Symbian Tips and Tricks

Full phone formatting on a Series 60 Phones!

If you encounter situation like below on your Phone

1. Blank screen phone unable to reboot.
2. Phone only able to boot-up to "Nokia" word screen.
3. Install some program but not able to uninstall it after that.
4. Error messages such as "Child Installer" keeps popping-up.

Do a Full phone formatting ! as steps below,

1. Make sure you have at least 3/4 charge of battery power left.

2. Backup your contacts list and personal files to MMC memory card.

3. Switch-off your phone.

4. Press and hold 3 keys;

Green dial key, * (star key) & no. 3 key and then press the power on/off to swtich on the phone.

Remember, do not let go all of the keys and hold keys until you see a formatting word screen show!

5. After a few minutes when the Full phone formatting completed, your phone will back to original system and factory settting.

All apps installed & not of the phones' default will be lost. If you did a backup on your mmc, you can restore it back to the C drive again.

Works With All Devices



How To Reset The Operator Logo

1) Go to the following dir :

C:\System\Apps\Phone\Oplogo

2) Delete any file in this directory

3) Restart the phone



Adding A New Infra Red Device To Tour PC

This procedure assumes that the infrared device is connected to a serial port on your computer. Use this procedure only if Windows did not automatically install an infrared device when you turned on your computer. Typically, Universal Serial Bus (USB), PCMCIA, and other Plug and Play-compliant infrared devices are automatically detected and installed.

To add a new infrared device:
01. Click Start, point to Control Panel, and then click Add Hardware.
02. The Add Hardware Wizard starts.
03. Click Next.
04. Click Yes, I have already connected the hardware, and then click Next.
05. In the Installed hardware list, click Add a new hardware device, and then click Next.
06. Click Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced), and then click Next.
07. In the Common hardware types box, click Infrared devices, and then click Next.

Do one of the following:

01. If you do not have an installation disk for the infrared device, click the manufacturer of the device in the Manufacturer list, click the infrared device that best matches your hardware in the Infrared Device list, and then click Next.

02. If you have a manufacturer's installation disk for a compatible driver, click Have Disk. Insert the manufacturer's installation disk into the appropriate drive, and then click Next.
Follow the instructions that are displayed on the remaining pages of the Add Hardware Wizard to install the infrared device.


View the Properties of an Infrared Device
To use this procedure, there must be an infrared device installed on your computer. Note that the settings for the infrared device are configured automatically when you install the device, and typically do not have to be changed. To view the properties of an infrared device:

01. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Wireless Link.

02. Click the Hardware tab, click the infrared device for which you want to view properties, and then click Properties.


Configure a Serial Port for Infrared Communication
Your computer must support an infrared mode for a serial port. Use this procedure to install an IrDA transceiver that is provided by the computer manufacturer. To configure a serial port for infrared communication:

01. Start the BIOS configuration utility for your computer. Note that the method for starting the BIOS configuration utility varies from one computer to another. For many computers, you can start the BIOS configuration utility by pressing a function key that is indicated during the computer startup process. Some computers require that you start by using special configuration disks. For more information about how to enter BIOS Setup, see your computer manufacturer's documentation.

02. In the peripheral or serial port configuration section, change the mode to IrDA or Infrared.


Troubleshooting
Installing an IrDA transceiver disables the serial port. Do not attach a serial IrDA transceiver to a serial port.


Downloading & Installing Java Files

Java files can be a bit tricky at times. Most of the time, after you have downloaded and saved the java file on your pc, windows tend to change the icon & extension of the file into a .zip.

And this will led to those not familiar with this issue to extract the file. Once that is done, you will see a lot of folders and files. This is not the right way but ofcourse theres a way to get around this. Heres what you should do instead;

First, on your PCs, launch Windows Explorer and then select

Tools>Folder Options>View and "un-tick" the Hide extensions for known file type.

Now only can you see the full extension of a file and change the .zip into .jar and send it to your phone.



Repairing A Corruptted MMC

Correct Treatment of your MMC:


Physically, memory cards are quite fragile pieces of high technology, susceptible to damage from various silly things like excessive heat, condensation, strong magnetic fields, physical damage from rough handling and/or bending! (similar to most electronic devices then..)

Given the natue of mobile memory card products, they are constantly being taken in and out of some form of interface with a mobile phone, a camera, a laptop, or desktop PC, or a separate memory card reader. The number of different devices they have to be able to interact with is in the thousands.

It is not too surprisingly, then that sometimes the state of the file system on the memory card can get damaged.

This may happen for a number of different reasons, including:


> removing the card from a device whilst an application is trying to read/write to it.. (Just be patient...)
> battery drain on a device whilst in use meaning an insufficent voltage failure whilst writing to the card.
> a poor implementation of the MMC standard on the device using the card
> poor connectivity software drivers on the device or the Windows PC/Mac
> physical damage like card or device being dropped, bent, getting wet etc...
> lots of others i am sure..


As often as not, the problem is not terminal for your memory card, but just a software issue ( or in physical terms, it could be called "a temporary disalignment of the all the bits and bytes on the card").

The fix for this problem is the same as for any other file storage device (like a floppy or hard drive) with corrupt or invalid file system, namely; re-format the file system.

Re-Formatting your MobyMemory MMC Card:

It is possible that your mobile will offer you the option of formatting the memory card if it is found to be invalid. (However, the likes of Nokia nGage, Nokia 6600, and Siemens Sx1 often just prefer to reject the media as corrupted).

In that case, to format the card, you will need access to one or more of the following:


> A Windows PC or Mac.
> A separate multi-format memory card reader (verify that it is compatible with the MultiMediaCard -MMC- standard).
> (This can come in USB or PCMCIA flavours. If USB, try and ensutre it is a USB2 device.
> Alternatively, many of the newest laptop and desktop PCs now come with integrated Multi-format memory card readers.
> If you are using a separate memory card reader, then connect it up to your PC, and let windows recgnize the device through plug-and-play.


Now you can insert your MobyMemory card into the appropriate slot in the memory card reader. (Please note that because the MMC card is pretty much symmetrical it is very easy to insert it upside-down in the slot).

Open up [Windows Explorer] (or the equivalent for MAC users..sorry not well-versed in OS X).

There should be at least one icon visible for a [Removable Drive] in the list of available drives. (in fact, there is often a list of about 5 or 6 Removable drives, one for each of the different Memory card formats that your reader is compatible with).

Find the drive that is mapped to the MMC card by clicking on each in turn until it confirms there is a drive present. (Sometimes it is easiest to do this by trying a fully-functional MMC card in the MMC slot first so you can confirm which drive letter it is.)

(NB. It will always be labelled as a [Removable Drive], don't mistake it for one of your PC hard drives like [C:] drive, as that could be catastrophic later on!)

At this stage it may give an error message saying that the drive is unreadable.

By right-clicking on the drive letter, it will provide the option of formatting the drive.

Select format the drive, and the [Format Drive] dialog will appear (Double-check again to make sure it not your [C:] drive!).

There is only one setting to focus on in this page, and that is to ensure that the FileSystem selected for formatting is the [FAT] option (not FAT32, or NTFS or any other option)

(Note: All mobile phones, to my knowledge, and most cameras (etc..) use the FAT file system (or at least are compatible with it) on their memory card media.)

Now click on Format Now ( ensure [Quick Format] is not selected as this will not actually restore the file system space byte by byte, but only resets the header information so the drive thinks its empty again. This may not be enought to solve your corruption problem.)

The PC will now - hopefully!- chug away happily until it has restored the memory card space back to its original configuration (of course, any information on there is long gone by now!).

If you recieve an error message back from the [Format Now] request, then your problem may be more permanent, and not just a software issue. In this case, it may still respond to a format request in a different memory card reader or device.

If you believe it to be a failure of manufacture, then the warranty on the card offers the prospect of a replacement card, subject to a confirmation of the fault upon return of the goods.



Increase Your MMC Space

Your files in MMC are stored in multiple (disk) blocks.
So if you format using 16K block, the space used will be 16K eventhough your file is just 1K.

If you buy MMC, it is usually preformatted with 16K block. Therefore alot of space is wasted as most installed program files are usually less than 2K.

You will need a card reader to do this:-

1. Connect card reader and copy all your files in the MMC to computer disk. (Make sure you set the show all/hidden/os files to "on")

2. Do a format of the MMC using command line "format" and use the /A=size option.

Alternative, you can use the Disk Management in Adminstrative Tools to format. Make sure you select FAT. For 256MB MMC, smallest block you can use is 4K, 128MB is 2K, 64Mb is 1K and 32MB is 512B.

(Note: You cannot use the phone "format MMC" to do this as the format just clear the allocation table and does not change the block size)

3. Copy back all files to MMC.

Now you will find that you will have more space.
256mb MMC got back 30+ mbs

Bluetooth Connection Guide

This is a "How To" for Connecting the Nokia Series 60 device (Nokia 7650, 6600, 3650, 3660 etc...) via Bluetooth TM with the Windows Widcomm software used by TDK, Billington, MSI and others Bluetooth USB Vendors. The guide was created with the 7650 hadset but the steps are similar for other Series 60 devices and have been checked with the 3650 and 6600.

1.Pairing the computer and the Series 60 Handset
Pairing is the process of swapping pass keys and setting up a trusted connection between the Bluetooth USB adapter / card connected to the PC and the 7650 handset. Save any files and close any applications you may have been working on.

2. Set up Bluetooth TM on the 7650 by going to the Main Menu, selecting Connect and then Bluetooth.

3. Make sure the Bluetooth option is On and My Phone's Visibility is Shown to all. Remember what is in My Bluetooth Name - or edit it to one of your choice - this is what your 7650 will be seen as by other Bluetooth TM devices.

4. Right Click on the Bluetooth Icon in the system tray, on the menu that appears go to Setup and then click on Security.

5. A window appears and all being well the right hand pane will have your 7650 (titled what ever you have entered into the phone's My Bluetooth Name entry). If nothing appears click Refresh and your phone should then appear. Highlight the 7650 and click Execute Pairing.

6. A window will pop up asking for a PassKey. Enter in a numeric only passkey and click OK.

7. On the 7650 a screen pops up asking you to enter a passkey - key in the same number you just typed into the PC.

8. By default any connections from your PC to the 7650 must be manually accepted on the 7650. You have an option to set up a connection from the PC to your 7650 as authorized, this means when you connect from the PC to the phone it won't ask you if it's ok and will connect automatically.

9. To set it as automatic: On the 7650 in the Bluetooth TM Setting Screen, you joystick right to the Paired Devices screen, highlight the Computer you just paired with and press Options, select Set as Authorized and Yes. You will then see a padlock icon beside the paired device - this device will no longer require manual authorization for connections to the 7650.

Now you should set My phone's visibility to Hidden - so that unknown devices searching won't see your phone. You can still be connected to by any paired devices. Remember to switch it to Visible if you want to pair with a new device or receive a file / business card from someone with an unpaired device.
Edit/Delete Message

Manually make a serial connection to the Series 60 Handset to get the mRouter connection started:

1. To get a connection working you need one last step - you need to connect to the 7650's Bluetooh Serial port from the PC.

2.Right Click on the Bluetooth TM Icon in the system tray, on the menu that appears go to Services and then click on Bluetooth TM Serial Port. Select Find Devices from the sub menu. (A shortcut to this connection will be created so next time you will have the 7650 listed in Bluetooh Serial Port submenu to save the next step).

3. Select the 7650 from list and click Connect.

4. A window will appear telling you the connection is starting.

5. If you have not set the 7650 to automatically authorize a connection from this computer be ready to accept the connection request on the phone. If you have set it to automatically authorize then you won't be asked.

6. You should also see the Bluetooth icon on the 7650 start to flash showing a connection take place. Then you may get an error on the PC saying it can't connect and/or a message saying there is a Connection on COM0 (you can check the box to stop this appearing again), you can just ignore these message(s) for a minute. (Click OK once the mRouter connection is made described below.)

A couple of seconds later the mRouter icon in the tray shows a connection in starting and then a connection being made. You can see also the active connection in the mRouter Connection Properties. The PC Suite application should then be ready for use.


Handy Tips

- At the top of the main-menu and every folder, the keys 1 to 9 are shortcuts to the icons 1-9

- A shortcut on the left menukey in standby-mode will take more time to open than a shortcut on the right menukey. Reason: The left key is also used for the keylock so it shortly waits for pressing the * button.

- While writing text press and hold "#" to switch between Alpha mode and Number mode. You can also press a key long to insert its number.

- In standby-mode, press and hold 0 to launch your wap home page.

- If you have your keylock activated just press the on/off button to turn on your backlight to look at the time when it's dark without having to unlock the keypad.

- To keep the backlight on, run Torch (freeware), press and hold the Menu button and go somewhere else on the phone.

- To check your current firmware version simply type *#0000# in standby screen.

- To check your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) type *#06# in standby screen.

- To check your Bluetooth device address type *#2820# in standby screen.

- Start up in Safe Mode (no 'auto start' apps will be running): Hold down the pencil key when you turn on the phone and hold it on until you have to enter your PIN code.

- Format the phone memory by typing *#7370# in standby screen.

- In standby mode,
45# + dials the number on your sim in memory slot 45.
50# + dials slot 50 and so on.
Edit/Delete Message


Cant delete files in your Inbox?


When you cant delete a file which is in your inbox the normal way, here is what you can do;

1. Install FExplorer.

2. Launch it and goto the path/folder of your message inbox. If its on the C drive, it would be C:\system\Mail\00001001_S and the same if its on the E.

3. You will notice there are more folders, 0 to9 and a to f. Just go look into all those folders and you should be able to find the file that you wanna delete.

4. Once found, click on Options>File>Delete.

5. Exit FExplorer & goto your Inbox to delete the file again.


Backing up Phone Settings

If you ever come to a point when you need to hard format your phone or maybe upgrade to a new firmware, I'm sure definately would like to save the current settings of your phone. So this is what you should do;

How to backup phone settings to MMC.

Menu>Extras>Memory>Options>Backup phone mem.


Once the formatting or upgrading is done, you can then restore back the settings by doing;

Restoring settings after phone format.

Menu>Extras>Memory>Options>Restore from card.



Retrieve lost MMC password


1 Open file explorer. (SeleQ, FExplore, AppMan)

2 Search for 'MMCSTORE'

3 When you find it, send it to your PC

4 On PC, open the file with Notepad, or any word processor

5 there goes your password



Error of App Close Main! During Start Up

You can fix the app close main error..

1) Open your filemanager/explorer

2) Go to c:/system/bootdata & delete 'FirstBoot.dat'

3) Turn off phone & take out your MMC card

4) Turn on phone and put in current time/date

5) Wait for it to boot up then turn off phone again.

6) Put MMC back in and turn on phone.


Copy & Paste

How to copy & paste text:



Press and hold the pencil key and select your text using the scroll key.

Left function key will change to 'Copy'. Press it to copy the selected text to clipboard.

You can paste the clipboard contents the same way:

press and hold the pencil key and press 'Paste'. Or, press pencil key once and select 'Paste'


Speed Up Your Phone

First go to ur To-do List (default app of your Phone)

- Make a note and input as follows
Subject: Speed
Due Date: 01-29-2005(mm-dd-yy)
Priority: set to High
then press Done

- Make a second Note and input as follows
Subject: Qoukie
Due Date: 01-29-2005(mm-dd-yy)
Priority: set to Low
then press Done

- Do not exit yet, Press the Option of your Subject note w/c is Speed and Mark as done

- then Press the Option of your Subject note w/c is Qoukie and Mark as done

- Now, reboot ur mobile.

The JAMES BOND Trick


If you short-circuit theleft middle and right pins on the bottom of the phone with all touching each other, the connections nokia software hangs! The profile "Headset" will be activated.

Before you do this just activate the "Automatic Answer" in the headset profile and set the ringing volume to "Mute".

Now you can use your phone for checking out what people are talking about in a room. Just place it under a table in a room and call it.

The phone receives the call without ringing and you can listen to what people are saying.

Nokia Secret Codes

NOKIA PHONE CODES :
  • Nokia Codes : *3370#
This Nokia code activates Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) - Your Nokia cell phone uses the best sound quality but talk time is reduced my approx. 5%
  • Nokia Codes : #3370#
Deactivate Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR)
  • Nokia Codes : *#4720#
Activate Half Rate Codec - Your phone uses a lower quality sound but you should gain approx 30% more Talk Time
  • Nokia Codes : *#4720#
With this Nokia code you can deactivate the Half Rate Codec
  • Nokia Codes : *#0000#
Displays your phones software version, 1st Line : Software Version, 2nd Line : Software Release Date, 3rd Line : Compression Type
  • Nokia Codes : *#9999#
Phones software version if *#0000# does not work
  • Nokia Codes : *#06#
For checking the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI Number)
  • Nokia Codes : #pw+1234567890+1#
Provider Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w" and "+" symbols)
  • Nokia Codes : #pw+1234567890+2#
Network Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w" and "+" symbols)
  • Nokia Codes : #pw+1234567890+3#
Country Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w" and "+" symbols)
  • Nokia Codes : #pw+1234567890+4#
SIM Card Lock Status. (use the "*" button to obtain the "p,w" and "+" symbols)
  • Nokia Codes : *#147#
This lets you know who called you last (Only vodofone)
  • Nokia Codes : *#1471#
Last call (Only vodofone)
  • Nokia Codes : *#21#
This phone code allows you to check the number that "All Calls" are diverted to
  • Nokia Codes : *#2640#
Displays phone security code in use
  • Nokia Codes : *#30#
Lets you see the private number
  • Nokia Codes : *#43#
Allows you to check the "Call Waiting" status of your cell phone.
  • Nokia Codes : *#61#
Allows you to check the number that "On No Reply" calls are diverted to
  • Nokia Codes : *#62#
Allows you to check the number that "Divert If Unreachable (no service)" calls are diverted to
  • Nokia Codes : *#67#
Allows you to check the number that "On Busy Calls" are diverted to
  • Nokia Codes : *#67705646#
Phone code that removes operator logo on 3310 & 3330
  • Nokia Codes : *#73#
Reset phone timers and game scores
  • Nokia Codes : *#746025625#
Displays the SIM Clock status, if your phone supports this power saving feature "SIM Clock Stop Allowed", it means you will get the best standby time possible
  • Nokia Codes : *#7760#
Manufactures code
  • Nokia Codes : *#7780#
Restore factory settings
  • Nokia Codes : *#8110#
Software version for the nokia 8110
  • Nokia Codes : *#92702689#
Displays - 1.Serial Number, 2.Date Made, 3.Purchase Date, 4.Date of last repair (0000 for no repairs), 5.Transfer User Data. To exit this mode you need to switch your phone off then on again
  • Nokia Codes : *#94870345123456789#
Deactivate the PWM-Mem
  • Nokia Codes : **21*number#
Turn on "All Calls" diverting to the phone number entered
  • Nokia Codes : **61*number#
Turn on "No Reply" diverting to the phone number entered
  • Nokia Codes : **67*number#
Turn on "On Busy" diverting to the phone number entered

NOTE : 12345 This is the default security code, press and hold # Lets you switch between lines

Installing unsigned application using Drakkarious 3.01 Orginal and Working For All Nokia Version.

                             I am going to explain how to install expired and unsigned your mobile application using Drakkarious aplication installer, this is one of the working method that was confirmed by many user in other mobile community. This is an All applications installer {unsigned and Expired Files}

Drakkarious 3.01 FP1, FP2 & PreFP1 is developed for only hacking purpose

All you have to do with this simple install this application and follow the instruction given on your screen by which you can easily learn at first time and it help you to hack any mobile phone. this is one time hacking process.

With this method you can install the following mobile application which are Unsigned files, Signed files, BinPDA files, Non-Binpda Files, Dated application, Out-Dated application files etc etc etc...

First this is you should try and see. Even you can install N-Gage cracked game on your mobile.

For Hacking instrusction

This method is word for the following handsets.

Pre-FP1 devices:
-------------------
Nokia N77,Nokia E61i,Nokia E65Nokia N93i,Nokia N91 8GB,Nokia E62,Nokia E50,Nokia 5500,Nokia N93,Nokia N73,Nokia N80,Nokia N71,Nokia N92,Nokia E70,Nokia E60,Nokia E61,Nokia 3250

FP1 devices:
-------------------
Nokia 6124 classic,Nokia N82,Nokia N95-3 NAM,Nokia E51,Nokia N95 8GB,Nokia N81,Nokia N81 8GB,Nokia 6121 classic,Nokia 6120 classic,Nokia 5700 XpressMusic,Nokia 6110 Navigator,Nokia E90 Communicator,Nokia N76,Nokia 6290,Nokia N95

FP2 devices
-------------------
Nokia 5320 XpressMusic,Nokia N78,Nokia N96,Nokia 6210 Navigator,Nokia 6220 classic


Specific devices
-------------------
Nokia 3250 v4.14,Nokia 3250 v4.60,Nokia 5500,Nokia E50,Nokia E51,Nokia E61


Hay its time to hack you Hand set.

At First Change phone date to : 15-05-2007

* This is the important procedure you should follow for Drakkarious Hack Compilation.

install the following application on your mobile. dont worry they wont harm your mobile

CapsOn
CapsOff
HelloCarbide
X-plore

Download This package Here

After installing all these 4 application please follow this procedure:

1.-Run X-plore and press "0". Now tick the 4 check boxes (if ticked already please leave it as it is )
2.-Now Without closing X-plore switch to the Phone menu and run hellocarbide
3.-Inside hellocarbide press options and chose Menu1 and answer "yes".
4.-Go back to X-plore and extract installserver.exe and CProfDriver_SISX.ldd from your c:\hack.rar into c:\sys\bin
5.-Restart your phone.

Run capsOff if you wish to see private folders using X-plore and capsOn to hide them again
Note: I advice you to always hide private folders

Note: After completing you must restart your phone to be able to install any app, and remember to always put your phones date back to the present again, always choose the correct version for your phone, and if you dont youll need to manually remove installserver.exe from c:\sys\bin\ using x-plore and hellocarbide...

If you make this mistake please repeat the process using the correct version: fp1 & fp2 or prefp1

Download Youtube Vidoes from your Windows Mobile Phones for Free.

Download Movie Files from your Windows Mobile Phones for Free.
YouTubeMobileDownloader
You Tube Downloader built by DRM Removal, is a handy tool to download  youtube videos from your Windows mobile phones. A very simple software with easy to use interface.

Downloading a video

The interface consists of a search bar. Just type in the name of your favourite video . Clicking Search yields all the videos associated with that name in the form of a list each result having a checkbox in front of it.
You can also search in Top Rated, Most Viewed & Most Recent category.
Browse through the list and search the video you want. Select the video that you want to download by checking the box in front of the video you.
Click the Menu button. Click the Download option. Thats all you have to do.
The Application Interface shows the download progress of the videos that are currently being downloaded.Also there is a help section which is accessible by the Help Button placed in the lower right corner of the Interface.

Don't underestimate the IMEI

You can get high-end functions in an imitation phone that costs less than some entry-level models. But there are hidden risks, and you could lose out on useful features too.



News reports have suggested that in the recent terrorist attacks on Mumbai, the attackers were allegedly using Chinese cell phones. This was recently proven in court using the handsets' IMEI numbers, which were cross checked against the manufacturer's records. Whenever a call is made from any handset, its unique 16-digit IMEI number appears on the service provider’s network logs, and it can use this number to pin-point the handset’s location within a one-kilometer radius.

Imported phones without IMEI numbers (or which all use the same one) were allowed to operate on Indian networks till earlier this year, but the government's Department of Telecommunications banned them earlier this year. Such phones can be used to get away with serious crimes, but there are also thousands of genuine users who bought these phones because they are so cheap. The ban makes their phones useless, but from a business point of view it also affects the importers of the Chinese and Taiwanese cell phones have been flooding the Indian markets.

Current statistics show that there are 25 million cell phones in use on Indian networks which do not report IMEI numbers. So these phones, which are often cheap knockoffs of genuine cell phone brands, might have been really tempting for the masses, they are a major concern for security. Regardless, they are still available in markets scattered across all towns and cities in India.

 

In order to get a quick idea of the status of these phones, we headed out to Manish Market, one of Mumbai’s biggest sources of imported electronics. Coincidently, on our way there, our cab driver was watching Doordarshan on his "TV phone" resting on the dashboard. His phone could not only be used for watching a cricket match, but could make calls, exchange SMSes, transfer files via Bluetooth, play MP3 files, take photos, and basically do everything that a multimedia phone is capable of. The cabbie had paid only around Rs 5,000 for the gadget. He didn't even get a bill for it. We’d be least surprised if this TV Phone did not have a valid IMEI number.

users can receive the geographic location, the address anywhere in the country of the nearest cell tower beaming to their stolen phone

On reaching the market we saw phones from random and uncommon brands, cheap knockoffs of genuine and popular brands, and finally genuine second-hand phones. The first category was the most interesting, where we saw brand names like YXTEL, CLOVE, TOP-1, LXD and some simply had ‘Bluetooth’ printed on them. These have completely unique designs, unusual keypads and usually large touchscreens. The most striking thing about these phones is the value for money that they offer. They might not be very usable or refined, but the majority of them are priced between Rs 2,800 and Rs 5,000. A ‘Hi-Phone’—an Apple iPhone knockoff—is available for as little as Rs 4,500, with most of the features in it, including a somewhat functional touch interface. Phones as cheap as Rs 2,800 also include features such as video recording, FM radio, large screen, Bluetooth, games, unique design, loud speaker, MP3 player, and above all good call and sound quality.

On a side note, phones are just the tip of the iceberg, there are MP3 players, DVD players, portable video cameras, digital cameras, you name it and you’ll find it. It is truly engaging to see the variety of Chinese products available, especially portable gadgets. The most shocking part is the endless rows of Chinese mobile phone knockoffs of brands such as Nokia, Apple, Samsung and many more. The shopkeepers’ audacity is even more amusing; they sell them by telling their customers exactly which models they have imitations of. Some retail shops are quite large and some are as tiny as fruit-carts.

The shopkeers also mostly insist that the phones have IMEI numbers—although whether these are valid and unique cannot be proven. In addition, their overall build quality isn’t very good, keypads are awkward to use, and even the touch screens are nowhere near as sensitive as the ones on their genuine counterparts. Video and photo quality is just about average. More importantly, these phones don’t have regular software. They use their own OSes (often simple Java interfaces) and therefore installing regular applications will usually not be possible. They don’t offer any warranty or support, no bill and no service centers. Most of these phones can be bought without any paperwork and no questions are asked.

 

The importance of the IMEI

Even if your phone doesn't stop working one day, a unique and valid IMEI number is important. IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, and the 16-digit IMEI code is physically and digital marked on all GSM and UTSM (the third-generation telecommunication technology) devices. This code helps network service providers to allow or block service to devices. If you type *#06# on a handset, the number displayed on screen is the IMEI code, which should be unique to that particular handset. This code is like a fingerprint of a cellphone. Whenever a call originates from a device, this number is registered at the network provider's back end, so the handset can then be authenticated. Any interaction, be it phone calls, messages or data transfer, gets mapped to this code. That's how you can just call the service provider and ask them to block the phone by using the IMEI code when it phone is lost or stolen, to make it unusable. Now, what if someone swaps the SIM card with another one, hence changing the service provider? Well, here’s some interesting insight!

Tracking a cell phone

There are services and utilities that use the IMEI in addition to other tricks to help users keep track of their cell phones. Registered users can even track their phone if it gets lost or stolen. Micro LMTS, where LMTS stands for Lost Mobile Tracking System, is a stealth application which not only finds lost cell phones but can also alert users via SMS if the SIM card of the phone is changed. Furthermore, the message also contains the new phone number and its location, helping users to get it back.

Here’s how they do it. Whenever the SIM card is changed, the IMSI—International Mobile Subscriber Identity—also changes. LMTS detects this change, and sends a message to your pre-defined alternative number. The download instructions, prices and other details are available on their website, www.microlmts.net.

Other products on the market let users receive logs of the calls originated from the newly installed SIM card on a stolen phone. Even the use of personal data can be prevented by deleting contacts, SMSes and other multimedia content with the help of alternate numbers that are registered and coupled with the registered phone and SIM which is lost. Quite interestingly, users can even receive the geographic location, the address anywhere in the country of the nearest cell tower beaming to the stolen phone with the newly inserted SIM card.

So much is achievable when your handset has a valid digital fingerprint—the IMEI number. A phone that doesn’t have this digital fingerprint cannot be traced, if ever lost. So make sure you know what you're getting when you decide t pick up one of these cheap, tempting, feature-rich phones.