How to Unlock Samsung Galaxy Siii (S3)

Last Updated: November 6, 2022

Planning on traveling and need to put a local SIM card into your Galaxy 3? Want to change carriers but keep your phone? You may need to unlock your phone in order to use a different SIM card. There are couple ways to do this with your Galaxy 3. If your carrier won't unlock it for you, there are couple of other methods you can try.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Unlocking Through Your Carrier

1
Contact your network provider and request an unlock code. If you meet your carrier's requirements, they will typically provide you your unlock code for free. Usually you will need to have your phone completely paid off, and to have been with the carrier for at least three months.
- Carriers may be more likely to unlock your phone if you explain to them that you are traveling abroad soon, and need to buy a SIM card at your destination for local service.
- If your provider does not supply the code, try one of the other methods in this guide.
2
Insert your new SIM card. After receiving your unlock code, power down your S3 and remove your old SIM card. Insert the SIM card from the new network.

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3
Power your Samsung phone on. When the S3 tries to connect to the new network, you will be prompted for the unlock code.
4
Enter the unlock code. Make sure that you enter the code exactly. If you enter the code wrong too many times, the phone will lock and you will need to get the carrier to unlock it for you. Once the code has been entered correctly, you will connect to your new network.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Unlocking Using A Paid Website

1
Retrieve your S3's IMEI number. Open the dialer on your phone and type *#06#. A screen will appear showing the code. Make note of this number for later use.
- Make sure to write the code down, because it cannot be copied to your phone's clipboard.
- You can also find the IMEI number printed on a sticker underneath the battery of the S3. However is not recommended to take it from the box or underneath the phone's battery as it might be different and your unlock code will not work.
2
Find a paid unlock service. There are multiple sites online that offer to unlock your phone for a fee. Read reviews and make sure that other customers have been satisfied with the service. You will need to provide your phone's IMEI number.
3
Order a code. After finding a trustworthy site, order your code. Make sure to enter in your carrier, model, and IMEI number. Do not trust sites that claim to unlock phone's for free. If they prompt you to fill out surveys or participate in affiliate programs to get your code, it's most likely a scam.
4
Wait for your new unlock code to arrive. Depending on the service, this could take a few hours or a few days. You may receive your code via text, email, or phone call, depending on the policies of the site you pick.
5
Insert your new SIM card. Make sure the card is not from your old carrier. When you are prompted to enter your unlock code, enter the code your received from the website. Verify that you have service and that the code worked correctly.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Manually Unlocking a GSM S3

1
Check that the phone is locked. Insert the SIM card for the new network to check that the phone is locked. Many S3s are actually unlocked out of the box, so checking first can save you a lot of time.
2
Update your phone. Your phone must be running Android 4.1.1 (It doesn't work with some Android 4.3 either) or later in order for this method to work. You can check your device’s version by opening Settings, and then scrolling to the bottom and selecting About Device. Look for Android Version to find your version number.
- To update your phone, open the Settings and then scroll down to About Device. In the next menu, select System Updates and then Check for Updates. Your phone will attempt to update over the network automatically.
- Perform the network update over a wireless network, since your new SIM doesn't have any connectivity yet.
3
Ensure that your phone is a GSM phone. You cannot unlock S3s that run on the CDMA network. In the US, this is Sprint. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all run on the GSM network, which allows you to SIM-unlock the phone.
- This method is not guaranteed to work with all versions of the S3, but you will do no damage in trying.
4
Open the dialer. You will need to enter a code in the dialer to open the Service menu. Once the dialer is open, enter the following code: *#197328640#
5
Tap [1] UMTS. This will open the maintenance main menu. If you select the incorrect option, press the Menu button on your phone and select Back.
6
Tap [1] DEBUG SCREEN. This will open the Debug menu.
7
Tap [8] PHONE CONTROL. This opens a menu allowing you to adjust the settings of your S3.
8
Tap [6] NETWORK LOCK. This controls the SIM lock function.
9
Tap [3] PERSO SHA256 OFF. After you select this option, wait about 30 seconds.
10
Press the Menu button and select Back. This will return you to the NETWORK LOCK menu.
11
Tap [4] NW LOCK NV DATA INITIALLIZ. Wait about one minute after selecting this option.
12
Reboot your phone. After you have waited about a minute, reboot the phone. You won’t receive any confirmation that the process worked. If your phone connects to the new SIM card's network, then the unlock process worked.^{[1]
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Community Q&A

Question

If I cannot unlock my phone, how do I get to the dial screen?

Community Answer

"Unlocking" is not the same as a "swipe screen to unlock". The "SSTU" is a security feature in case you forget your phone somewhere and it gets stolen (the thief can't use the phone). It is important to write your unlock code or pattern somewhere where you can retrieve it if need be.
Question

My son changed the pattern of my new phone. How can I unlock the screen and go back to my 4 digit pin number instead of a pattern?

Community Answer

1. Make him unlock it. 2. Go to settings. 3. Choose security (the button with a hand) 4. Click "4 digit pin". 5. It will need the old password. Make him enter the old password. 6. Follow the steps on your screen to get your pin back! 7. Tell your son not to mess with your settings anymore.
Question

After I insert the non T-Mobile SIM and complete the unlocking process, can I reinsert my active T-Mobile SIM to continue my T-Mobile Service?

Community Answer

Yes, of course; unlocked means you can use any SIM, including the carrier that the phone was originally locked to.