How to Flash a Phone in the US

The phone you want to reprogram must use a CDMA network. CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access, which means multiple access through code division. If you’re unsure whether the phone you intend to reprogram uses CDMA, look for a SIM card slot on the side of the phone or beneath the battery. If there’s no SIM card, it’s a CDMA phone and can be flashed.

• GSM phones (short for Global System for Mobile Communications) cannot be reprogrammed (e.g., AT&T and T-Mobile). Metro, Sprint, Cricket, Boost, Verizon, and many other providers use CDMA networks, which don’t rely on SIM cards, so you can flash phones from these carriers. (Since Metro merged with T-Mobile, they’ve started offering phones with SIM cards, so reprogramming depends on the phone model.)
• Additionally, the phone’s ESN or electronic serial number must be "clean." This means the phone has never been reported lost or stolen.

Prepare a USB cable. This is the cable you use to connect your phone to a computer for transferring music or other content.

Find compatible flashing software. There are many user-friendly programs that make phone reprogramming simple and even free. Ensure the software works with your specific phone model before proceeding.

• Easyflasher.com and CDMA-ware.com are examples of phone flashing software you can use. Research thoroughly to avoid incompatible or unreliable programs, as they could permanently damage your phone.

Understand the purpose of reprogramming your phone. Are you switching carriers? You can only switch to another carrier that uses CDMA networks. Cricket, Page Plus, and Metro PCS are popular options.

• You can check signal strength for different networks in your area at Cellreception.com. Since this is a significant decision, it’s better to be cautious. Some programs are also linked to major networks, such as Page Plus and Verizon.
  • You can try Page Plus’s website for free for one hour.

Download your chosen flashing program to your computer and extract the files. Read the instructions carefully and proceed cautiously. The flashing process typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

• Since each phone is set up differently, it’s difficult to provide step-by-step instructions. However, continue reading for some key points to keep in mind.

Check the drivers. If you’re unsure whether your phone’s drivers are up to date, download the latest ones online. Knowing the phone’s name and model number is enough to proceed. If not, you can still find the information online.

• To successfully reprogram your phone, ensure all necessary drivers are installed beforehand. Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Samsung) to verify.

Understand the basics. The software will ask for the original carrier, the new carrier, the manufacturer, and the phone’s model number. You’ll need to choose between "half flash" (partial reprogramming) and "full flash" (complete reprogramming). With "half flash," the phone will only be able to make calls, send texts, and receive calls.

Have the phone’s MEID and ESN ready. On the flashing program’s interface, you can "read" all the phone’s parameters to gather the necessary information. Alternatively, you can research this beforehand. The MEID and ESN numbers are usually located under the battery.

• The MEID Dec code is 18 characters long (starting with a 2), while the MEID Hex code consists of 15 alphanumeric characters.
• The ESN code is 8 digits long and may be labeled as PESN.

Detect the phone. The software will have an option to detect the phone and read its parameters. If you choose this option, you won’t need to worry about manually identifying the COM port, as the program will handle it.

• The program might ask you to enter an unlock code. For Verizon phones, this is usually six zeros, while other less common codes include six ones or six threes.
• Some phones may require you to update the Preferred Roaming List (PRL). In the US, the code is *228 (for Verizon/MetroPCS/US Cellular) and ##873283# (for Sprint). In Canada, use *22803 for Telus Mobility phones.
• If the COM port isn’t identified for any reason, you can find it manually through the Device Manager.

Select "write" (program). Most software will prompt you to choose "write" and confirm. Once you click "yes," the phone will begin flashing and will reboot automatically upon success. That’s it.

The phone could become completely unusable and irreparable. This outcome is irreversible.

• This risk exists even if the flashing process is performed by a professional technician. The risk increases significantly if you or someone inexperienced attempts it.

Be aware that reprogramming the phone voids all warranties. This is understandable since you’re essentially bypassing the current carrier’s restrictions. However, if you reprogram through a retailer (optional), the phone might still retain its warranty, depending on the circumstances.

Ensure the new carrier accepts foreign ESN codes. If you’re reprogramming the phone to switch to Boost or Cricket, this won’t be an issue. However, larger carriers like Verizon rarely accept self-repaired or flashed phones, so proceed with caution.

Understand that the phone retains its original technology. Whether flashed or not, a CDMA phone remains CDMA-based. If you live in the US and travel abroad frequently, most countries use GSM technology with SIM cards. The main benefit of reprogramming is switching carriers without purchasing a new phone.

• All major US carriers (except AT&T and T-Mobile) use CDMA technology. Unlike GSM, a CDMA phone’s ESN is fixed and cannot be changed.

Reprogramming a phone to work with Straight Talk is illegal. This requires falsifying the ESN, which must remain unique. Having two phones with identical electronic serial numbers is clearly unreasonable and can result in severe penalties. If you’re interested in Straight Talk, visit their website and consult with an expert to explore alternative solutions.

• Reprogramming your phone can save you money by avoiding the need to buy a new device when switching carriers. You can also take advantage of cheaper plans offered by other providers.

• CDMA phones can only be used with CDMA carriers like Metro, Sprint, Cricket, Boost, and Verizon.
• Only CDMA phones can be flashed. GSM phones, which use SIM cards provided by carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile, cannot be flashed. If you use a GSM phone, you’re stuck with your original carrier.
• There’s always a risk when reprogramming a phone. Permanent data loss or complete device failure is possible. Be aware of these risks before proceeding, and follow the software’s instructions carefully if doing it yourself.
• Reprogramming voids the phone’s warranty. However, if you use an authorized dealer or professional service, the warranty might still be preserved.
• You can only use a flashed phone with a CDMA network if the new carrier agrees to activate it. Smaller carriers like Cricket or Boost are usually more accommodating, while larger providers like Sprint or Verizon are not. Before flashing, call the carrier you want to switch to and confirm if they accept foreign ESNs.

• Flashing software (downloadable)
• USB cable compatible with your phone
• A computer running Windows 2000 or later with a USB port, 256 MB RAM, and an 800 Mhz+ processor
• A CDMA mobile phone