Explain like im 5 - Network Locked - - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So Ive received a phone as a gift from Malaysia lastest model j3 pro samsung. I live in Nepal, Kathmandu and my SIM does not work in the phone. It is saying "Invalid SIM card. Network locked SIM card inserted" But for sure this SIM is valid because it works in any phone I stick it in except this new one.
So I call Samsung Malaysia customer support.. they say the phone only works in the South East Asia region. They told me to contact my Network provider.. Ive called them and they categorically said they don't unlock phones contact Samsung customer support in Nepal. Well Nepal being the country it is doesn't have any brand outlets or official customer support, you just have a bunch of rogue outlets moonlighting as official stores. So what to do?
So explain like on 5 what the hell is going on here? And how do I unlock this *****?

Related

[Q] Unlocking from O2 etc in UK ?

How / Where / Who can Unlock the SGII from networks like O2 etc in UK ?
O2 will unlock after 12 months otherwise you have to wait until unlocking is worked out after the phone has been launched .
jje
eddie21 said:
How / Where / Who can Unlock the SGII from networks like O2 etc in UK ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work for o2 and as long as it is a contract phone and not pay as you go, you can unlock it anytime by either completing the online form (google o2 'unlockmyiphone') or by calling customer services and requesting them to fill out the form for you. It can take up to 14days for you to receive the code.
Failing that, there are numerous IMEI unlocking websites online who will send the code within 24hours for a small fee.
Regards.
lynxboy said:
I work for o2 and as long as it is a contract phone and not pay as you go, you can unlock it anytime by either completing the online form (google o2 'unlockmyiphone') or by calling customer services and requesting them to fill out the form for you. It can take up to 14days for you to receive the code.
Failing that, there are numerous IMEI unlocking websites online who will send the code within 24hours for a small fee.
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am presuming that it will not need unlocking to use a Giffgaff network sim as its part of O2 .
Three O2 shops today no stock and no idea if they will receive stock for launch 1st may .
jje
You could use a Rebel Simcard. It's not the best solution but it definately does the job. I used one on my Dell Streak when they were exclusive to O2.
I take it you're getting it as an upgrade direct from O2?
If not open a contract with O2 through Phones4U and you'll get an unlocked device
steve228uk said:
I take it you're getting it as an upgrade direct from O2?
If not open a contract with O2 through Phones4U and you'll get an unlocked device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is £399 with O2 but will probably be locked
I also asked a popular online unlocking firm what the chances are of unlocking this handset and this was their reply:
This should be no problem at all. That's because there's one main database for all European Samsung Android handsets. We have unlocked the Samsung Galaxy S from all 6 main UK networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if the database will work for SGS II. Anyone know?
I have no previous contract, so just buy o2 payg £399 & unlock £15? (Total=£414)
Why would anyone pay £499 unlocked ?
eddie21 said:
I have no previous contract, so just buy o2 payg £399 & unlock £15? (Total=£414)
Why would anyone pay £499 unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because at this stage, nobody is really sure that the 'unlock £15' part of the process will indeed work You could end up with a phone that will not currently work on the sim you may have ( I do understand you have no contract, so if you are happy with O2 payg, fill yer boots).
eddie21 said:
I have no previous contract, so just buy o2 payg £399 & unlock £15? (Total=£414)
Why would anyone pay £499 unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Vodafone HD2 came unlocked - that wasn't the problem. The killer was that because it was a Vodafone phone, it could only take updates from Vodafone, and their updates came months after the unbranded ones. Once the Devs got HSPL all sorted out then it wasn't so much of a problem, but that didn't happen overnight.
So be aware - it's not just the network locking that's an issue when you buy a phone from a network.
Moandal said:
My Vodafone HD2 came unlocked - that wasn't the problem. The killer was that because it was a Vodafone phone, it could only take updates from Vodafone, and their updates came months after the unbranded ones. Once the Devs got HSPL all sorted out then it wasn't so much of a problem, but that didn't happen overnight.
So be aware - it's not just the network locking that's an issue when you buy a phone from a network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. I think O2 don't mess around with their handsets. Only Orange, T-Mobile & Vodafone.
AaronUK said:
Thanks for the heads up. I think O2 don't mess around with their handsets. Only Orange, T-Mobile & Vodafone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was the same with the first batch of O2 HD2's only accepting O2 specific updates which they changed after the second batch went out as were getting too many complaints. Hopefully they've learned from this and will allow standard manufacturer updates from the start. This wasn't due to particular messing around it was due to the serial numbers being registered with the manufacturer as not being generic therefore updates were refused by them. I doubt Samsung are quite as good as HTC with the regular updates but always good to know you can update when it's available.
AaronUK said:
I don't know if the database will work for SGS II. Anyone know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a response I received from a query I made of an eBay seller in relation to unlocking the SGS2...
"This is GUARANTEE TO WORK because this code is directly from Samsung and it is permanent. After you unlocked it, you can do software update or anything you like and it will still be unlocked."
Sounds promising...
It does but would like to know for sure before buying.
lynxboy said:
I work for o2 and as long as it is a contract phone and not pay as you go, you can unlock it anytime by either completing the online form (google o2 'unlockmyiphone') or by calling customer services and requesting them to fill out the form for you. It can take up to 14days for you to receive the code.
Failing that, there are numerous IMEI unlocking websites online who will send the code within 24hours for a small fee.
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you say it can take 14 days for the code to arrive...is that normal or is it usually quicker?
Successful unlock?
Did anyone hear about any successful SGS2 unlock?
I also read in some places that when you buy PNG from O2 it is SIM free. This was the case when I bought an iPhone 4 when it came out. It was SIM free out of the box.
just either get CPW to price match which they are supposedly doing at £399, or waith two weeks as they are goint to that price soon.
This is very stupid from me but as with the SGS, would it be possible to retrieve the bml3.bak file and unlock?
I'm just assuming samsung is using the same method of hiding the Network Control Key.. maybe they're lazy..
entropia said:
Did anyone hear about any successful SGS2 unlock?
I also read in some places that when you buy PNG from O2 it is SIM free. This was the case when I bought an iPhone 4 when it came out. It was SIM free out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u got iphone 4 from o2 and was sim-free?>

[Q] Unlocking SIM CARD

Hello XDA,
I am thinking of getting a xperia Z Ultra from a friend in the UK. I was wondering if there is any known way to unlock the SIM CARD since I'd get it shipped here ( Portugal ).
Any info is very appreciated!
Thanks,
Marco
I don't understand what you mean by unlocking the simple card. Sim cards aren't locked in the UK, but phones and 3g tablets are sometimes network locked. The phone may need to be unlocked to use on your network, depending on where your UK based friend buys it from. If they buy it from a network store, eg 3, Vodafone, etc it will probably be locked to that network. If they buy it from Carphone Warehouse or from an online third party company it will almost certainly be unlocked ready to use on any network. Please note that the ultra uses a micro sim, so if your current phone takes a mini simple (standard sized sim) you will have to get it cut, or ask your network to exchange it for you.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
ursulavasey said:
I don't understand what you mean by unlocking the simple card. Sim cards aren't locked in the UK, but phones and 3g tablets are sometimes network locked. The phone may need to be unlocked to use on your network, depending on where your UK based friend buys it from. If they buy it from a network store, eg 3, Vodafone, etc it will probably be locked to that network. If they buy it from Carphone Warehouse or from an online third party company it will almost certainly be unlocked ready to use on any network. Please note that the ultra uses a micro sim, so if your current phone takes a mini simple (standard sized sim) you will have to get it cut, or ask your network to exchange it for you.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, maybe I wasn't clear enough. I meant if there is a way to unlock the network on the phone ( meaning, that I can use any sim card from any operator on the market )
MarcoFSilva said:
Sorry, maybe I wasn't clear enough. I meant if there is a way to unlock the network on the phone ( meaning, that I can use any sim card from any operator on the market )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My apologies, I put simple card, instead of sim card. I am from the UK, and if the phone is purchased from a store here called Carphone Warehouse, it will be sim free, which means it is unlocked to any network when it is bought. It will not need to be unlocked, as it will have never been locked to a network in the first place. You should be able to simply put in your Portuguese sim card, and use the phone as soon as it arrives. If your friend buys it from a network store; for example they buy it at a 3 store, a Vodafone store, etc, it will be locked to the network on which it is purchased, and will need to be unlocked, for a fee. I have the same phone, which I purchased online, and it is sim-free. If I had purchased it from Carphone Warehouse, it would also have been sim free.
Sim free means it was never locked to a network from the date of manufacture.
Unlocked means it was network locked originally, and could only be used on the network it was locked to at that time. At some point it was unlocked, whether for free or for a charge, and now works on all networks.
Network locked means it was network locked originally, and is still network locked now. This means that it will only work on the network it is locked to, unless it is unlocked at a later date.
Almost all phones sold in Carphone Warehouse are sold as unlocked, except for those which are advertised as being on 3 network. These are network locked to 3, and can only be unlocked by 3, for a fee of around £15. (UK pounds, not Euros).
There are companies online that sell unlocked handsets, but if your friend is buying in store, they would be best going to Carphone Warehouse, as there will be no need for them, or you, to get the phone unlocked.
I hope this helps to clarify things for you.

International SIM Card

I am looking for a phone that will work in the US and Brazil, I have my att sim card, and I have a coworker from Rio that is going to give me his active sim card for my travels...
I was thinking about another Galaxy s5. What do I need to do to Carrier Unlock an android device?
dzslacker said:
I am looking for a phone that will work in the US and Brazil, I have my att sim card, and I have a coworker from Rio that is going to give me his active sim card for my travels...
I was thinking about another Galaxy s5. What do I need to do to Carrier Unlock an android device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually, it's just a case of contacting the cellphone company you bought it from, though there may be a fee to pay if you're under contract. if you're buying a new phone, there are various places that sell phones unlocked (which is the natural state of a smartphone, it's not until it gets into the hands of an operator that the locks appear). If you're just going for a short trip, you might consider a second-hand phone, or even a cheap Android handset. There's a site called Telestial that specialises in travel solutions, they have unlocked Galaxy s5's as well as a range of other unlocked phones.

Region locked - so I think

Good day people,
To start off with I confirm that I have searched the entire forum for a practical solution.
I was in Ireland and was unfortunately the victim of a taxi scam where I left my phone in one of the million taxis and Ireland.
Needless to say I had to buy a new Samsung s9 Plus from a reputable dealer in Ireland. The Samsung lady installed a local SIM and an SD card on my newly purchased phone.
I used to phone for approximately 3 days in Ireland phoning local numbers but majority of the numbers I phoned was back home in South Africa.
When I returned home to South Africa I obviously did a SIM swop and obtained my old number back.
Now that I have inserted my new South African SIM card into the phone I get a message that states phone not allowed.
I have communicated with Samsung where I purchase the phone and they are not very helpful at all saying that I must go back to Ireland and make another call in excess of 10 minutes now.
Surely there must be a different method to have this ludicrous problem resolved.
I have inserted Irish SIM card back in and thought it was maybe a network lock and place the sim on roaming and did receive a SMS on the Irish SIM card thereafter again and received the same error message that phone is not allowed.
Is there a method other than going back to Ireland to make a simple call to have the regional block removed without going to Ireland.
I paid 800 euros for this phone and the sales agent off Samsung assured me that my phone will be working when I returned to South Africa.
Needless to say I have returned to South Africa and now have a regional block on my Samsung s9 Plus.

TAB S6 LTE UK Version...can it be used with an Egyptian Sim ?

Hello everyone!
Okay so first off, sorry for having to post my first post as a question.
So I'm from Egypt (we still don't even have the s5e in stores..), I usually get all my tech from Amazon.com, seeing that the LTE variantof the Tab S6 is not available there yet, I went to check out amazon UK(also has global shipping)
I found an LTE variant of the tablet (Can't link it since I'm a new user) but its the "Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LTE 256 GB 10.5-Inch Tablet - Mountain Grey (UK Version)". Link: amazon.co.uk/dp/B07W4KVH18?tag=dradisplay0bb-21&ascsubtag=8ae47d4591cfa385f0e63929fb543ed4_CT&ref=dra_a_ms_sb_ho_xx_P600_100
I found alot of questions getting answered by (it'll work only after you make a 10 min phone call in the UK using a UK sim card), is this what they call (Unlocking process) ? and is there anyway I can bypass that ? will I even need to do this ? since someone who lives in the EU asked that question and they said it'll work just fine without going through that process. also I use (Vodafone EG) as my carrier
I do apologies for a somewhat silly question, but I don't quite get how the locked/unlocked/GSM/CMDA thingy works
Thank you in advance !
Try putting in the link, but without the http(s)://www bit at the beginning
Oh and it's not at all a silly question.
Was it this one?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-10-5-Inch-Tablet/dp/B07WC1BF34
pinsb said:
Try putting in the link, but without the http(s)://www bit at the beginning
Oh and it's not at all a silly question.
Was it this one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done, and yeah that's the one.
OK, there are two issues.
Service Provider Lock
Region Lock
As this is from Amazon then it should be Service Provider unlocked.
However to stop what are known as 'Grey Imports' where a unit is destined for say the Hong Kong market, to stop it being then re-exported to say the UK they require a HK sim to be installed first (which is why if you but a new unit from Hong Kong it's usually been opened and a sim put in it so that it performs it's initial region check) this then allows you to subsequently install any sim, as long as the first sim is from a matching region.
In this instance I would guess that the unit Amazon are selling are probably region locked to Europe (I'm not certain though obviously), which means the first sim you installed would have to be a euro sim and you would have to do it in Europe for the sim to validate live and disable the region lock.
A potential way around this would be buy a used unit off ebay where the Region Lock has already been deactivated.
Hope the above makes sense, if you need further help and don't want to do it in the thread you could PM me.
Update: I got the tablet from Amazon UK and it worked just fine in Egypt, (I just popped in my Egyptian sim card and turned on the device
I am glad it works well for you.
I am wondering if it will work in the US if I get it from Amazon.uk. T-Mobile only carries the 128gb one; I need the 256gb one.

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