How to Flash a cell phone

If you are like most people today you have a cell phone and like most of us you don't stick with the same carrier forever. When you change carriers you need a phone that will work on their network so you have two choices, buy a phone through your new carrier and get locked into a one or two year contract or use your current phone on their network. For most people the cheapest and best solution is to use your current phone. Thus phone Flashing. Flashing is the process of loading Carrier specific files to handsets from other carriers in order to connect the phone to the new carrier.

How Difficult is it ?

There are a number of good downloadable cell phone flashing programs out there that will guide you through reprogramming your cell phone to use on many other carriers. If you have basic computer knowledge and a few simple cables almost anyone can Flash or reprogram a cell phone. To begin search for a Flashing program on the internet if you don't already have one. If it is a reputable company they will offer a full refund as part of their package.One I have used in the past with great success is from http://www.yourcellular.net/need_help.html but there are several other good ones out there. Once downloaded unzip the file and search for the instruction or read me docs and follow them carefully. Look for instruction on your specific phone. Watch the video below. This will give you a good overview of what you will be doing. Your Flashing program may not match the video exactly but you will get the idea. You should be able to complete the process in about ten to fifteen minutes once setup. You will be Flashing a CDMA phone to a CDMA carrier. See a description of the two major networks below.

What do I Need to Flash My Phone ?

1.) Flashing software ( which you can download )
2.) A USB cable for the phone you're flashing
3.) A computer with Windows 2000 or Newer, a USB Port, 800Mhz+, 256MB RAM
4.) A CDMA cell phone( see below )

The Networks

In addition to the list above you will need an account with the CDMA carrier you wish to sign up with. There are two major networks for cell phone carriers. They are GSM or Global System for Mobile Communications. Examples are AT&T, T-Mobile The second CDMA or Code Division Multiple Access.Examples are Qwest, Metro, Sprint and Verizon. These are technologies which essentially allow a mobile device to communicate with a mobile communications network.

How Good Is The Carrier I am Flashing To ?

As with most great deals you probable heard about a better carrier through a friend or co-worker. But before you change carriers you should make sure the coverage you are going to is at least as good as your current provider. One way of doing that is compare your current coverage with your new carrier at http://wwwcellreception.com.. Here you can enter in your zip code and get ratings for all carriers in your area along with comments from others using the different cellular services.