PostalUnlock FAQ's
Q1 - What is mobile phone unlocking?
A1 - Many mobile phones are restricted for use with one specific network service provider and will not operate with a sim card from a competing network service provider. Unlocking removes the network restriction and this allows the use of sim cards from competing network service providers.
Q2 - How is a mobile phone unlocked?
A2 - Mobile phones are unlocked either by the entry of an 'Unlock Code' or by 'Direct Unlock' using specialist unlocking equipment.
Q3 - How does PostalUnlock perform unlocking?
A3(a) - Unlock By Post Service - Different mobile phone makes and models are unlocked using different methods. For many handsets we can connect the handset to specialist unlocking equipment and read the unlock code from the handset, then enter the unlock code to unlock the phone. Other handsets are connected to specialist unlocking equipment and the 'simlock' area of the phones firmware is re-written with clear simlock information thus allowing the use of a sim card from competing networks.
A3(b) - Unlock Codes Service - We purchase the unlock code on behalf of the customer from well established and reliable third-party unlock code suppliers and the unlock code is sent to the customers email address along with code entry instructions as soon as we receive it from our supplier. All third-party unlock code suppliers we deal with obtain the unlock code direct from the manufacturer or network service provider.
Q4 - What is the purpose of unlocking?
A4 - Unlocking has only one purpose - to remove the network restriction and allow the use of sim cards from competing network service providers. Unlocking serves no other purpose whatsoever. Unlocking will not remove any other security features (passwords, lock codes etc.) and it will not remove any network specific branding (start-up and shut-down screens, network specific menus, network specific settings etc.). Unlocking will not allow you to use a mobile phone that has been 'blacklisted'. Mobile phones are blacklisted when they are reported lost, stolen, damaged. Mobile phones are also blacklisted if they were subject to a contract and the contracted user failed to adhere to the terms of the contract (e.g. failure to pay contract bills).
Q5 - How safe is unlocking with PostalUnlock?
A5(a) - Unlock By Post Service - We have invested heavily in the very best unlocking equipment available. All unlocking equipment we use is manufactured by well established and reliable unlocking equipment manufacturers. We also perform rigorous testing on all unlocking equipment before it is passed for use with customer mobile phones. We will not perform an unlocking procedure on any customer mobile phone unless we are 100% sure the required unlocking equipment is 100% safe and will not result in any form of damage to the customers mobile phone.
A5(b) - Unlock Codes Service - We will only deal with well established and reliable third-party unlock code suppliers who obtain the unlock code direct from the manufacturer or network service provider, so you can always be sure the supplied unlock code will be correct and safe to use.
Q6 - How long does unlocking take?
A6(a) - Unlock By Post Service - If you send your mobile phone to us by 'Royal Mail Special Delivery' we will unlock and return your mobile phone to you by 'Royal Mail Special Delivery' the the day of receipt (you should allow up to 5 working days for newer Nokia models), therefore turnaround can be as quick as 48 hours.
A6(b) - Unlock Codes Service - Unlock codes for some mobile phone models are delivered to the customers email adress within 1 - 24 hours, however for other models, delivery can take up to seven working days.
Q7 - Is the Unlock By Post service available to international customers?
A7 - Unfortunately our 'Unlock By Post' service is currently available only to residents of the United Kingdom.
Q8 - What payment methods does PostalUnlock accept?
A8 - We currently accept payment only through the 'PayPal' payment service. You can make a payment with most credit/debit cards through PayPal even if you do not have a PayPal account.
Q9 - I have other questions, can I talk to someone?
A9 - You can contact PostalUnlock by email or telephone. Details can be found on our Contact Us page.