Slickdeals is community-supported.  We may get paid by brands for deals, including promoted items.
Popular

**FREE UNLOCK** For Samsung Galaxy S3 and Note 2 - ALL GSM

+520 Deal Score
637,243 Views
***Deal belongs here because Galaxy Note 2 unlock code on ebay is >$10 ($24.99)***

=====ALL Credits to Owl74 on XDA-Developers=====
http://forum.xda-developers.com/s...ostcount=1


This is confirmed by myself to work on the AT&T Galaxy S3 and AT&T Galaxy Note 2 ....and it is reported to work on ALL VARIANTS of GSM.

I am posting it publicly to give where credit is due, and to KILL the ebay profits, specifically ebay Item: 321033698090

Please do not profit off someone elses' idea and ebay this info like the Joker in the auction above

To unlock your Galaxy S3 OR NOTE 2:

Just dial the following keys *#197328640#

Main Menu > [1] UMTS > [1] Debug Screen > [8] Phone Control > [6] Network Lock > Options [3]Perso 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... enjoy!!!

/standard disclaimer: I am not responsible if you don't follow directions and what you do with your phone...

*****Hit the Thanks button, you're welcome Smilie
If you purchase something through a post on our site, Slickdeals may get a small share of the sale.
Deal
Score
+520
637,243 Views

Community Wiki

Last Edited by HermitDash April 3, 2014 at 04:55 PM
This will not work for Stock Android 4.3 or Higher and downgrading may cause a brick DONT DO IT.

Unlocking cellphones was recently made illegal because a certain mandate expired. Please take a few minutes to sign this petition so we can ensure consumer rights and our ability to use our phones on different carriers:
Petition to Make Unlocking Cell Phones Legal.
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/...l/1g9KhZG7

THIS PETITION IS CLOSED AND WAS SUCCESSFUL

The current way to root and unlock your ATT Galaxy S3 phone (along with others) can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/s...?t=2092244
Works awesomely, so good in fact, I donated to the dev. DYLAN


AT&T Users you can now update to Jelly Bean!!!

FOR THOSE THAT DON'T HAVE THE LAST OPTION MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE LATEST UPDATE FOR YOUR PHONE.

And if ATT give you unlock code and if it doesnt work, then you need to go back to 4.1.1 using Odin and then use the above options to unlock and then go back to 4.1.2.





FROM THE OP:

Those who are having trouble.

1) PLUG IN THE FOREIGN SIM CSED FIRST

2) BOOT up the phone with the different sim card, then it will ask for unlock code. CLICK DISMISS

3) Then perform the 6 step process in post #1

4) be sure to WAIT EXACTLY where it says wait 30 sec, and wait 1min then reboot

---I have better success with the foreign sim in FIRST and unlocking with the foreign sim inside the phone.


Frequently Asked Questions:
  • What is unlocking/what is its benefit?
Only thing unlocking your phone will do is allow you to pop in a different sim card and use that provider's service with your phone -Blacksoxing
  • Will unlocking my phone void my warranty?
It typically won't void your warranty (since some providers WILL unlock your phone for you if you're traveling internationally....)....and it won't help you get updates faster. -Blacksoxing
  • After unlocking the phone, data isn't working on the foreign network (e.g. if you have a T-Mobile phone, data is not working when you put in your AT&T SIM card), what do I need to do?
To get data to work on your FOREIGN SIM, you must change the APN setting. Google for your carrier's APN setting and change that. This is nothing related to unlocking the phone, rather its because you are literally on a different cell carrier and you need to modify the phone to access the correct data network. -OP - lillazyfats81
  • Will unlocking my phone affect my internet speeds?
It won't affect your internet speeds. -Blacksoxing
  • Which service providers does this work for? Does it work for Verizon/Sprint?
This works ONLY for GSM phones, i.e. phones on AT&T, T-Mobile, or most international carrier. This will NOT work on CDMA/TDMA phones, specifically phones from Verizon or Sprint. Some Verizon phones use SIM cards for 4G data, and it may be possible to use those phones with GSM networks, but I am not sure of that. -hallowmann
  • Does this mean I can use it outside the country without paying any extra service fees?
You have to pay for service no matter where you go, but if you go to another country, rather than being forced to use your AT&T SIM card with international roaming, you can buy a prepaid SIM card from the country you are traveling to. You would have to switch the SIM cards and then you can use your unlocked phone on the international service plan. -hallowmann
  • What does "GSM' mean in the original post?
GSM refers to use "Global System for Mobile communications". This is for mobile devices that use SIM cards for voice, specifically AT&T and T-Mobile devices in the US, and almost all devices every else in the world. -hallowmann
  • Does unlocking the phone mean that I am no longer under my contract? Will I still have to pay my service provider the monthly service fee? What about Early Termination Fee (ETF)?
Unlocking the phone deals ONLY with the phone, not with your service. You will still have the service and you will still either have to pay the monthly fees or pay the early termination fee, whether you have the phone or not. Again, unlocking the phone does NOTHING to the contract. The contract is for service, it has nothing to do with the phone. The phone is yours. You could sell the phone and you'd still have to pay your voice and data service. -hallowmann
  • Does this work on the Samsung Galaxy S2? Other GSM phones?
It doesn't work on the S2, but if bought the phone (or any GSM phone) from AT&T or T-Mobile and you've had your phone for something like 90 days or 6 months (not sure which) with service, you can call them up and say you are going overseas and need to unlock your phone for use there. They should give/email you the SIM unlock code for your phone, which you would need to put in when you insert another network's SIM into your phone. If they give you trouble, just keep pressing that you may go to areas that don't have their coverage and need other options. They should/will give it to you. -hallowmann[LIST]
  • Foreign sim Data plan is not working
Add APN settings as per new foreign sim provider.Prem (thanks to lillazyfats81



UPDATE:
It doesn't work with custom rom, at least for CM10 rom. you must restore the original rom to use the code.



No go on unused VZW GS3 (I know it's not GSM, still gave it a shot); Code didn't work (Stock ICS)
VZW GSM always works overseas, you don't even have to unlock it - http://forum.xda-developers.com/s...?t=1809314

To check if your phone is unlocked, press *#7465625#


This post can be edited by most users to provide up-to-date information about developments of this thread based on user responses, and user findings. Feel free to add, change or remove information shown here as it becomes available. This includes new coupons, rebates, ideas, thread summary, and similar items.

Once a Thread Wiki is added to a thread, "Create Wiki" button will disappear. If you would like to learn more about Thread Wiki feature, click here.

590 Comments

Your comment cannot be blank.

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Joined Oct 2006
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 2,111 Posts
401 Reputation
sprintuser
01-27-2013 at 05:40 PM.
01-27-2013 at 05:40 PM.
Does anyone know of a site where you purchase cheap unlock codes besides ebay?
Reply
Joined Oct 2008
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,189 Posts
153 Reputation
babear
01-27-2013 at 05:53 PM.
01-27-2013 at 05:53 PM.
my note 2 was apparently unlocked already was a 0 and was off when i went into the menu... and im original ownr bought right from store on release day and no mods or rooting.
Reply
Joined May 2007
chillin'
> bubble2 37,846 Posts
2,547 Reputation
rrc06
01-27-2013 at 06:50 PM.
01-27-2013 at 06:50 PM.
Quote from mr_abhi007 :
Question2 - After completing all steps tried *#7465625# and got "Connection problem or invalid MMI code" What does this mean.
Answer: I got it to. No idea what it means, but inserted a T-Mobile SIM and made a call - went through.
That's helpful! Sounds promising for those of us who keeping getting the invalid code.

Reps to you and the OP
Reply
Joined Aug 2007
L9: Master
> bubble2 4,570 Posts
938 Reputation
pug_ster
01-29-2013 at 07:50 AM.
01-29-2013 at 07:50 AM.
I was able to go to the unlock when I had ICS installed on my tmo galaxy s3, but after I upgraded to jelly bean I typed in *#197328640# and nothing came up. Guess they 'fixed' it.
Reply
Joined May 2012
Dumb member
> bubble2 1,435 Posts
1,543 Reputation
Bobby_Pro
02-03-2013 at 10:41 AM.
02-03-2013 at 10:41 AM.
While the price for unlocking is somewhere between $10-$15, get your Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 unlocked for free.

Success Rate: 100%

Courtesy: XDA

http://forum.xda-developers.com/s...?t=2014982
Reply
Joined Nov 2008
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,535 Posts
431 Reputation
gordgeck
02-03-2013 at 10:42 AM.
02-03-2013 at 10:42 AM.
Isn't this now illegal to do in the US??
Reply
Joined Oct 2006
L7: Teacher
> bubble2 2,599 Posts
sussig
02-03-2013 at 10:43 AM.
Reply

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Joined Mar 2011
L9: Master
> bubble2 5,614 Posts
777 Reputation
dougpaw57
02-03-2013 at 10:44 AM.
02-03-2013 at 10:44 AM.
Quote from gordgeck :
Isn't this now illegal to do in the US??
It is illegal if you're still under your contract that the phone was acquired with.
Reply
Joined Nov 2012
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 40 Posts
10 Reputation
4Toms
02-05-2013 at 10:30 AM.
02-05-2013 at 10:30 AM.
I have an ATT GS3 which I got in Oct 2012, but have not used up until now. When I try unlocking this using the instructions, I realized that the last option is different for me. For the final step , what I have is [4]RAT_FREE_SUPPORTING ON

Android version on the phone is 4.0.4. Do I need to upgrade it to latest firmware, before I can unlock using this procedure?.

Thanks in advance for your guidance!
Reply
Joined Nov 2012
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 40 Posts
10 Reputation
4Toms
02-05-2013 at 03:10 PM.
02-05-2013 at 03:10 PM.
Upgraded to Android Jellybean 4.1 using Kies and the unlock worked fine after that. Thanks OP!
Reply
Joined Nov 2009
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 86 Posts
17 Reputation
bimmernator
02-17-2013 at 09:06 PM.
02-17-2013 at 09:06 PM.
strange thing happens to my phone. I was able to unlock my t-mobile S3 with OP's instructions. However, I took out the SIM card and used on the iphone 4s for a few weeks. Now when I put back the SIM card into the GS3 phone, it asks for security code to be able to use the phone. The problem is I've never set the screen lock with security code in the beginning. How do I bypass this? Thanks!
Reply
Joined Jul 2012
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,214 Posts
336 Reputation
medbuyer
02-18-2013 at 08:17 AM.
02-18-2013 at 08:17 AM.
Quote from microkelvin :
so if you want to unlock the phone yourself, you just have to ask your carrier now? just ask and then it's legal to unlock by yourself after the deadline or before the deadline? this sounds like you can't use any unlocked phone (ever) if you dont ask them before this deadline.
wait a minute...you're in the business of repairing phones right?

i would at least expect that you would have answers for this type of questions specially when a customer might ask you to do this for them...
Reply
Joined Feb 2006
µK
> bubble2 14,846 Posts
microkelvin
02-18-2013 at 11:15 AM.
02-18-2013 at 11:15 AM.
Quote from medbuyer :
wait a minute...you're in the business of repairing phones right?

i would at least expect that you would have answers for this type of questions specially when a customer might ask you to do this for them...
because we are not lawyers. the fact that our monthly unlock code subscription froze on that week alerted us not to unlock any phones until we got it right. we could not get any unlock codes for the whole week after that law kicked in. we did not have any legal annoucement from any law agency. so we did not have a clue. in fact, we did not know anything until someone mentioned this on slickdeals last week.
Reply
Joined Jul 2012
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,214 Posts
336 Reputation
medbuyer
02-18-2013 at 11:34 AM.
02-18-2013 at 11:34 AM.
Quote from microkelvin :
because we are not lawyers. the fact that our monthly unlock code subscription froze on that week alerted us not to unlock any phones until we got it right. we could not get any unlock codes for the whole week after that law kicked in. we did not have any legal annoucement from any law agency. so we did not have a clue. in fact, we did not know anything until someone mentioned this on slickdeals last week.
lawyers? I would expect that somebody like you would know this since you're in the phone repair business...doesn't have to be a lawyer to know this...I believe it was plastered over google tech news as soon as it came out...heck I think all tech sites featured this...

and did you really expect that a law agency or any gov't body is going to notify you? be in the know should be a practice...

even a simple google search will yield that the announcement came out late January and not last week...
Reply

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Joined Feb 2006
µK
> bubble2 14,846 Posts
microkelvin
02-18-2013 at 11:59 AM.
02-18-2013 at 11:59 AM.
Quote from medbuyer :
lawyers? I would expect that somebody like you would know this since you're in the phone repair business...doesn't have to be a lawyer to know this...I believe it was plastered over google tech news as soon as it came out...heck I think all tech sites featured this...

and did you really expect that a law agency or any gov't body is going to notify you? be in the know should be a practice...

even a simple google search will yield that the announcement came out late January and not last week...
i dont know what you are talking about. i dont think you even run a mobile service business. that's why you dont know.

we are not aware of this law whatsoever. no redistrubers or anyone have sent us any info about this matter until i found this law posted on this forums.

thanks to our news coverage. this law has been under nationwide news coverage radar until someone brought it up just a few days before this law kicked in.

yes, it's last month. it was a mistyped. but you got the idea. the law has passed since Nov 2012 but no news covered it until a few days before the final date.

we are not lawyers. so we didnt have to inteprete every single word from that bill to know what we should do. we had to talk to our competitors and friends to confirm some human-understandable terms before we went on with our unlocking business. most of us (mobile business) were surprised about this new law too, not just us. so there is no big deal that we did not know about it.
Reply
Page 29 of 40
Start the Conversation
 

More Tech & Electronics Deals & Discounts

Link Copied

The link has been copied to the clipboard.