The phrase refers to tools, often software-based, designed to generate a specific alphanumeric string required to remove restrictions imposed by network providers or the device manufacturer on Huawei mobile phones. These codes circumvent lock mechanisms that prevent the use of a Huawei device on networks other than the one it was originally intended for. An instance of its use would be when an individual wants to use their Huawei phone with a different carrier than the one from which they purchased the device.
Such mechanisms gained prominence with the increasing prevalence of subsidized mobile devices. Network providers implemented locking to recoup the cost of the subsidized device, preventing users from immediately switching to competing networks. The ability to circumvent these locks provides users with greater flexibility and choice regarding their mobile service provider and, potentially, increased resale value of the unlocked device. The historical context highlights a tension between the interests of mobile carriers seeking to retain customers and consumer demands for open access and control over their purchased devices.
