If you purchased your phone from a carrier, it’s usually locked to their network. This means it will only function with the carrier from which you purchased the phone, such as AT&T, Verizon, etc.
More often than not, carriers do this for leased phones that customers pay off monthly. Even if you paid off your device, though, some carriers still default lock their phones.
If you want to unlock Samsung Galaxy phones, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explain how to get your phone unlocked in no time at all.
Let’s jump right in!
Why is My Samsung Galaxy Locked?
Your phone company is not necessarily trying to rip you off. Locking phones is how they protect themselves from customers who lease expensive devices from them and jump to another carrier without paying off their bills.
If your account is in good standing and you’ve paid off your phone entirely, your phone company will help you unlock your device. Regardless of whether you’re going through your telecom provider or another channel, here’s everything you’ll to need to unlock a Samsung Galaxy phone.
Find Your IMEI Number
All phones have a unique identifier known as an IMEI Number. This stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity.
You’ll need to locate this number before you do anything else. Follow these steps to find an IMEI number on any Samsung Galaxy Device, including Tablets and Phablets.
- Select your phone app and switch to the keypad.
- Tap these characters and numbers on the keypad exactly: *#06#
- Your phone will immediately show a screen with the IMEI and MEID numbers. The top one is your IMEI number. Write everything done, though you should only need the first 15 digits (everything before the slash).
- Tap OK to return to your keypad screen.
For the Galaxy Tab and other Galaxy devices, you can find the IMEI number under settings. Tap About Device and then Status. Write down the IMEI number from there.
Request a Carrier Unlock for Your Samsung Galaxy
Now that you have your IMEI number, you’re ready to request an unlock. This is the only way you’ll be able to do it for free.
- Make sure your phone is eligible. If you own the device and it has been paid off for at least a month, you should be able to initiate an unlock request through customer service online or on the phone.
- Have your IMEI number handy, along with your other account information. Be prepared for them to ask for identity verification information.
- Once they’ve confirmed your device is eligible, they’ll ask for your IMEI number.
- From there, your carrier will initiate an over-the-air update or give you an unlock code to enter when inserting a different SIM card.
- Make sure your phone has been unlocked by testing it with another SIM card or an eSIM if your phone is compatible.
If your device isn’t fully paid off, there are some cases when telecom companies may still be willing to unlock it. This is typically for members of the military who have been deployed overseas.
If you can provide your transfer paperwork, they’ll usually unlock your device for you. Some business and government accounts may also be eligible for early unlock. If you have any questions about this, contact your telecom provider.
Be aware that carrier unlocks must be issued by the original carrier. For example, if you switch from AT&T to Verizon, you’ll need to get AT&T to unlock your phone first. You won’t be able to use Verizon until you do.
My Carrier Won’t Unlock My Phone for Me
In some cases, your carrier will not or cannot unlock your phone. For most people, this is most inconvenient when they want to travel abroad with their leased device.
In many countries, it’s cheaper to use a local SIM card than to pay expensive data roaming fees. If you need to unlock your Samsung Galaxy for any reason, and your carrier can’t help you, you have some options.
Nowadays, you can easily find SIM card unlock services online. There are many options, but do your homework to make sure you’ve found a reputable service.
Check the reviews and make sure they’re not cybercriminals trying to steal your data. Two top companies are Doctor Sim and Unlock River.
These can get a little pricey. They start from a minimum of $20-30 and can be as expensive as $150. You only have to unlock your Samsung Galaxy once, though, so you’ll probably feel that it’s worth it.
However, each device requires an individual code. If you’re unlocking both a Galaxy phone and a tablet, that will be pricey.
Follow these steps to unlock your phone with a service:
- Find a reputable service that offers a money-back guarantee.
- Be sure you have your IMEI number along with manufacturer and model details.
- After you receive your unlock code in your inbox, store it somewhere safe.
- Insert a SIM card for a different carrier into your phone.
- You’ll be prompted to enter the unlock code.
- Once unlocked, your phone will be able to use a SIM card from any carrier in any country.
Unlocking a Samsung Galaxy at a Repair Shop
Your last option is using an electronics repair shop to unlock your Samsung Galaxy.
As with unlock services, you should do your homework and make sure the shop has a solid reputation. You may have to leave your phone there for a couple of days.
The shop’s reputation is key. You don’t want the employees to swap out your expensive internal Samsung components with cheap substitutes.
Many repair shops simply use online unlock services. You’ll end up paying about the same costs, but with an additional small labor fee.
Because of this, you might feel that going to a repair shop isn’t the best option. Instead, you can do it yourself online. That way, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of leaving your phone anywhere.
How to Unlock Samsung Galaxy Smartphones
Samsung Galaxy smartphones are some of the best on the market. With such an excellent phone, you should have the freedom and flexibility to use them anywhere.
By unlocking your phone, you open up a world of possibilities. You can jump between carriers, finding the best deals at home or abroad. Follow the steps we’ve mentioned in this article, and your phone will be unlocked in no time.
Maybe you’re ready to upgrade to the latest phone with eSim technology. That way, you’ll have the freedom to use any carrier without requesting carrier unlocks. If so, you can sell your old phone to Buyback Boss.
With Buyback Boss, you get an instant quote for your phone with the highest price guaranteed. Then, you just print your free shipping label and send your old phone to us. You’ll soon get cash deposited in your PayPal account or a check in the mail.
Buyback Boss offers a 14-day price lock and gives you the option to have your phone returned if you change your mind. You have nothing to lose, so try it now!
To learn more about unlocking phones, head over to the Buyback Boss Blog. You can learn how to unlock phones from different carriers and a whole lot more.
Buyback Boss is your partner if you want to learn more about your favorite devices. Find the best deals on new phones and learn technology tips and tricks. Decide whether a Galaxy or iPhone is the better option for you. Learn everything you want to know on our blog!
