If you want to switch carriers, use a local SIM card while on your next holiday or if you want to remove network restrictions from your Mobile, unlocking a Android Mobile is an important step in the process. Unlocking a Android Mobile can sound really complicated, but in reality, it is simple once you know how. Today in this article we are going to discuss on various different ways by which, you can unlock a Android Mobile (or another Mobile) and learn how to use free Google Mobile unlocking services to unlock this Mobile for free.
Why Unlock a Android Mobile?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s first discuss why you might want to unlock your Android Mobile and how to unlock samsung phone
Switching Carriers: Whenever you’re switching to a new cell Mobile carrier and you want to use your Android Mobile, you must unlock it.
Traveling Abroad: When you’re travelling to another country you may want to unlock your Mobile so you can use a local SIM card – which may be cheaper for roaming charges.
Selling the Mobile: It’s easier to sell or trade an unlocked Mobile because it’s typically valued more.
Removing Restrictions
If you’re tied into a carrier, unlocking your Mobile will remove those restrictions, so you can use different carriers if needed.
Some Methods to Unlock your Android Mobile
- The Official Method to Unlocking Through Your Carrier
Using the carrier you’re locked with is the best and legal way to unlock your Android Mobile. Although most carriers will lock your Mobile if you meet certain restrictions, there is usually a way to unlock Mobiles using a carrier’s specific requirements. Here’s how to go about it:
Step-by-Step Process:
Check the Requirements
Each of these carriers has different requirements. The reason is that sometimes cars themselves have to be in good standing or the Mobile has to be fully paid for.
Contact Customer Support: If for some reason your Android Mobile fails to get unlocked with an unlock code, call or drop by the carrier’s customer service or online support to request an unlock code for your Android Mobile.
Provide the Necessary Information
You’ll need to be prepared to give details like your mobile Mobile’s IMEI number (you can get this by dialing *#06# on your Android mobile.)
Wait for Confirmation: You’ll then see the needs requirements in order to confirm that you meet
the requirements, then your carrier will provide you an unlock code (usually within a few days).
Enter the Unlock Code
After you get the code, put SIM card from another carrier. If prompted enter the unlock code and your Android should now be unlocked.
Important Notes:
You may be charged for unlocking by some carriers, or receive free unlocking.
The time taken in this process may vary with the carrier and select policies and can take a few days.
- It also means you won’t be able to unlock your Mobile by using a third party service anymore.
If your carrier refuses to unlock the Mobile for free or does it too slowly, then there’s always a third party unlocking service that you can use. Online, these services are tremendous and they can in many cases unlock your Mobile for a fee.
How to Unlock Using a Third-Party Service
Find a Trusted Service: Find worthy Mobile unlocking services. Some of the most popular websites for unlocking is DoctorSIM, UnlockBase, and CellUnlocker. Check reviews to know you’re dealing with a trusted service.
Provide Your Mobile’s IMEI Number: Like the carrier method, you’ll need to tell the unlocking service your IMEI number. Dial *#06# on your Mobile and you’ll find this.
Pay for the Unlocking Service: The price will depend on the model and service of your Android Mobile but will usually be between 10 and 40 dollars. The full information on Nawab Deals.
Enter the Unlock Code: Once your request is processed, the third party service will email you an unlock code. If you don’t want to change carriers, then insert a SIM of a different carrier and on entering the unlock code your Mobile will be unlocked.
Important Considerations:
If you must choose a third party service to avoid a scam always use a trusted third party.
When locking your unlock address, be aware that you’ll have to wait for a few days before the service to complete processing.
- This was unlocked using Android’s Official Tool (For Developers)
But for savvy developers on the Android side, there is a method provided to unlock their Mobiles. This method is also more technical advanced, and only advised if you have already have some knowledge about software.
Steps for Developer Unlocking
Enable Developer Mode: To enable Developer Mode go to “Settings” > “About Mobile” and tap the “Build Number” 7 times.
Unlock Bootloader: To unlock the bootloader of your Mobile first enable ‘OEM Unlocking’ from the Developer options menu.
Use ADB Commands: If you have the Mobile connected to a computer you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands to unlock the bootloader.
Note: This process will void your warranty and you could lose data or cause permanent damage to your Mobile if you don’t do it correctly. For advanced users only, we recommend this method.
- SIM Unlocking Apps (Risky) – These are basically apps that should unlock your device using the introduced codes.
However, there are some apps on the Google Play Store and other third party sites that promise to unlock Mobiles but it’s very important that you be careful. Not all of these apps are going to work the way they’re supposed to, and some may actually have malware. On top of that, these apps could void your warranty, or violate your carrier’s terms of service.
If you decide to try this method
Research thoroughly: Read reviews to see what others have had experience with the app.
Backup your data: It’s worth noting that sometimes, some apps mean data loss and you should be sure that emergency saving of all important informational is done.
Proceed with caution: However, you must always be weary when downloading free third party apps.
- Factory Reset Does Not Unlock the Carrier Lock.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that factory reset Android Mobile will not remove the carrier lock. It will wipe all data, settings, and apps, but won’t remove carrier restrictions.
How to Perform a Factory Reset
Scroll down to Settings > General Management > Reset.
From the tools menu, select Factory Data Reset and follow the on screen prompts.
If you are selling the Mobile, or if you are troubleshooting other issues, then a factory reset might help, but factory reset isn’t a way to unlock a carrier locked device.
When to unlock a Android Mobile: Common Issues
IMEI Number Errors: Ensure you’re not on a blacklist or filed by law enforcement as a lost or stolen Mobile. Some of these issues could make carriers refuse to unlock Mobiles.
Unlock Code Invalid: If the unlock code doesn’t work, it’s probably an incorrect code (or the Mobile has reached the maximum amount of times you can unlock it).
Carrier Restrictions: Additional restrictions are in place to unlock by some carriers. Make sure you always check with your carrier first.
Warranty Concerns: Unlocking with third party apps or developer modes may void the warranty of your Android Mobile.
Conclusion
Unlocking your Android Mobile is the key to a lot of options from switching carriers and using local SIM cards abroad. If you choose to go through your carrier, but which method to use depends on your carrier and your method of choice, the method most likely to work is through your carrier’s official unlocking service. However, if that’s not an option, then third party services may be another option. Just always do so with caution to ensure that your Mobile stays safe, functioning and protected.
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