How to unlock Huawei modem E173u-1

[Download links updated]

In this tutorial I'll show you how to unlock Huawei modem E173u-1.
If you are used to unlocking modems the way you did with E160, you are wrong.

This tutorial was incomplete at first, i got the urge to update  it after receiving alot of feedback from people all over the world who got to this article via search engines.

First of all you'll need to download the following 3 tools.
1.  Huawei E173 Firmware               
2.  Universal Master Code               
3.  Huawei Mobile Partner Software and link2

Using the Universal Master Code, get FLASH and UNLOCK codes for the device by simply entering the 8-digit figure (IMEI) located under your modem and clicking the Calculate button.

Next, plug in the modem to your desktop/laptop. After it has unloaded all it's drivers, launch Huawei E173 firmware updater you downloaded. The device will automatically be detected and the update process will commence.

when the process completes, a dialogue box will appear requesting for the password. Enter the flash or unlock code calculated by the Universal Master Code.

The above process flushes out the default firmware that came with your modem (e.g Safaricom in Kenya). As you'll notice, it automatically installs itself everytime you plug it into a pc/laptop for the very first time. this time you will have to install Huawei Mobile Partner to act as your dashboard, in replacement of the default you bought with your modem.

Next, install Huawei Mobile Partner and enter the unlock code when asked. Your modem is now fully unlocked and ready for any simcard so long you give it the appropriate settings i.e Profile name, APN, Access No., Username and Password.

I hope this tutorial helps... You can e-mail me through metta.job@gmail.com in case you want to exchange ideas in other fields or simply leave a comment.

For those of you from Kenya I have compiled a summary of your network provider's profiles.

ORANGE

Profile Name: Orange Edge

APN (Static): bew.orange.co.ke

Access Number: *99***1#

Username: leave blank

Password: leave blank

YU

Profile Name: YU Kenya

APN (Static): internet

Access Number: *99#

Username: leave blank

Password: leave blank

SAFARICOM

Profile Name: Safaricom

APN (Static): safaricom

Access Number: *99#

Username: saf

Password: data

 

AIRTEL

Profile Name: Zain Kenya

APN (Static): celtel.com

Access Number: *99#

Username: leave blank

Password: leave blank

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