How To: Network Unlock Your Samsung Galaxy S3 to Use with Another GSM Carrier

Sadly, you cannot carrier unlock a CDMA Galaxy S3, use CDMA instead of GSM.

Thanx, it work for me. samsung galaxy s3 unlock successfully with this Method of unlocking.....

why does this keep getting up-voted? none of it is relevant to UNLOCKING an S3 on 4.1.1 ..

what to do next? install 4.1.1 or flash your baseband? because you cant unlock 4.1.2? lol..

Im haven this problem help me please

i am also facing the above problem. Andriod version 4.3 is available on sg3 i747.

Kindly help to unlock the sim.

I've been very interested in having my phone unlocked so that I have the flexibility of saving money with the carrier of my choice. My current contract with Verizon doesn't expire until next year and I have no way of lower my rates under the current plans.

Unlike it's competitors, Verizon is still keeping you locked in limited data plans unless you want to pay a higher rate based upon increased data usage. This is a change from the previous Unlimited Data option they use to provide.

If you unlock your device are you eligible to keep your existing number or do you have to pay to keep it? Anyone know about this one?

Well if your phone is with Verizon, it's CDMA, from what I know, it's still possible to unlock but with difficult methods. As for your phone number, you can keep it, but you would have to pay an ETF if you are still in contract. Some prepaid carriers, however, don't let you port in (transfer your number) so do some research before you do so. DON'T cancel your contract before moving to a different carrier or else you wont be able to keep your number.

i have an identical issue that greg has. same make an model an carrier. We need a little help please.

To check whether your phone is CDMA or GSM, please see this

You cannot unlock your CDMA Samsung phone as most CDMA devices do not contain the international frequencies that allow your phone to operate in other countries.

With the comments posted I'm unclear as to whether my Verizon Samsung GS3 CDMA phone can be unlocked and used with another carrier.

Also if I want to keep my number what is an EFT fee? Any idea of the amount of this fee?

I have a Samsung GS3 through Sprint, will the step above unlock my phone so that I am able to use it on Metro PCS or Boost mobile networks?

Hey can anyone tell me why after I type the code It goes straight to main menu. Ok there I can choose Debug Screen but as I told its main menu, not UMTS main menu. Anyway when i choose Debug Screen and follow instructions so after I choose Network Lock so then there is a text 'Menu not exist'. Anyone have same kind of problem?

Some Samsung phone's firmware version does not support that code.

Same problem with mine
but you can try with this *#9090#
But no idea ...
GSM is working in mine but no internet even I set up the right APN.*

After I type the code It goes straight to menu, not UMTS main menu. Anyway when i choose Debug Screen and follow instructions so after I choose Network Lock so then there is a text 'Menu not exist'. any other way to get this menu?

I have 2 AT&T I747 gs3 phones, one still on AT&T and one unlocked (well seems as it was unlocked) rooted both, installed modem and bootlader files, and 4.3 jellybean. The AT&T phone works but now the other says no sim, no network data, can still make calls and texts though with the other sim. The other sim is a family mobile sim (through T-Mobile networks). I'm getting all the options as above except mine are labeled differently too, my last option says rat free supporting on, and the other are perso labels. Help would be lovely could really use this other phone data. Thanks in advance.

You either have to upgrade to 4.1.1 or downgrade to 4.1.1. Seems like it only works with that version, I was originally on 4.1.2 and was unsuccessful and downgraded to 4.1.1. Now my T-Mobile Galaxy S3 is running fine on AT&T's network.

I hqve all yhe same menus except at yhe end i dont have the 4 line any suvgestions

Can you please tell me how to downgrade to 4.1.1 im on 4.1.2 and I dont get a NW INITILLIAZ option ik trying to switch from att to tmobile please help if not my phone will get turned off att is charging me too much

I don't find either the NV Data INITIALLIZ option in my phone (the menu gives only 3 options), do I have to downgrade to 4.1.1?

I actually was

given an unlocking code by Samsung through my provider (T-mobile), after paying in full my phone, but the code doesn't work....any suggestion?

Not to sure why the code provided to you didn't work. How did you try to input the code? If your current provider is T-mobile and you have their T-mobile phone. To unlock it, you would have to insert another cell providers sim card and the phone would prompt you to input the code. If you did that, then I'm not to sure why it did not work. I requested a unlock code from T-mobile for my phone and was never given one, so that is when I did the 4.1.2 downgrade to 4.1.1 to unlock my phone. On 4.1.2, I was only given the 3 options like you, but when downgraded, I got the fourth one needed. BTW, just the other day, I updated my phone to 4.3 through the ota update and my phone still stayed unlocked. So I would definately suggest the downgrading method.

Thank you Dave, I'll try to downgrade and unlock with 4.1.1 ( I just upgraded too to 4.3).

Yes they provided an unlock code for me but did not work. I tried it with At&t, Verizon and the European Vodafone; to make sure I was not making any mistakes (difficult though seen the elementary process) I even tried a couple of time at my local T-mobile shop. I was told that the phone is defective and that they would replace it, but they don't guarantee a new product.....I'm disappointed and will try first with the method suggested here.

One last question, do I really have to go through the process of backing up the data on my phone before or I'll lose everything?

This only works with 4.1.1 GSM smartphones and I'd be careful trying to use any instructions to downgrade your unit. If you attempt to flash a stock ROM to your 4.3 version phone with ODIN it will instantly soft-brick.

Hi, Interesting....I received the request to install Knox and I have the app icon ready that request installation and i regularly reject....does it mean that actually the risk of soft brick is already there or can I hope in a relatively harmless downgrade?

<deleted>

Thanks, This worked for me..

Rule of thumb is to back up the data because you will be doing a wipe on your phone and resetting it to factory specs.

M holding a 4GLTE Verizon Galaxy S3. I tried with the aforementioned instructions but its not working rather it mentions, "connection problem or invalid MMI code" I don't know what is the problem actually running through this system, please do let me know if anyone can help me save unexpected expenses.

Model SCH-I535
Android Version 4.1.2
Base Version I535VRBMB1
Kernel Version
3.0.31-861013
se.infra@SEP-129#1
SMP PRWWMPT Thu Feb 14 15:16:58KST
Build Number: JZO54K.I535VRBMB1
Hardware Version: i535.10

Thanks, This worked for me..

i unlocked my new galaxy s3 free of cost

I am going to India next week.. looking for unlocking my samsung galaxy s3 fro AT&T.. I have not try above method, but after looking on comments here, just asking you is there any special trick needed in addition to above steps OR it worked perfect? Which carrier you used abroad?

I have a Samsung galaxy s3 from metro. I took it to tmobile and they said the cdmi is locked to metro and they cant help me. does anyone know how to unlock it? please help

HELLO, DAVE
Hey Dave after 7th step in my showing The menu does not exist.
Can u suggest me what can i do....

These instructions are for GSM S3 phones. As mentioned in the above posts, CDMA S3 phones will probably require a different procedure. I have a T mobile phone which worked for me.

Hey Hemant, if your phone is a GSM here is the steps:
Just dial the following keys Main Menu #197328640#

1 UMTS
1 Debug Screen
8 Phone Control
6 Network Lock
Options 3Perso SHA256 OFF

(after choosing this option, wait about 30 seconds, then go back one step by pressing the Menu button then select Back, now you are in

6 Network Lock then choose
4 NW Lock NV Data INITIALLIZ ..... wait for a minute then reboot your phone

I don't get the option - 4 NW Lock NV Data INITIALLIZ ..... wait for a minute then reboot your phone after waiting 1 minute. 4.1.2

Of course you don't, much like all the other people who don't.... as stated at least five times, because this is a 4.1.1 unlock. You dont have the right baseband to unlock your mobile.

SGH-i747m JB 4.1.1 baseband would be: i747MVLDLK4
SGH-i747 JB 4.1.1 baseband would be: i747UCDLK3

Downgrade either your entire android system, or your baseband...

how do i downgrade my baseband so i can unlock my phone?

I have a sprint samsung galaxy s3 model SPH-L710. These phones don't have a sim card. Will I be able to unlock it? If so how. I don't know what method is correct. I was told by straight talk that the phone must be unlocked before they can give me an activation code to connect with them. They told me to contact the sprint but I'm not sure if they would do it or if I have to pay a fee. I don't see why I should pay to unlock something that is MINE...

It's a CDMA device, nothing in this thread will help you in any way..

You require the master subsidy lock code which will allow a cdma device to be reprogrammed (that is my understanding)

realize that your phone will only work on other cdma networks.. not just ANY network, even if you manage to modify it. :)

O have the same we're you able to find anything out

hi I have updated my galaxy s3 to android4.3 jellybean firmware and it's network locked. i tried to unlock it using your method but however ,when i enter the code nothing happens on the phone. any suggestions?

thanks.

It doesn't work on an S3 past 4.1.1

I upgraded to Android 4.1.1 and was able to get it unlocked using this method. It was an ATT locked phone that is now running on Tmobile.

well i was just wondering what if i downgrade to get this unlock then upgrade back to 4.3 would still be unlocked or would lock back?

I have a Samsung Galaxy s3 for T-Mobile. I changed my sim card about two months ago with another carrier and everything was fine then two days ago my phone started saying " no service " or " not registered on network" I'm not really sure if my phone is locked by T-Mobile or not since it was working with a different sim card for about to months before this happen. If my phone is locked how can I unlock it if I have the updated 4.3 version without messing up my phone? Please help!

I have the exact same problem. My phone worked perfect for about 2 months and then one day it started acting weird. Didn't think much of it then the next day it said there was an update available. So I updated my phone and ever since I've gotten the "no service" "not registered on network" messages. I thought it might be my SIM somehow broke so I bought a new one today, activated it and nothing. Still the same messages. PLEASE HELP ME! i JUST PAID $300 FOR THIS PHONE AND NOW IT'S USELESS.

I have a galaxy s3 through US Cellular and has no sims card, model sch-r530u android version 4.1.2... How do I unlock it if there isn't a sim card? Could someone email me the answer please? Thanks Michelle email: Michelledemers79@gmail.com

I did all steps but I do not have "NW Lock NV Data INITIALLIZ" option in network menu. I only have 3 options. I have S3 I747 OS 4.3. any suggestion.

Yea my suggestion is, give up. (sorry i know that sounds rude)

The fact is when you updated to 4.3 your baseband and bootloader were upgraded as well. There is no going back for you and thats a requirement in order for this to work.

hey sorry everybody but I have to say this! Jimmy, you have the patience of a saint and I mean that. People need to read not keep asking the same question over and over again! PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS A COUPLE TIMES IF NECESSARY SO YOU DO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING, OTHERWISD DON'T DO IT CUZ YOU'LL MORE THAN LIKELY WRECK YOUR PHONE! CHEERS TO YOUR HELP AND THOROUGHNESS JIMMY!!!!.

read me anyone using an android 4.3+ will never be able to do this.

you must be using 4.1.1 or be able to revert to it. using a 4.1.1 ROM wont cut it.. you need to be able to revert everything.. including the baseband.

Flashing old roms (that include bootloader and radio) via odin will INSTANTLY brick your device if it is running 4.3+ (BRICK. aka. BREAK)

Just don't.

edit: it is possible you may be able to flash an old baseband and unlock S3's but I haven't done it personally. i did however just do it on a samsung note.

SGH-i747m JB 4.1.1 baseband would be: i747MVLDLK4
SGH-i747 JB 4.1.1 baseband would be: i747UCDLK3

If anyone can successfully flash one of these old baseband and network unlock their phone, I'd be interested in knowing. I only have one SG3 left and its already unlocked so I don't feel like tampering with it. ;)

I am trying to do this methos with the phone disconnected as well
David

Please be advised that only 4.1.1 version in your Android phone will have the menu
"NW Lock NV Data INITIALLIZ" which leads you to a successful unlock process.
Whether you have version earlier or later than 4.1.1, you need to either upgrade or downgrade your Android firmware.

In my case, I have a Galaxy note 2 and its firmaware was 4.1.2. Because of its version, there was no menu like "NW Lock NV Data INITIALLIZ"

However, with a walkthrough from YouTube.com, I was able to downgrade 4.1.2 version to 4.1.1 which enabled me to bypass the SIM UNLOCK CODE SCREEN". Eventually, I now use my phone with a different service provider. In addition, it was possible to upgrade 4.1.1 to 4.1.2 again via Kies program and the phone did not ask me the sim lock.

I guess that a phone with CDMA type such as Verizon may not be able to be unlocked with this procedure although not 100% sure.

Hope this could help.

Please let me know where on youtube. I prefer visuals before attempting something like this.

I have a Samsung Galaxy GS3 and my service with US Cellular is currently canceled and I want to use my phone to go over to Straight Talk. I have a SIM card slot and it's Android Version 4.1.2, but when I go to dial that "secret code" at the beginning, nothing happens. Could it be that US Cellular prohibits for their phones to be unlocked or is it because my service is shut off? Any feedback is appreciated! Thanks!

Do you know if US Cell is GSM based? I thought it was a CDMA based network?

Nice..thank you.

I am trying to unlock my Samsung.i have got to servisemode in the main menu no1says debug screen and no3says umts rf nv so i tried to press no3umts but says umts rf nv..not supported can you please help

Just to add my Samsung is s 3 and model gt 19300.android version 4.1.2.thanks please help me doing ma nut in..

Can someone please help me im totally stuck that's why i joined this website.???

If you are still running 4.1.2, you can flash your phone back to 4.1.1 and perform the unlock. You will need a 4.1.1 ROM for a gt-i9300 and odin.

unfortunately they can be difficult to find as a couple of the larger sites that host these archives have lost all their data recently...

you could start here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III/GT-I9300

Invalid MMI code error?

I am not knowledgeable about phones. I have a t mobile galaxy s3 t999. I followed the directions and downgraded it to 4.1.1 and the phone confirms this version. I followed the directions above but even with the downgrade it still doesnt give me option #4. Any suggestions?

Hi .. I need help to unlock my sprint phone I enter the secret code but nothing happens please help me !!!! I need to unlock this phone soon !!!!

i have a galaxy s3 4.3 through srint. no sim slot. i want to unlock it. the number u provided did nothing. please help?????

A, you are running 4.3
B, you have a cdma device.

= impossible.

I am not getting screen as in Step 9 it does not showing any option to select there ,

plz help me

My Galaxy S3 not reading de Sim Card... Help!

After I type the code It goes straight to main menu, not UMTS menu. when i choose Debug Screen and follow instructions so after I choose Network Lock so then there is a text 'Menu not exist'. any other way to get this menu?

yes of course it goes to the main menu, thats where it should go..

im going to recommend you read each and every comment on this page, as your answers are already here....

good answer

On a side note about unlocking Samsung devices..

I successfully unlocked the i717 running ICS tonight..

I managed to flash a UVLE1 radio from another model to an SGH-i717m via TWRP, fired it up..

Used the same dial code to get into service mode

Then:
1,debug
8,phone control
5,simulation
6,network lock
3,perso sha256 off

waited a minute and hit back..

4,nw lock nv data initialliz

it said something to the effect of menu not present..
(i wasnt exactly chronicling it)

hit back.. it said sha256 enable flag 0 .. etc etc

hit back again

4,nw lock nv data initialliz and after about ten seconds it said something to the effect of "success"

Put in a foreign sim.. and no SIM pin required, radios functional.

powered down the note, booted into twrp recovery.. and im about to flash a JB 4.1.2 rooted stock rom (with my original radios)

well see how that goes, but the unlock worked no problem. 100% confirmed first hand by myself.

It's possible you may be able to apply this knowledge to unlocking an S3 as well (by flashing another baseband) but this is not for the faint of heart and may mess something up. good luck.

edit: well, i flashed the jb stock and it seems the t989uvle1 baseband is still there, may be my rom didnt include baseband. shrug. I ended up flashing just the baseband and its all good now. :)

It should also be noted, that once you perform this.. some users have reported their data no longer works. In event this happens, you must manually enter your Carrier APN settings.. which can be found just about anywhere.

I need help I have Samsung G S3 I want to unlock my phone please can someone help me to unlock it

can someone help

After I unlock it, cant make call, just can text, all the outgoing call switched to another random number. But I can still receiving call.

Does this work a verizon galaxy s3?

I just bought an "unlock gs3 mini, but when I put my att sim card, it says network lock. Which it means to me that is not unlock And do not give me an option to write a pin. And this phone is from telcel, which is a company in mexico. If i follow this step, you think is possible to unlock it? Help........I e-mailed the seller but he is not answer me back. Sucks

Please help

halloooooooooo.. i got a samsung galaxy s3 as a gift from the USA.. imk in South Africa... its on TMobile... I need to use a south african sim card .. how do i change to use ....... ?

Hi, i need to know if i can use 3G network in Samsung galaxy S3 T-999 from T mobile out of united states, using this code ??

HI I OWN A BOOSTMOBIL GALAXYS3 I WANT TO UNLOCK AND SIGN ON WALMART PLAN BUT I DO NOT HAVE A SLOT FOR A SIMS CARD ..PLEASE HELP

I purchased a Samsung Galaxy SIII via straight talk unfortunately their

customer service is horrible. Is there anyway to unlock it so I can switch to another carrier or is my best bet just to sell it. It is a Sprint based phone and unfortunately it drops calls or makes calls sound muffled

model # SCH-s960l

Ive succesfully unlocked my gs3 from at&t, but after that, cant use my data, cant connect to the internet. Anyone knows why?

You can't use a boostmobile on straight talk or sprint or verizon or metro they are on a different type of signal, unless the phone is a world phone or dual gsm/cd a.

Hi. I have a Galaxy S3 through Alltel & cannot find anything that will help to unlock it, also a iphone 5c that needs to be unlocked also with them , they are in the process of changing over since at&t bought them and will be going to there service soon,. there is no slot for a sim card, just a sd card . running on 4.2 , any suggestions on the unlock for it ??? thanks.

when i type in the dialer to open service mode it does nothing! Any ideas?

Hello im trying to unlock my samsung galaxy s3. I have all the steps besidez when do I remove my original sim card from my phone?

Hi i put the code in, *#197328640# but nothing happened, i am in UK can you help, thanx

(most of the time you begin with Shift 8 key and the Shift 3
but the Shift 8 key is hidden here in the text )

Shift 3 = #

Secret Codes Samsung Galaxy S3

To check Audio Loopback Control : #0283#
To check IMEI number : *#06#
To check WLAN MAC Address : *#232338#
To enter General Test Menu : *#0*#
To check Vibra Motor Test Mode : *#0842#
To check Real Time Clock Test : *#0782#
To check General Test Mode : *#0*#
To check Diagnostic Configuration : *#9090#
To check USB I2C Mode Control : *#7284#
To enable/disable Disabling Fast Dormancy : *#9900#
Update TSP/TSK Firmware : *#2663#
To check Data Create Menu : *#273283*255*3282*#
To check Data Usage Status : *#3282*727336*#
Remap Shutdown to End Call TSK : *#7594#
Camera Firmware Update : *#34971539#
Quick Test menu, To check every feature on S3 : *#7353#
To check Buyer or CSC : *#272*IMEI#
To check Software and Hardware information, PDA, CSC, MODEM (Firmware Version) : *#1234#
To check hardware version : *#2222#
To check GSM status information : *#0011#
Full Factory Reset : *2767*3855# (no confirm, will just execute the code )
To check hardware and stware : *#12580*369#
To enter Service Mode : *#0011# or *#197328640#
To enter Service mode (Ciphering Info) Battery status (ADC, RSSI reading) : *#0228#

Hey I wants to try it but I have a concern, I do not have the old SIM card, can I still do it without it?

Hello everyone I'm new to this so bear with me plz but I have a new problem I haven't seen anyone ask yet I got an s3 from a friend and I put my SIM in it and it will let me make calls but not receive them and I can recieve texts but not send them and if I get a vmail it won't let me call to check it does anyone what's up with that one plz help thx

The phone is verizon version 4.4.2 and my sim is from Wal-Mart family mobile powered by t mobile and I didn't do anything to unlock it cause it didn't ask for any kind of code so I just put my sim in and it worked but only halfway and I've read that ppl say to downgrade to 4.1.1 but when I looked up how to downgrade it ppl on there say that you can't once it's past 4.3 so is there any truth in that or any other way to do it plz if anyone knows I'd really appreciate it thx

it's not working on my s3.i have put in yhe secret code on my phone dialer,but nothinh happened.no menu or anything.

my galaxy gt-i9300 s3 is not warkig to this corde #192673640#

my galaxy gt 1900 i has sim lock how do i go about it

When I get to step 9 I don't see the option to initialize anyone know why?

does this technique works with Samsung galaxy A3?

Don't know if anyone can help me, but here it is: I have the version 4.1.2. The code #197... does not take me to the service menu. It just tries to call that number. Please help. Ive got this phone and the carrier says that i must have a year's service with them to be able to unlock it.