Are you planning to buy a new Samsung phone but are not sure if it is unlocked? Or have you recently purchased an old Samsung phone and want to confirm if it is unlocked?
Having an unlocked phone gives you the freedom to switch between different carriers and use local SIM cards when traveling internationally. This can save you from expensive roaming charges and also give you more options for choosing a mobile plan.
In this guide, we will discuss four methods on how to see if your Samsung phone is unlocked. These methods are applicable for all types of Samsung phones including Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25, Note 20, or even older models. So, let’s dive in!
Method 1: How To See If Samsung Phone Is Unlocked
This method is pretty simple and quick to try out! First, go to the Settings on your Samsung phone and tap on Connections. From there, select Mobile Networks and then tap on Network Operators.
Next, turn off the Select Automatically option. If your phone is unlocked, you’ll see a list of available networks pop up on the screen. But if no networks show up, it might mean that your phone is locked to a specific carrier. This method is a great way to check your phone’s status without any tools.
Method 2: How To See If Old Samsung Phone Is Unlocked
This method is only for those Samsung users who have older models or have bought a prepaid Samsung phone. So, to check if your old phone is unlocked, open your dialer screen and type *#7465625#. After you enter this code, a dialog box will appear on the screen with a menu showing different lock statuses.
Look for the “Network Lock” option. If the status says [ON], this means your phone is locked, and it can only be used with one specific carrier. If the status says [OFF], it means your phone is unlocked, and you can use it with any carrier’s SIM card.
Here’s a breakdown of what these locks mean. A “Network Lock” is a restriction that only allows your phone to work with one carrier’s SIM card. If your phone is locked, you’ll need something called an NCK code to unlock the device. Then there’s the “Network Subset Lock,” which limits your phone to work with a few specific SIM cards from certain carriers. To remove this restriction, an NSCK code is required.
If the phone has a “Service Provider Lock” (SP Lock), it restricts the phone to work only with SIM cards from one specific service provider under that carrier. For example, if a carrier offers multiple types of SIM cards, an SP Lock will allow your phone to use only a particular type. To unlock this, you’ll need an SPCK code.
Lastly, there’s the “Corporate Lock” (CP Lock), which is similar to a Network Subset Lock but is usually used by companies. Phones with this lock are issued by corporations and tied to one network chosen by them. To unlock it, you would need a CPCK or CCK code.
Method 3: How To See If New Samsung Phone Is Unlocked
This method is really simple and will work if you have the newer Samsung models. All you have to do is insert a SIM card from a different carrier and turn on your phone.
If your Samsung device is locked, you’ll see a pop-up message saying something like “SIM Network Unlock PIN” or “Enter Network Lock Control Key.” This message means your phone is asking for an unlock code to work with the new carrier.
Method 4: How To See If Samsung Phone Is Unlocked Via Dial-Up Screen
This method is similar to the one we shared above for the older Samsung models. However, there’s a difference. This time, you have to use the phone’s dial-up screen and add some different codes. You can enter specific codes to check for different types of locks on your Samsung device. For example, to check for a Network Lock, you will need to enter #7465625*638#. If the phone is locked, you will see a pop-up.
To check for other types of locks, you can use the same base number but replace the extension at the end. Use the following codes to test for other locks:
- Network Subset Lock: #7465625*782#
- SP Lock: #7465625*77#
- CP Lock: #7465625*27#
Closing Remarks
So, how to see if Samsung phone is unlocked? It may seem like a complex process, but with the right information and tools, you can easily check for any type of lock on your device. Today, we shared 4 different ways to check if your Samsung phone is locked: through the settings menu, using a dialer code, checking with an IMEI checker, and running a SIM card test. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, so be sure to choose the one that works best for you.
If you do find out that your phone is locked, don’t panic. There are many unlocking services available online or through your carrier that can help you unlock your Samsung device. Just make sure to do thorough research and choose a reputable service provider to avoid any potential scams or risks.
Thanks for reading!
You can also read: How To Delete An eSIM On iPhone?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my Samsung phone is unlocked?
To check if your Samsung phone is unlocked, you can insert a SIM card from a different carrier. If the phone works with the new SIM card, then it is unlocked. However, if you see a message asking for an unlock code or saying the card isn’t supported, the phone is still locked. You can also use the codes listed above to check for different types of locks on your phone. This will help you figure out if the phone is ready to use with any carrier.
Q: What happens if I insert a SIM card from another carrier into a locked Samsung phone?
If you insert a SIM card from another carrier into a locked Samsung phone, you will see a message asking for an unlock code or saying that the card isn’t supported. This means the phone is still locked and cannot be used with that carrier until it is unlocked.
Q: How do I check if my Samsung phone is ready to use with any carrier?
To check if your Samsung phone is ready to use with any carrier, try inserting a SIM card from a different carrier. If the phone works with the new SIM card without showing any error messages, it is unlocked and can be used with any carrier.