What is Simlock?

Mobile phones and smartphones with Simlock are particularly cheap. But what is that anyway? We'll show you what's behind it.

Attention: cell phones with Simlock

"Simlock" stands for "Subscriber Identity Module" and is a restriction code:

• Smartphones with Simlock are bound to a specific cellular network or also to a specific SIM card and tariff.
• For this reason, the smartphone can also be offered at a lower price. The mobile operator earns from the higher mobile costs.
• As a rule, you can request a free unlock code for your smartphone from your provider after two years (or after the minimum contract term has expired). You can then use the cell phone with a SIM card from another mobile phone provider.
• Tip: If you buy a used smartphone (for example on ebay), you should always make sure that it does not have a SIM lock. If in doubt, you should specifically ask the seller about it.

Remove Simlock - Here's how

• The cell phone provider can also unlock the smartphone before the deadline. However, this is associated with costs of around 100 euros.
• For this you need the fifteen-digit IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of the device, which you can query with the code "* # 06 #" or can usually be found under the battery.

You can find out exactly how to proceed in order to unlock your iPhone in the practical tip Unlock iPhone - how it works.