SIM Unlock Codes - T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII

Do you need a new SIM unlock code every time you change the SIM card?

No it's based on phone
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Teo032 said:
No it's based on phone
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
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Okay, I am specifically thinking of a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 3. I know from reading that T-Mobile will give out unlock codes but it sounds like they are only one time use codes.

sonwon said:
Okay, I am specifically thinking of a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 3. I know from reading that T-Mobile will give out unlock codes but it sounds like they are only one time use codes.
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Yes, they're one time use. They are for the particular phone that the code is requested for, they can't work on another phone since each phone has a unique code.

A SIM unlock code does not unlock a SIM card. It unlocks the phone to allow that particular phone to use SIM cards from other carriers.
SIM cards are not locked.
Only carrier branded phones are "SIM locked" to their respective carrier.
Once a phone is SIM unlocked the first time it remains SIM unlocked forever - at least it is supposed to stay SIM unlocked forever.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium HD app

dayv said:
A SIM unlock code does not unlock a SIM card. It unlocks the phone to allow that particular phone to use SIM cards from other carriers.
SIM cards are not locked.
Only carrier branded phones are "SIM locked" to their respective carrier.
Once a phone is SIM unlocked the first time it remains SIM unlocked forever - at least it is supposed to stay SIM unlocked forever.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium HD app
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Actually SIM cards are locked. They are encrypted by an encryption key to prevent people from cloning them. Its pretty much impossible to clone a SIM these days. The brute force methods used in the past cause the SIM card to self destruct.
But in the OP's situation, the SIM unlock code, as stated by the quoted text, will unlock the phone to use other SIM cards. But its a one time use as in you only need to unlock the phone ONCE. and it will be unlocked indefinately.

So just to clarify if T-Mobile gives me an unlock code the phone will always be unlocked?

sonwon said:
So just to clarify if T-Mobile gives me an unlock code the phone will always be unlocked?
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Yes. Forever. After unlocking, it will accept any SIM card.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

sonwon said:
Do you need a new SIM unlock code every time you change the SIM card?
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Not necessary.If once you unlock your phone from network lock,then you can use your phone with any GSM network.To unlock your phone visit Unlocking4free.com .Here you need to specify Manufacturer name,Model,Country name and service provider of your phone.Then you can get unlock code.This is reliable and secure.

Here for unlocking instructions, no need to pay.

Related

[Q] Unlock Sim and Unlock bootLoader

Hi,
I have flashed my galaxy nexus with official google bootloader and ROM, but my phone still SimLocked.
Can you explain what is the difference between Unlock Sim and Unlock bootloader.
And how can I get my phoon Sim free.
http://media.xda-developers.com/images/smilies/confused.gif
Thanks
Basic answer:
Unlocking your bootloader allows custom OS (ROM, kernel, etc).
Unlocking SIM allows you to put the phone on another carrier.
What carrier is it locked to, out of curiousity?
All Galaxy Nexus devices should come SIM unlocked. There isn't any restrictions. It is also a pentaband phone.
zephiK said:
All Galaxy Nexus devices should come SIM unlocked. There isn't any restrictions. It is also a pentaband phone.
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That's what I thought... which is why I asked the OP who it was locked to.
Wouldn't make any sense for a Nexus phone to be SIM locked.
Is_907 said:
That's what I thought... which is why I asked the OP who it was locked to.
Wouldn't make any sense for a Nexus phone to be SIM locked.
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Click to collapse
OP is probably just misinformed. And definitely agreed with you.
It's a fransh phone, It's SFR operator phone.
If i want to unlock sim i have a to pay some EUROs
samaur said:
It's a fransh phone, It's SFR operator phone.
If i want to unlock sim i have a to pay some EUROs
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Possibly the lock is on the sim card itself, not on the phone. You could try another sim card and see...
When I use other operator Sim, i have to type a Code to unlock (It's not the SIM Pin) but other code of network
Is_907 said:
That's what I thought... which is why I asked the OP who it was locked to.
Wouldn't make any sense for a Nexus phone to be SIM locked.
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Does that mean that the LTE version is sim unlocked too?
It's been confirmed in other threads that some carriers in Europe SIM LOCK their Galaxy Nexus. Go pay a few bucks to a sim unlock code website and you're set.
Sent from Galaxy Nexus (GSM)
clichename122 said:
Does that mean that the LTE version is sim unlocked too?
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Well since the LTE version is only compatible with Verizon's 4G LTE network. Regardless if its locked or unlocked, you're still stuck with Verizon lol
Ordered mine in Austria and had to unlock it: cost me 16 EUR: http://www.samsungimeiunlock.com/samsung-galaxy-nexus-unlock
I want to understand, why evenif I changed the bootloader and ROM my phone still Sim Locked?
what software locked the SIM (Network)?

[Q] Rooting vs Unlocking ?

This is the first android phone I have, so I hope I am not asking stupid question.
I purchased a tmobile S3 seperately with a not qualified data plan. (the old 2G plan).
Whenever I access the internet , tombile will ask me to change plan instead of the page.
I am now thinking to unlock.
1. Is Rooting = unlocking the phone?
2. What is the best and safe way to Root the phone?
Rooting gives the user access to system files. Unlocking allows your device to function with other SIM cards.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
elesbb said:
Rooting gives the user access to system files. Unlocking allows your device to function with other SIM cards.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
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So after rooting i need to do an unlockingprocess? do u have a good tutorial?
You only need to unlock if you plan on using a different carrirer. Youll need to purchase an unlock code
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
To unlock dial 611.
kingfung_lam said:
So after rooting i need to do an unlockingprocess? do u have a good tutorial?
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If you bought your phone thru T-Mobile you can call T-Mobile and ask them for the unlocking code. I simply told T-Mobile I was traveling to Europe and wanted to put a European sim card in my phone and use it over there which was true. Within 24 hours I was sent the unlocking code. I can now put just about any sim card into my phone and I am all set. I can also put AT&T's sim card in my phone and get their HSPA+ network without any problems. No rooting needed, just unlock the phone, put the AT&T sim card in and the T-Mobile SGS3 is on the AT&T Network. The T-Mobile version of the SGS3 IMO is the most versatile version of the SGS3, you can get it with 32GB of int memory, 2GB of ram and use it on all Networks, The T-Mobile SGS3 is the only version of the SGS3 that can do all these things.
Rooting is basically the same thing as "jailbreaking*". It removes the restriction to having all files acessable on the phone. Nothing more nothing less.
And unlocking is when you want to use a simcard from a different carrier on your phone.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
kingfung_lam said:
So after rooting i need to do an unlockingprocess? do u have a good tutorial?
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If you call T-Mobile and ask them for the unlock code, they'll email you the unlock code so you can unlock the phone. I've done it before with my MyTouch4G and am going to call them to unlock my SGS3, as I travel to Canada and use Rogers SIM cards.

can an unlocked phone just swap sims from another carrier?

Actually this is a two part question.
1. I called sprint to see if i can get my phone unlocked so that I could test it on another carrier. At first they refused, then they said ok and gave me the MSL # for the phone. Is that all that is needed if i wanted to go to t-mobile or some other carrier and switch the phone to them? Can I unlock the phone myself if i have the MSL #?
2. if the phone were unlocked, and I had a sim card from another carrier, could i just swap sim cards and use the phone on the other carrier? Or does the phone have to be activated with the carrier first? I've got a friend with a note 4 from t-mobile and i was hoping i could just pop his sim card into my phone to test my phone out on t-mobiles network. I don't really want to sign up for service unless i know for sure the service is better.
Thanks
merkk said:
Actually this is a two part question.
1. I called sprint to see if i can get my phone unlocked so that I could test it on another carrier. At first they refused, then they said ok and gave me the MSL # for the phone. Is that all that is needed if i wanted to go to t-mobile or some other carrier and switch the phone to them? Can I unlock the phone myself if i have the MSL #?
2. if the phone were unlocked, and I had a sim card from another carrier, could i just swap sim cards and use the phone on the other carrier? Or does the phone have to be activated with the carrier first? I've got a friend with a note 4 from t-mobile and i was hoping i could just pop his sim card into my phone to test my phone out on t-mobiles network. I don't really want to sign up for service unless i know for sure the service is better.
Thanks
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What i know of the MSL code dosen't unlock phones, sprint lies. It just opens up a hidden menu. There's a forum on here that shows how to domestic unlock the Note 4. To answer your second question, yes if it's unlocked you can just put the sim card in and if you did the unlocking right it should get the signal from T-mobile.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
arielovin said:
What i know of the MSL code dosen't unlock phones, sprint lies. It just opens up a hidden menu. There's a forum on here that shows how to domestic unlock the Note 4. To answer your second question, yes if it's unlocked you can just put the sim card in and if you did the unlocking right it should get the signal from T-mobile.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
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wow so is sprint support completely incompetent or liars? They told me the MSL code was all that was needed to unlock the phone. and that i would NOT be able to just swap out the sim card to test it - i'd have to actually sign up for service with the other carrier and register/activate my phone under that plan
merkk said:
wow so is sprint support completely incompetent or liars? They told me the MSL code was all that was needed to unlock the phone. and that i would NOT be able to just swap out the sim card to test it - i'd have to actually sign up for service with the other carrier and register/activate my phone under that plan
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They're just liers. They don't want you going to another company. Heres the forum that shows how to domestic unlock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3119322
[GUIDE] SIM Unlock Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop 5.0.x
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app

How to enter Unlocking code, I don't see the message for that

I have my note 4 Sprint USA phone near me and I wondering where to enter unlocking code, if I have this code from Sprint (MSL code).
When I inserting other carrier sim-card it says Invalid sim card (no window for entering this code) and if I insert Sprint show just no network (cause I'm not in the US now). Can you tell me where to enter unlocking code?
Thanks
den182 said:
I have my note 4 Sprint USA phone near me and I wondering where to enter unlocking code, if I have this code from Sprint (MSL code).
When I inserting other carrier sim-card it says Invalid sim card (no window for entering this code) and if I insert Sprint show just no network (cause I'm not in the US now). Can you tell me where to enter unlocking code?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The windows that asks for the unlock code is only for GSM based phones and that MSL code dosen't unlock phones. It just opens up a hidden menu that can damage your phone if you don't know what you're doing. There's a post on here that shows how to sim unlock the Note 4 for gsm use.
Edit: If you're international. Download "Galaxy Tools" by idone and it lets you unlock the phone for international use
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
den182 said:
I have my note 4 Sprint USA phone near me and I wondering where to enter unlocking code, if I have this code from Sprint (MSL code).
When I inserting other carrier sim-card it says Invalid sim card (no window for entering this code) and if I insert Sprint show just no network (cause I'm not in the US now). Can you tell me where to enter unlocking code?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF you are in good standing with sprint... Call them and ask to be unlocked for international use... Then buy a card that works where you are...
There are other ways to accomplish the same but... I'm not going to get into that...
If you have a phone with sprint that is not in good standing with sprint... Then your on your own...
IF you are in good standing with sprint... Call them and ask to be unlocked for international use... Then buy a card that works where you are...
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Click to collapse
I bought this device on E-bay and I'm now in Ukraine Europe I have Sprint sim-card with this phone and no connection here. This phone was completely paid and in good standing with Sprint.
arielovin said:
The windows that asks for the unlock code is only for GSM based phones and that MSL code dosen't unlock phones. It just opens up a hidden menu that can damage your phone if you don't know what you're doing. There's a post on here that shows how to sim unlock the Note 4 for gsm use.
Edit: If you're international. Download "Galaxy Tools" by idone and it lets you unlock the phone for international use
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
I need to be rooted for that. And I have Android 5.1.1. I've heard it's hard to do that. Where I can find step-by-step manual for unlocking Sprint?
den182 said:
I need to be rooted for that. And I have Android 5.1.1. I've heard it's hard to do that. Where I can find step-by-step manual for unlocking Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You blew it...
Google IS your friend...
den182 said:
I need to be rooted for that. And I have Android 5.1.1. I've heard it's hard to do that. Where I can find step-by-step manual for unlocking Sprint?
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Click to collapse
You can buy usb unlock from here
Works for both domestic and international
Sprint Note 4 Domestic SIM Unlock
Sprint Note 4. I'm now on T-Mobile with Note 8. Want Note 4 available as backup on T-Mobile. Entered the MSL OK but with T-Mobile SIM in, under APNs, "Unable to view the APN settings. Access is restricted for the current user profile."
I put the de-activated Sprint SIM back in. When I get to editing "APN type", it's grayed out for both APNs. How do I unlock for domestic SIMs; it's already unlocked for international SIMs? Thanks

Still locked after unlock

So i have this i747m from telcel, and went to the company to unlock it. And they said the unlock it and show me with another sim from other mexican company, but when i put another chip from other company (o2 and orange) it still says "sim unlock pin"
Any help with that?
It's been my experience with Telcel Samsung products that you cannot unlock them, at least I have never found a way that worked.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk
Are you sure its not asking for the PIN for the sim?
Yes im sure its not the pin of the sim, because first i unlock the sim, then ask for the second network code.
Now an i9300 they unlocked it without problem.
jimchee said:
It's been my experience with Telcel Samsung products that you cannot unlock them, at least I have never found a way that worked.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk
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If the cellphone its out of contract, the unlock it for free
Maybe it wasn't properly unlocked? The other sim they used is from a company that is not related to Telcel?

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