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Will unlocked GSM cell phones work with any provider?

Updated: 9/10/2019
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13y ago

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Unlocked GSM cell phones should work with any provider. You will be able to tell one the sim card is put in the phone.

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13y ago
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Q: Will unlocked GSM cell phones work with any provider?
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What is unlocking and decoding of phones?

unlocking phone also called unlocked phones. means it could work with att & tmoble & rogers & all other cell network provider. it usually new phone. decoding means you change the certain phones code and made it unlocked. it usually old one.


Can you switch the chip in a cell phone to make it work for a different service provider?

No, the cell phones have to be from the same service provider in order for them to work.


Understanding Unlocked Cell Phones?

Cell phones store customer information on tiny, removable cards, known as SIM cards, or on microchips that are built into the phone. When cell phones are made, they are made for a specific service provider. Users that do not have that specific service provider will not be able to use that particular cellphone. Unlocked cell phones are those that have been manipulated into being accepted by other service providers. However, since microchips cannot be easily taken out of the cell phone that they are embedded in, only cell phones that accept SIM cards can be unlocked. The popular service providers that currently use SIM cards are Nokia, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Only customers of these SIM card including service providers will be able to use cell phones that are originally sold by other providers. Customers that obtain cell phone service through other service providers, including Verizon, Alltel, US Cellular, and Sprint will not be able to unlock their phones and use them with other providers. Unlocked cell phones are commonly desired by consumers whose service provider does not offer the phone that they are interested in. Frequently unlocked cell phones are usually new models that feature the latest technology and are largely sought after. For example, many cell phone users coveted unlocked iPhones when they were introduced to AT&T and still commonly unlock these phones. Cell phone users can unlock their own cell phone using software that can be downloaded from a computer or purchased through a third party. There are also companies that offer services that cater to those who need a cell phone unlocked. Consumers that are not interested in those options also have the option of purchasing an unlocked cell phone from a retailer that is not affiliated with any cell phone service provider. Unfortunately, cell phone users should be advised that unlocking a cell phone can actually make the phone unusable. The software that unlocks these phones does not always work properly and can leave a customer with a broken phone, which will generally not be eligible for a refund or return. While unlocked cell phones make it possible for customers to have the cell phone they truly desire, these phones also pose a risk that may leave the customer without a phone and the money they spent on the phone.


Why are gsm cell phones the only ones sold unlocked?

These are the only types of phones that are unlocked because the other ones will only work when they are properly activated. I would advise against buying one of these phones from a source that you don't trust.


Can AT and T Go Phone SIM cards be used in unlocked cell phones?

Hi, yes a at&t Sim card will work on any unlocked phone


Is there a cell phone wholesale?

You can normally buy unlocked cell phones wholesale on eBay or other online retailers. These are normally previous generation phones, but should work fine for your needs.


Do all phones work with vectone?

only unlocked phones


What does it mean for a phone to be unlocked?

It means you can use it with any cell phone provider. Usually phones are made for a specific provider (like AT&T or T-mobile, for example). But an unlocked phone means you don't need a specific provider- it should work with any cell phone company/contract.


Do I have to pay to get GSM cell phones unlocked or can I do it myself?

There are certain cell phones that are able to be unlocked. The Apple iPhone is one that a person can do themselves. No, you don't have to pay to get your GSM phone unlocked. Tech.blorge.com has a step by step guide to help you on that. But you need to find out the make and the model of your phone. Here's the full link: http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2009/02/15/how-to-unlock-gsm-based-cell-phones-to-work-on-any-carrier/


Will cheap cell phones from China work here?

Yes they will work in the USA. What you want to look for is a phone that is unlocked and has all the software on it that your phone company will need.


If a used cell phone is "unlocked" does that mean I can use it on any wireless carrier?

Yes but before you pa that money have them to check it first An "unlocked" cell phone will work on any wireless provider's network, as long as the phone has a SIM card installed. This only applies to GSM phones (Typically AT&T, and T-Mobile).The other major type of cell phone, CDMA, does not use SIM cards, so these phones need to be programmed to a specific carrier by people with the software, and knowledge to do so.


Can prepaid sim cards work with any unlocked cell phones?

It depends on the phone and the carrier. Some sell unlocked phones, other sell locked phones but you can ask them to unlock it. Others are not locked per-se but may be blocked from being used on certain networks. (In the US, for example, prepaid Verizon phones cannot be used on Page Plus.)