Q: What is cell phone flashing/unlocking?

A: Flashing and unlocking are the terms used to describe the process that allows you to use your cell phone on different cell phone carriers such as Verizon, Sprint, Qwest, Cricket and more. This process is what allows you to switch carriers and keep your same phone!

Q: What features will work on my unlocked/flashed phone?

A: In most cases, voice calls and text messaging are the only features that work on a flashed phone. However, there are some phone models where internet and mms will work. Please contact your Snipwire Location to find out which phone models.

Q: Where and how do I get my phone flashed/unlocked?

A: At Snipwire, there are two ways you can get your phone flashed/unlocked. You can take your phone into one of our Snipwire Locations and they will flash/unlock your phone within minutes. If you are not located near one of our locations then you may mail in your phone to Snipwire by following the mail-in instructions.

Q: What cell phone carriers can I flash/unlock my phone to or from?

A: Any cell phone carrier that doesn't use Subscriber Identity Module cards, also known as a SIM card. T-Moile, Cingular/AT&T and Nextel for example, use a SIM card to enable service. Since other carriers such as Verizon, Sprint and Cricket (just to name a few) don't use SIM cards, their cell phones will work on each others network assuming the phone has been flashed or unlocked.

Q: Is cell phone flashing and unlocking legal?

A: Absolutely! Click here for details on the exemption issued by the US Copyright Office. http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061124-8280.html

Q: How do I know if my phone is compatible?

A: Please call your nearest Snipwire Location.

Q: How long does it take to get my phone flashed or unlocked?

A: The process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes. If you mail-in your phone, depending on which shipping option you choose, we will flash/unlock your phone and ship it back to you the same day we receive it.

Q: What information will I loose on my phone once it has been flashed/unlocked?

A: While it is recommended that you back up your phonebook, in most cases you will not loose any information when your phone is flashed or unlocked. That means you get to keep your phonebook, ringers, pictures, etc. In rare instance, we may have to reset your phone which will erase all information in your phone. Should this need to be done in order to complete the flashing/unlocking process, we will contact you.

Q: What is the difference between unlocking and flashing?

A: When working with CDMA phones (phones that don't use SIM cards), these two terms are interchangeable.

Q: Why would I want to flash or unlock my phone?

A: It's simple, you really like your phone, but you want to change to a different cell phone carrier. Now you can bring your existing phone with you to the new carrier once your phone is flashed/unlocked.

Q: How much does it cost to flash/unlock my phone?

A: This depends on the model of your phone and may vary from $30 to $100. Please call your Snipwire Location for pricing information.

Q: What if I have more questions? Who do I contact?

A: Please feel free to contact us at anytime by emailing us at syed@snipwire.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Last Updated ( Saturday, 08 March 2008 )