Unlock codes for a LG Optimus One P500

The LG Optimus One P500 was the first of the popular Optimus One line of entry-level cell phones released by LG. Running on the Android platform this phone was first sold in 2010. It is known variously as the Thrive, Vortex, and Phoenix, as well as simply having a letter designation. Depending on which carrier’s version of the phone you have, the shape of the buttons and cosmetics of the phone may be different, as well as the software interface and basic apps installed on the phone.

One that doesn’t change from version to version, however, is that the phone is SIM locked. LG does this at the request of the carriers, so that they can offer the phone at a deeply discounted price to customers and still ensure they get the money to cover the phone’s costs by locking the customer into a service contract with their service.

Unlocking the LG cell phone restores it to factory settings, and lets you use it with any GSM network around the world. Since you’re just reversing the locking that LG did before shipping the phone, your warranty is not voided. Best of all, an unlocked phone actually has a higher resale value!

To unlock your phone, you will need a specific LG unlock code for your unique phone. Don’t try to use a code that worked for a friend or relative. It could permanently lock your phone! Instead, you need someone with access to the code database provided by LG to look up the IMEI number of your unique phone and get the matching LG unlock code.

Your cell phone carrier has access to this database, and may be willing to give you the code for free if you’ve been a long time customer. It doesn’t hurt to ask, right? Just drop by their store or ring their customer service number to find out if you can get the code for unlocking the LG cell phone.

If you have no luck with your carrier, there are also many online vendors with access to the unlock codes database. For a small fee, they will look up your IMEI number and find the unlock codes you need and email them to you.

You will also need a new SIM card that you can associate with your new GSM carrier. These are relatively cheap, and can be purchased at any cell phone store.

You can unlock your LG Optimus One P500 by simply following these steps.

1. Power off your phone.

2. Remove your existing SIM card, and install the new SIM card.

3. Power on your phone.

4. Press the Call button.

5. Enter the following string of numbers and characters: 2945#*500#

6. Simply enter the unlock code you were given.

Your unlocked Optimus One P500 can now be used with any GSM carrier in the world.