What does "without simlock" mean?: What they need to know when buying a mobile phone

What does "without simlock" mean? This question is asked by many customers before buying a new smartphone. It is especially important when deciding which SIM card to put in your cell phone.

All info: With or without Simlock

As the name suggests, Simlock has something to do with the SIM card and your provider:

• In a cell phone without Simlock, you can insert SIM cards from any provider. You are not tied to anyone and can choose your provider entirely according to the range of interesting tariffs.

• In a smartphone with Simlock, on the other hand, you are somewhat more limited.
• Simlock can be divided into two groups: There is the total and the ID simlock. The difference lies in the type of lock: the total Simlock locks thereby also countries. The ID-Simlock only blocks different providers. Without Simlock, however, your phone is not affected by either lock.
• Simlock used to be very popular with prepaid phones. Meanwhile, the trend has decreased and you can find more and more offers without Simlock. These are definitely recommended. In Austria, meanwhile, there is Simlock only on phones with contracts.

So you test whether your phone is provided with a Simlock

Whether your smartphone has a Simlock installed, you can easily test. You have two options:

• Determine the IMEI number of your smartphone and check it on the website simlock.info.
• Alternatively, you only need a second SIM card from a third-party provider. Help, can for example, a friend or family member. Insert its SIM card into your device. If the card is not recognized, your smartphone is provided with a Simlock.