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![[Find out how to unlock your cell phone's
hidden wonders. But at your own risk!]](14lead.jpg) ![[Find out how to unlock your cell phone's
hidden wonders. But at your own risk!]](14lead.gif)
Anita Bora
All cell phones have secret lives. Now, on the Internet, you can find ways to unlock their hidden wonders: from codes that will make the battery work longer to even countries they have travelled through!
Ask Mahesh Shantaram. He found out that his Nokia 3110, which he bought from a friend in Mumbai, was actually lost in Oberursel, Germany, in February 1998. Then it somehow found its way to Dubai and from there to Mumbai. Mahesh was the next owner when the phone passed into his hands in September 2000.
Whew! Could your phone have an equally interesting history?
How did Mahesh learn all this about his phone? He simply logged on to the Internet and searched for the IMEI number of his phone.
(DISCLAIMER: The tips and tricks in this article should be exercised at the reader's risk and rediff.com will not be held responsible for any loss).
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IMEI, or the 'international mobile equipment identity', number uniquely identifies your cell phone. It is almost always found behind the battery and is 15-digit long. When a phone is switched on, this unique number is checked against a database of blacklisted or 'greylisted' phones that are on your service provider's 'equipment ID register'.
If you lose your cell phone, you will have to quote this number to the police. This will help your service provider trace your phone via the IMEI number. They could also inactivate your phone.
You can also find out the IMEI number by typing the code *#06# on the keypad. This code works on most phones.
The Internet has a lot more information on secret mobile codes and their unlocking mechanisms.
Did you know that you could increase the call quality and decrease battery life of your Nokia 6150 by punching in a special code? This page tells you how and also offers tips and tricks for the Erricson GA628, Nokia 5110, Nokia 6110, Nokia 6150, Nokia 7110 and Nokia 3110 models.
This is another personal page that offers codes for functions like fast dialling, software and phone type information.
The purpose of these codes is to allow you to access hidden possibilities of your phone, maybe add functions and find out detailed technical information. So whether you have a Alcatel, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, Philips, Siemens or Sony cell phone, you can use this site for more information.
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If you have an Ericsson phone and would like to hide your number while dialling you can find the relevant codenew ring tones and Nokia 3210 or 3310 users can use this reference page.
Some service providers apparently lock the mobile phone in order to secure their customer base. These codes can be broken and sites like Mobile Tips and Mobile Box have more information on them. There are nine lock codes on your phone and the SIM card, informs this page. Though some of the codes might not apply to your phone.
Another way in which you can make the most of your mobile phone is to connect it to your PC using an adapter. You can then download software, ringtones, logos and games. Nokia 3210 users can play secret games like React and Logic by connecting to the computer using a data cable.
For the confused, user guides should be a great help. Then there are discussion forums where users get advice from each other on topics like breaking locks and phone codes.
More Like This:
-- Cellphone Goodies: Logos, icons for your phone
-- Dial A Joke: Use your cell to spread a smile
-- Do you SMS?: 5 sites that let you beep for free
-- Cellular Scare: Can a virus infect your mobile?
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