i got the unlock code, put it in, and i got the message that it was accepted. so all seems to have gone well.

two questions:
1. is it possible to tell that the 8100 has actually been unlocked without trying a SIM from a different service provider?

2. i presume that i will not have to reenter the unlock code if i upgrade the OS. right?

TIA, and apologies if this has been discussed but couldn't find the answer.

yes if it says disabled under sim lock you are unlocked!

I'm glad somebody asked this because I had mine unlocked, but didn't know where to check to make sure. So I go to Options - Advanced - Sim Card - Menu Button - Disable Security? Is that the correct disabling mentioned? Mine is enabled, but I can disable it too......I tried already.

According to the unlock instructions I had to go to Options>Advanced>Sim Card, then type MEPPD and then type Alt-MEPP2 and enter the unlock code.
After I type MEPPD I get a personalization menu, and everything (including "Service Provider" is Disabled). I can't remember what showed there before unlocking, but perhaps this is what artfay was referring to. Now when I type Alt-MEPP2 it didn't ask for an unlock code, so I guess the phone has been unlocked (and this seems one way to check it).

Anybody knows whether I will need to reenter the unlock code if I upgrade the OS or ever wipe the Pearl clean?

If you upgrade your OS your BlackBerry will remain unlocked. If you wipe the BlackBerry it will remain unlocked.

I have two Pearls I just bought from TMobile the other day on a new account. On both of them when I go into MEMU > OPTION > ADVANCED OPTIONS > SIM CARD on the top of the screen it says SIM Card: Security Disabled.

Does that mean my phones are unlocked?

No

In the Sim card menu type MEP(press OP twice)D. Everything on the menu should say disabled. If they all say disabled - then the device is unlocked. Most likely the locked device will say enabled next to Network.

If is says "Active" next to Network it is locked.
All should say Disabled after you type the MEPPD

Ahhhh.....did the meppd when at the sim card section and everything is disabled. So I'm officially unlocked!

I have an 7100i in all my fields it says UNKNOWN does that mean its unlocked?
this is an 7100i from MIKE telus.
I tried doing the ALT-MEPP2 thingy but nothing shows up,
I guess its unlocked, not that it matters.

And the SIM/Service that you are using is it from MIKE Telus or another provider?

Mike telus sim card and mike telus 7100i

You said you did ALT-MEPP2 is that what you did or ALT-MEPPD

both

What does enabling security do for the sim card?
I can enable or disable and change the pin code but is it really worth it?


Mine does say enabled by network and I expected it to.
I am t-mobile what is the easiest way to unlock?

thanks

sorry for my ignorance guys but why do you guys unlock your pearls? what does that mean and what does it do?

thanks!

Unlocking only allows you to use another carrier's sim card in your phone. Nothing more. If you buy a TMobile phone, for instance, it's locked to only work on TMobile. If you get it unlocked you could use it on any GSM carrier's network with another sim card. Some people do it so they can use it exclusively on another network. Some do it so they can use local sim cards when they travel internationally...There are many reasons. Bottom line, if you only use the phone with the sim card/carrier it's locked to it really doesn't matter. If you ever sell it on eBay it's worth a little more. However, most eBay BB's say unlocked but they're really not.

oh cool! thank you!

Call t-mobile customer service (once you've been with them for 90 days) and they will unlock it for free. They provide an unlock code for their customers once every 90 days for free.

Hey there guys, new user from Rogers....I have follow all the directions and found that mine is locked. How do I get the unlock code for Rogers???

Just give them a call and they should email you the unlock code and the instructions. They might deny your request because you might be a new customer.

While that works for T-Mobile and a few other carriers, there are several posts about Rogers unwillingness to give out unlock codes.

I suggest you contact one of the sponsors who unlocks phones to see if they have any luck with Rogers.