You stopped for a moment and wondered what this magical thing could be, and then you realized that BYOD cell phone providers are actually not only useful, but completely essential to your financial future. You see, when you switch to most carriers you will need to choose a plan and you will need to purchase a new device which can definitely get a little bit expensive. If you are strapped for cash, so to speak, then the last thing you want to do is head to the store to buy a brand new phone for your next plan. You’re right: it’s a little ridiculous to switch every single time something new comes up and if you’ve just bought a new phone then you probably don’t want to anyway. That being said, unlocked cell phone plans can use the device you already own and can help to ensure that you never need to buy a new device just to switch to a more reasonable carrier. So here’s the question: how do you use an unlocked cell phone carrier exactly? What’s the procedure?

The Basics of Using an Unlocked Cell Phone Carrier

As we said before, an unlocked cellphone is the only way for you to join these carriers, but how do you go about it exactly? The first thing you need to do is obtain that unlocked cellphone.

How to Get an Unlocked Cellphone

The first place you might want to consider checking is the internet. Amazon and eBay for example will features phones from third party sellers, and buying one will get you in the door. If you do choose to go this route however, it will be within your best interest to make sure that you choose one from a reputable buyer. Once you get your phone, you will be able to jump onto any carrier you wish – it’s a great way to break out of the typical phone plan.

If you are short on cash and already have a device, there is a chance you can have it unlocked by your carrier so long as you meet the following requirements:

• Your are Out of Contract – If you bought your phone as part of a contract, you will need to make sure that you have finished it out and are free to move on to a new cell provider. In addition to that you want to make sure that you have finished paying for your phone and can legally make the switch.
• Your Phone Uses a SIM Card –In order to make the switch to an unlocked cell phone service your phone needs to actually use a SIM card and there are some that do not. The best way to determine this is to turn your phone off, remove the battery, and see if there is a removable card beneath. It will often look like a small, thumb sized card with an electronic chip embedded onto it. This card holds information about your provider, your plan, phone number, and sometimes holds your list of contacts. Assuming that your phone uses one of these, you will be able to purchase a new one from the unlocked cell carrier of your choice and use it to connect your phone.

Getting your carrier to unlock your phone definitely doesn’t have to be difficult. It starts with giving them a call, explaining the situation, and in most cases they will gladly assist you. They will probably give you an unlock code and the entire process can be completed within a few minutes so long as you meet the criteria and are in good standing with them.

If you don’t feel like calling your carrier then you do of course have the option of trying to unlock the phone on your own. A quick internet search will actually reveal a few different ways for you to get this done, but we will say that we do not recommend it. The problem with using this method is that some cell phones will actually lock permanently if you use the wrong unlock code too many times and most of the guides online are model specific – sometimes they are not accurate at all, and that can really end in tragedy for both you and the expensive phone that you have purchased.

Finding the right unlock procedure is critical, assuming that you have chosen not to purchase an unlocked cell phone online. Once you do have an unlocked device however you will find that switching to the new provider is easy and overall it will be quite worth it. There are many great plans and plenty of opportunities to jump onboard with a better provider. Get started today!