In the following tutorial, checked in both models, I am going to explain the steps to follow to unlock Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy SII, in a totally free and very simple way. ¿How to know if a mobile is unlocked?
The application in question that we are going to use, available in the Play Store, is called Galaxy S Unlock, with it and following the recommendations that I will tell you below, the most important of all is that we are Root users, in less than two minutes, we will have it released and functional for any operator.
Concepts to keep in mind
We must bear in mind that if we have the phone under warranty, this process will void the effect of said guarantee, since in the process, the application Galaxy S Unlock, will modify files of the internal system of our device to achieve the long-awaited release of our terminal.
We will have to be connected to the internet For this application to work correctly, the connection will be worth both via Wifi like our data rate, or 3G.
Another thing that we must take into account is that we will need to have our terminal rooted and activate OEM unlock so that the application can achieve its mission of unlocking the Samsung Galaxy S, and when I say Y, I don't just mean the model GT-I9000.
Before starting, it's advisable to confirm that the device is blocked by network and not for other reasons. If, when inserting a SIM from another operator, a message appears like “Network block”, “Invalid SIM” If the lock is network-locked or similar, then unlocking is possible. However, if it doesn't ask for a code and works with any SIM, then it's already unlocked.
Please note that some phones may be reported or blacklisted due to loss or non-payment. In those cases, even if you obtain the code or complete the process, the mobile phone could not registering on the networkFurthermore, there are operators that work with different technologies (for example, CDMA vs. GSM), and a terminal designed for GSM will not work in CDMA.
Models compatible with the application
As I have been able to personally verify, this application works for the following models of the family Galaxy S:
- Galaxy S
- Galaxy SII
- Galaxy R
- galaxy ace
- Galaxy Mini
- Galaxy Note
All these terminals have been released by me personally, and the success has been resounding.
Procedure to follow
The procedure to follow is very simple, first, and once our terminal is rooted, we will download the application of the Play Store.
Once downloaded and installed correctly, we will open the Galaxy S Unlock and we will accept the permissions of Super user, we will be shown a screen like the following:
First, as we can see in the screenshot of the application, we will click on option number one. In this step, the application itself will perform a backup EFS folder, which is a folder located in the internal file system of our terminal, which contains very important data such as our IMEI.
This step is very important, because if during the release process, will be accidentally deleted, with the backup and being users Root, we could restore it without major problems.
In the next step we must select the option that is closest to the version of Android that we have installed, that is why there are two options marked with the number two.
If we are users of Eclair or Android 2.1, we will select the first option marked with the number two.
If we are users of Froyo or Gingerbread, Or what is the same, Android 2.2 y Android 2.3 we will select the second folder marked with the number two.
Once the most suitable option has been selected, we will wait without touching anything, the phone will stay with the black screen, it will even do strange things, this is completely normal, so we will not touch anything and wait for the phone reboots itself.
This process may take up to a maximum of two minutes, it usually takes about sixty seconds.
Once rebooted the Galaxy, we will reopen the application and select the option number three, we will be shown a screen like the following:
We will click on OK and the phone will restart again ending the unlocking process.
Now we already have released correctly our model of the family S de Samsung, we will test that everything works correctly by inserting the YES from any other operator other than the original of the phone and we can verify as if by magic, that we accept the card and that we can make calls.
The fourth step of the application, we must do it if notice any type of anomaly, such as that we are not connected to any network, we cannot make calls, Bluetooth does not work, and things like that related to connectivity of our phone, since this option is for restore EFS folder.
More information – How to Root Your Android Device with SuperOneClick
Download – Galaxy S Unlock.
Alternative method: IMEI unlocking with your carrier
Another official way is to request the unlock code by IMEIEach operator sets conditions: prior use of the terminal on their network for a certain period of time, contract with no payment defaults and that the device is not blacklisted. The general procedure is simple and can save you technical complications.
- Get the IMEI by dialing *#06# or from Settings > About phone > Status.
- Check your contractual status and have the owner's information and model details on hand.
- Contact us phone, website or store Contact your operator and request the code; they will tell you how to enter it.
If your Galaxy asks for a code when you insert a SIM from another carrier, simply enter the code and press [button name]. Accept/OKIn most cases, he is released instantly.
How to confirm the block and locate the IMEI step by step
If the window to enter the code does not appear, the phone may be faulty. is already releasedThat the SIM is not recognized or that the software has been modified. To rule out any doubts:
- Insert a SIM from another operator and restart. If “Network Blocked” or “Invalid SIM” appears, it is locked.
- read the IMEISwipe down with two fingers to open quick settings, then enter Settings> About phone and locate the IMEI. You can also select * # # 06.
- Verify that the IMEI displayed on the screen matches the one on the device. phone label to avoid errors when requesting codes.
Do not confuse: unlocking the network vs. unlocking the screen
Network release allows use any SIMIt is different from security unlock (pattern, PIN, fingerprint or FRPIf your problem is with the screen, there are specific options:
- Samsung Find My MobileIf you activated remote unlocking and linked your account, you can go to their website, select your device, and use "Unlock" to remove the screen lock.
- Find my device from Google: from your associated account you can block or delete remotely. Useful if you've forgotten your PIN, although with limitations.
- Specialized tools like droidkit permiten remove screen password or your Google account on many models, with guided assistants and no technical knowledge required. Only use it if it's your device and you accept the terms and conditions. implications for data.
These measures don't free up the network; they resolve access to the device. If you want to improve security, consult [link/resource]. safer patternsIf it's also SIM locked, you'll have to apply the network release equally.
Recommendations if you use third-party services
If you opt for paid services for IMEI codes, be meticulous. Make sure the mobile phone is GSM and SIM-locked, of selecting the original operator correct, and to facilitate a Exact IMEI (15 digits). An incorrect IMEI generates an invalid code.
Many suppliers set clear conditions: if the equipment is stolen/blacklisted, if there have been too many failed attempts (mobile) hard-lockedIf the provided data is incorrect, the code may fail. Additionally, there are cases where, after multiple previous attempts, the terminal no longer accepts codes.
Save evidence of the process (for example, a recording (showing IMEI, different SIM insertion, network message, and code entry) in case you need support. And remember: once the process starts, it's often not possible cancel the request.
Troubleshooting after release
If you still don't have service after unlocking, first check that the The network is available in your area and that the phone detects the SIM. Go to Settings > Mobile networks and try selecting the operator. manual.
Also check the APN from the new mobile data provider. If the problem persists (no coverage, erratic Bluetooth, etc.), run the step 4 from the app for restore EFS folder from the backup. An intact EFS is vital for the IMEI to be valid and the modem to function correctly.
If the phone does not request a code despite being locked, some unlocking tools offer specific instructions to force the request. If that's not possible, contact your carrier to verify the IMEI status and request alternatives.
Real user experience
A reader shared with us that, after trying methods such as Galaxy S Unlock by Helroz y SGS2 SIM Unlock Code Finder without success, he even performed a downgrade to GingerbreadWith this procedure, he managed to unlock his device and then, upon updating to official software and regain superuser privileges, the mobile remained freeA good reminder that network release usually persist following the official updates.
With all of the above, you now have the direct method with Galaxy S Unlock, the official IMEI unlock method with your carrier, and the screen unlock options if you need to access your phone. Choose the appropriate process for your situation and take extra precautions. IMEI/EFS and avoid repeated attempts that could block the code counter; this will minimize risks and maximize the chances of success.
