Unlock codes for a Motorola MILESTONE: insider knowledge

If you want to be able to use your Motorola Milestone with any SIM, then it’s just a case of obtaining an unlock code for the cell. This can be done in a variety of ways inexpensively, easily and with little fuss.

First of all, there are a couple of reasons you may want to unlock Motorola Milestone phones; perhaps you’re bought a handset which has been locked to a different network than the one you prefer. Or possibly you’re travelling abroad and want to use a local SIM when you get there, maybe you realise that an unlocked Motorola Milestone is worth up to 300% more than a locked handset and are thinking of selling.

Whatever your reasons, unlock codes are 100% legal and very easy to obtain, if you know where to look, which is where we come in.

Unlock codes can be obtained by:

• Calling your carrier: some networks are more cooperative than others if you call them and ask for an unlock code. Whilst some may be happy to give you the code, others may prefer to attempt to keep your business and be more obstructive. All of them will charge you a fee, usually around €25-30.
• Hitting online cell unlock forums: generally, these have nerdy types who will be happy to generate and supply a free unlock code. However, bear in mind that this can be risky and if you get a wrong code, don’t attempt to enter it more than once.
• A local mobile repair shop: these often offer a mobile unlocking service as well as repairs, although there are not as many around as there used to be.
• An online, remote unlock code provider: this would be your best bet and there are plenty of them around. Make sure you choose a reputable service by reading reviews and checking out companies on eBay, so that you can see what previous customers say.

We would recommend that you use the first or last option; calling your carrier is likely to be your most expensive and time consuming route though so it depends on how ‘safe’ you feel using a third-party service.

Whichever method you choose, your supplier will need the following information from you:

• Your phone’s IMEI number, which can be found by typing in *#06# into your dial pad and the 15-17 digit number will be displayed.
• The country you live in
• The network the cell is locked to

Please note that it’s vital that you note down the IMEI number correctly; if you get it wrong, it will generate an incorrect unlock code and repeated attempts at entering this could result in an incorrect code, which may result in your cell becoming hard locked and as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

Once you have retrieved your code, take the following steps:

1. Reboot your phone with an unaccepted SIM card in.
   *If the display reads “Enter Special Code”, enter the unlock code and press “OK”
   *If the display does not read “Enter Special code”:
   2. Press and hold the * key until an entry box is displayed.
   3. Type *, #, 3, 2, # and press “OK”
   4. Enter your Motorola unlock code and press “OK.”
   5. Your Motorola phone should now display either “Completed” or
   “Deleted”

That’s it, you should now be the proud owner of an unlocked Motorola Milestone and can insert any SIM on any GSM network worldwide.