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One of the most common things BlackBerry users need to do is unlock their device for use on another carrier, prepaid SIM or "just to do it". Looking around a bit we realized we had no real instructions posted anywhere for easy access on getting it done, so here we are. The quick video above shows how to unlock your device after obtaining an unlock code. I did it here on my Bold 9650 and full instructions for other QWERTY devices as well as Storm and Pearl devices are posted after the jump. If you need an unlock code you can sometimes get one straight from your carrier, or you can check out our BlackBerry Unlocking forums for more information/discussion on unlock companies and even check out current contests and promotions for unlock codes.
How to unlock your GSM BlackBerry
BlackBerry 83xx, 88xx, 8900, 9000, 96xx and 9700
- Be sure to have a SIM card inserted in the device and turn off all network connections
- From the homescreen, go to Options > Advanced Options > SIM Card
- Type mepd (you will not see any text on the screen while typing)
- Type in mep2 (type in mep using the keyboard then press ALT and the number 2 to get mep2)
- Enter your provided code in the "Enter Network MEP Code" box and press in the trackball/trackpad to confirm
- You should see "Code Accepted" and your device is now unlocked
BlackBerry Storm and Storm2
- Be sure to have a SIM card inserted in the device and turn off all network connections
- From the homescreen, go to Options > Advanced Options > SIM Card
- Press the menu key and select "Show Keyboard"
- Type mepd (you will not see any text on the screen while typing)
- Type in mep2 (type in mep using the keyboard then press ALT and the number 2 to get mep2)
- Enter your provided code in the "Enter Network MEP Code" box and press Enter to confirm
- You should see "Code Accepted" and your device is now unlocked
BlackBerry Pearl
- Be sure to have a SIM card inserted in the device and turn off all network connections
- From the homescreen, go to Options > Advanced Options > SIM Card
- Hold down the shift key and press meppd (you will not see any text on the screen while typing)
- Type in mep2 (type in mep using the keyboard then press ALT and the number 2 to get mep2)
- Enter your provided code in the "Enter Network MEP Code" box and press Enter to confirm
- You should see "Code Accepted" and your device is now unlocked
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