Glossary

A

APN (Access Point Name)

A setting on your router or phone that tells it how to connect to a mobile carrier’s internet network. After unlocking your device, you may need to update the APN to match your new carrier’s settings.

B

Band (Frequency Band)

A specific radio frequency range used by mobile networks to transmit data. Different carriers and countries use different bands. Common LTE bands include Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz), and Band 20 (800 MHz). Your device must support the bands used by your carrier to get a signal.

Bootloader

The low-level software that runs when a device powers on, before the main operating system loads. Some advanced unlocking methods — like our Remote Unlock Service — require bootloader access to modify firmware.

Brovi

A sub-brand of Huawei used on some newer routers and MiFi devices. Brovi devices use the same unlock algorithms as Huawei. See our Huawei, Brovi & Zowee Special Unlock page for hard-to-unlock models.

C

Carrier Lock (SIM Lock)

A restriction placed on a device by a mobile carrier so it only works with their SIM cards. Removing this restriction is what we do — see our unlock service to get started. For a side-by-side comparison of carrier-unlocked vs factory-unlocked vs SIM-free vs network-unlocked, see our unlock terminology comparison.

Cat 4 / Cat 6 / Cat 12 / Cat 19 (LTE Category)

A classification that indicates the maximum download and upload speeds a 4G LTE device can achieve. Cat 4 supports up to 150 Mbps download, Cat 6 up to 300 Mbps, Cat 12 up to 600 Mbps, and Cat 19 up to 1.6 Gbps. Higher categories generally mean faster speeds.

CPE (Customer Premises Equipment)

A stationary router designed for home or office use that connects to mobile networks via a SIM card. Examples include the Huawei B535, B818, and OPPO 5G CPE. Unlike portable MiFi devices, CPEs are plugged into a power outlet.

D

Dual SIM

A device that accepts two SIM cards at the same time, allowing you to use two different carriers or plans simultaneously. Some unlocked routers support dual SIM for failover or load balancing.

F

Firmware

The built-in software that controls a router or phone’s hardware. Firmware updates can add features, fix bugs, or change unlock behavior. Some devices require specific firmware versions for code-based unlocking to work.

Flash Code

A secondary unlock code used on some Huawei devices alongside the NCK. The flash code is sometimes needed to fully unlock a device or reset its unlock counter. Our service provides flash codes when applicable.

H

Hotspot (Mobile Hotspot / MiFi)

A portable, battery-powered device that connects to a mobile network and creates a Wi-Fi network for nearby devices. Popular models include the Huawei E5577, Netgear Nighthawk series, and Alcatel LinkZone.

I

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)

A unique 15-digit number that identifies your device. Every phone, router, and MiFi has one. You need your IMEI to order an unlock code — find it by dialing *#06#, checking the device label, or looking in the device’s web admin panel. Enter it on our home page to begin.

L

LTE (Long-Term Evolution)

The standard for 4G wireless broadband. LTE networks offer significantly faster speeds than 3G. Most modern routers and MiFi devices support LTE, with categories (Cat 4 through Cat 19) indicating speed capabilities.

M

MiFi

A brand name that has become a general term for portable mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. MiFi devices are battery-powered, pocket-sized routers that share a cellular data connection over Wi-Fi. See also: Hotspot.

N

NCK (Network Control Key)

The unlock code used to remove a carrier lock from a device. When you insert a SIM from a different carrier, the device prompts you to enter the NCK. This is the code we generate and deliver to you. For Alcatel devices, see our 10-digit NCK and 16-digit NCK services.

Nighthawk

Netgear’s premium line of mobile hotspots and routers, known for high performance and 5G support. Models include the M1 (MR1100), M2 (MR2100), M5, M6, and M7 Pro. See our Netgear unlock service.

R

Remote Unlock

An unlocking method where a technician connects to your device remotely (via TeamViewer or similar software) and unlocks it through firmware modification or special tools. Used for devices that can’t be unlocked with a simple code. See our Remote Unlock Service.

Roaming

Using your device on a network other than your home carrier, typically when traveling abroad. Unlocked devices let you avoid expensive roaming charges by using a local SIM card instead.

S

SIM Card (Subscriber Identity Module)

A small chip card issued by a mobile carrier that identifies your account and connects your device to their network. SIM cards come in Standard, Micro, and Nano sizes. An unlocked device accepts SIM cards from any carrier.

SIM Lock

See: Carrier Lock. For a side-by-side comparison of carrier-unlocked vs factory-unlocked vs SIM-free vs network-unlocked, see our unlock terminology comparison.

Soyealink

A manufacturer that produces routers and MiFi devices, often rebranded by carriers. Soyealink devices sometimes require special unlock codes. See our Special Unlock page.

U

Unlock Attempts

Most devices have a limited number of times you can enter an incorrect unlock code before they become permanently locked (bricked). Huawei devices typically allow 10 attempts. If you’re running low on attempts, our Remote Unlock Service can help.

Unlock Code

A numeric or alphanumeric code entered into a device to remove its carrier lock. Different brands use different formats — Huawei V5 codes are 16-digit alphanumeric, while older versions use 8-digit numeric codes. Once entered correctly, the device is permanently unlocked.

V

V1 / V2 / V3 / V4 / V5 (Huawei Algorithm Versions)

Huawei uses different algorithms to generate unlock codes for different device generations. Version 3 (V3) is the oldest (8-digit numeric), Version 4 (V4) is also 8-digit numeric but more complex, and Version 5 (V5) is the latest using 16-digit alphanumeric codes. The version determines which service you need.

W

Wingle

A USB dongle with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Unlike a regular USB modem that only provides internet to the connected computer, a wingle creates a Wi-Fi network that multiple devices can connect to. Popular models include the Huawei E8372.

Z

Zowee

A manufacturer that produces routers often rebranded under other names. Like Brovi and Soyealink, Zowee devices may need specialized unlock codes. See our Special Unlock page.

ZTE

A major Chinese manufacturer of routers, MiFi devices, and phones. ZTE devices use their own unlock code format. See our ZTE unlock service.

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