Figuring out the locked or unlocked standing of an Android machine includes verifying whether or not it is restricted to a selected cellular community service. An unlocked cellphone can settle for SIM playing cards from any suitable service, providing better flexibility. For example, if a tool bought from Verizon accepts and capabilities with a T-Cell SIM card, it’s thought-about unlocked.
The significance of realizing a tool’s lock standing lies in maximizing its utility and resale worth. An unlocked cellphone gives the liberty to modify carriers to reap the benefits of higher charges or protection, particularly when touring internationally. Traditionally, telephones have been usually locked to particular carriers to recoup subsidies on the machine value, however regulatory adjustments and client demand have elevated the provision and desirability of unlocked units.
Understanding easy methods to verify this standing is crucial earlier than switching carriers, touring overseas, or promoting the machine. The next sections will define a number of strategies to confirm the units community freedom.
1. SIM card compatibility
SIM card compatibility is an important determinant when verifying if an Android cellphone is unlocked. The power of a tool to just accept and performance with SIM playing cards from completely different carriers instantly signifies its community freedom.
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Cross-Service Performance
A major indicator of an unlocked machine is its functionality to function with SIM playing cards from completely different community suppliers. If a cellphone initially bought from one service capabilities seamlessly with a SIM card from one other, that implies it isn’t locked to the unique service. This performance is significant for customers intending to modify between carriers or make the most of native SIM playing cards whereas touring internationally.
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Worldwide SIM Card Utilization
Unlocked Android telephones allow using worldwide SIM playing cards, permitting customers to keep away from roaming costs when touring overseas. The insertion and profitable registration of a international SIM card onto the community is a powerful indication that the machine is free from service restrictions. Conversely, if a international SIM card isn’t acknowledged or the machine prompts for an unlock code, this means that the cellphone is locked.
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SIM Card Activation and Community Entry
Profitable activation of a brand new SIM card from a unique service and subsequent entry to its community companies (calls, knowledge, SMS) definitively demonstrates that the Android cellphone is unlocked. Lack of activation or the shortcoming to entry community companies regardless of a sound SIM card insertion signifies that the machine is likely to be locked to the unique service.
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Twin-SIM Performance and Unlocked Standing
Sure Android telephones supply dual-SIM capabilities. If one SIM slot capabilities with any service’s SIM card, whereas the opposite one has restriction with some carriers, it signifies the community freedom standing. Every slot being unrestricted enhances the machine’s flexibility and confirms its unlocked standing, thus the consumer has the liberty to make use of any of these slots and test.
In abstract, assessing SIM card compatibility supplies direct proof of whether or not an Android cellphone is free from service restrictions. Profitable use of SIM playing cards from a number of carriers, each domestically and internationally, unequivocally factors to an unlocked standing. Consequently, confirming SIM card compatibility is a key step in verifying the usability of the machine throughout completely different cellular networks.
2. Service restrictions
Service restrictions characterize a major obstacle to the unrestricted use of an Android machine, instantly affecting its unlocked standing. These limitations, imposed by cellular community operators, dictate the SIM playing cards with which the machine can function. A cellphone sure by service restrictions is locked to that particular supplier, rejecting SIM playing cards from competing networks. This restriction stems from enterprise fashions the place carriers subsidize machine prices, recouping their funding by means of service contracts. The existence of such restrictions is a major issue necessitating the verification course of to find out if an Android cellphone is really unlocked. As an example, a cellphone bought with a contract from AT&T and locked to its community is not going to settle for a Verizon SIM card till the locking restriction is eliminated by AT&T. Conversely, a cellphone with out service restrictions will operate with SIM playing cards from a number of suppliers, signaling its unlocked standing.
The implications of service restrictions prolong past easy SIM card compatibility. They affect the machine’s resale worth, its usability throughout worldwide journey, and the consumer’s flexibility in selecting community suppliers. A cellphone locked to a selected service will command a decrease resale worth in comparison with an unlocked mannequin, as its utility is restricted to subscribers of that specific community. Worldwide vacationers face elevated prices and inconvenience, as they’re unable to make the most of native SIM playing cards to keep away from roaming costs. Understanding service restrictions is crucial for shoppers to make knowledgeable selections when buying units and selecting service plans. Some carriers supply the choice to unlock units after the contract time period is fulfilled, permitting customers to avoid these limitations and luxuriate in better flexibility.
In abstract, service restrictions instantly affect whether or not a consumer can test an Android cellphone and discover it’s unlocked. The presence of those restrictions limits the cellphone’s usability, worth, and the consumer’s freedom of alternative. The power to determine and, if attainable, take away these restrictions is subsequently essential for maximizing the machine’s potential. Addressing these limitations is useful in making certain a good and clear cellular ecosystem.
3. Worldwide journey
Worldwide journey considerably underscores the significance of verifying an Android cellphone’s unlocked standing. An unlocked machine permits using native SIM playing cards in international nations, mitigating exorbitant worldwide roaming costs imposed by the consumer’s residence service. The lack to make the most of native SIMs as a result of a carrier-locked cellphone can result in substantial and sometimes sudden bills for calls, knowledge, and textual content messaging. As an example, a enterprise traveler counting on a locked cellphone could incur a whole bunch of {dollars} in roaming charges for a quick abroad journey. A traveler who’s conscious sufficient to test if android cellphone is unlocked, can keep away from these costs.
The sensible significance of an unlocked cellphone throughout worldwide journey extends past value financial savings. It supplies entry to native knowledge networks, doubtlessly providing sooner and extra dependable web connectivity than worldwide roaming agreements. That is significantly related in areas with restricted roaming infrastructure or in conditions the place entry to real-time data, comparable to navigation or translation companies, is essential. Moreover, using an area SIM card usually grants entry to emergency companies and native help extra effectively, enhancing total security and safety whereas overseas. Earlier than departure, it’s prudent to test compatibility between the cellphone’s supported community bands and the frequencies used within the vacation spot nation to make sure optimum efficiency. A consumer should test if android cellphone is unlocked earlier than buying a world sim.
In abstract, worldwide journey highlights the tangible advantages of an unlocked Android cellphone. The monetary financial savings, improved connectivity, and enhanced security options provided by utilizing native SIM playing cards far outweigh the inconvenience of verifying the cellphone’s lock standing. Addressing the query of community freedom earlier than embarking on worldwide journeys is a essential step for making certain a cheap and safe journey expertise. A easy test, to find out if android cellphone is unlocked, can get monetary savings for different journey bills.
4. Resale worth
The resale worth of an Android cellphone is instantly and considerably affected by its lock standing, making a tangible hyperlink between the machine’s price and the flexibility to confirm whether or not an Android cellphone is unlocked. An unlocked machine instructions a better resale worth as a result of it gives better flexibility to potential consumers. An unlocked cellphone can be utilized on any suitable community, increasing its market attain and enchantment. Conversely, a cellphone locked to a selected service restricts its usability, limiting its worth to prospects inside that service’s community. This restriction inherently diminishes the variety of potential consumers and, consequently, the resale worth. For instance, a Samsung Galaxy machine locked to Verizon will sometimes promote for lower than the identical mannequin that’s unlocked and can be utilized on AT&T, T-Cell, or worldwide networks. Potential consumers can test if android cellphone is unlocked, earlier than making a deal.
The method of verifying lock standing previous to promoting or buying and selling in an Android cellphone is subsequently essential. Sellers who precisely characterize the lock standing of their units usually tend to appeal to a broader vary of consumers and safe a good market worth. Conversely, failing to reveal {that a} cellphone is locked or misrepresenting its standing can result in unfavourable suggestions, decreased gives, and even canceled transactions. On-line marketplaces and trade-in companies routinely ask for particulars in regards to the machine’s lock standing, usually requiring sellers to verify this data earlier than itemizing or transport the cellphone. Impartial checks to confirm if an Android cellphone is unlocked can substantiate claims in regards to the machine’s lock standing.
In abstract, the resale worth of an Android cellphone is intrinsically tied to its lock standing. An unlocked machine garners a better worth as a result of its elevated utility and wider market enchantment. Subsequently, precisely verifying and disclosing the lock standing of an Android cellphone is crucial for maximizing its resale worth and sustaining transparency within the secondary market. Shoppers are actually on this data, in order that they test if android cellphone is unlocked earlier than buy.
5. Firmware verification
Firmware verification performs a essential position in assessing the unlock standing of an Android cellphone, albeit not directly. Whereas it would not present a definitive “locked” or “unlocked” indication, analyzing the firmware model and origin can supply clues about potential service restrictions or modifications.
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Customized ROMs and Unlocked Standing
The presence of a customized ROM (Learn-Solely Reminiscence) usually signifies an unlocked bootloader, a prerequisite for putting in such firmware. Whereas not synonymous with an unlocked service standing, the flexibility to flash customized firmware means that the machine is much less prone to have stringent carrier-imposed limitations. Customers usually flash customized ROMs to bypass service restrictions or pre-installed bloatware. Nonetheless, the presence of a customized ROM doesn’t assure the flexibility to make use of SIM playing cards from all carriers.
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Official Firmware and Service Branding
Analyzing the firmware model and construct data can reveal service branding or customizations. For instance, firmware with particular service identifiers (e.g., VZW for Verizon) means that the machine was initially supposed to be used on that service’s community. Though the firmware could have been up to date, residual carrier-specific configurations can persist, impacting the machine’s skill to function seamlessly on different networks. Analyzing construct numbers and software program variations helps decide origin.
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Firmware Updates and Unlock Eligibility
Making use of official firmware updates can typically alter a tool’s unlock eligibility. Carriers could embrace unlock instruments or procedures inside firmware updates, permitting customers to unlock their units after assembly sure contractual obligations. Conversely, updates can even inadvertently introduce new restrictions or vulnerabilities that influence the unlock course of. Checking the discharge notes related to firmware updates can present perception into any unlocking-related adjustments.
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Safety Patches and Bootloader Standing
The extent of safety patches current within the firmware can not directly relate to the bootloader’s lock standing. Newer safety patches usually embrace safeguards in opposition to unauthorized bootloader unlocking. Conversely, older firmware variations is likely to be extra inclined to exploits that facilitate unlocking. Consequently, analyzing the safety patch degree supplies a relative indication of the machine’s potential for unlocking.
In conclusion, firmware verification, by means of examination of ROMs, branding, updates, and safety patches, supplies ancillary data that assists in figuring out the community freedom. Though not a direct technique, analyzing the firmware supplies a nuanced understanding of a tool’s potential service restrictions and unlock prospects and serves as a bit of proof throughout the test, to evaluate if android cellphone is unlocked.
6. Settings menu
The Android working system’s settings menu serves as a central level for accessing data that may not directly help in figuring out a tool’s unlock standing. Particular menu choices, comparable to “About cellphone” or “Community & Web,” could reveal particulars in regards to the service, software program model, and machine identifiers, which may be correlated with service unlocking insurance policies or third-party unlock companies. Whereas the settings menu doesn’t explicitly state “unlocked” or “locked,” it supplies knowledge factors that, when cross-referenced with service documentation or on-line assets, can contribute to an knowledgeable evaluation of community freedom. As an example, the presence of a carrier-specific software program model or the absence of sure community settings might recommend that the machine is locked to a selected supplier. Checking this menu isn’t a assure, nevertheless, it does assist within the course of to evaluate if an android cellphone is unlocked.
Sensible software of the settings menu data includes verifying the IMEI (Worldwide Cell Tools Id) or serial quantity. These identifiers, sometimes discovered inside the “About cellphone” part, can be utilized to test the machine’s unlock eligibility on the service’s web site or by means of on-line IMEI checker instruments. These instruments usually present details about the machine’s lock standing, authentic service, and guarantee data. Furthermore, the “Community & Web” settings permit examination of obtainable community operators. The power to manually choose and register with a unique service’s community signifies a better chance that the machine is unlocked. This additionally permits to test compatibility between the cellphone’s supported community bands and the frequencies utilized in completely different nations, supporting worldwide use.
In abstract, whereas the settings menu doesn’t supply a definitive declaration of unlock standing, it supplies important data that, when mixed with exterior assets, can contribute considerably to the dedication course of. The problem lies in appropriately deciphering the out there knowledge and correlating it with service insurance policies or third-party verification instruments. An intensive exploration of the settings menu, particularly the “About cellphone” and “Community & Web” sections, is a invaluable preliminary step in assessing whether or not an Android cellphone is unlocked. The settings are only one step in confirming if android cellphone is unlocked.
7. IMEI test
An IMEI (Worldwide Cell Tools Id) test serves as a essential technique in figuring out the lock standing of an Android cellphone. The IMEI is a novel 15-digit code assigned to every cellular machine, performing as its digital fingerprint. This code can be utilized to question databases maintained by carriers and third-party companies to establish whether or not the machine is locked to a selected community or has been reported as misplaced or stolen. Performing an IMEI test is commonly a precursor to switching carriers, touring internationally, or reselling the machine, because it supplies important details about its community compatibility. If an IMEI test reveals that the machine is locked to a selected service, it is not going to operate with SIM playing cards from different networks till unlocked. For instance, a potential purchaser of a used Android cellphone would carry out an IMEI test to make sure that the machine may be activated on their most popular community.
The method of conducting an IMEI test sometimes includes acquiring the IMEI quantity from the cellphone’s settings menu (often discovered beneath “About cellphone” or by dialing *#06#). This quantity is then entered into a web based IMEI checker software or submitted to the service’s customer support. The ensuing report supplies particulars in regards to the machine’s authentic service, lock standing, guarantee data, and blacklisting standing. If the IMEI test signifies that the machine is “clear” and never locked, it means that the cellphone can be utilized with any suitable service’s SIM card. Some IMEI checker instruments additionally supply the choice to request an unlock code instantly, simplifying the unlocking course of. Nonetheless, it is very important word that the accuracy and reliability of IMEI checker instruments can range, so it’s advisable to make use of respected companies and cross-verify the outcomes with the service at any time when attainable. The carrier-provided outcomes of an IMEI test are at all times extra correct.
In abstract, the IMEI test is a crucial part of the method to test if an Android cellphone is unlocked. By offering details about the machine’s lock standing, service origin, and blacklisting standing, the IMEI test permits customers to make knowledgeable selections about community compatibility and potential unlocking choices. Whereas not a foolproof assure, the IMEI test serves as a dependable indicator that helps the purpose of verifying a tool’s community freedom, however its essential to test the authenticity of the checker. Subsequently, at all times test if android cellphone is unlocked from the service’s outcomes.
8. Calling a unique service
Calling a unique service, particularly their customer support division, can present a verbal affirmation concerning an Android cellphone’s lock standing, instantly addressing the query of community freedom. This motion serves as a proactive method to confirm compatibility earlier than trying to activate service or insert a SIM card. The inquiry ought to give attention to whether or not the offered IMEI (Worldwide Cell Tools Id) is flagged as locked to a competing community. Success on this endeavor depends on the service’s willingness to supply this data and the accuracy of their database. As an example, if a consumer obtains an Android cellphone and seeks to activate it on T-Cell, contacting T-Cell customer support and offering the IMEI permits them to find out if the cellphone is locked to Verizon or one other community, thus impacting its usability on the T-Cell community. A name might help make clear if android cellphone is unlocked.
The effectiveness of this technique is contingent upon a number of components, together with the service’s insurance policies concerning IMEI checks for non-customers and the completeness of their database. Some carriers could solely present this data to present prospects as a result of privateness issues or safety protocols. Moreover, the data offered is barely as correct as the info entered into the service’s system. Errors in IMEI registration or delayed updates can result in inaccurate outcomes. Subsequently, whereas calling a unique service can supply a fast preliminary evaluation, it shouldn’t be thought-about a definitive verification technique. Actual-world conditions usually contain buying used telephones, the place the earlier proprietor’s account standing or unlocking historical past might not be available. The decision helps confirm the vendor’s claims, earlier than buying.
In conclusion, calling a unique service supplies a invaluable, albeit not infallible, technique of assessing if android cellphone is unlocked. The power to verbally affirm a tool’s lock standing with a community supplier gives a proactive step in the direction of making certain compatibility and avoiding potential activation points. Nonetheless, as a result of potential limitations in knowledge accuracy and service insurance policies, this technique needs to be used along side different verification methods, comparable to SIM card testing and IMEI checks by means of respected on-line companies. The decision helps slim the scope, and it provides to the checks.
9. Community expertise
Community expertise types a foundational layer in figuring out an Android cellphone’s skill to function throughout completely different carriers, thus influencing the relevance of assessing its lock standing. The precise community applied sciences supported by a tool dictate its compatibility with varied cellular networks globally. Subsequently, understanding these applied sciences is essential when trying to test if an Android cellphone is unlocked.
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GSM vs. CDMA Compatibility
GSM (International System for Cell Communications) and CDMA (Code Division A number of Entry) characterize distinct community applied sciences. Traditionally, some carriers solely used one or the opposite. An Android cellphone designed solely for CDMA networks won’t operate on GSM networks and vice versa, even when unlocked from its authentic service. The proliferation of LTE (Lengthy-Time period Evolution) and subsequent 5G networks, that are largely based mostly on GSM structure, has lessened this divide, however legacy units should still exhibit compatibility points. Checking the supported community expertise turns into essential in these situations.
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Frequency Band Help
Cell networks function on particular frequency bands. An Android cellphone should help the frequency bands utilized by a selected service to determine a connection. Even when a cellphone is unlocked and helps GSM or CDMA, it could not operate on a given community if it lacks help for the mandatory frequency bands. That is significantly related when touring internationally, as completely different areas make the most of completely different frequency allocations. Earlier than touring, confirm frequency band compatibility for community expertise and test if the android cellphone is unlocked.
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LTE and 5G Expertise
LTE and 5G are the prevailing cellular community applied sciences. An unlocked Android cellphone should help the precise LTE or 5G bands and protocols utilized by a service to entry its high-speed knowledge companies. The absence of help for sure LTE or 5G bands could restrict the machine’s knowledge speeds or forestall it from connecting to the community altogether. Units locked to explicit community expertise may not be capable to be upgraded to newer community expertise with out checking the android standing.
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VoLTE (Voice over LTE) Compatibility
VoLTE permits voice calls to be transmitted over LTE networks, offering improved name high quality and sooner name setup occasions. An unlocked Android cellphone should help VoLTE to make calls on carriers which have phased out their legacy 2G and 3G networks. Lack of VoLTE help could render the cellphone unable to make or obtain calls on sure networks, even when it helps different community applied sciences. Checking the VoLTE compatibility permits for a extra correct evaluation on if android cellphone is unlocked.
In conclusion, understanding community expertise is crucial when assessing an Android cellphone’s unlock standing and its skill to operate on completely different networks. GSM/CDMA compatibility, frequency band help, LTE/5G capabilities, and VoLTE compatibility all contribute to a tool’s total community compatibility. The power to test if an Android cellphone is unlocked is instantly linked to its {hardware} and software program help for these varied community applied sciences. The units community expertise makes it attainable to test if android cellphone is unlocked.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the method of verifying the lock standing of an Android machine, making certain readability on its community compatibility.
Query 1: What does it imply for an Android cellphone to be unlocked?
An unlocked Android cellphone isn’t restricted to a selected cellular community service. It may possibly settle for and performance with SIM playing cards from any suitable service, providing better flexibility and option to the consumer.
Query 2: How can the lock standing of an Android cellphone be verified?
The lock standing may be verified by means of a number of strategies, together with inserting a SIM card from a unique service, checking the IMEI quantity with the present and potential carriers, or analyzing the cellphone’s settings menu for carrier-specific data.
Query 3: Is an IMEI test a definitive technique for figuring out unlock standing?
An IMEI test supplies a powerful indication of the lock standing, nevertheless it shouldn’t be thought-about a foolproof assure. The accuracy of IMEI checker instruments can range, and the outcomes needs to be cross-verified with the service at any time when attainable.
Query 4: Does flashing a customized ROM point out an unlocked service standing?
Flashing a customized ROM suggests an unlocked bootloader, however doesn’t assure an unlocked service standing. The power to flash customized firmware signifies that the machine could have fewer carrier-imposed limitations, however doesn’t guarantee compatibility with all carriers.
Query 5: Will an unlocked Android cellphone work on any community?
Whereas an unlocked Android cellphone gives better flexibility, compatibility will depend on the supported community applied sciences and frequency bands. The machine should help the precise community applied sciences and frequency bands utilized by a selected service to determine a connection.
Query 6: Can a service unlock an Android cellphone that’s presently locked?
Many carriers supply the choice to unlock units after the contract time period is fulfilled or different eligibility necessities are met. Contacting the service’s customer support is step one in initiating the unlocking course of.
Verifying the lock standing of an Android cellphone requires a multi-faceted method, combining varied strategies to make sure an knowledgeable evaluation of its community compatibility. Counting on a single technique could not present a complete image of its unlock standing.
With a transparent understanding of the lock verification course of, the following consideration is easy methods to unlock the machine, and what steps could also be concerned.
Ideas for Verifying Android Telephone Unlock Standing
The next suggestions are essential for anybody searching for to verify the community freedom of an Android machine. Correct verification prevents activation points and ensures wider machine utility.
Tip 1: Verify SIM Card Compatibility Methodically: Insert SIM playing cards from a number of carriers, making certain every SIM card is absolutely seated and the cellphone is restarted after every swap. Notice the service and the corresponding outcome: profitable community connection, request for unlock code, or a “SIM not supported” message.
Tip 2: Make the most of Official Service Sources for IMEI Checks: Receive the IMEI quantity and apply it to the authentic service’s web site or customer support channels. Data offered by the unique service carries better weight than third-party IMEI checkers. Notice the date the IMEI test was carried out for future reference.
Tip 3: Scrutinize Settings Menu Particulars: Navigate by means of the “About cellphone” and “Community & Web” settings, paying shut consideration to carrier-specific branding, software program variations, and community operator lists. Inconsistencies between the cellphone’s branding and the present SIM card could recommend a lock.
Tip 4: Name Competing Carriers for Affirmation: Contact customer support of carriers apart from the unique supplier, offering the IMEI to inquire about its lock standing. Bear in mind that some carriers could not present this data to non-customers. Doc the date, time, and consultant’s identify for future verification.
Tip 5: Doc All Verification Makes an attempt: Preserve a report of every verification step, together with dates, occasions, SIM card particulars, IMEI test outcomes, and name logs. This documentation serves as invaluable proof if disputes come up or additional investigation is required.
Tip 6: Assess Firmware Model and Origin: Confirm if the present firmware corresponds to an official launch or a customized ROM. Customized ROMs are indicative of a beforehand unlocked bootloader, however don’t assure an unlocked service standing. Evaluate model numbers with the unique service’s releases.
Tip 7: Watch out for “Too Good to Be True” Offers: Train warning when buying used Android telephones from unknown sources. Confirm the lock standing earlier than finishing the acquisition, and demand on a return coverage if the cellphone is misrepresented. Request and confirm all claims in regards to the android standing.
Implementing the following tips ensures a extra complete and dependable evaluation of an Android cellphone’s unlock standing, mitigating dangers related to activation points and maximizing the machine’s utility.
Constructing upon these verification methods, the following step includes addressing the sensible implications of possessing both a locked or unlocked Android machine.
Conclusion
The previous exploration of strategies to test if android cellphone is unlocked underscores a essential facet of machine possession. Precisely figuring out a tool’s lock standing earlier than altering carriers, touring internationally, or partaking in resale actions is paramount. A number of components, from SIM card compatibility to community expertise assessments, contribute to a complete understanding of a tool’s community freedom.
A concerted effort to test if android cellphone is unlocked ensures knowledgeable decision-making, doubtlessly stopping activation points, minimizing sudden prices, and maximizing machine worth. Diligence in these verification processes stays important in navigating the complexities of the cellular machine ecosystem. Shoppers ought to prioritize thorough investigation and documentation earlier than performing.
