How do you unlock a phone that is network locked without having to buy an unlock code?

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14 Answers

Vincent Woods, IT Manager at IT & Software (2013-present)

Answered Jul 30 2018

One of the biggest problems faced by phone users is finding their SIM locked to a specific network. This is something that is beneficial for individual networks as it permits them to provide subsidized commercial services to their customers.

On the other hand, it tends to be a bad news for the users, as they cannot get any assurance whether a new SIM card will work on their phone or not. In most of the cases, the phone is locked if you bought it from wireless network provider, such as Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint.

To unlock a Samsung Galaxy phone, you have to provide the correct unlock code once you inserted new SIM card.

To unlock a phone from a specific carrier, the most secure way is to submit a support ticket asking for a unlock pin. If you are qualified to such a request, then they will send the code to you within 4 business days. If you got the code from them, it is a legit code for 100% sure. Here are the unlokcing policy for Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile, please check it accordingly.

The fact is that it will be very hard to receive unlocking code from the carrier because they have very strict policy towards such behavior. So if the carrier refused to offer the code, you can follow the suggestions from my picture.

I am not sure if work for any country but I managed to unlock my old Samsung Galaxy S6 Att with them but it's woth to try before spending any money.

33.3k views · View 12 Upvoters

Related QuestionsMore Answers Below

Moo Kim, Cell Phone Repair Shop Owner at Phone Doctor

Answered Aug 31, 2017

Yes, you can unlock your network locked phone without buying an unlock code. For this you have to ask your service provider to get the unlock code. If your account is in good standing and your contract period is expired then they will provide you the unlock code for free.

One another method to unlock your phone for free by using software but it is not recommended as it may damage your device.

Also there are some sites offering free unlock codes but there is some tricks inside the free code or they are scammers. So finally it is not free at all.

However the safest method to unlock your phone is through unlock code from any trusted or reputable unlocking service like www.codes2unlock.com I had used them many time and it works each time without any issue.

80.2k views · View 17 Upvoters

Alain James Retuya, 10 years Working as SEO Specialist

Answered Aug 14, 2017

At UnlockBase, they also offer a variety of other ways to receive a Free Unlock or Discount. Check out the details here: Unlock Your Phone Free | Cellphone Unlocking | Unlock Code

They're offering this promotion as a way to help create instructional videos to put on the UnlockBase YouTube Channel. Assuming you qualify, all you have to do is follow these three basic steps:

Video how to order the unlock code from UnlockBase: Just film yourself going through the order process online to obtain the unlock code. For security reasons you can blur out your email address and personal information. (this step is NOT mandatory).
Video yourself receiving the email from us: When you receive an email back from them, be sure to film the process of you opening the email and reading it. (Note: the video can start with this step if you did not record yourself ordering the Unlock Code on their website.
Video what you do with the code: This is the most important part of the video, the entering of the code into your phone. This step usually involves several processes (just follow the guidelines of our Code Entry FAQ). You will need to follow email directions and film all of it.

So, it’s simple. All you have to do is video the process of unlocking your phone. You can do it by yourself or ask a friend to help you. To qualify, simply email to at info@unlockbase.com and they will let you know if you are eligible for the FREE unlock code. The only reason why you may not qualify is if they already have a suitable video testimonial for a similar phone. So please be sure to check with them first before you start to create your cellphone unlock video masterpiece.

48.7k views · View 10 Upvoters

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Addison Albert, B.Com Commerce, University of Sydney (2011)

Answered Jan 9, 2017 · Author has 76 answers and 149.6k answer views

If you want locked network unlocked so that, some info in your mind like:

The account holder’s name and account number

IMEI of your device

Your phone number

The account holder’s social security number or password

A finished contract and/or device payment plan

Overseas deployment papers, if the nature of your inquiry involves you being in the military and wanting to unlock your phone before your contract is up

Now that you have that information by your side, let’s see how each carrier handles unlocking your phone.

Even though Verizon uses CDMA instead of GSM, most of Big Red’s devices come with an unlocked SIM card slot. According to Verizon, its 4G LTE devices aren’t locked, and, if you want to bring one of them to another carrier, there is no code you need to rejigger the phone’s radios for other networks.

However, even though SIM-equipped Verizon phones can be used on AT&T, T-Mobile, or other GSM carriers, the phone will need to have roaming GSM radios in order to make phone calls and send texts in the United States. While most recent Verizon handsets will work just fine on American GSM bands, your mileage will vary when it comes to LTE support.

Verizon doesn’t have an online unlock request, but you can call 1-800-711-8300 and request a SIM unlock.

The procedure’s a bit different for postpaid 3G devices on Verizon’s network. Most aren’t locked, but require that you enter a code — either “000000” or “123456” — to enable third-party cellular compatibility. Verizon’s specially branded World Devices, on the other hand, can’t be unlocked without the assistance at the request of a store tech, which you can request by dialing the company’s support line at (800) 922-0204.

Unlocking a prepaid device can get a bit dicier. A vast majority of the prepaid 3G phones on Verizon can be unlocked with the code “000000” or “123456,” but Verizon’s off-the-shelf Phone-in-the-Box Prepaid handsets are locked into the network for 12 months after activation. And, as with Verizon’s World Phones, you have to call Verizon support at (888) 294-6804 in order to start the process.

31.5k views · View 8 Upvoters

Marian Minescu, 9+ years Cell Phone Repair Shop Owner

Updated Mar 28, 2017 · Author has 73 answers and 713.7k answer views

There are two ways to unlock your phone without having to buy a code:

You can ask your network carrier to unlock your phone. This is the free way to unlock, but only if you’re not under contract, or you don’t have an unpaid balance. The companies are obliged to unlock your phone, but sometimes they will ask you a fee.
You can unlock by cable at a phone repair shop, but not for free.

There are some websites on the internet that claim to offer free unlock codes, but usually they are scammers. As we all know, nothing comes for free, so most likely there’s a catch with these “free” codes. The safest way to unlock remain choosing reputable services like UnlockRadar.com or other high rated unlocking websites.

87.4k views · View 24 Upvoters · Answer requested by Britta Masterson

Michael Hughes, unlocking cell phones since 2011.

Updated Apr 24, 2018 · Author has 183 answers and 338.9k answer views

Your only chance is to contact the network carrier the phone is locked to and asking them for an unlock code. Depending on your current standing with that company, months remaining on your contract if you have one etc., they may unlock your phone for free. However, as it is not in their best interests it is doubtful they will do it for free. Most charge a small fee.

Whatever you do, do not obtain an unlock code from a website offering free codes. They generally do not work and can damage your phone irreparably. Some may even unlock your phone momentarily and then lock the phone again at a later date. Look for a reputable online third-party unlocking provider if your network carrier won't do it for free or the fee is unreasonable.

18.1k views · View 3 Upvoters · Answer requested by Donald Veeken

Michael Ananaba, Mobile phone unlocking professional at UnlockAgents

Answered Dec 4, 2016 · Author has 53 answers and 133.4k answer views

A network locked phone definitely needs an NCK/Unlok code in order to unlock it.

The only way you can get an unlock code without buying it is by contacting the network provider that the phone is locked to.

They usually won't charge you anything for an unlock code. Your phone just has to meet their requirements before they can have it unlocked for free.

There are also some third party phone unlockers that provide unlock codes for free. They usually ask for something in return.

You can find some on Google that wouldn't ask for your arm and leg before they unlock your phone for free. Just be careful with this one.

16.8k views · View 4 Upvoters · View Sharers · Answer requested by Stefan Francis

Ross Teagan, Owner of a Smartphone Repair Shot & Tech Fanatic

Answered Mar 5, 2018 · Author has 835 answers and 2.6m answer views

If you do not want to buy an unlock code, there are two more methods in which you can unlock your phone:

1. Ask your provider to unlock it. In this way, if your phone asks for network unlock codes, your provider should issue them for free. So you get the unlock code, but you don't pay anything for it.

2. Root your phone and flash a custom firmware. This method requires proper technical knowledge and you need to understand programming and how operating systems work. It’s also risky, so it’s highly recommended to leave it to a professional.

16k views · View 5 Upvoters · Answer requested by Hermelinda Ramirez

John Wendon, studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering & Apple-Support at University of Michigan College of Enginee...

Answered Nov 17, 2018

Hi there my friend. In the past unlocking was hard and you people must pay for it. Usually it was done in phone store/service. Now there ar emany free ways you can do it online for free.
You can unlock your phone in less than 2 minutes. I follow this tutorial to unlock my phones, I confirm it works. VIDEO LINK

2.7k views

Giulio Moro, Sales, repairs, setup and modding cell phones

Answered Jul 22, 2016 · Author has 5.8k answers and 3.5m answer views

If you are with T-Mobile and you account is in good standing, they will unlock your phone for free. I've done this several times. Some companies will charge you for it.

Some phones have known tricks to do this. And some specific phones can be read with a computer and script to extract the unlock code directly from a file on the phone.

12.3k views · View 2 Upvoters

Shawn Owen, Supported Android and iphones for 15 years

Answered Dec 5, 2017 · Author has 444 answers and 215.6k answer views

AT&T unlocks its phones for free at http://wireless.att.com/deviceun... as long as the device is not lost or stolen and has been paid off.

5.5k views · Answer requested by Candi Bennefield

Carlo Delos Santos, A+, N+ Certified

Answered Nov 15, 2017 · Author has 151 answers and 140.4k answer views

You must buy the unlocking code to the carrier. Some they do rooting in android OS and it works and in IOS or iPhone they do jailbreak but be careful some it might jailbroke your phone is not successful. by: Gadgets and Gizmos Vbs - Tech News

5.3k views · View 1 Upvoter · Answer requested by James Frisby

Efthymios Paraskevopoulos, Chemical Engineer

Answered Nov 13, 2018 · Author has 70 answers and 85.8k answer views

Your first move should always be getting in touch with the Mobile Network. Every Network has a unique SIM Unlock Policy but since 2017 it became way easier to unlock a phone through Network’s services. On top of that, it’s usually free or under a small fee.

Keep in mind that in all cases Blacklisted phones cannot be unlocked and you need to spend a specific time on contract.

So, if you are the original owner just contact your carrier. If you bought a used mobile and you don’t know the locking network then you will need an IMEI Check which also reveals full phone’s background, if it can be unlocked and how to unlock it.

You only free option is the Mobile Network SIM Deactivation Services, anything else is a paid service.

Any third-party SIM Unlock Service which claims it’s for free is either a scam or additional charges will be asked in order to complete the process.

4.9k views · View 1 Upvoter · Answer requested by Country Crockett

Faran Ahmed, studied at New York City

Answered Aug 12, 2017 · Author has 81 answers and 86.4k answer views

Most cell phones were built to accept an unlock code to release the lock set by ... do notwish to continue using AT&T service without having to buy a new phone….

But I suggest Any Mobile phone unlocking service..

4.8k views

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