Unlocking a mobile phone involves entering a specific code or using software tools to disable the carrier lock, which normally prevents the device from recognizing a SIM card from a competing network. Carriers apply these locks to subsidize device costs on contract plans. Once the process is complete, the user can switch to any compatible network simply by swapping the SIM card.
Heard on the job
The customer finished her two-year contract, so you can go ahead and unlock the handset.
Also heard as
- Unlocked
- factory unlocked