what does it mean if a "PHONE IS NOT UNLOCKED"??

Question

im buying a used cell, and its not unlocked..wat does that mean??

Answer 1

A phone that is locked means that you can only use it with the same cell phone service provider that it was purchased from. There are cell phone unlocking services that will unlock it for you, it usually runs from $20-40. When purchasing a cell phone, the price is significantly reduced if you sign a one year or two year contract. If the seller of the used cell phone is still under contract when purchasing that phone, that means the cell phone service provider will not unlock it for you. Each cell phone has a unique number, so they will have a record of whether or not it is eligible to be unlocked. So basically, if you're not going to be using the same cell phone service provider as the seller, then it's probably not a good idea to buy that phone from them. Hope this helps.

------------------------
contrary to what the other answerer said, "unlocked" doesn't usually refer to the phone's security features. It's referring to the "lock" that prevents you from using the phone with a different company.

Answer 2

lol, it means that currently the phone is "locked" to only use a certain service provider, but if you go to/call the service provider, they will unlock it for you so you can use the phone for other service providers.

Answer 3

the phone won't do anything until you unlock using the specified keystokes, this prevents inadvertant changes like changing volume or ring type accidently. my phone is locked or unlocked by pressing menu key then the * key.

Answer 4

Probably means you have to take it to the service provider and get it set up, that's what you usually do when you get a new phone, but other than that I don't know.

Answer 5

It means you will need a key ??

Answer 6

not to worry
you can enter your own lock code.....