If you are thinking of selling your old phone online, one of the important steps you must take is getting the right information about the process and knowing how it works. This involves you ensure you know the right steps to take even before putting the phone up for sale. This makes the process easy and favorable for you. Before putting up your phone for sale, it is important to take a few extra steps to protect your personal information and ensure a smooth transaction. And one of the ways to achieve that is by unlocking your phone.
Unlocking your phone before selling it, though simple, could be very beneficial. Apart from the fact that it can help you in switching to a cheaper sim-only tariff and getting cheaper calls when you are abroad, it also increases the resale value of your device. Read on to discover the importance of unlocking your phone before selling it, and how you can go about the process.
- Increased Resale Value
If you are planning to sell your phone online, an unlocked phone is generally more valuable than a locked one, so unlocking your phone can increase its resale value.
- Ease of Use for the New Owner
Once you have sold your phone, it is easier for the new owner to use his or her choice carrier. This is because an unlocked phone can be used with any carrier, giving the new owner more flexibility and the ability to choose the best plan for their needs.
- Personal Data Protection
When you unlock your phone, you can erase all of your personal data and settings, ensuring that your sensitive information is not accessible to the new owner. This ensures your safety, security, and privacy protection.
Now, let’s talk about how to unlock your phone.
The process of unlocking your phone will vary depending on your specific phone and carrier, but here are some general steps to follow:
- Know the Required Information
Four pieces of information are required in order to unlock your handset, they are Make, Model, IMEI, and Network.
Your IMEI number is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your cell phone. You can find out what your IMEI number is by typing *#06# into your phone’s keypad. If this doesn’t work, then you might find it on the box it came in or on the back of your cell phone.
- Determine if Your Phone Is Eligible for Unlocking
The next step to unlocking your phone before selling is to determine the eligibility of your phone for unlocking. Some carriers will unlock your phone for free after a certain period of time or when you finish paying off your contract. Others may charge a fee for unlocking.
- Contact Your Carrier to Request an Unlock Code
Next is to contact your carrier to request the unlock code. You will need to provide some information, such as your phone’s IMEI number and account information before your request can be granted.
- Follow the Instructions Provided by Your Carrier
Once you request an unlock from the network provider or cell phone unlocking company this will be sent to you. Enter this code in your cell phone and your cell phone will then be unlocked and able to accept sim cards from any compatible network.
- Erase All of Your Personal Data
Lastly, before putting up your phone for sale, ensure you erase all sensitive information and personal data from the phone. This can usually be done through the phone’s settings menu.