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First identify what your Samsung is asking for: a network unlock code, a SIM PIN or PUK, or your screen PIN, pattern, or password. These are different locks, and the right fix depends on the exact message. If the prompt appeared after you inserted a SIM from another carrier, it may be a network lock; a factory reset is not the normal way to remove it.

Identify which lock is stopping you

Note the wording on the screen and whether you had just inserted a different carrier’s SIM. Samsung’s support guidance distinguishes a SIM PIN prompt from a network unlock request: the SIM PIN protects the SIM card, while a network lock restricts which carriers can be used on the phone.

  • “Network unlock” or “SIM network unlock PIN” after changing SIMs: Contact the carrier or retailer that originally supplied the phone.
  • “SIM PIN” or “PUK”: Contact the SIM’s carrier and follow its instructions. Do not guess repeatedly; too many incorrect entries can further restrict the SIM.
  • A request for your screen PIN, pattern, or password: This is the phone’s screen lock, not a carrier restriction.
  • A phone bought in another country that rejects local SIMs: A regional lock may be involved, which is separate from a carrier network lock.

Remove a carrier network lock

Samsung says, “Samsung does not lock any of its devices to any particular network.” Its UK support page advises contacting the original service provider or retailer to request a network unlock code. In practice, the original carrier controls the eligibility rules and unlock method, so Samsung cannot determine whether a particular handset or account qualifies.

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  1. Find the original carrier or retailer. Check the purchase paperwork, account records, or the provider name associated with the device. The carrier you want to switch to generally cannot approve an unlock controlled by the original provider.
  2. Check the original provider’s current official policy for this exact phone. Requirements vary by carrier and device. Use the relevant official pages: AT&T device unlock, T-Mobile SIM unlock policy, or Verizon device unlocking policy. If the phone came from another carrier or country, use that provider’s own policy instead.
  3. Submit the official request or follow the carrier’s documented process. Some processes involve a request; others may use an automatic unlock procedure. Follow the instructions for your model and circumstances rather than trying a code sequence found online. There is no universal Samsung unlock-code entry method.
  4. Test with a compatible SIM. Once the carrier confirms the phone is unlocked, insert a SIM from the intended carrier and follow any on-screen instructions. For a physical SIM, the ejector tool only opens the tray; it does not unlock the phone.

The title alone does not establish the phone’s model, country, original provider, account status, or purchase history, so no particular device’s eligibility or waiting period can be assumed. The provider’s current policy is the authority for those details.

#1 Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
  • Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
  • Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
  • Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.

If the phone asks for a SIM PIN or PUK

A SIM PIN or PUK protects the SIM card, not the phone’s carrier status. Contact the provider that issued the SIM and use its instructions to retrieve or reset the relevant credential. Avoid repeated guesses: a wrong SIM code can leave the card blocked and require the provider’s help.

If you forgot the screen PIN, pattern, or password

A screen credential prevents access to the phone itself. Use Samsung’s recovery guidance for your device and software version, or contact Samsung support if the available options do not fit your situation. Do not factory-reset the phone as a way to remove a carrier lock; a reset is a destructive screen-access recovery measure, not the routine carrier-unlock step.

Rank #2
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G Dual SIM (128GB, 2025) 6.7" 90Hz AMOLED, Splash Resistant, 8Core, 50MP Camera (Factory Unlocked International Model for GSM, Global) A165M/DS (25W Fast Charger Bundle, Grey)
  • Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup, but is necessary record the IMEI). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also NOT compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc). Please contact the seller for more information about carrier compatibility.
  • Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
  • 4G LTE Bands: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B17(700), B26(850), B28(700), B66(AWS-3) Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
  • Capture Every Moment in Detail – The 50MP triple-camera system (wide, ultrawide, macro) and 13MP front camera deliver high-quality photos and videos with HDR, panorama, and LED flash.
  • All-Day Battery & Fast Charging – A massive 5000mAh battery keeps you powered, and 25W fast charging gets you back to 100% in no time.The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger.

A reset can permanently erase data stored locally on the device. Afterward, Google Device Protection may require the Google account previously used on the phone before setup can continue. Check Samsung’s guidance for your market and version before resetting, and make sure you understand the data and account consequences.

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If the phone was bought in another country

A regional lock is not the same as a network lock, and the remedy can depend on the phone’s model and market. Samsung UK’s regional-lock guidance describes a five-minute call in the country of origin for its specific regional-lock scenario; if that cannot be done, Samsung recommends contacting its support team. Treat that as market-specific guidance, not a universal fix for every Samsung phone.

Rank #3
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Cell Phone, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, US Version, 2025, Blue Black (Renewed)
  • Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
  • 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
  • Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
  • 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
  • US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Check service compatibility after unlocking

An unlocked handset is not guaranteed to work fully on every carrier. Network technology, supported bands, and carrier-specific services can affect whether it connects and which features are available. Verizon explicitly warns that differences in network technologies can leave an unlocked device with limited functionality or unable to work on another carrier.

Before switching, check the exact model number against the destination carrier’s compatibility information and confirm support for the coverage and services you need. If the phone accepts the new SIM but service is absent or limited, that may be a compatibility issue rather than evidence that the network lock remains.

Best Value
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue
  • YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
  • LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
  • MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
  • NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
  • BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #4
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black
  • YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
  • LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
  • MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
  • NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
  • BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.

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