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What is the difference between IMEI and SIM unlocked?

Started Oct 30, 2015 | Questions thread
Trevor_S
Trevor_S Regular Member • Posts: 443
Re: What is the difference between IMEI and SIM unlocked?

The IMEI is the individual serial number ascribed to each phone and is individual to that phone. You can normally find your phones IMEI by typing *#06# in the dialer part of the phone.

In the case of GSM phones, SIM unlocked just means you can use any carriers SIM card in the phone assuming they support the same frequencies. Usually phones on contract will be SIM locked for onviois reasons. Often at the end of the contract you can have the carrier unlock the hone for you with a code.  Verizon for example in the USA use CDMA, which is completely incompatable with GSM

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