How to Check If Your Samsung Phone Is Network Locked

A network-locked Samsung phone can only be used with the carrier it was originally purchased from. Here is how to check if your Samsung phone is locked to a carrier and how to unlock it.

Method 1: Insert a Different Carrier SIM Card

The most direct way to check if your phone is locked is to try a SIM card from a different carrier.

1. Turn off your Samsung phone.
2. Remove your current SIM card.
3. Insert a SIM card from a different carrier.
4. Turn the phone back on.
5. If you see a message like “SIM not supported,” “Network locked,” or “Enter unlock code,” your phone is carrier-locked.
6. If the phone connects to the new carrier’s network normally, it is already unlocked.

Method 2: Check in Phone Settings

Some Samsung phones show the lock status directly in the settings menu.

1. Go to Settings, then Connections, then More connection settings.
2. Look for Network lock or SIM lock status.
3. If it says “Network lock” with a status of “Locked,” your phone is carrier-locked.
4. On some models, go to Settings, About phone, Status, and look for SIM lock status.

Method 3: Check IMEI Online

You can check your phone’s lock status by looking up the IMEI number on a free checker website.

1. Dial *#06# on your phone to display the IMEI number.
2. Visit imei.info or swappa.com/imei and enter your IMEI.
3. The results will show whether the phone is locked or unlocked and which carrier it is locked to.

Method 4: Contact Your Carrier

Your carrier can confirm the lock status and may be able to unlock your phone for free if you meet their requirements.

1. Call your carrier’s customer support line.
2. Provide your IMEI number and ask about the lock status.
3. If the phone is locked, ask about their unlock policy.
4. Most carriers will unlock your phone for free if you have paid off the device in full and your account is in good standing.
5. AT&T: Visit att.com/deviceunlock to submit an unlock request.
6. T-Mobile: Call 611 or use the T-Mobile app to request an unlock.
7. Verizon: Most Verizon phones are automatically unlocked 60 days after purchase.

Method 5: Use Samsung’s Device Unlock App

Some Samsung phones from T-Mobile and MetroPCS come with a built-in Device Unlock app.

1. Look for the Device Unlock app in your app drawer.
2. Open the app and select Permanent unlock.
3. If you are eligible, the app will unlock your phone automatically.
4. If you are not eligible, the app will tell you what requirements you need to meet first.

Method 6: How to Avoid Buying a Locked Phone

If you are buying a used Samsung phone, always check the lock status before purchasing.

1. Ask the seller for the IMEI number before buying.
2. Check the IMEI at swappa.com/imei or imei.info.
3. Buy from reputable sellers or certified refurbished programs.
4. If possible, test the phone with your SIM card before completing the purchase.
5. Consider buying factory unlocked phones directly from Samsung.com to avoid carrier restrictions entirely.