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How to Unlock SIM Card (Comprehensive Guide in 2023)?

Jack

By Jack Lin

Update on

How to Unlock SIM Card

In this article, we will show you the best solutions on unlocking a locked SIM Card and the different types of sim card locks for your information.

In the next section, we’ll dive deep into both these types of locks and the best methods on how to unlock the locked SIM cards.


Part 1: Types of SIM Locks

Before going into details on how to unlock SIM cards, you should dig into the following brief on the types of SIM locks you may have. You might be faced with a Network locked SIM card, or SIM Card locked.

Besides, if you are looking for software to unlock phones to any network, just click to have a try.

1. Locked SIM:

Sometimes, people like to use some additional security features on their phones, such as SIM locks using a PIN code or a password. It is usually aimed at preventing unauthorized use of your SIM card in case of theft. You have to enter the SIM PIN to use your phone.

If you enter your SIM PIN wrongfully three times or more, your SIM card will be locked, and you will need a PIN to unlock the key, shortly referred to as the PUK code. You should contact your network carrier in case you do not already have one.

In addition, if you wonder about how to change the IMEI number on your iPhone, here are the easy solutions you should check out.

2. SIM Card Locked from Network Provider

In most cases, smartphone buying is always a big investment considering the market prices we have today. Once you finalize your choice for a smartphone, next comes the network service provider.

Why it’s necessary? Simply because in most countries, smartphones are sold under contract with network service providers. The big reason for the success of this model is its relatively reduced prices compared to what you’ll get if you buy it outside the contract.

But the downside of this is that you can’t use any other network provider on that particular phone. As it’s protected by a certain Pin code, and you’ll have to enter that code to unlock your sim card to operate your phone.

To use any other network on your phone other than the original one, you must have an unlocked SIM card if you wish to travel or want to switch to other networks for any reason. There is not necessarily a complex operation; it will go smoothly if you follow the guides
below.

Step-by-Step Guideline to Check if Your Phone is Locked or Not:

  • 1-First of all, switch off your phone.
  • 2-Once the phone is switched off, remove the sim card from it.
  • 3-Now insert any other network sim card.
  • 4-Now turn on your phone.

If the newly inserted sim works perfectly on your phone, then your phone isn’t locked by the network provider, but if you are asked to enter the PIN code, it is most definitely locked.

There can be two different reasons for this lock.

A. Locked by Network:

If you can’t use any other sim card, just as explained above, then your smartphone is locked by the network. Now some network providers offer the service to unlock your sim card, which we’ll cover later on.

B. Region Lock:

Although it’s not a very common case, some mobile manufacturers do offer separate versions of the same model of their phones in different countries. For example, a mobile model version “A” that is working in the USA might very well not work in Canada. There are many reasons why it is done and why manufacturers do it. We’ll discuss this later on in detail.


Part 2: How to Unlock SIM Card using PIN Unlock Key (PUK)?

When you have a locked SIM card due to the wrong PIN or have forgotten your PIN (not a network-locked card), the process to unlock the SIM card is pretty straightforward.

Follow the below steps on how to Unlock your SIM Card:

  • 1. To unlock your SIM card, you first need to know your IMEI number. You can easily get your IMEI number by dialing *#06#, or you can find your IMEI number on the box of your smartphone.
  • 2. As a next step, you need to call your network carrier. They will ask you for some information for verification, and upon successful verification, they’ll send your PIN Unlock Key (PUK).
  • 3. Once you get a PUK code, turn your phone on. Upon restart, you will be requested to enter a PIN or enter PUK. Enter the PUK code provided by the network carrier and press OK.
Enter PUK Code
  • 4. Once you enter PUK, you’ll need to enter a new PIN code.
  • 5. Please verify a new code by entering it again. Press OK, and you have successfully unlocked the SIM card.
  • 6. Verify your new PIN code by typing it in again when you see the prompt. Press OK once again, and your SIM becomes unlocked.

BONUS TIP: PUK codes are also mentioned on the SIM card jacket/pack. You can save all this hassle of calling your carrier and getting a code if you have it saved when you buy it.

PS: Read more to figure out how to fix ‘network locked SIM card inserted.’


Part 3: Unlocking Network Locked SIM Card

If you go online to look for the different service providers, then you’ll be surprised to see the number of tools and applications that are available there. But if you are specifically looking for a tool or an application to unlock your sim card, then you probably wouldn’t find any cheap solution for it.

I would always recommend using DoctorSIM (DoctorSIM review) to unlock your sim card if it is locked by the network service provider. It is one of the cheapest and most productive tools available.

DoctorSIM Features

  • DoctorSIM is secure, the best, and one of the most successful tools available.
  • It is easy to use, and you don’t have to put off or turn off your smartphone during the complete unlocking procedure.
  • The after-market team is very trained and supportive.
  • Its user population is one of the biggest in the world, with approximately more than five million users.
  • Many mobile phone manufacturers employ the IMEI number to unlock it.
  • 100% money back if you are not satisfied with this tool.

Now, you have already found that DoctorSIM should be the best program to unlock your network-locked SIM card.

How to Unlock SIM Card That is Network Locked?

  • 1. Visit this site: www.doctorsim.com.
  • 2. Then select the right phone manufacturer for your smartphone.
  • 3. Select your mobile phone model and service provider, which in our case will be Verizon.
  • 4. Enter the correct IMEI number & email ID. (Tip: dial *#06# on your dialer if you don’t know your phone IMEI. You can also find it on the box of your phone.)
  • 5. DoctorSim will email you after your provided payment information is confirmed.
  • 6. You will get the Pin code & a detailed guide to unlock your smartphone.
  • 7. After that, your smartphone has been unlocked.
doctorsim

Part 4: Unlocking the SIM Card Locked from the Network Service Provider

As already explained above, most smartphones are sold under a contract from a network service provider. The reason for the success of this model is definitely its lower prices, and you’ll only have to pay in installments. So who would want to buy a phone at full price when you can get it at a lower price?

But there is one downside: you couldn’t use this phone to operate the sim card provided by another network provider. So what to do if you want to get rid of your current sim card and replace it with a new network provider?

By the way, if you wonder how to unlock your Cricket phone and use it on a different network, here are the top fixes for you.

The following things that most often will be asked if you want to switch your sim cards in the same smartphone.

  • Pay the remaining amount of your initial contract.
  • Most service providers will ask you to use the phone for at least 3-6 months (varies for different service providers) before you can go for contract termination.

Guide to Unlock Your Network Locked SIM Card by Your Service Provider:

  1. After we meet all the carrier’s requirements, we will receive a code or PIN.
  2. Now, turn off your smartphone and then take out your SIM card.
  3. Then you should use the new SIM card to replace the old one.
  4. Restart your phone and enter the new code or PIN. That’s it.

By the way, here are the best Android Unlockers.


FAQs

  1. Is it legal to unlock my SIM card? In most countries, yes. However, it’s best to check your country’s specific regulations.
  2. Will unlocking my SIM card void the warranty? This can depend on your carrier’s policy and the method of unlocking.
  3. Can any SIM card be unlocked? In theory, yes. However, the process can differ based on the carrier and the device.
  4. Is there any risk to my phone while unlocking the SIM card? There may be risks if not done correctly, such as bricking your phone, especially if using software or third-party services.
  5. What information do I need to unlock my SIM card? You’ll typically need the account holder’s name and account number, your device’s IMEI number, and personal identification.

Conclusion

To conclude, unlocking SIM cards due to the wrong PIN is quite easy, but having an unlocked SIM card that is network locked is a tricky business.

We recommend this most economical and powerful tool DoctorSIM to easily unlock your network-locked SIM card.

Jack
Jack

10 years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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