Summary: Do you want to unlock your Android SIM card? But don’t have any idea about unlocking Android SIM card. Don’t bother! This guide will summarize some effective methods on how to unlock Android SIM card. So, simply follow the solutions until you unlock it.
How To Know Your Android Is SIM Locked?
All Android phones are not SIM locked. To know if your Android phone is SIM locked, check the phone’s documentation. If you find “unlocked” word on the first receipt then it means that your phone is not SIM locked.
Another way to know this is to ask your carrier if the phone is locked on to their network. Or you can simply insert another carrier’s SIM card into your Android device, if it won’t work then it means that your phone is SIM locked.
If you have bought your phone from shopping sites like Flipkart, Amazon, etc. then there is a high chance of unlocked device.
Once you know that your device is SIM locked, you become eager to know the methods to unlock Android SIM card. So, let’s look at the solutions.
Additional Reading: How To Unlock Android With Broken Screen [4 Methods]
Method 1: Ask Your Carrier To Unlock Your Android
The safest way to unlock your Android SIM card is to ask your carrier to unlock it. Since February 2015, American cell phone owners are able to request their carrier to unlock their devices for them. This law was reversed by the European Union in 2013.
Further, the carriers must inform customers every month whether their phone is eligible for unlocking.
If your Android device is eligible then simply contact your carrier provider and ask for the SIM network unlock pin. But if you have bought your device on contact basis then you may need to pay termination fee to halt the contract of you that you wish to unlock before the contract term finishes.
The phone that is not on contract needs 12 months from the date for purchase and make sure that your bill is paid, only then your carrier can provide you the unlock code.
Method 2: Unlock Android SIM Card Using IMEI Number
To SIM unlock Android phone or to unlock Android SIM card for free, your network needs the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. The IMEI is a unique code that is used to find your smartphone on any network.
You have 2 ways to know the IMEI number, they are:
Way 1
Step 1: On your Android device, run the Phone app.
Step 2: Then in the dialer, enter *#06#.
Step 2: Now, note down the IMEI details.
Way 2
Step 1: Go to Settings > About Phone. If you have an older phone then go to Settings > About Phone > Status.
Step 2: Now, scroll down to view the IMEI details and note them.
This 15-digit string is required when you contact your network either by the website or through the phone. The network will give you with a code to enable your smartphone to use another network’s SIM card.
Note: The process may differ on different networks. And the new network may need to enter a particular code to work with that carrier.
In Europe and UK, you need to pay a small administrative fee for unlocking your Android SIM card but the American carriers are not allowed to charge for this service.
Additional Reading: How Do I Unlock My Android Phone If I Forgot My PIN?
Method 3: Unlock SIM Card Through PUK Code
If your SIM card is not network locked then you can effectively unlock it.
Below, follow the steps to do the same.
Step 1: Firstly, you need to call your wireless carrier’s customer service number. You should have your account’s password handy as they will ask you to confirm this before providing you with a PUK.
Step 2: Switch on your device. On booting, you will get “SIM locked”/ “Enter PUK” prompt. Follow prompt and enter the PUK code that your carrier has sent you. And then press OK.
Step 3: Now, type a new PIN code (four or eight digits) and then press OK.
Step 4: Next, you need to verify your new PIN code. Verify it by tapping on it again when you are able to view the prompt.
Step 5: Again press ok OK and your SIM card will be unlocked.
Additional Reading: How To Unlock Android Phone Without Factory Reset
Method 4: Try A Phone Unlock Service
If your network is not accepting requests to unlock your Android phone or tablet then you can try some websites for this.
You should only use these websites if you have no method to unlock your SIM Card on Android because these websites do not always work. You can increase some protection by buying the service.
Note: Try these sites at your own risk as it is not guaranteed that they will work.
Below are the sites to unlock your Android SIM card.
freesimunlocker.com/unlock-free-sim
You don’t need to install any SIM unlock applications from an unknown source to unlock your SIM. These apps are fake and harm your device’s security and data saved on them. They are scams that you need to avoid.
So, don’t search for any “phone unlock tools” on download sites, like Usenet or BitTorrent as they have Trojans and other malware.
Method 5: Unlock SIM Card Via Galaxsim Unlock App
If you want to unlock Android phone SIM without code then you should use Galaxsim app. You can use it to unlock all Android phones and tablets but not Samsung Galaxy S, S2, S3, some S4, Tab, Tab2, Note, Note2, etc. It can unlock the latest Galaxy devices.
Follow the below steps to unlock Android SIM Card using Galaxsim app.
Step 1: On the Android device that you wish to unlock, run Google Play Store and install the Galaxsim app on it.
Step 2: Open the app and allow permission to run it on the device. It will show you the status of the device if it is locked or not. Tap on Unlock to start the process.
Step 3: Now, you will be able to view the message your device is unlocked.
That’s It!
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Fix Issues That You Face While Unlocking Android SIM Card
While unlocking your SIM card you may face many issues. Here are some of the issues and their fix that you can apply when you encounter these issues.
Samsung Device Freezes While Unlocking SIM
If your phone suddenly freezes while unlocking then it means that you have entered the wrong unlocking code several times. When you face this problem then contact the carrier and ask for a Master Code.
Unlock Code Fails To Work
You ask your carrier to provide a unlock code but when you enter it then the unlock code fails to work. In this situation, you need to check whether the IMEI number is correct or not and also check that you have purchased that smartphone from that carrier.
LG Phone Won’t Unlock SIM Card
You can’t unlock some LG phones. These LG phone models are – LG U8360, LG U8180, LG U300, LGU880, LG U890, LG U310, LG U8120, LG U8330, and LG U8380. If your LG phone won’t unlock the SIM card then check that your LG phone model is not under any of these models. If it comes under any of these models then it can’t be unlocked by your carrier and to unlock it you need to follow another solution.
Conclusion
These are some of the ways that you can use to unlock Android SIM card. Along with the solutions, you have also learned how to fix issues that occur while unlocking the SIM card.
It is highly recommended that you keep a regular backup of all the data on your phone so that you don’t lose the data during the process.
Wan to know About Me. Well, I have experince of almost 11 years in writing topics related to Android and other tech. Previously, I used to write Blogs for the company where I was working earlier. Now, I love to write tips, tricks, fixes for errors, data recovery solutions, and more related to Android for my own Website. Besides that, I love to travel and explore places, watch movies and play online games.
