Want to take a walk and need to install a local SIM card into your Galaxy S3? Want to change carriers but still use your phone? You may need to unlock your phone to use a different SIM card. There are several ways to do this for your Galaxy S3 phone. If your carrier doesn't want to unlock it, there are other methods you can try.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Unlocking Via Operator
Step 1. Contact your carrier and ask for the unlock code
If you meet your carrier's requirements, they will usually provide the code for you. Usually you have to pay for your phone in full first, and you have to subscribe for at least three months.
- Operators are usually willing to unlock if you explain that you will be traveling abroad and need to buy a SIM card at your destination.
- If your operator doesn't code, try another method in this guide.
Step 2. Insert your SIM card
After getting the unlock code, turn off your phone and remove your old SIM card. Insert the SIM card for your new network.
Step 3. Turn on your Samsung phone
When the phone tries to connect to a new network, you will be asked to enter the unlock code.
Step 4. Enter the unlock code
Make sure you enter the correct code. If you enter the wrong code repeatedly, the phone will be locked and you will have to unlock it through your carrier. Once the code is entered, you will be connected to a new network.
Method 2 of 3: Unlocking Via Paid Sites
Step 1. Get the IMEI of your Galaxy S3
Open Dialer on your phone and type *#06#. A screen will appear and display the code. Write down this code for later use.
- Make sure you write the code, because the code cannot be copied to the phone clipboard.
- You can also find the IMEI number on the sticker under the Galaxy S3 battery. However, it is not recommended that you do this because the code may be different and your unlock code will not work because of it.
Step 2. Find a paid unlock service
There are several online sites that offer to unlock your phone for a fee. Read reviews and make sure other customers are satisfied with the service. You have to enter your phone's IMEI number.
Step 3. Order your code
After finding a trustworthy site, order your unlock code. Make sure you enter your carrier, phone model, and IMEI number. Don't trust sites that can unlock your phone for free. If a site asks you to fill out a survey or join an affiliate program, the site is a scammer.
Step 4. Wait for your code to arrive
Depending on the service you use, this process may take several hours or days. You will receive a code via SMS, email or phone, depending on the rules of the site you choose.
Step 5. Insert your new SIM card
Make sure the card is not from your old operator. When you are asked to enter the unlock code, enter the code you received from the site. Make sure you got the service and the code works.
Method 3 of 3: Manually Unlocking Galaxy S3 GSM
Step 1. Make sure your phone is locked
Insert a SIM card from another carrier to make sure your phone is locked. Most Galaxy S3s are unlocked by default, so checking them first will save you time.
Step 2. Update your phone
Your phone must be running Android 4.1.1 or later to perform this method, but some Android 4.3 configurations may not work. You can check the device version by going to Settings, then swiping down and selecting About Device. Look at Android Version to find your version number.
- To update your phone, open Settings, and scroll to About Device. In the next menu, select System Updates > Check for Updates. Your phone will try to update over the network automatically.
- Perform the update via Wi-Fi because your SIM is not connected to the mobile network yet.
Step 3. Make sure your phone is a GSM phone
You cannot unlock a Galaxy S3 that uses a CDMA network. In America, Sprint uses CDMA. AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile use GSM, which allows you to unlock your phone.
This method is not guaranteed to work across Galaxy S3, but trying it is harmless
Step 4. Open Dialer
You need to enter the code in the Dialer to open the Service menu. Once open, enter this code:: *#197328640#
Step 5. Tap [1] UMTS
This will open the main repair menu. If you choose the wrong option, press the Menu key and select Back.
Step 6. Tap [1] DEBUG SCREEN
This will open the Debug menu.
Step 7. Tap [8] PHONE CONTROL
This will open a menu that will allow you to change the settings of your S3 device.
Step 8. Tap [6] NETWORK LOCK
This menu controls the device's SIM lock.
Step 9. Tap [3] PERSO SHA256 OFF
After you select this option, wait 30 seconds.
Step 10. Press the Menu button and select Back
You will return to the NETWORK LOCK menu.
Step 11. Tap [4] NW LOCK NV DATA INITIALLIZ
Wait about a minute after selecting the menu.
Step 12. Restart your phone
After waiting for about a minute, restart your phone. You will not receive a confirmation whether the process is working. If your phone is connected to a new network, it means that the unlock process has been successful.
Tips
- Make sure you only buy codes from trusted companies. Some companies may sell fake codes.
- Before buying a code, make sure your phone is locked. In some cases, if you notice your phone is unlocked after purchasing the code, you will not receive a refund.
