5 Ways to Unlock the HTC One

Imagine this scenario: you recently obtained your very own HTC One and you immediately fell in love with it. Unfortunately, soon after, you found out you need to switch cell phone providers for a better rate or higher data allowances. In this situation, you might be tempted to scrap it all and find a different phone that closely meets your needs. Fortunately, you can actually unlock your HTC One and use it with an alternate provider in just a few easy steps. Here are three different ways to make this happen.

1. Fight With Your Provider

Although it is not widely advertised, your current cell phone provider has the ability to instantly unlock your phone. You can give the tech support line a call to start the unlock process. Be sure to have your International Mobile Station Equipment, or IMEI, number on hand before calling, as you cannot retrieve it while on a call.

To find this number, you need to locate the about page on your settings menu to locate the phone identity. You will need to prove your identity and ownership of the phone while talking with the technician. After that, the tech will walk you through the unlock process from start to finish.

2. Fill Out an Online Request Form… and Wait

If your cell phone company’s technicians are not forthcoming with information about unlocking your phone, head to their official website to complete the process on your own. You can fill out an unlock request form on the site or begin the process using the provided drop boxes. The downside? This will usually take quite a while; you may not get a response for a few days.

3. Try to “Hack” Your Way In

Want a cheap solution? You might be tempted to try to “hack” your way into your phone. This is often done by contacting a “hacker” on the web or by downloading free software that claims to be able to unlock your device. Unfortunately, this often leaves you with a “bricked” (unusable) phone. It can even damage your computer system, as the “free” software could be filled with viruses and malware.

4. Go to a Service Center

There are usually local service centers available that advertise that they will unlock devices. Usually you will drop your phone off and they will call you back in a few days when it’s unlocked. The downside to this type of service is that it tends to be fairly expensive; you’ll usually be paying two or three times what you would pay through UnlockBase.

5. Get a Code through UnlockBase

If you don’t want to mess with sleazy hackers, expensive service centers or stubborn network providers, you can simply get an unlock code through UnlockBase. The process takes less than 30 minutes; all you need is the IMEI of your cell phone and you’re in business! UnlockBase is less expensive and faster than other options, and it doesn’t carry with it the risks of trying to go through a hacker or unlock your phone on your own.

Finishing Up After the Unlock

No matter which option you choose, you will likely need to wait an hour or two for your phone to fully transfer over to an open configuration. Once you use the unlock code and install the files, you can discard both of those items as your phone will be ready to receive the new cell phone provider information without any further changes.

You may be prompted to update your phone again if any of the integral systems are deemed outdated upon signing up with the new provider. These subsequent updates can usually be performed over the cell or Wi-Fi network. If you are unhappy with the chosen provider, you can switch again by following one of the above options in exactly the same manner.