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While it's not illegal, unlocking your phone WILL invalidate its warranty in most cases. Thus do think twice if you're still in the warranty period and have a superexpensive handset; while it's possible to 're-lock' some phones, this shouldn't be relied upon.

How to unlock

Before getting down to it, have you tried putting a different SIM in your phone to see if it works? You have and it doesn’t? Okay then; there are two distinct ways to unlock mobiles:

• Using a code. This is known as 'remote unlocking' and involves getting and entering a special code into your phone, which gets rid of all the restrictions as if by magic, and is by far the most common method.
• Using a clip and cable. This involves unlocking the phone using a specific data cable and software, and applies to a limited number of handsets. Most people will send their phone to a dedicated unlocker for this service, but it's possible to do it yourself if you have the technical expertise.

Method 1. Unlock your phone for free

The free method works best for older Nokia phones and some other older handsets. Yet its worth everyone quickly trying to see if you can find a code for your phone. If not, go to Method 2 below.

Step 1. Get your facts right
To find a working unlocking code for your handset, you need three pieces of information: its brand/model number, the network, and the IMEI code. Here's how to find them.

• Brand and model number. Chances are you already know this, as it's likely to be written on the handset, its box, and any documentation you got when you bought it
• The network. This is simply the network the phone is currently locked to, not the one you want to get on
• The IMEI. The International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique number given to all mobile phones, which gets marked as invalid when phones are reported lost or stolen. To find your IMEI, simply type *#06# into your handset, and note down the number that appears.

Step 2. Find an unlocking code
There are many websites dedicated to phone unlocking. Which you should head for first depends on your handset brand.

• Nokia phones. The easiest way to unlock older Nokias is via codes found on sites like Trycktill, Unlock Nokiafree or Unlockitfree.
• Other brands. Both Trycktill and Unlockitfree do list a few codes for other brands, though no where near as many as for Nokias. Some handsets by other manufacturers are not unlockable by freely-available codes, but it's still worth running a quick Google search to see if yours is one of the few that is (though do check it's a legitimate source). If it transpires that you can't unlock your phone with a free code, go to Method 2 below.

Step 3. Use it!
The sites above will generate a code based on the information you provided, so double check it's right first. The code will look something like this. #pw+2746763089+1# (Nokia phones), or *2767*637# (Other makes).

To unlock, take the SIM card out of the phone and put in a different network SIM. Then you can put the code in...

How to enter the code

Rather than using the regular text keys you need to use the * key if you want to produce letters as opposed to numbers. To produce a ‘p', press the * button three times within two seconds; to produce a ‘w', press the * button four times within two seconds; to produce a ‘+', press the * button twice within two seconds.

You should now get a message saying ‘phone restriction off' (or words to that effect). You only have five attempts to enter the correct code so be extremely careful. If none are successful, the phone will still work, but you'll have to go to Bluefire Wireless Customer Service.

Method 2. Buy a code

If you haven't found a free code, it may be possible to buy one. Obviously the aim here is to find the code as cheaply as possible and it's only worth doing if the reason you're going to unlock your phone will save you more than the cost.

Who is this for?

This applies to most modern handsets, so it is always worth trying, but if it does not work then there is still a chance using Method 3 below.

First, get a quote from your network

Phone your current network and ask it how much it'll charge for an unlock code. Unfortunately, networks tend to play fast and loose with their unlocking fees, to the extent it often seems they're making them up as they go along. You may be quoted anything between $40 and $240, depending on your handset and the network. Virgin Mobile and Vodafone are the exceptions from all this cloak-and-dagger pricing; Virgin currently unlocks phones for free provided you've bought at least $60 of Virgin airtime. Vodafone contract customers can get phone unlock codes for free regardless of how far into the contract they are, and so can Pay As You Go customers provided they've been with the network for at least 12 months. If not, a reasonable flat-rate $40 is payable.

Then, try the dedicated unlockers

Having got a benchmark unlocking price from your network, you can hit the web and the High Street to see if they'll beat it. Websites Mr Unlock and MobileUnlocked have decent feedback, though in both cases be sure you know exactly what you're getting before you pay. Do always check the legitimacy of sites; there are some dodgy operators working in this business.

The web is not the only place to look; it is likely there are businesses offering mobile unlocking on your local high street. Check phone shops, markets and even some newsagents and key-cutters; they might be cheaper. The added advantage of this is that if they cannot do the job you will not be charged, whereas on the web you will pay regardless.

It can take anything between 15 minutes and a week for your code to come through, depending on the network. Once it arrives, follow the instructions in Method 1 to put it into the handset.

Method 3. Unlock via a cable

If all else fails, your phone may only be unlockable by the physical use of a cable attachments. You can either pay to have it unlocked, or, if you've a head for technology, do it yourself.

Use a high street/market unlocking service.

Since you're going to have to post your phone to any online unlocking service, a process which can in itself be costly and cause headaches, the local unlockers have the upper hand here. It's worth asking for a few quotes and playing the sellers against each other. With these sorts of services, you may be surprised at how far a bit of haggling can get you.

Do it yourself

If you fancy yourself as tech-savvy, you can also buy a cable on eBay or cheaper accessory websites and download free software, which should do the trick. This can get complicated, so be sure to research it thoroughly online before parting with your cash for the unlocking 'clip'. Be very careful though; this is only for the technologically experienced who can work through all issues.

There are different clips for each brand, and often for different handsets within that brand, so be sure to get the right one for your needs. If you only want to unlock one handset, then the most economical option may be to buy the clip, unlock the phone, and then re-sell it on eBay to recoup your costs.