Vodafone uk free unlock code

[Bobby95]

For all you Voda staff....

I got my N95 from ebay, so it is not my official Voda contract phone (although it's obviously the phone I'm using on said contract)

Will I still be able to get the unlock code for free? It is a Vodafone branded handset, by the way...

[dynomot]

Originally Posted by Bobby95

Will I still be able to get the unlock code for free? It is a Vodafone branded handset, by the way...

I would have thought so. Lets get this right. You have a Vodafone contract. This means you can use the SIM card in any unlocked phone to use the account of that contract, or any phone locked to Vodafone.

Your N95 while not the phone supplied with your contract is locked to Vodafone. Meaning you can use any Vodafone SIM but not any other network providers SIM.

You need the phone's IMEI. This is the serial number of the phone and stays the same unique number whatever SIM you use with it. Type *#06# from standby and the phone will give it you. Then phone 191 (free) from your locked phone to gain your unlock code from Vodafone.

A Vodafone branded handset means that it still has the annoying Vodafone version of the firmware (v11 with Vodafone garbage bolted on). A branded phone can be an unlocked phone and a 'de-branded' phone can be a locked one. A phone bought without a contract from a high street store should be both unlocked and unbranded (same as de-branded but never branded in the first place IYSWIM). It is this that most N95 owners hope to aspire and achieve.

A branded phone won't let you upgrade via Nokia Software Updater (NSU) because Vodafone (or any other network provider) haven't bothered to bolt their junk to v20 (the latest) firmware. Sheer laziness and bad customer relations IMO. To 'de-brand' it you need a generic product code for your N95, this can be changed using a piece of PC software called Nemesis Service Suite (NSS). Then upgrade (or re-install) the latest firmware. This will purge your phone of all Vodafone software. Your N95 will run faster with fewer 'hang ups' and crashes. (I can't unfortunately say none). You can now use all the N95's features such as VoIP, SIP etc. Things purposely disabled by operators with their branded firmware.

The settings for the internet browser and multi media messages (MMS) are now Vodafone Live! (to Vodafone Live! WAP pages but NOT the internet generally) Vodafone Internet GPRS (the internet but NOT Vodafone Live!) and Vodafone MMS (for MMS settings only). These are determined by the SIM card you have in the phone on power up not the phone.

De-branding and using NSS instructions can be found here in the forum (on page 2):

http://www.n95users.com/forum/genera...95-tips-2.html

As far as I know the only difference between a generic unbranded unlocked N95 and a once Vodafone branded and locked N95 that has now been de-branded and unlocked is that the product code in the phone is different to the one printed on the sticker behind the battery rather than the same in the once Vodafone one. A word of caution here. Once you have de-branded your phone it is worth while changing the product code back to the one found behind your battery on the sticker because a it may invalidate the warranty should you need a warranty repair. It is a grey area. This does mean to update your firmware you have to swap it back again, but this is a minor inconvenience compared to paying for a repair.

I will stand corrected if I'm wrong here, its only my understanding of 'De-branded' 'Un-branded' and locked and unlocked as I see them, technically I could be at fault but for practical purposes I believe I'm correct.

[Bobby95]

Hi Dynomot

Thanks for all the tips about debranding etc, but you're preaching to the converted. I already know how to de-brand and I know how to get the IMEI number and I know the difference between debranding and unlocking.

I debranded my handset a long long time ago and I now have firmware version 2.0 running.

I am only interested in getting the simlock removed, as I'm coming to the end of my Voda contract and have been given a more attractive option with another carrier, who says I can keep my phone number. I need to get this phone's simlock disabled, so I can use it with the new carrier.

Before calling up 191 for the unlock code, I need to know if they'll give me it for free, even though it's a phone that wasn't part of my contract.

[Micky]

I'd be interested in finding that out too Bobby, as Im planning on buying an 8GB N95 soon.

[93tid]

Originally Posted by GSi-R

I'd be interested in finding that out too Bobby, as Im planning on buying an 8GB N95 soon.

Mick,

I just received a 6500 Classic I bought on ebay - brand new "unwanted upgrade" in Vodafone box and with branded software, but unlocked. Seller swears she hasn't done anything except take out of the box to test it works.

I guess it is true, but it's probably still hit and miss on ebay, definitely worth asking all sellers advertising Vodafone-locked phones to actually test them with another SIM card, I don't think this is public knowledge yet and you might get a bargain.

[stucbr]

Does this apply to the 95-2, as I was told today it had to sent away to get unlocked.

[Gaz]

I got my unlock code off Voda for my N95-2 yesterday for free over the hpone !
They did try to charge me £20 until I asked to speak to a manager and they miraculously remembered the change in policy then

[stucbr]

Gaz, I was tonight from Voda that I have to pay for mine as my 95-2 is under a year old, I gave him the number from it and he said he had the code, but I that was it....barsteward

[Gaz]

call again and try a different advisor !
Make sure that you argue that you know they are doing it for free now and ask for a manager should you get nowhere

[Bartmanekul]

For anyone having trouble with getting a free unlock code, use the online email form from the vodafone website and put in FIT135 somewhere in the body of the text. Obviously, dont forget your IMEI number.