Neon Ray from Safaricom is presently the cheapest smartphone in the Kenyan market. It was designed for low-income earners. Many phones that are sold through a mobile network come locked to Safaricom's network, allowing one to use only Safaricom SIM cards. Unlocking allows you to use other providers like Airtel and Telkom with no problem, thus giving even greater control. This tutorial will take you through how you can unlock your Neon Ray to use any SIM card and also give other useful tips and considerations to have at the back of your mind when using the device in Kenya.

1. Why it is Important to Unlock Your Neon Ray

If a telephone device becomes network-locked, that means one is only allowed to use services from that particular network. Unlocking your Neon Ray gives you the following freedom:

  • Use any SIM card from another network operator, even changing as it may be convenient with the signal strength, data offer, or call tariff.
  • Get more attractive subscriptions for data, calling rates, or promotions by other networks.
  • Use the phone with foreign SIM cards internationally when you go abroad, thus avoiding expensive roaming charges.

Briefly speaking, unlocking your Neon Ray offers more flexibility and will probably save you money on communication.

2. Neon Ray Unlocking Policy by Safaricom

Safaricom allows its subscribers to unlock devices after certain conditions have been met. According to Safaricom policy:

  • Neon Ray devices can be unlocked 12 months after purchase from the date of purchase.
  • There is a possibility you can incur some unlocking charges in case you request the phone before the expiration of the lock-in period.
  • You must, however, visit a Safaricom shop in person or make a call to their customer care service to initiate the process.

If you want to unlock it before that period or if Safaricom's fees are not a concern for you, then there are other ways to do so.

3. How to Unlock Safaricom's Neon Ray

There are a few ways to unlock Safaricom's Neon Ray. Each has its own process, and all carry different costs and risks. Let's see some of the common methods:

Method 1: Approach Safaricom for Official Unlock

The most authentic and trustable way of unlocking your Neon Ray is through Safaricom itself.

Steps to Unlock:

  1. Dial 100: Dial this number, which is Safaricom's customer care line, or simply walk into any Safaricom retail shop.
  2. Provide Your IMEI Number: The customer care representative will ask for an IMEI number of your phone. To get the IMEI number, dial *#06# from your phone.
  3. Pay the Unlocking Fee: You may require to pay the fee if you are still within the 12-month lock-in period. Any applicable charges may be informed by the representative.
  4. Get the Unlock Code: Safaricom will send you an unlock code. This code you will enter in your phone to unlock it.
  5. Insert Another Network SIM: This time, a SIM of another network, after it is unlocked, will be put in, and your phone will work just fine.

Method 2: Online Unlocking Facility

An online unlocking service can help if you either don't want to go through Safaricom or are out of Kenya. Many websites will provide your phone's unlocking code based on your IMEI No.

Steps to Unlock Using Online Service

  1. Look for a Good Website to Unlock: Search for a trustworthy unlocking service provider; ensure that the website you decide on has good reviews.
  2. Enter Your IMEI Number: Give them your Neon Ray's IMEI number. Your IMEI can be obtained from your phone by dialing *#06#.
  3. Pay the Service Fee: Most services will have some fee attached to them for providing unlock codes, so pay through a valid payment gateway.
  4. Receive and Enter the Unlock Code: Once the website has processed your request, it will send an unlock code via email to you. With a different network's SIM card in your phone, enter this code.
  5. Test the Phone: Put a non-Safaricom SIM card in it and check that your Neon Ray is unlocked.

Method 3: By Using a SIM Unlock App

People have successfully acquired unlock applications via the Google Play Store. These applications, at times, use the phone's IMEI number to generate an unlock code.

Steps to Unlock via App:

  1. Download a SIM Unlock App: Search for a good app on the Google Play Store.
  2. Follow the Instructions in the App: Most applications will request an IMEI number to generate the unlock code.
  3. Enter the Unlock Code: Once generated, put it into the phone.
  4. Insert a New SIM Card: Test the phone with a non-Safaricom SIM card to ensure it worked.

4. Precautions Before Unlocking

Unlocking your Neon Ray gives you flexibility, but there are some things to be noted under precautions:

  • Warranty Void: Your phone's manufacturing warranty may be considered invalid if the unlocking is done with unofficial means third-party services or apps.
  • Legal Issues: Ensure the method you are opting for to unlock is legal and does not breach Safaricom's policies.
  • Backup Your Data: It may also be noted that some unlocking methods will lead to data loss. Always make sure you backup your contacts, photos, and important files before proceeding.

5. Benefits of an Unlocked Phone in Kenya

Unlocking your Neon Ray has several benefits for you:

  • You are free to port to other networks like Airtel, Telkom, or any other network based on better deals for calls or data that they offer.
  • Better coverage - you may be traveling in some remote areas; then, having an unlocked phone will let you use network coverage wherever you have the best.
  • Use International SIM Cards: While you travel abroad, you will insert local SIM cards of the visiting countries to avoid the extra costs of roaming.

6. Troubleshooting After Unlocking

If your phone doesn't detect a new SIM card or refuses to get unlocked, here are a few steps you can try:

  • Restart the Phone: Often times, a simple reboot can resolve issues related to network detection.
  • Check Network Settings: Ensure that your phone is set to automatically select network carriers. Open up Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators and select 'Select Automatically'.
  • Contact the Unlock Service: If you used an online unlocking service or app and the code didn't work, then you are entitled to contact customer support for help.

Conclusion

Unlocking Safaricom's Neon Ray is an excellent way of having full control over one's mobile use and the opportunity to decide on the most suitable network. Be it via Safaricom's official unlocking process or a third-party service, the processes are pretty straightforward and simple to follow. Just make sure that in the process, you consider all the precautions and understand the risks involved in each method. Once unlocked, your Neon Ray will give you the freedom to enjoy better data plans, improved network coverage, and lower costs, hence smoothing your communication experience at an affordable cost in Kenya.