Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: unlock through your mobile operator
• Method 2 of 3: Unblock with a Pay Site
• Method 3 of 3: unlocking without a carrier
• Tips

Do you want to go on a trip, and for this you need a SIM card of a local telecom operator? Want to switch carriers but keep your Galaxy 3? You will need to unlock your phone in order to use a different SIM card. There are several ways to do this with the Galaxy 3. If your carrier doesn't help you with this, there are still a few more ways to try. Learn about them from this guide.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: unlock through your mobile operator

1. 1 Contact your carrier and request an unlock code from them. In some cases, they will refuse to issue you a code until the end of the contract, or until a certain amount of time has passed since its conclusion. If your operator does not provide the code, then try one of the other methods described in this guide.
   • Carriers may agree to give you a code if you can convince them that you are going to another country soon and you need to purchase a local SIM card.
   • If your operator does not provide the code, then try one of the other methods described in this guide.
2. 2 Insert a new SIM card. After receiving the code, turn off your phone and remove the old SIM card. Insert a new SIM card.
3. 3 Turn on your Samsung phone. You will be asked for an unlock code.
4. 4 Enter the unlock code. Once you do this, you can start using the services of the new telecom operator. If this does not work for you, contact the new operator and make sure that there is good communication reception where you are.

Method 2 of 3: Unblock with a Pay Site

1. 1 Find out the IMEI number of your phone by dialing the combination * # 06 #. A code will appear on the screen. Remember it, it will come in handy later.
   • Be sure to write this code down because it cannot be copied to your phone's clipboard.
   • You can also find the IMEI number printed on a sticker under the battery.
2. 2 Find a paid site that provides unblocking services. There are many sites out there that will agree to unlock your phone for a fee.
3. 3 Read the reviews and make sure that the quality of services really matches the stated. You will need to provide your phone's IMEI number. The legality of such services has not been finally determined, since discussions on whether it is permissible to unlock phones are still pending.
4. 4 Wait for the new code to arrive. Depending on the situation, this can take from several hours to several days. You can receive your code via text message, email or phone call.
5. 5 Insert a new SIM card. Make sure it's not an old carrier card. When you are asked to enter the unlock code, then enter the code received from the site. Make sure the code worked and the communication is working correctly.

Method 3 of 3: unlocking without a carrier

1. 1 Check that the phone is locked. Insert the SIM card of the new network to check that the phone is locked. Many C3s are actually unlocked out of the box, so the first check can save you a lot of time.
2. 2 Refresh your phone. You must have Android 4.1.1 or later for this method to work. You can check the version of your device by opening the "Settings" section, scrolling to the bottom of the page and selecting "About Device". Find the line "Android Version", which will indicate the version of the OS.
   • To update your phone, open the "Settings" section and scroll down to the "About Device" line.
   • In the next menu, select "System Updates", then "Check for Updates". Your phone will automatically try to update over the network.
3. 3 make sure your phone supports GSM. You will not be able to unlock the S3 model which supports CDMA. In the US, it's Sprint. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
   • This method does not guarantee support for all S3 versions, but you can try this method without damaging your phone.
4. 4 Go to dialing a number. You will need to dial a specific number to open the service menu. When ready, enter the following number: *#197328640#.
5. 5 Select [1] UMTS. After you enter the number, the service menu will automatically open. Then select [1] UMTS.
6. 6 Select this section. If you click in the wrong place, click on the "Menu" button and select "Back".
7. 7 Open the debug menu. From the UTMS menu, select [1] DEBUG SCREEN. Then select [8] PHONE CONTROL. Then select [6] NETWORK LOCK.
8. 8 Select [3] Perso SHA256 Off. After choosing this option, wait 30 seconds.
9. 9 Click on the "Menu" button, then "Back". Select [4] NW Lock NV Data INITIALLIZ ..
10. 10 Wait, then reboot. After selecting [4] NW Lock NV Data INITIALLIZ, wait about a minute, then restart your phone. You will not receive any confirmation that everything worked out ..
11. 11 Insert a new SIM card. Make sure it's not an old carrier card. If you have not been asked for an unlock code, then the process was successful. Check if the connection is working properly.
12. 12 Reboot your phone. After waiting for about a minute, restart your phone. However, you will not receive confirmation that the process worked. If your phone connects to a new SIM, then the unlocking process worked.

Tips

• Make sure your phone is locked before purchasing a code.
• If you realize that the phone has already been unlocked after you buy the code, then you will not be able to get your money back.
• Make sure you are dealing with a trusted supplier. Some may sell you an invalid code.