What Is a MEP Network Code?

MEP network codes allow you to unlock your BlackBerry.

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BlackBerry phones make life more convenient with mobile access to telephone and Internet services. However, when you get your BlackBerry and hook up mobile service, the provider typically locks the phone. This makes it impossible to use with other providers unless you have a Mobile Equipment Personalization, or MEP, network code. As a BlackBerry owner, you need to learn how to obtain and use MEP and related codes to unlock your mobile device.

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BlackBerry devices have up to five locks on at a time. The available locks include SIM, network, network subset, service provider and corporate. There are about 245 versions of MEP locks. Your own BlackBerry has only one of these versions.

Network Lock

The network lock, which is sometimes called "MEP2," is commonly used by service providers to restrict use of your BlackBerry. However, some providers use their own service-provider lock, or MEP4. Some even use all five MEP locks.

Codes

Each lock has a corresponding unlock code. For example, the MEP network code unlocks the MEP2 lock. The code acts in much the same way as a password to unlock your BlackBerry. Once you learn the process for entering the code, you can unlock your phone by entering the code into your mobile device.

Lock Status

Some BlackBerry phones cannot be unlocked because they have gone into "hard locked" status. For example, this can occur if you enter the incorrect MEP code five times. Some phones allow you to try up to 10 times. You need to make sure your BlackBerry can be unlocked before purchasing an MEP code. In your device, select "Options." Then select "Advanced Options" and "SIM Card." Type "MEPD" to open up the MEPD screen. Type "MEPPD" if your device has a SureType keyboard, which is found on 71XX and 81XX devices. If you see "Active" next to any of the five locks, the BlackBerry is still locked. If you see "Disabled" or "Inactive," your phone is already unlocked. If you see the word "Blocked," that means you cannot unlock your phone because it is "hard locked."

Getting MEP Codes

You should first check with the service provider that locked the BlackBerry. The provider sometimes provides a code for free. If you cannot get an MEP network code from the provider, you can purchase a code from various third parties. Examples include Unlock Worldwide, BlackBerry Forums and BlackBerryUnlocking. At the time of publication, the fee is about $10 to $15 to get MEP codes.

Entering the Code

First, you need to retrieve your IMEI code. This is a code assigned to your individual BlackBerry. Enter

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