Guides

Entering a carrier unlock on Android

7 minute read · intermediate

Android phones take a carrier unlock in one of three ways. Older and many Samsung and Motorola phones use a code the carrier gives you. Some carriers use an unlock menu on the phone. Pixels get the unlock applied remotely. In every case the carrier has to approve the IMEI first. The phone's menu can't grant the unlock by itself.

Which method your phone uses

Unlock code: sometimes called a Network Unlock Code (NUC), Network Control Key (NCK) or SIM Network Unlock PIN. It is usually 8 to 16 digits and is tied to the phone's IMEI. The carrier issues it free once you are eligible. Samsung Galaxy and Motorola phones often use this method, though some carriers now unlock Samsungs on their side or through an app.

Network Unlock menu: many modern Android phones from T-Mobile, Metro and AT&T skip codes. They use a Network Unlock setting, often under Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Network Unlock.

Remote unlock: Google Pixel phones typically receive the unlock over the air, similar to an iPhone. You don't enter anything.

Entering an unlock code

  1. Request the code from your carrier through its official unlock portal or app.
  2. Power the phone off and insert an active SIM from a different carrier, then power it on.
  3. The phone should ask for a SIM Network Unlock PIN.
  4. Type the code exactly as the carrier gave it. If it is accepted, the phone shows Network Unlock Successful and connects to the new network.

You only get a limited number of code attempts. If a Samsung phone says SIM Network PIN Blocked or asks for a PUK, too many wrong codes have been entered. Stop and contact the carrier. Don't try more codes and don't use a code from anywhere else.

Copy the code carefully and check it before each attempt. Most wrong entries are typos, not bad codes.

Before you request: record the IMEI and model

  1. Dial *#06#, or open Settings > About phone, and write down the IMEI and the exact model number.
  2. Check the model's supported bands against the carrier you are moving to. Unlocking doesn't add bands the phone lacks.
  3. On dual-SIM models, some manufacturers unlock both slots and some only the primary one. Check the carrier's unlock FAQ for your brand.

Carrier unlock is not Factory Reset Protection

A network unlock only changes which SIMs the phone accepts. It does nothing to Factory Reset Protection, the Google Account lock.

If you erase an Android phone without the Google Account credentials that were on it, setup will stop at FRP. Don't reset a phone to fix a carrier lock. It won't help.

Tools to avoid

Use the carrier's portal, the carrier's app, and the manufacturer's own PC software. Avoid universal unlock APKs and unlock tools from unknown sites. They often contain malware, and they almost never change a real carrier lock.

Never give your IMEI to a paid unlock-code site. The carrier issues codes free.

Stop and get help when

  • The phone says SIM Network PIN Blocked. Stop and contact the carrier.
  • The carrier says the IMEI is reported lost or stolen or tied to fraud.
  • A site or app offers to generate an unlock code.

Official route

The carrier that locked the phone, through its official unlock portal or customer care. The manufacturer's support can confirm how your model's unlock works.

Who this is for: You must be the account holder with the carrier that locked the phone, or authorised by them.