When you decide to switch mobile carriers, you could run into a problem if your phone is locked. Carriers routinely lock phones to prevent their phones from being used on another carrier's network. If you are thinking of unlocking your phone, here is what you need to know. 

Why Should You Unlock Your Phone?

In addition to having the freedom to use your mobile phone on any carrier that you choose, there are other benefits to unlocking your phone. An unlocked phone can help you save money. If you are currently locked into a costly contract, you could easily overspend for your mobile services. By contrast, you can shop around and find a no-contract carrier with lower rates once you have your unlocked phone. 

Unlocked phones are far more customizable than locked phones. Mobile phones have a software lock that limits what you can and cannot do with the phone. For instance, you could be stuck with pre-installed programs that you do not want or use. After the phone is unlocked, though, you can remove those programs and only install the software you want. 

Unlocked phones are easier to replace than a locked phone on a contract. If you lose the unlocked phone, you only have to purchase a new one. However, if you have a contract phone, you could end up with a refurbished phone if you have insurance or paying a higher rate if you do not have coverage. 

How Is the Phone Unlocked?

The most obvious place to start when you need your phone unlocked is your carrier. Some carriers will provide customers with the codes needed to unlock a phone after a certain portion of their contract is fulfilled. If you have not fulfilled enough of your contract yet, find out what the fulfillment date is. 

If your carrier is unwilling to help unlock the phone, you can turn to an online unlocking service. When you sign up for the service, the service will work to find the correct codes needed to unlock the phone. In some instances, you can receive the codes within a matter of minutes.  

If you do opt to use an online unlocking service (you can unlock cell phones by unlockphone.com), read the terms and conditions to ensure that you fully understand what to expect from the service. Once you receive the codes, the service will provide you with the steps necessary to unlock the phone so that you can use your device how you want to.