GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) phones can’t be flashed (like AT&T and T-Mobile). Metro, Sprint, Cricket, Boost, Verizon and many others are CDMA and thus can be flashed because they’re not controlled by the SIM card. (Since Metro has merged with T-Mobile they have introduced phones with SIM cards so flashing may vary from phone to phone. ) Your phone must also have a clean ESN (electronic serial number) – that is, it must never have been reported lost or stolen.

Examples include Easyflasher. com and CDMA-ware. com. Search around before you risk damaging your phone with an inadequate or incompatible program.

You can check the reception in your area for various carriers at Cellreception. com. [1] X Research source Might as well before you make the leap! Certain programs are affiliated with larger networks, like Page Plus is with Verizon. [2] X Research source You can get an hour’s trial of Page Plus from their website.

Because each phone’s set up is a bit different, it’s impossible to outline step-by-step guidelines here. However, there are generally a few things you need to know that we’ll try to cover.

Make sure you have all the drivers you need before you flash! Otherwise the process may not work. Visit your phone company’s website (e. g. , Samsung) to do so.

The MEID will be 18 digits (starting with 2) if it’s MEID Dec or 15 numbers and letters if its MEID Hex. The ESN will be 8 numbers long and possibly labeled PESN.

If it is asking you your unlock code, for Verizon phones this is always six zeroes. The lesser common, but still possible, options are six ones or six threes. Certain phones may require you to mess with the PRL. In the US, the code is *228 (for Verizon/MetroPCS/US Cellular) and ##873283# (“update,” in case you didn’t notice) for Sprint. In Canada, it’s *22803 for Telus Mobility. If for some reason the COM Port is giving you guff, you can manually find what port it is in through your Device Manager.

This risk still exists even when done by a professional. The odds are lower than if you ask your geeky roommate to do it, sure, but it’s still there.

All carriers within the US with the exception of AT&T and T-Mobile use CDMA technology. Their numbers (ESN) are hard-wired and cannot be changed, unlike their GSM peers. [3] X Research source