Unlocking Nokia 6630/6680/N-Series etc.

EDIT: Some BB5/N-series handsets can now be unlocked using free software. Read the full article here!

I’ve had many queries asking how to unlock these handsets, so after doing a bit of research I’ve decided to post what I know about it.

Let’s be straight about one thing: there is not yet a free way to unlock Nokia 6630/6680/N-Series handsets. These handsets run on the BB5 (rather than DCT xx) system, and as far as I have been able to find out, there is only one independent service available at the moment who can unlock these handsets.

BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS!

The handset can be unlocked by the service provider to which the handset is locked (eg: Vodafone, 3, O2) for a small fee, usually around £15-20 (actually far less than many companies charge to unlock standard phones!). To do this, you will have to call the service provider and request the NUC (unlock) code. In most cases, you will need to pay any outstanding charges relating to the handset before the code will be given. If your handset is over 12 months old, you may be able to get the NUC code free of charge!

You may have to wait a day or two for the code to be sent out to you, but I’m sure it would be worth the wait. And of course, if the code doesn’t work, you would be entitled to a refund/working code. You do not need to be the original owner of the handset to request the NUC. But of course, if the handset is “blocked” the NUC won’t allow use of the handset to the locked providers.

To imput the code into your handset, you would need to have inserted a sim card to a locked provider, ie: if your handset only works on Vodafone, try putting in a T-mobile sim card. When you switch the phone on, you will be prompted to input the code, which you should do woith the keypad (for “+” “p” and “w” characters, simply press the star key rapidly). Once the correct code is confirmed, restart the handset and your new network should work just fine. There is no need for cables and programs to do this!

If for some reason, the code does not work don’t try again! Bu inputting the wrong code three times, you will run the risk of permanantly locking your handset, and not even service providers can sort that mess out!

A word of warning though: I’ve seen people on Ebay and online offering to do this service too, but most of them are scams and you will either lose your handset or fork out your hard earned cash for a code which doesn’t work. Also, there seem to be loads of programs available which claim to do this (usually on bitTorrent sites). So far, all I have researched have been fake, and may well cause permanent damage to your handset. Others claim to be able to unlock your handset for a large fee: most likely they will simply call the service provider and charge you over the odds for a service you could easily do yourself. So don’t do it!

Perhaps your handset is “branded” to a particular network (screensaver, startup logo, etc) and you want to change this back to default. In order to do this, you would need to “flash” the handset with non-branded software. There are numerous services available who will do this for a fee (check out your local Nokia Service Centre for starters), or you could attempt to do this yourself by downloading the appropriate software and flash. Once I have researched this further, I will write a post about it.

As usual, The Urban Kunoichi will not be held responsible for any damage you may do to your handset in trying these methods!

Of course, as soon as I find a free working program to unlock BB5 handsets, I will post the details here. And if anyone knows of a free/cheap and reliable service to do this, please include a link in your comments below. I’m sure a great number of you would appreciate this!

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