How to Unlock Motorola Phones with Windows

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: August 24, 2023

This wikiHow teaches you how to carrier unlock your Motorola Android smartphone by obtaining an unlocking code via your computer. Your Android must be on a GSM network in order to be unlocked.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Finding Your Phone's IMEI Number

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1
Try dialing the IMEI code. The quickest way to retrieve your IMEI number is by opening your Phone app and dialing *#06#. This will cause the IMEI number to appear on-screen on most phones.
- If this doesn't work for you, you can find the IMEI number by following the rest of the steps in this method.
2
Open your Android's Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen, then tap the "Settings"
gear in the top-right corner of the drop-down menu.
- On some phones, you'll have to use two fingers to swipe down from the top of the screen.
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3
Scroll down and tap System. You'll find this at the bottom of the Settings page.
- Skip this step if you're using an Android that isn't running the Oreo operating system.
4
Tap About phone. It's in the System menu.
- You may have to scroll down to find this option.
Scroll through the "About Phone" menu until you find the "IMEI" heading, then review the 16-digit number to the right of it. This is the number you'll have to enter into the unlock site.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Retrieving an Unlock Code

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Go to https://theunlockingcompany.com/ in your computer's web browser.
It's near the middle of the page. A drop-down menu will appear.
This is in the drop-down menu.
It's below the first drop-down box.
In the drop-down menu that appears, click your Motorola's model (e.g., Moto X).
It's a yellow button at the bottom of the page.
Click the left-most drop-down box, then click the name of the country in which you bought your Motorola.
Click the "Select Your Carrier" drop-down box, then click the carrier that your Motorola phone currently uses.
It's at the bottom of the page.
Type the 16-digit IMEI number that you retrieved into the top text box.
Type your full name into the "Your Full Name" text box, then enter a working email address into the "Delivery Email" text box.
You'll see this button at the bottom of the page.
It's a yellow button at the bottom of the page.
14
Pay with PayPal. Sign into your PayPal account, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- If you don't have a PayPal account, you can click Pay with Debit or Credit Card at the bottom of the page, enter your card details, and click Pay Now.
Unlocking Company will send the code to the email address you provided within 72 hours of your purchase. Once you have your unlock code, you can proceed.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Replacing the Old SIM

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You can usually buy SIM cards from carrier stores, though you may also be able to buy a SIM card online.
2
Turn off your Motorola. Press and hold the Lock button until a pop-up menu appears, then tap the Power off option in the menu.
- You may have to tap Power off again to confirm this choice.
If your phone has a case on it, take off the case before proceeding.
4
Remove the bumper if necessary. If your Motorola model's SIM slot is hidden below a rubber bumper that fits around the phone's housing, you'll need to remove the bumper.
- Some Motorola phones may require you to remove the back and take out the battery.
5
Eject the old SIM card. You'll usually do this by pressing in on the SIM card and waiting for it to pop out.
- If your phone uses a SIM tray, you'll need to insert a paperclip (or similar object) into the hole next to the SIM card to eject it.
6
Insert your new SIM card. Push the new SIM card into the slot, making sure to insert it in the same direction in which the original SIM card was inserted.
- Again, if your phone uses a SIM tray, you'll place the SIM card in the tray before reinserting the tray.
Once the SIM card has been inserted, you can reassemble any pieces you removed from your phone.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Unlocking Your Motorola

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Press and hold the Lock button until your phone's screen lights up, then release the Lock button.
Once you see a text box with the phrase "SIM network unlock PIN" (or similar), proceed.^{[1]
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Type in the unlock code that you retrieved from your email.
It's below the text box. Doing so should unlock your Motorola, thus allowing you to begin using your new SIM card's network.

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Tips

Unlock Company has a limited refund window in which you can report that your unlock code didn't work.

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Warnings

Unlocking your phone's carrier restrictions may result in your current carrier fining you. This is usually only a problem when your phone is still under contract.

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