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It can be frustrating when you try to use your phone and all you get is a black screen. Phones have come a long way from being just a simple flip phone. Unfortunately, technology still has its limitation.

You might not always be able to fix the issue on your own, but there are a few tips to try before taking it to a professional.

My iPhone Won’t Turn On – Reset Your Phone

This may seem pretty silly, but your phone can sometimes overheat. Also, it just may need a moment to be turned off. When you constantly have your phone turned on and never give it a break, it could start to lag or have issues.

You can easily restart your phone by pressing the power button.

Once you press and hold the button, the option to power off your screen will pop up. Then, just slide your finger over and your phone will turn off.

Leave your phone off for a few minutes and then turn it back on. If your phone turns on when you first try the power button, that might have been your issue. Your phone may have crashed and turned itself off.

iPhone Screen Went Black – Charge Your Phone

This may seem like another easy tip, but a phone’s battery can sometimes drain quickly. Running apps in the background of your phone typically is a battery drainer. Plug your phone into the charger and leave it for about 15-20 minutes.

Some iPhones will turn on automatically once they start charging. You may need to turn your phone on by using the power button though, depending on which iPhone you have.

When you plug your phone in, a small icon should show up on the bottom of your phone by the charging port. If the icon is not there or your phone doesn’t turn on once plugged in, you may need to try a different charger.

Try different charging cords and wall ports as well, or try a different wall outlet. If no charger is working, you may need to take it to a phone tech. Also, if no chargers are working, try to charge another iPhone with your charger.

If that phone works while yours doesn’t, that means your phone is having issues. There is some talk about some iPhones charging while hooked up to a computer but not when they are plugged into a wall. If you’re desperate and have a computer, also try this as well.

Factory Reset If iPhone Will Not Turn On

If you’ve tried multiple methods and nothing works, you may need to factory reset your phone. In order to do this, connect your iPhone to a laptop or desktop computer.

The computer needs to have an updated version of iTunes on it though. You’ll also want to save everything from your phone onto the computer. A factory reset will delete any and all data you currently have on your phone. If you don’t download your content onto the computer, you may lose it all.

If the computer doesn’t recognize that your phone is plugged in, do a hard reset while it is plugged in. If you do a hard reset and iTunes tells you there is an error, it’ll tell you to restore your phone. Follow the prompts on iTunes and make sure you save your data.

If a hard reset doesn’t work, there’s a good chance that all your content is gone. Unless you have all your recent data and info backed up on the Cloud, there might be no easy way to restore everything on your phone.

iPhone Doesn’t Turn On – Hard Reset

As stated above, a factory reset can sometimes help your phone. A hard reset does a little more than just restarting your phone though – it will clear a little bit more memory on your phone. Don’t worry, it doesn’t erase any data that is on your device.

To do a hard reset, press and hold the home button and power button simultaneously for at least 10 seconds. If you have the iPhone 7, hold the volume down button and the power button simultaneously.

Once the white apple logo appears on your screen, let the buttons go and the phone should turn on. Then, just give your phone a few minutes to reboot itself.

Check for Damage

One reason why your phone doesn’t turn on may be because it has sustained some damage. While some iPhones are very tough and water resistant, others have had bad luck with durability.

You could drop your phone in water today and problems might not arise until a few days later. Check for any cracks or physical as well as water damage. You may have unknowingly spilled liquid near the charging port and that can cause issues.

My iPhone Wont Turn On at All – Restore iOS

Lastly, you may need to restore your iOS operating system. This may sound difficult, but it is actually fairly easy to do. The best way to know if you need to do this is to look at your screen.

If the iTunes logo shows on your screen with the charging logo when you try to turn your phone on, that means it is time to restore iOS. This needs to be done because the operating system has frozen.

To perform this restoration, you’ll need to plug your phone into a computer that has iTunes downloaded onto it. When you plug the USB into the computer, hold down the home button on your phone at the same time.

A message telling you to connect to iTunes will show up on your screen when you hold the home button down. Your phone should then go into recovery mode on its own.

Restoring the operating system will be another way of losing all the data on your phone. Because of that, it’s always a good idea to back up everything onto the Cloud.

Conclusion

There are many ways you can try to fix the issue that your iPhone is having. Definitely try the above tips, but if they do not work, take your phone to an Apple store. Other than that, try taking your phone to your mobile carrier as well.

We’ve all experienced the panic when our devices stop charging all of a sudden. It is worrisome, since we usually have no idea why this is happening. Turns out, there are many things that can affect an iPad’s ability to charge.

This article will detail some things to check and look out for so that you can figure out why your iPad isn’t charging.

Why Is My iPad Not Charging?

There are many reasons why your iPad may not be charging. It could be a problem in any of the four components of the iPad, including the software, the charger, the cable and the charging port.

To figure out what’s wrong with your iPad, you will need to check for each of these possibilities before you can accurately deduce the cause.

Is Your Charger Working?

The charger that you are using for your iPad may be the problem. If your power from your charger is fluctuating, your iPad’s software will detect it and stop charging. This is because the software identifies the power fluctuations as a safety risk.

Hence, it will stop your device from charging to prevent any possible damage. You can see if any charging is happening by checking if there’s a lightning bolt on the battery meter.

This is why you should try charging your iPad with multiple different chargers before you rule the charger out. This includes trying all the USB ports on your laptop as well as the original iPad wall charger that came with your purchase.

If you find that your device is chargeable with some chargers and not some others, it means that your iPad is not the problem but the charger that you’re using.

If your iPad refuses to charge with all kinds of chargers, it means that the problem lies elsewhere and requires more troubleshooting.

iPad Says Not Charging – Are You Using the Correct Charger?

If you accidentally grabbed your iPhone’s adapter instead, you might simply be seeing a really slow charging process. An iPhone’s adapter uses much less power (half or more) than the iPad adapter, which will charge your gadget but immensely slow.

Just be sure to check for this in order to rule this out as another possible cause.

My iPad won’t Charge – Check Your Charging Cable

If you have ruled out the charger itself, you might need to check your lightning cable instead. You should check for any fraying or discoloration on the Lightning connector or the wire itself. If you see any of these signs, it may be time to get a new Lightning cable.

To check if the Lightning cable is truly the issue, try charging your iPad with another cable. If you do not have a spare cable, you can borrow one from a friend or simply purchase a new one to test it out.

Once again, if your iPad is still not charging after trying this, it means that your charging cable is not the problem and something else is.

Is Your Cable MFi-Certified?

Piggy-backing off the previous point, you should make sure that your Lightning cables are MFi-certified. When you get cables at your local convenience store or gas station, you usually find non-MFi-certified cables, which are usually of lower quality.

These cables usually overheat and this can end up damaging the internal components of your iPad.

Usually, you can easily find out if your cables are MFi-certified or damaged, since your iPhone, iPad and/or iPod will send a message that says “This Accessory May Not Be Supported” after you plug the cable in.

This is why you shouldn’t risk it – always use MFi-certified cables when you charge your Apple device.

Why Does My iPad Say Not Charging – You Might Need to Clean Your iPad’s Charging Port

After you’ve tried the above two points, you should now take a look inside your iPad’s charging port. Simply use a flashlight to closely inspect the charging port. You should be on the lookout for any dirt, gunk, debris, or lint that may be stopping your Lightning cable from making a clean connection with your iPad’s charging port.

There are eight small pins inside the charging port, which are the points that make a connection with your Lightning cable. As long as one pin is obstructed by debris, your Lightning cable will not be able to connect with your iPad’s charging port.

Even if you don’t see much debris, you are still advised to try cleaning the charging port. It is possible for tiny specks of dusts to obstruct the pins and cause a charging problem.

How To Fix iPad Not Charging

If none of the above-mentioned components are the causes, it is likely that your iPad’s software is causing issues. Here are some ways you can try to troubleshoot the problem:

If iPad Shows Not Charging Try Restoring a Backup from Your iCloud/iTunes

While this is rather uncommon, a software glitch from an Apple update could be affecting your iPad’s charging capabilities. To check for this possibility, try restoring an old backup that you made.

Be sure to use a backup that was made during the time when your iPad had no charging problems. Otherwise, the software glitch could still be present and nothing would change. However, if a restore did not work, it would mean that a software glitch is not the cause.

Give Your Device a Break

When your iPad is not charging, Apple recommends that you unplug the device from all power sources and wait for 30 minutes before you try to charge it again. If this break doesn’t work, try turning your iPad on and off.

Try a Hard Reset If iPad Is Not Charging

After trying all other possible fixes, try a hard reset to solve your iPad’s charging problems. This should be your last resort after trying everything else. A hard reset is the ultimate solution to any software-related problem.

This will delete all of your applications, personal data and a lot more from your iPad. It basically resets your entire iPad to its factory settings. To perform the hard reset, go to your Settings, then General. After, go to Reset and choose “Erase All Contents and Settings.”

You can also press both the power button and home button while your iPad is turned off to perform a hard reset.

Find Help at Your Local Apple Store

If worse comes to worse, you may have to travel to an Apple store to get help from a representative. They will make you repeat several of the steps above, but they will ultimately help you with a diagnosis.

If you are still covered by warranty, you should be able to get this fixed for almost nothing. But if you are not, you may have to pay quite a bit of money for this repair. Either way, if you need it fixed and Apple is the only one who can do it, you may just have to do so.

If not, you could upgrade your iPad to the latest model if getting a new one is a better investment than a repair.

Conclusion

By checking the above tips, hopefully your iPad is able to charge again. Just remember that if you cannot fix your iPad by yourself, you might have to consult Apple to fix it for you. However, if the iPad is old or irreparable, you may want to consider a new model.

Whether you’re buying a new or pre-owned iPhone, it’s a good idea to take a look at whether it’s locked or unlocked. This can have a big impact on what mobile carrier you’re able to connect with as well as the price you pay for your new phone.

You can’t tell just by looking whether your phone is unlocked though, which is why we’re here to help you check on the status of your iPhone before you buy it.

What is an Unlocked iPhone?

The lock is essentially a software code that’s put on the iPhone by the manufacturer to meet operator requirements, attaching the iPhone to a carrier. This means that an unlocked iPhone is a phone that isn’t limited to a particular carrier.

You can switch your phone from one network to another and it will still work just fine. Usually, iPhones bought directly from Apple will be unlocked.

If you buy your phone used or from a specific carrier though, the phone is generally locked until the contract is completely paid off, or until the previous owner’s contract is paid off.

Since iPhones are not branded by specific mobile carriers, you can’t determine the carrier just by looking. You’ll have to check whether the iPhone is locked or not if you’re buying and would like to switch your carrier.

How To Check If iPhone is Unlocked

Unlocking your phone is important if you’d like to change carriers, which is why many people like to perform this check on the iPhone before they buy one.

You have a few different methods you can choose from to perform this check, the simplest one being the SIM card check.

Is My iPhone Unlocked – SIM Card Check

All you have to do is take out your iPhone’s SIM card and put one in for a different carrier. Make a phone call using that SIM card and see if it connects. If the phone call doesn’t connect, then the iPhone is locked.

You can try this method easily if you have a friend using a different carrier for their phone, although not everyone has a SIM card readily available to them.

You might be able to walk into a store for a different carrier and ask to borrow a SIM card though.

This might not work for all other carriers, but some are very accommodating and will simply hand you a SIM card for a few moments. It should only take a few seconds to have your answer.

How to Know if iPhone Is Unlocked – Check Settings App

Head on over to your Settings app and tap into the Mobile Data and Mobile Data Options. Check to see your Mobile Data Network – if you see the option for your network, this means that your phone is unlocked.

If you do not see the option, it won’t appear on locked iPhones. This isn’t completely effective though and should be double-checked.

Call Your Carrier

This solution is a bit more difficult and may not always work, since carriers do not always tell you whether the phone is locked or unlocked over the phone. However, it’s the surest way for you to know the status of your device.

Keep in mind that this method takes some time, since you have to wait for the carrier to get back to you. You may have to spend time on the phone with customer service, but you will know for sure.

Find Your IMEI Number

You can actually use a couple online tools to check if your phone is locked using its IMEI number. This is the serial number of your iPhone that communicates with Apple servers and provides all the information you need about your Apple device.

You’ll have to pay about three dollars to perform the check, but a few tools are free after you locate your IMEI number. You can find your IMEI number using a few methods. First, you can take a look at the back of your iPhone to see if it’s there, or head on into Settings then to About.

You can also find the IMEI number by connecting your phone to your computer and launching iTunes. Just go to Device Summary and click on the phone number.

You also have the option of checking your device’s original packaging and barcode, or even looking at the SIM card tray in some cases.

How To Know If Your iPhone Is Unlocked – Online Tools

Once you have that IMEI, your checker will let you know whether your phone is locked or unlocked. However, it will not unlock your iPhone for you. Regardless of what checker you use, make sure it has GSX access, which connects right to Apple.

This will provide you with the most up-to-date information about your iPhone. You can find this out by looking at the website you’ve chosen to see if there is a GSX report in the “Next Tether Policy” value.

After you’re sure of your website, input the number, prove you’re not a robot with the captcha and take a look at the information given to you by the website. Then, look for the Lock Status to see if you’re locked or unlocked.

Word of Caution

If you’re buying a used iPhone from someone, of course you’ll want to know whether it’s locked or not. However, also check to be sure that it’s not on the GSM blacklist. This is a list of stolen phones that can be identified by their IMEI numbers. You can check this with IMEI checkers or by contacting any wireless carrier. Once you’re sure of your phone’s status, contact a mobile carrier if you’d like help getting it unlocked.

Conclusion

Technology can seem daunting at times, but knowing whether your iPhone is locked or or not doesn’t have to be complicated. Perform a couple of these checks to see if your phone is unlocked and whether you can use it on another mobile carrier.

Even though you can’t tell your phone’s status just by looking at it, our tips make it easy to purchase your phone with peace of mind.

It can be so frustrating to have a phone you like that is stuck to a network that doesn’t work for you. Or the opposite – a great network provides the coverage you need, but you can’t take your favorite phone over to them.

Luckily, we live in an age where you no longer have to be tethered to a particular service provider, even if you bought your phone from them. It is possible, and completely legal, to mix and match your device and your service provider.

This is accomplished by unlocking your phone. Doing so offers the opportunity to switch between networks by inserting a new SIM card without having to get a new device. This can be a particularly useful option for people who often travel internationally, people who have moved, or those who want to modify, customize, and perfect their smartphones.

DirectUnlock has, by far, the most reliable and affordable service for an IMEI unlock on a Samsung Galaxy S4.

How Does “Carrier Lock” Work?

When someone buys a new cell phone, it is locked to a specific carrier.  Manufacturers accomplish this by loading phones with carrier locks. The term “carrier lock” may sound like intimidating tech jargon, but it is a piece of code that is loaded onto a phone to ensure that it cannot be used on another operator’s network.

In other words, if you buy your device from AT&T, the carrier lock keeps your phone compatible with only the AT&T network. Almost all phones come with carrier locks, whether they are purchased from a wireless operator or a big retailer, like Amazon or Best Buy.

It doesn’t matter whether you buy the device at full price or at a lower cost. And with a two-year contract, the phone will be stuck on that network until you pay it off.

Being tied to a specific provider can be a burden for any number of reasons. If you move, travel, or wish to switch your service provider, you may find that it is difficult or almost impossible to switch between carriers without some guidance and/or a fee (especially if your contract is not up yet).

Again, the solution to this problem is releasing your smartphone from carrier restrictions. In other words, over ride that carrier lock. This enables your device to work with any service provider once you get their SIM card. This may sound like shady business, but rest assured, it is completely legal and quite easy to unlock your smartphone.

If you are using a reliable and trustworthy service, it does not require you to have any advanced technical knowledge.

If liberating your device sounds like an enticing option, your next step is to do some research on how to accomplish this task. You will find that there are several different methods you can use to do this. Some are more effective and safer than others.

Let’s take a quick look at the three main ways you can unlock a smartphone, and the pros and cons of each.

The Secret Methods to Unlocking a Samsung Galaxy s4

I became knowledgeable about the topic of unlocking phones out of necessity. Last year, I got a job as a consultant for a large company. I knew a large part of my job was going to consist of traveling back and forth between my home base in the U.S. and clients’ offices throughout Europe.

I feared that using my device while traveling would end up costing a lot of money, and within a few weeks those fears were confirmed!

I found that I was incurring large fees while traveling internationally, and that the coverage was often spotty when I needed it most. I considered the possibility of juggling multiple phones and sim cards, but I found that prospect to be too overwhelming and cumbersome in the midst of work and travel.

I have a Samsung Galaxy S4, so my research focused on this specific model. The general principles are true for the majority of smartphones, but you may need to do further research if you have a different model.

When I began my research, I had heard of freeing up devices before but was otherwise new to the whole process.

I didn’t know where to start.

So I spoke to tech savvy friends, multiple company representatives, and perused countless internet forums. Through this research, I found three main ways that a customer could accomplish this.

One of which has a high rate of failure and a high probability of causing damage to the phone. The other two methods are safe, quick, and dependable.

Least Successful: Hardware Unlocking

Let’s start with the worst method and get it out of the way. This method is called “hardware unlocking.” It consists of actually opening up the phone and messing with the internal hardware. The success of this method is dependant on the person doing it, and since there aren’t any officially licensed technicians to do it, it is generally unpredictable and has a low success rate.

Also, this method will automatically void your warranty. No one wants to get stuck with a broken device and no way of getting their money back!

Hardware unlocking was definitely not an option for me, as I imagine it is not an option for most people who don’t want to throw their money down the drain.

Hit Or Miss: Get Your Carrier To Unlock Your Phone

The second method is to go through your current carrier. If you are at the end of your two-year contract, you can go through your carrier to unlock the device and restore it to factory settings.

In 2014, President Obama signed a bill that allowed people to unlock their phones. Since that bill was signed, most carriers will assist you with the process when your contract is up. If this is the case, you shouldn’t have to pay a cent to have it done. In rare cases, a carrier may help a customer while the contract is still active, but this is rare.

In my case, I was not near the end of my contract and AT&T wouldn’t budge, so this was not a viable option for me.

Best Option: IMEI Unlocking

The final method is called IMEI unlocking. This is by far the safest, most effective, accessible, and common method for freeing up a smartphone.

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, and this code is a serial number for your device. Each smartphone has its own unique IMEI number. These numbers are stored in a database and are associated with other identifying information about your phone, like the color, storage capacity, model number, and year of production.

It is possible to use the IMEI code to switch your device from “locked” (attached to particular service provider in the database) to “unlocked” (unattached to a particular service provider).

This method is permanent, easy, fast, and legal, and will not affect your warranty.

The answer was pretty clear. I knew that an IMEI code was the only method I would trust with my cell phone. The next step was to find a trustworthy service to perform an IMEI unlock on my device.

Here’s How to Free Yourself From Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint:

Unlock Your Samsung Galaxy s4 The RIGHT Way

As I mentioned above, I knew that IMEI codes was the only method that I was going to use for my Galaxy S4. The general process goes something like this:

1. Choose a service that you will use on your phone. I’ll give you my personal recommendation – the one that I used – down below.
2. Give them any necessary information about your device. This information will always include the IMEI number, and will usually include your current carrier.
3. Follow the instructions provided by the service.
4. Wait a short time (anywhere from a few hours to a week) for instructions from the service.
5. Follow the reset instructions sent to you by the service.
6. Insert a new SIM card, and activate your device to your new carrier.

Simple, right? That’s because it is!

There are a few trustworthy services out there that will guide you through the process of unlocking your phone and provide customer support. I found two services that came highly recommended, and that had exceptional reputations among the tech crowd.

The two services I’ve used successfully are:

1. DirectUnlock –  This was the website that came most highly recommended. Customers like it because the site is easy to navigate, and the process is hassle-free. Furthermore, DoctorSim comes with a money-back guarantee.This means that if they are unable to do it, they will give you a refund.All you have to do is put in your current phone carrier, and the site will guide you through the process. One of the best features of this site is their access to Universal Samsung codes. This means that even if you don’t know your phone carrier, this site offers codes for a higher price that can still unlock any phone.This site has, hands down, the most affordable and reliable service for an IMEI release on a Samsung Galaxy S4.

2. UnlockRiver.com Another option I found over the course of my research is www.unlockriver.com. This is a similar service to the first, which also comes with a money back guarantee if they are unable to assist you. They also offers universal codes for a higher price. However, the site is more difficult to navigate and requires more information at the start. It is still guaranteed to work, but may take more time and effort in the beginning.

Both of these sites allow you to keep yourdevice at all times and perform the service remotely and they do it fast. I always prefer DoctorSim because they’re fast and have the best customer service.

Be wary of services that require you to physically give your phone over, or even worse, send it away for an “international unlock.”

You should never have to wait more than a week or ten days for this to happen . The technology exists so that you can liberate your phone from home for a small fee. You should never have to part with your phone at any time during the process!

Take Control of Your Locked Samsung Galaxy s4 With This Method That Works Every Time

As I have already mentioned, there are only a few methods for unlocking your Galaxy s4. Only one of them is guaranteed to work regardless of how far into your contract you are. Using an IMEI release code is the best method for unlocking your phone and protecting your warranty at the same time.

This method will not damage the physical device, is completely legal, and offers the highest measure of security. DirectUnlock is truly the best service around, with DoctorSim coming in at a close second.

DirectUnlock.com’s money back guarantee, customer support, and success rate are testaments to the quality of their service. Frankly, these services are an absolute steal considering how quick, efficient, and affordable they are for freeing up your phone and expanding its capacity.

If all this technical jargon seems a bit overwhelming, rest assured that the process itself is not. The process is quite simple.

Once you have determined the IMEI code and provided it to them, they will retrieve a code for you phone and either perform the process remotely or instruct you on how to do it yourself.

If you have decided to use DirectUnlock, you must first determine your device’s IMEI code. Find the 15-digit code printed near the battery or by dialing *#06#.

If you already know your carrier, then you can follow the link for that carrier on DirectUnlock’s home page. The page is easy and intuitive to use.

Please note that the codes for specific carriers are slightly cheaper than the Universal codes, so it is useful to figure out which carrier your phone is currently attached to. However,  if you don’t know the carrier, you can still get your phone untied with your carrier by using one of DirectUnlock’s universal codes.

The website will prompt you to follow some further steps, but overall that’s the whole process! I was shocked at how easy it was, and you will be too.

The team at DirectUnlock.com handles the hard stuff, and within a week you should have a Samsung Galaxy S4 that you can use with any carrier you like, and take it  overseas without incurring excessive fees and fines.

You never have to let your phone out of your sight, which is a huge relief.

Once you have a New SIM Card for your phone, you will be ready to go!

Why I Prefer This Method

There are many benefits to having an unlocked phone. Even more benefits if it was done safely and efficiently using a service like DirectUnlock or DoctorSim..

One of the most obvious benefits of unlocked phones is that they offer complete coverage no matter where in the world you might be. All a customer has to do is buy a new SIM card that works where he or she is living or traveling. The customer can remain connected to friends and family at all times.

As someone who travels internationally for work often, I found that this was one of the greatest benefits of having an unlocked phone. I was able to stay in touch with the important people in my life while still traveling for work. Additionally, I was able to avoid excessive international fees by using my unlocked device with a local SIM card.

Often, having an unlocked device will save you money in the long run – and not just on international fees! Since the customer doesn’t have to pay a monthly fee to their carrier, he or she often ends up paying for only what they use. Skip all the excess fees (access, service, administrative charges, various regulatory fees  etc) that come with a provider.

I also had a friend who had unlocked his phone using a code. He had a Samsung and had used DirectUnlock (in fact, he was the one who recommended DirectUnlock to me in the first place!).  He was extremely satisfied with the service and switched to a new carrier.

However, a few months after unlocking his phone, he lost it!

Losing a phone is never a good feeling, but it happens to the best of us. If he had lost his phone while it was locked into the original contract, he would have had to pay termination fees to his carrier on top of shelling out for a new phone. Because he had unlocked his phone using an IMEI provider, he was able to escape costly contract termination fees.

Finally, because unlocked phones are so customizable and versatile, they tend to have a higher resale value than other phones.

The benefits listed above are true for any unlocked phone. However, a phone that is unlocked using an IMEI unlock code gives these benefits, plus the added benefit of being perfectly intact and secure with an intact warranty.

Take Control Of Your Samsung Galaxy s4 With This Unlock Code That Works Every Time

Whatever your reasons for wanting to unlock your phone, whether you are an international traveler who wants to avoid exorbitant fees or someone who wants more freedom and customizable options for your Samsung Galaxy S4, unlocking your phone can open a world of options.

There are a few methods for unlocking your device, and some are better than others.

To recap – The two main options are:

1) Find someone who will perform a hardware unlock

This has the potential to damage your phone and void your warranty (without even working!) or

2) Do an IMEI unlock

Again, IMEI unlocks will not affect your warranty, can be done at home, and are pretty much guaranteed to work, provided that you follow the instructions. It is, hands down, the smarter and savvier of the two methods for unlocking a phone.

There are a many services out there that will offer to help you unlock your Samsung Galaxy s4. However, the top two that work for me and my friends every time are:

1. DirectUnlock
2. DoctorSim

Unlock By Using DoctorSIM Service

DirectUnlock.com comes highly recommended, and is so easy to use that you can do it from home. Determine your phone’s carrier and IMEI number, and have them on hand. The website is intuitive, and does not require you to be a tech genius to unlock your phone.

You follow the link on their website that matches up with your current carrier, and provide the requested information. They take care of the rest.

Their unlock codes are guaranteed to work, and they offer a quick turn around time (a maximum of one week). Their services are affordable and best of all, you never have to part with your physical phone, worry about damaging it, or void its warranty.

While Unlock Forest offers a similar service, the website is slightly more cumbersome and complicated to use. It also requires the customer provide more information up front. However, if DirectUnlock.com does not suit your needs, Unlock Forest is an excellent second choice.

Like DirectUnlock, you never have to hand over your device and the team at Unlock Forest is ready to provide quality customer service or a full refund if they cannot unlock your phone for any reason.

Using these services will allow you greater mobility, customizability, and coverage without the hassle of exchanging your device. Forget about juggling multiple phones and SIM cards or handing your phone over to some shady service that will destroy your warranty and your phone’s resale value!

If you are ready to unlock your Samsung Galaxy S4 and maximize your smartphone’s potential today, head over to ExpressUnlock.com. Not only do they offer the fastest, and most affordable unlocks for Samsung phones, they offer the most secure service on the market!

Enjoy full freedom of your phone – they have a money back guarantee so there’s no risk  – try DirectUnlock now!

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier inside the USA – DirectUnlock for the USA

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier outside the USA – DirectUnlock for Countries outside of the US.

Dealing with cell phone carriers can feel like getting stuck between a rock and a hard place. You get locked into a plan and contract with one carrier for years with no affordable way out.

What happens when your calls are constantly dropped? No service in a certain room? Customer service support drives you crazy? Competing cell phone providers start to look appealing.

There is also the question of rapidly advancing technology.

If you don’t want to read any further, the best IMEI phone unlock service is DirectUnlock.com. They’re cheapest, fastest and have great support.

Our recommended service is DirectUnlock. They’re cheapest, fastest and have great support.

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Why commit to one plan for two years when the coolest phones might be carried by someone else?

Switching carriers should be a walk in the park, right? There’s one problem: Most cell phones are locked into one carrier, no matter where you bought it from.

Do you want to avoid paying ridiculously high fees to switch?

You already know there must be a better more affordable way. And there is!

Unlocking your cell is the way to win back your freedom from the cell phone companies, use any carrier you want, and get the most for your money. And keep your same device while doing it!

If you plan to travel anytime soon, you can even use a local SIM card when abroad. Avoid paying huge roaming fees with your current carrier. The savings could literally add up to hundreds of dollars.

Unlocking your device also gets the resale value to soar. You can make more money from selling it online or through your network if it is not stuck to one company.

So how do you unlock your phone?

There are a few different methods, but they vary in safety, price, and whether or not they actually work. Here are the ways I have come across:

1. Software unlocking

2. Hardware unlocking

3. IMEI unlocking

Which one of these methods work? Do you want to finally be free from cell phone plan prison? There’s a method to liberate your device that is easy, affordable, and simple!

It is a guaranteed way to release your device that works every single time. We’ll get into the details, but first let’s look through all your options so you can make the decision for yourself.

I’ll walk you through the simple steps of unlocking your device and tell you how you can finally take back control of your own device. Forget never-ending cell phone contracts, huge roaming charges, and bad cell phone service once and for all.

Free Your Samsung Galaxy s6 Phone From Annoying Carrier Restrictions

Let me share a personal story real quickly about what I went through to learn about cell phone unlocking the hard way.

I was excited to buy the latest device model offered by one of the huge electronics stores around the holidays. The device was offered at such a cheap price, I didn’t think it would be a problem to try a new carrier.

I got my shiny new phone, signed away my rights under a long contract with a new company, and set up my smartphone. I didn’t think twice as I dove into setting it up, installing my go-to apps, syncing my photos and mail, and taking as many photos as I could with the slick new camera.

Before I knew it, I started getting poor service. My calls were always dropped when I walked into my bedroom. My service seemed to stop working whenever I entered my favorite coffee shop downtown. The week I spent at my family’s cabin? No service at all.

My family could not get enough of using their smartphones in front of me while I was forced to unplug (while still getting billed for cell service!).

I needed to get some work done while at the cabin and was left scrambling to find alternative internet and call service. I’m sure you know what it’s like to be unable to get online when you really need to. Isn’t it hugely frustrating?

Obviously I was upset with my then service provider. I had fallen in love with my device and didn’t want to give it up just to switch carriers.

That’s when I learned about cell phone unlocking.

Getting out of my service provider’s contract the regular way would be a hassle and super expensive. On a recommendation that I could “just do it online,” I tried software unlocking at the first website I could find.

They took my money but the software didn’t work. My customer service calls and emails went unanswered at the shady website. My device was still stuck to the same company.

Next I tried hardware unlocking. I planned to check out the strip mall electronics store where I heard they could perform an unlocking service. I decided to bring an old phone I had lying around, so as not to mess up my new one, just in case.

I sat and waited while my old device underwent major surgery. I had to sign a few papers saying that if it broke, it wasn’t the technician’s fault. Well, guess what happened? My device was ruined and I’d signed away my rights to get anything back!

Afterward, I read that this method works less than 30% of the time. I should have done my research first before paying to have a device destroyed. I didn’t know what else to do, feeling like I had already been scammed out of so much money.

That’s when I heard about IMEI unlocking. This time, I read about it extensively to make sure it was the real deal. I did tons of combing through internet forums and decided I’d give it one last try. I did not want to stay handcuffed to my terrible service provider for years.

My prayers were answered: IMEI unlocking finally worked. I was free!

Let me tell you everything I learned in my adventure of unlocking my device and explain everything you need to understand about it so you don’t make the same mistakes.

Ways To Unlock Samsung Galaxy s6 Phone

There are many ways (according to the internet) you can unlock a Samsung Galaxy s6, but they are not all created equally. I’ll detail the different methods I came across in my research and personal experience with freeing up phones and let you know which ones were best and which ones were flops.

1. Software downloads

The first way to unlock your device is with software downloads. You pay money to a software website where you download the software onto your computer. Hook up a USB to your computer and device, where the software is designed to reroute the system. The idea is instead of being routed to only one carrier, your phone’s operating system will work under any carrier.

The software download method is not recommended. Just like downloading any email attachment or software from the internet, you can never be sure what these downloads contain.

Downloads are a favorite method of hackers looking to pass on viruses to unsuspecting users. You should always be careful when downloading software to your device. Often times it can permanently change the way your device works.

I don’t recommend software downloads onto your device as it is dangerous and doesn’t even work!

2. Hardware unlocking

Another way to jailbreak your smartphone is hardware unlocking, which is when someone needs to physically take apart your phone to change the hardware.

This method is also risky, as you don’t know the training or expertise of the technician handling your phone. When service is not performed by an authorized Samsung technician, you also void the warranty on your device.

Even if the process goes smoothly, you have lost your warranty. If you drop your phone or it gets water damage for the duration of its life, you won’t be protected. Basically, you are giving up a lot of protection and value on your device just to ATTEMPT to unlock it.

The hardware unlocking method is also not recommended, as it isn’t guaranteed to work and you lose your warranty, making it extremely risky.

3. Unlock Codes (IMEI or Network Unlocking)

Unlock codes are the third and final method for liberating your device and they are the best option!

When you use codes, you pay a service online to send you a code that you enter into your phone. It’s easy!

There is, however, one downside to using this method. So many websites offer this service that you have to be careful you are using a reputable company. There are tons of scammy websites that are just looking to take your money.

I have had luck with two IMEI services: DirectUnlock and DoctorSim

These two actually delivered on their promise to unlock my phones and prices were reasonable, ranging from $25 to about $35. Both companies offer refunds if it doesn’t work, which is rare in this industry. You are safe in their hands. Better to spend money on something refundable, right?

Using codes is also known as IMEI unlocking. This method is so easy and superior that I want to tell you all about it in detail.

Let’s look at how the process of IMEI unlocking works and why I found it to be the best method for releasing your device.

Get Full Control Of Your Samsung Galaxy s6 Phone Back!

The best way to free up a Samsung Galaxy s6 Edge device is to use IMEI unlocking services, which are also called Network Unlocking. IMEI unlocking from good companies works every time (or your money back), and offers the most convenient, affordable and easy-to-use option out there for releasing android devices.

So what is it exactly? The acronym stands for International Mobile Equipment Identifier, which is basically like the social security number for your device. They are stored just like the government stores your identification in a centralized database.

The IMEI number has information about your device like the year it was manufactured, the color, the amount of memory it can hold, the model number, and which carrier it is locked to.

The status of your phone can be changed by someone who has access to the IMEI database. The code method is much less dodgy than going to an electronics store for a technician to move around the internal parts of your smartphone, or to download software to your phone that could contain a virus.

An IMEI unlock code is just like taking a pencil’s eraser and gently changing the status of your device from locked to unlocked. It’s simple, non-invasive, and very reasonable in cost.

Smartphone Unlocking FAQ:

Some people may have questions about IMEI unlock codes. Let’s address common concerns out there.

1. How do you know the code is safe to use?

Some may think that it sounds too similar to software downloads. But it’s not the same thing. The code doesn’t install software onto your device. If it doesn’t work because you ended up with a bad code, then your phone won’t be harmed.

You are basically just turning your phone on and off and entering in a few numbers.

2. How can a code unlock your device?

Some may worry about whether IMEI unlocking really works, because it sounds so simple. While you need to be wary of some of these services, as there are scam artists in any field, there are honest companies too!

Once you find a reputable source, they will be able to change your phone’s status simply and easily. The reputable sites even offer a money-back guarantee.

3. How do you know if you are working with a reputable provider?

I’ve researched about 15 sites for unlocking phones, and I can definitively say that ExpressUnlock is the best service for releasing your Samsung Galaxy s6 Edge. This company met their promise and was very responsive to customer service questions.

With unlocking services starting at just $26, and averaging around $33, this service is a steal of a deal. You’ll get charged more (maybe even hundreds of dollars) at smartphone stores for hardware unlocking (which may not even work) and you may lose even more on repeated software downloads that don’t work.

For the safety and peace of mind that this service gives, IMEI unlocking can’t be beat.

Another runner-up that I found to be good was Unlock Forest for Samsung Galaxy phones but their website is not as nice and they are not as fast.

I’ll say it again – DirectUnlock truly is the best! Here’s why.

Now that you know the safest method for cell phone unlocking, which provider are you going to choose out of the many out there?

The service offered by DirectUnlock will send you a code, which you will enter into your device using the keypad. Depending on your country and carrier, you will buy a different set of unlock codes.

DirectUnlock offers eight different carriers in the US and five in the UK. No matter who your carrier is, you will likely find it under one of their plans. Huge companies like Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon are covered also.

The unlock code charges a range from $26 to $32.50, depending on your the carrier your device is linked with. That’s nothing compared to the freedom and control that you get!

DirectUnlock emails you specific instructions about how to unlock your device, including what to do if it shows different screens in response to the codes.

You will get emailed several different codes, like a Network Lock Control Key, Service Provider Control Key, Provider Control Key, Unfreeze/Defreeze Control Key and Region Lock Control Key.

While that may seem like a lot of information, ExpressUnlock makes it simple with clear directions to liberate your phone as fast as possible. The range of codes addresses all scenarios that may keep your device from becoming unlocked.

Another feature of DirectUnlock that makes it a leader is its customer service. When trying to unlock my device, I sent ExpressUnlock emails pretty late at night that were returned within a reasonable time frame and my questions were fully answered.

You can also go to their website for tutorials and walkthroughs, which show step-by-step instructions for any Samsung Galaxy model. Any question you can think of will be answered so you don’t need to worry about anything.

Here are some testimonials I got from readers when I asked people to be guinea pigs in my cell phone unlocking research:

Katherine Hampton from Dover, DE
When I used DirectUnlock, I was truly shocked to see it work so quickly, and that an actual human wrote back to me from their customer service. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to unlock their phone.

James Randolph from Des Moines, IA
Unlocking my phone was super easy with DirectUnlock. I felt lost at first, but a few minutes on their website taught me everything I needed to know about entering the codes. It couldn’t have been spelled out more for me in plain English.

Tabby Kowalski, Los Angeles, CA
I sent my money to DirectUnlock, and minutes later I was unlocking my device with their instructions and codes. No shady phone repair shops, no sketchy software, just simple numbers to enter on my phone’s keypad.

Like these users report, the method from DirectUnlock is simple, spelled out in very clear instructions, quick, and painless. Liberating your device from carrier restrictions can be super fast.

The time frame ranges from the first 24 hours but may take up to a week. Still, one week to get full control over your phone is super fast, especially when you know it’s guaranteed to work!

If you want to get full control over your phone fast and without worry, DirectUnlock is the service for you. Let’s gather all the information we’ve learned and get to any final questions you may have.

This Unlock Code Works Every Time

No matter the model, your country, or your cell phone service provider, you know everything you need to unlock your phone by now.

Ready for the sweet taste of freedom?

The only thing holding you back from having full freedom and control over your device is about $26.

If you’re ready to be free of ridiculous phone contracts and bad service, you have that power. It’s as easy as one simple payment, a few minutes spent entering codes into your phone, and you’re all set!

Ordering codes from DirectUnlock takes only a few steps.

1. Find the IMEI number on your device, which is located on the device near the battery.
2. Once you have the IMEI number, head to www.expressunlock.com and choose your model, country, and carrier. If you don’t know your carrier, you can also check this through their website.
3. Then, you’ll be prompted to enter in your phone model (you select this from a drop-down list) and then enter the IMEI number.
4. From there, checkout by making your payment through PayPal and entering in your billing address.
5. Once your payment goes through, you’ll receive your code from ExpressUnlock in your email.
6. To complete set-up you need to turn off your device and insert a SIM card from another carrier.
7. Enter the code and your device should be fully functional, ready to be hooked up to any service provider, right way.

Doesn’t that sound easy?
It’s guaranteed – so there’s no risk.

DirectUnlock even guarantees their method will work, which is not something many competitors can say. You’ll feel safe knowing you can get a refund if the process doesn’t work for you.

Overall, there are a few different options to choose from when you are looking to unlock your smartphone but we’ve covered the best and ONLY one that works EVERY TIME.

AND IT’S GUARANTEED!!! The choice seems pretty obvious, right?

But don’t take my word for it – try it out for yourself risk-free.
Take back your freedom from the tyranny of cell phone carriers today by getting your code at DirectUnlock by clicking here!

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier inside the USA – DirectUnlock for the USA

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier outside the USA – DirectUnlock for Countries outside of the US.

UPDATED: June 8, 2018 – Our method still works on all iPhone 5 models

Summary: How to unlock iphone 5? Of three available unlock methods for iPhone 5, 5s, and 5c, the only reliable and effective one is IMEI Unlocking (sometimes called factory unlocking). Software methods hasn’t worked since the iPhone 3 was released, and hardware locking is a dangerous scam that could destroy your device while also voiding your warranty.

IMEI solutions doesn’t require you voiding your warranty or downloading potential virus’ to your device. All you need to do is get a phone industry insider to add your device to the global database of iPhone’s that are able to be used on any network and you’re free to choose whichever carrier you want!

So how to get your iPhone 5 unlocked? The best place to get an IMEI unlock depends on your location.

If you’re inside the US or Canada, unlock your iPhone 5 using iPhoneIMEI. The fast, cheap, and have great support but have a limited range of unlocks outside North America.

If you’re outside the US or Canada, use Official iPhone Unlock. They have Unlocks for just about every country and have excellent phone support to back it up. They’re a little more expensive for North America but outside that, they’re the best.

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There’s nothing worse that being locked to a poor quality carrier.

They hold it over your head like a death sentence “Sure, we have poor service. Sure, we want to charge you crazy global roaming fees. Sure, we’re expensive. But there’s nothing you can do about it!”

In any other industry, this wouldn’t fly. Which car manufacturer gets to decide what petrol company you use? Which computer store gets to decide what electricity provider you choose?

None, that’s how many. Yet phone carriers have been doing it for years and getting away with it.

Lucky for you, they can’t do it anymore because you can now get your Apple phone unlocked and move away from your carrier whenever you want to.

There are three primary methods you can choose from, but only one that works. So how to unlock iphone 5?

Here’s a breakdown of the three iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c methods (including the only one that’s actually worthwhile):

Option #1: Software unlock

(Which doesn’t work)

I’ve fallen for this scam. Actually, I’ll let you in on a secret – I have fallen for this scam twice. It consists of a great looking website that claims it’s software can unlock your mobile device.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work and hasn’t worked since Apple released the iPhone 3. They plugged the flaw in the system and now software unlocking is a dirty lie.

Please don’t fall into the same trap as me and fall for this.

Avoid unlocking software for the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s at all costs.

Option #2: Hardware unlocking

(Which will void your warranty)

Unlocking iphone 5 by this method is another one of those ‘guaranteed’ methods that just isn’t worth the risk.

To do it, you have to take your mobile device into some back alley in a dodgy part of town, and a creepy looking stranger will ask you for $100+ to modify the hardware of your device.

That’s right, someone you’ve never met before and have no reason to trust is going to use his dirty, greasy hands to open your iPhone and change the physical chips and wiring inside.

Yes, it’s as bad as it sounds.

The worst part is that even if he is successful (which they are in about 30% of the time), you’ll be left without a warranty. Is that what you want? A 30% chance of success and no warranty?

No, me neither.

It’s best to stay WELL away from hardware unlocking.

Option #3: Network or IMEI unlocking

(The ONLY reliable and permanent method)

The final, and only reliable, safe, and permanent, unlock for your iPhone 5, 5s, or 5c, is IMEI or Network Unlocking.

Every device ever produced has a unique identifying code known as it’s IMEI code. Apple has a global database of these codes where every iPhone is listed.

As well as listing the model number, colour, memory size, and production date, it also lists whether the device is locked to a particular network.

An IMEI solution simply involves getting your iPhone’s IMEI lock status changed from ‘locked’ to ‘unlocked’.

You aren’t required to download any unknown software, and nobody has to pry open up your device to risk voiding your phone’s warranty. The only thing that occurs is phone’s status is updated on Apple’s master global database.

It’s that simple.

Because of this, IMEI or Network Unlocking is the ONLY method I recommend.

But where do you get one? And who do you get it through?

Well, I don’t have contacts who can do this, but there are companies who know industry insiders who can get your device solved quickly and easily.

Unlocking iPhone 5 is easy

1. First located your IMEI code. This is the unique id for your iPhone and you need to provide it so you can get it unlocked.  The steps to find it are below

• Method 1: Dial *#06#
• Method 2: For iPhone 5 or newer, your IMEI is located on the back of the device
• Method 3: For non-activated mobile devices, there is a little “i” button on the activation screen, click it and you’ll see the IMEI on the screen

Here are my top 3 recommendations:

The Top 3 iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c IMEI Unlock Services

So now that you know what unlocking is and what methods you should avoid, here are the top 3 services that I have used to unlock the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s.

1. iPhoneIMEI (9.5/10) – The best choice for IMEI unlocks inside the US and Canada

iPhoneIMEI are without a doubt my #1 choice for iPhone 5, 5s, and 5c devices.

PROs: First of all, they’re cheap. They’re consistently 20% – 30% cheaper than just about every other IMEI unlock service on the web.

Normally, when someone’s that much cheaper than their competitors, it means you’re getting an inferior quality product, but that’s not the case with iPhoneIMEI They’re cheaper because they process more unlocks than any other  service (according to one customer support representative, they’re processing more than 200 unlocks per day). The more you process, the cheaper it becomes and that means they can unlock your iPhone for less.

My big concern with their cheap prices was it was going to mean no customer support. I was glad to be proven wrong. When I needed an update on how much longer the process was going to take (turns out it had already been unlocked and their notification email was in my junk folder), their support team responded within 7 minutes. Amazing.

And finally, the last reason why iPhoneIMEI are #1 on my list is the speed of their service. The very nature of device unlocking makes it an uncertain and slow process. Some companies I’ve used (see below) have taken up to 45 days to give me what I paid for. I was very happy when my AT&T unlock was processed in less than 3 hours… That’s what I call service!

CONs: The only downside with iPhoneIMEI is they don’t have the biggest range of unlocks outside North America. There’s a few there, but it’s not as comprehensive as the #2 on my list.

If you’re not in North America, definitely check out iPhoneIMEI but you might have to keep scrolling.

SUMMARY: iPhoneIMEI are cheap, fast, and have fantastic customer support. Whilst they don’t have the biggest range of unlocks, if you’re in the US or Canada, you should definitely use them to free up your mobile phone today!

If you’re on a tight budget, don’t want to wait weeks, and you’re in the US or Canada, unlock your iPhone with iPhoneIMEI now.

2. Official iPhone 5 Unlock (9/10) – Unlock your device 5 if you’re outside North America

Official iPhone Unlock is another great unlock company.

PROs: First of all, they’re not some flash-in-the-pan startup that’s popped up in the last few months. They’ve been around since the first generations of the iPhone, and they’re very experienced with the iPhone 5/5s and 5c. I’ve used them more than once, and so have many of my family and friends.

Secondly, they’re fast. Like REALLY fast. When I first used them, I started the process on a Friday night. I though there’s no way this would be completed until at least Tuesday. However on Saturday morning, I was surprised to find an email to say that my iPhone 5 was now unlocked. They really are ahead of the game here.

Thirdly, they have unlocks available for just about every carrier in the world. Seriously, try them. Locked to Orange in the UK? They can unlock it. Softbank in Japan? They can unlock it. Bharti Airtel in India? They can unlock it. Any phone, any carrier, any country. It’s truly amazing.

And finally, their customer support rocks. When my mum unlocked her device, she managed to put the wrong email address in… (She’s not too tech savvy). To make sure we didn’t miss any notifications, I called them (Yes, they have phone support) immediately to fix it all up and it was all done in less than 3 minutes.

CONs: Whilst they can unlock just about any carrier in any country, they are a little more expensive in North America, especially with AT&T. If you’re not in the US or Canada, definitely try them out but if you are, I’d go with iPhoneIMEI.

SUMMARY: Official iPhone Unlock are a great choice to unlock your iPhone 5 if you’re outside North America. They’re fast, cheap, have great support, and the biggest range of unlocks on the market.

To unlock your device outside the US or Canada, head to Official iPhone Unlock today.

3. IMEI Codes (5/10 – Not recommended)

IMEI Codes is my final iPhone 5 unlocking alternative to iUnlock Pro. Maybe alternative is the wrong word; distant back up is more like it.

They will unlock the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s however don’t expect a quick unlock or a detailed email answer to any of your questions. It is a no frills unlocking service that should only be used if my other two picks aren’t available.

iPhoneIMEI or Official iPhone Unlock are a far better option, however you can find their site here if you want to find out more about them.

In Summary…

Of the three iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c unlocks available, only one is safe and effective.

1. Software unlocking doesn’t to work
2. Hardware unlocking can damage your device and void your warranty
3. IMEI unlocking is the only truly effective and safe method for unlocking your iPhone 5 / 5s / 5c

There are several iPhone IMEI unlocking services available, and the best one for you depends on your location.

If you’re locked to a carrier inside the US or Canada, iPhoneIMEI. They’re fast, cheap, reliable, and have excellent support for any carrier in North America or Canada.

If you’re locked to a carrier outside the US or Canada, use Official iPhone Unlock. They have the biggest range of iPhone unlocks, the best prices, the fastest customer service, and will have your device unlocked in as little as 24 hours, but are more expensive in North America.