keypad and press the “OK” button once you’re done. A confirmation message will appear on the screen telling you that your ZTE phone has been successfully unlocked and can now be used on other networks.
Tips
- If you’ve already finished the agreed terms on the contract or plan, you can have your phone unlocked by the network carrier itself without voiding any kind of agreement or warranty. Simply call the customer service department of your carrier and they will be the ones who will unlock your ZTE phone for you.
- Note that this is not a legitimate way to unlock your ZTE phone. Doing this method will void any kind of warranty on your phone if it’s still within the time period stated in your plan or contract.
