This guide explains how to SIM unlock Galaxy Note 8 for use on another carrier. There are several different ways to unlock a phone and there are several reasons why many choose to unlock their device. Whether using the Note 8 with a different carrier or using it internationally.
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 is readily available from all major US carriers. Also, Samsung offers an unlocked model that works with any carrier. If you have not purchased the unlocked model, you must unlock it manually.
Carriers lock down devices to connect customers to their networks. Fortunately, SIM unlocking the Galaxy Note 8 is an easy task. Those in Europe or Asia can do this instantly, but owners in the US will want to read on for more details. This is how to get an unlock code and how to use it.
So what is a SIM locked phone? Carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile strictly lock the device into their networks. You can’t buy an AT&T Galaxy S8 and use it on T-Mobile. Not until you unlock it first. You most likely bought the Note 8 at a discount from carriers, which means you have a locked device.
Once unlocked, you can use the Note 8 with almost any carrier or in different parts of the world. Have you seen the benefits? One exception is Verizon Wireless, they no longer lock smartphones.
Additionally, the Galaxy Note 8 is relatively new and most owners pay monthly for it. Carriers do not unlock a phone unless it is paid for or purchased directly. This means owners must use a 3rd party website such as: Unlockunit.com and follow our steps below. Either way, it doesn’t take too long and is completely flawless. Here are the instructions.
How to Unlock Galaxy Note 8
To get started, we’ll start with the initial instructions for those who already have a SIM unlock code. Just follow the easy steps below and you’ll be done in minutes. For anyone who needs a code, read on.
Below is a sample of the popups they may see after rebooting with an incompatible sim. It’s there on the Galaxy S7, but the same steps and interface is what you’ll see on the Note 8.
It’s that easy and you can do it directly from home. The hardest part of this process is getting the unlock code in the first place, that’s what we’re going to cover next.
SIM Unlock Galaxy Note 8 for Free
The ideal situation is to get a free unlock code, but most likely this is not an option for you. There are two ways to get the code. One for free from carriers, the second (below) to pay around $20-25 from websites dedicated to this process.
As we said above, Verizon does not lock phones. If you have a Verizon Galaxy Note 8, try inserting and using a T-Mobile SIM card. You may need to manually configure the APN settings that tell the phone which network to connect to.
Those with AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, or other carriers should request a code or purchase one.
AT&T SIM Unlock Code for Galaxy Note 8
All carriers require the phone to be paid in full or purchased directly before unlocking. Some circumstances may change this rule, but this is doubtful. Your early termination fee cannot be your remaining monthly installment payment, and the device cannot be linked to another AT&T account. Also, if it’s reported as lost or stolen (you bought it from Craigslist), they probably won’t unlock it.
If you meet all these requirements, follow these instructions.
AT&T will complete your request within 24-48 hours. If approved, you will receive the code to unlock your phone in an email.
Sprint Galaxy Note 8 SIM Unlock
Sprint uses a similar method as AT&T, but with some limitations or caveats. With Sprint, owners will receive an international unlock code or a local (US) unlock code. One or the other, not both. You can unlock a phone to take it to another country, but it will still depend on Sprint in the US.
If you unlock Note 8 for USA, it will not work internationally.
Your Sprint Note 8 must meet all the requirements before you can get a code. The account is in good standing, there is no remaining balance on the phone and the device has not been reported stolen or used for fraudulent activities. Additionally, you must use it on their network for 50 days before requesting a code. So brand new Note 8 owners have to wait a few months.
Once you have the code from Sprint, simply follow the same instructions at the top of the page. Enter a non-Sprint SIM, reboot, enter the code and hit the unlock button.
T-Mobile Galaxy Note 8 SIM Unlock App
Next up is T-Mobile, which makes this process pretty simple. Instead of inserting a SIM and restarting the phone, they have an app that does the unlocking for you.
Again, you cannot have a phone balance that has been active on T-Mobile for more than 40 days and has not been reported lost or stolen. This will not work if your account has any late fees.
The T-Mobile app does everything for you, making it the easiest of the four major carriers in the United States. Not to mention that T-Mobile has MetroPCS, so the process is pretty much the same. Remember, turn off the phone before trying this. It’s the only way it will work.
Pay To Unlock Galaxy Note 8
Finally, we can skip dealing with carriers and pay for an unlock code. This is the route most owners will take. You can unlock the phone if it’s a gift, purchased online, or doesn’t meet carrier requirements. Using the same steps mentioned above, simply get the SIM unlock code from online sources. We recommend websites such as unlocking unit, androidsimunlockor unlock the river. Follow the steps to get a code as described below.
The whole process is pretty simple. Provide the kind of information carriers want, pay a small fee, and soon receive a code in your email.
You may notice that these sites offer multiple codes with purchase. This usually happens when the first one doesn’t work. Each site has specific instructions or codes that they post, so follow their directions as you complete the Galaxy Note 8 unlocking process.
If the code doesn’t work for whatever reason, try the latter or email the site for another set. As a last resort, they will issue a full refund. Personally, these sites work every time I try them, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Safely buy a code and enjoy your SIM unlocked Galaxy Note 8.
