Remove Simlock: This is how it works with all providers

If you want to sell your smartphone or use it with another SIM card, you should first remove the simlock for all providers. We'll show you how it's done.

Remove Simlock: you need to know

If you buy a smartphone with the associated tariff, you can usually get the cell phone at a significantly lower price. So that the offer is worthwhile for the mobile phone provider, the smartphone is usually provided with a simlock, which means that the phone only works with SIM cards from the respective provider.

• However, a simlock does not remain on the smartphone forever. After the contract period, usually 24 months, you can remove the Simlock free of charge. This allows other SIM cards to be used in the cell phone. If you want to be free before the end of the contract, you pay around 100 euros.
• To remove the simlock from your smartphone, you need the IMEI number in some cases. To do this, call the code * # 06 # on your mobile phone using your phone app. The 15-digit IMEI number then appears on the display.
• While in the early years every iPhone in Germany was provided with a simlock, the mobile phone providers have since adopted this method. Devices with Simlock have not been sold since 2016.

Instructions: Remove Simlock from iPhone and Co.

Most providers only simlock iPhones. For this reason, most of the following instructions only refer to the iPhone.

• If you are using an older iPhone, download iTunes and connect the device to the computer using a USB cable. In some cases, the iPhone is already activated by the mobile network provider, so that the simlock automatically disappears after synchronization.
• Otherwise you have to take care of the unlocking yourself. In the following practical tips and documents you will find instructions for removing Simlocks from O2, T-Mobile, Vodafone and AT&T.
• Alternatively, you can use an external provider such as Unlocking.com. Unlocking is usually a bit cheaper here. In the meantime, the providers usually remove old simlocks free of charge, so you should contact your mobile phone provider.
• The jailbreak was also a popular method to get rid of the simlock. This path is no longer worthwhile these days, especially since there are hardly any jail breaks left.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to protect your cell phone from theft.

Video tip: That means Simlock