what does unlocking Samsung phone means
A SIM lock, simlock, network lock or subsidy lock is a capability built into GSM mobile phones by mobile phone manufacturers. Network providers use this capability to restrict the use of these phones to specific countries and network providers. A phone sold without a SIM lock is called SIM-free or unlocked phone and the purchaser can insert a SIM card of his/her choice.
Generally, phones can be locked to accept only SIM cards with certain International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs); IMSIs may be restricted by:
· Mobile country code (MCC; e.g., will only work with SIM issued in one country)
· Mobile network code (MNC; e.g., AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Bell Mobility etc.)
· Mobile subscriber identification number (MSIN; i.e., only one SIM can be used with the phone)
Most mobile phones can be unlocked to work with any GSM network provider, but the phone may still display the original branding and may not support features of the new carrier; besides the locking, phones may also have firmware installed on them which is specific to the network provider. For example, a Vodafone or Telstra branded phone in Australia will display the relevant logo and may only support features provided by that network (e.g. Vodafone Live!). This firmware is installed by the service provider and is separate from the locking mechanism. Most phones can be unbranded by reflashing a different firmware version, a procedure recommended for advanced users only.
Why do network providers lock their phones?
The reason many network providers SIM lock their phones is that they offer phones at a discount to customers in exchange for a contract to pay for the use of the network for a specified time period, usually between one and three years. This business model allows the company to recoup the cost of the phone over the life of the contract. Such discounts are worth up to several hundred euros. If the phones were not locked, users might sign a contract with one company, get the discounted phone, then stop paying the monthly bill (thus breaking the contract) and start using the phone on another network or even sell the phone for a profit. SIM locking curbs this by prohibiting change of network (using a new SIM). SIM locking is very common if subsidized phones are sold with prepaid contracts. It is important to note, however, that the technology associated with the phone must be compatible with the technology being used by the network carrier. A GSM cell phone will only work with a GSM carrier and will not work on a CDMA network provider. Likewise, a CDMA cell phone will only work with a CDMA carrier and will not work on a GSM network provider.
Generally, phones can be locked to accept only SIM cards with certain International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs); IMSIs may be restricted by:
· Mobile country code (MCC; e.g., will only work with SIM issued in one country)
· Mobile network code (MNC; e.g., AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Bell Mobility etc.)
· Mobile subscriber identification number (MSIN; i.e., only one SIM can be used with the phone)
Most mobile phones can be unlocked to work with any GSM network provider, but the phone may still display the original branding and may not support features of the new carrier; besides the locking, phones may also have firmware installed on them which is specific to the network provider. For example, a Vodafone or Telstra branded phone in Australia will display the relevant logo and may only support features provided by that network (e.g. Vodafone Live!). This firmware is installed by the service provider and is separate from the locking mechanism. Most phones can be unbranded by reflashing a different firmware version, a procedure recommended for advanced users only.
Why do network providers lock their phones?
The reason many network providers SIM lock their phones is that they offer phones at a discount to customers in exchange for a contract to pay for the use of the network for a specified time period, usually between one and three years. This business model allows the company to recoup the cost of the phone over the life of the contract. Such discounts are worth up to several hundred euros. If the phones were not locked, users might sign a contract with one company, get the discounted phone, then stop paying the monthly bill (thus breaking the contract) and start using the phone on another network or even sell the phone for a profit. SIM locking curbs this by prohibiting change of network (using a new SIM). SIM locking is very common if subsidized phones are sold with prepaid contracts. It is important to note, however, that the technology associated with the phone must be compatible with the technology being used by the network carrier. A GSM cell phone will only work with a GSM carrier and will not work on a CDMA network provider. Likewise, a CDMA cell phone will only work with a CDMA carrier and will not work on a GSM network provider.
How to unlock Samsung phones
There are several methods to unlock your Samsung phone, here I will mention some of them
Method 1: Contacting your carrier
1. Call your carrier and ask about their unlock policy. Most carriers will unlock your phone after a certain amount of time has passed or after your contract has expired. If your contract is still in place, they may require you to pay an early termination fee in order to unlock the phone.
You may be able to get an unlock early if you explain that you need an unlocked phone to use overseas for business.
2. Contact the carrier you plan to switch to. Many carriers are happy to unlock a phone if you are coming from one of their rivals. Call the carrier that you want to switch to and see if you can work out a deal in which they unlock your phone for you.
Make sure the carrier you are switching to uses the same network type that your phone supports. The two major network types are GSM (AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Sprint and Verizon).
Method 2: Contact me or find a reputable unlocking service
There are a staggering number of companies on-line that claim to be able to unlock your phone for a fee. Since you're paying good money to get your phone unlocked, make sure that the service you choose is well-reviewed and offers a solid guarantee
Method 3: Do it on your own risk
This method requires rooting the device first and then finding and app on Play store on your phone which can unlock it but this method works only with some old models such as Galaxy Pocket, Galaxy Ace, Galaxy Young and some other old models and does not cover the newest one such as galaxy S2, S3, S4 and S5, but these models still can be unlocked but they requires specific software or Boxes which can be purchased online, rooting is also involves when using a software or a box.
There are several methods to unlock your Samsung phone, here I will mention some of them
Method 1: Contacting your carrier
1. Call your carrier and ask about their unlock policy. Most carriers will unlock your phone after a certain amount of time has passed or after your contract has expired. If your contract is still in place, they may require you to pay an early termination fee in order to unlock the phone.
You may be able to get an unlock early if you explain that you need an unlocked phone to use overseas for business.
2. Contact the carrier you plan to switch to. Many carriers are happy to unlock a phone if you are coming from one of their rivals. Call the carrier that you want to switch to and see if you can work out a deal in which they unlock your phone for you.
Make sure the carrier you are switching to uses the same network type that your phone supports. The two major network types are GSM (AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Sprint and Verizon).
Method 2: Contact me or find a reputable unlocking service
There are a staggering number of companies on-line that claim to be able to unlock your phone for a fee. Since you're paying good money to get your phone unlocked, make sure that the service you choose is well-reviewed and offers a solid guarantee
Method 3: Do it on your own risk
This method requires rooting the device first and then finding and app on Play store on your phone which can unlock it but this method works only with some old models such as Galaxy Pocket, Galaxy Ace, Galaxy Young and some other old models and does not cover the newest one such as galaxy S2, S3, S4 and S5, but these models still can be unlocked but they requires specific software or Boxes which can be purchased online, rooting is also involves when using a software or a box.