In this guide, we will show you how to SIM unlock Galaxy S9 so that you can use it on different carrier networks. This way, if you bought the Galaxy S9+ from AT&T, you can also take it to T-Mobile if you want. We’ll explain the different ways to unlock it and why you might want to.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ are readily available from all major US carriers. Also, Samsung offers unlocked models that work everywhere. If you have not purchased the unlocked model, you must unlock it manually.
Carriers lock phones so they don’t work on other networks so you’re never left out for the competition. It’s a common tactic to ensure you don’t take your phone and number anywhere else. Fortunately, SIM unlocking the Galaxy S9 is an easy task. Here’s how to get the unlock code and how to use it.
Once unlocked, you can use your Galaxy S9 with almost any carrier or in different parts of the world. This is great for families upgrading to a cheaper carrier plan, or someone traveling for business or on vacation. Have you seen the benefits? It gives you the freedom to do whatever you want with your device.
Keep in mind that the Galaxy S9 is relatively new and you probably make monthly payments. Carriers unlock a phone unless it’s paid for or purchased directly. This means you will need to use a 3rd party website like below. Unlockunit.com and follow our steps below. Either way, it’s super easy and only takes a few minutes.
SIM Unlocking Galaxy S9
To get started, we will review the first instructions for those who already have a SIM unlock code. If you already have a code, here’s how to unlock your phone. Just follow the easy steps below and you’ll be done in minutes. If you also need a code, read on to find out how to get it.
When you start a phone with a SIM card from an unsupported carrier, you will see something similar to our image below. This pops up because the phone detects that you are using a T-Mobile SIM in an AT&T phone or similar. This window looks the same on Galaxy S9.
Once you enter the code and tap unlock, everything will happen automatically.
The whole process is extremely simple and only takes a few minutes. You can do this right at home. That said, that’s what we’ll explain later.
Pay To Unlock Galaxy S9 (SIM Unlock Code)
Given that the Galaxy S9 is still fairly new, you will likely need to purchase an unlock code. This is because carriers won’t be giving you a free code anytime soon.
Honestly, buying a code is the fastest and easiest way. You can unlock the phone if it’s a gift, purchased online, or doesn’t meet carrier requirements. Simply get an unlock code from a trusted website online and then follow the instructions detailed below. 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. Enter your IMEI number, carrier model, pay a small fee, then get a SIM unlock code in your email. Once you have the code, follow our instructions and you’re ready.
You may notice that these sites offer multiple codes with purchase. This usually happens when the first one doesn’t work. Every site has specific instructions or codes they post, so follow their instructions as well. If one doesn’t work, try the second or request another set and it will usually fit. Safely buy a code and enjoy your SIM unlocked Galaxy S9.
If you don’t want to pay for a code, here are several ways to get a free code.
How to Get Free Galaxy S9 SIM Unlock Code
Obviously, getting a free unlock code is the best way to go, but that’s not always possible. There are two ways to get the code. One is to pay a website for a code (about $20-25), and the second is to get it from your carrier for free.
Before we get started, note that Verizon no longer SIM locks devices. If you have a Verizon Galaxy S9, try inserting and using a T-Mobile SIM card. It should work just fine, although you have to manually configure the APN settings that tell the phone which network to connect to.
If you have AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint or other carriers, you can request a code by following the steps below.
AT&T SIM Unlock Code for Galaxy S9
All carriers require full payment or direct purchase of your phone before giving you an unlock code. They will email you a free code if you meet all their requirements. Your early termination fee cannot be your remaining monthly installment payment, and the device cannot be linked to another AT&T account. Also, if the device is reported lost or stolen, it will not be unlocked. This sometimes happens from devices found on Craigslist.
If you meet all these requirements, follow these instructions and get a code from AT&T.
If you meet all the requirements, AT&T will complete your request and send you a code within 24-48 hours. They provide instructions in the email with the code, but they are the same as we described above. Unlock your phone and enjoy.
Sprint Galaxy S9 SIM Unlock Code
Sprint does similar things to AT&T, but has some weird limits on the whole process. You will receive an international unlock code or a local (US) unlock code with Sprint. 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. Or you can request a US unlock code so you can use it at other carriers in the state.
Your Sprint Galaxy S9, just like AT&T, must meet a number of requirements before it can issue you 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 the S9 on their network for 50 days before requesting a code. So if you just bought the Galaxy S9, you 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 S9 SIM Unlock App
T-Mobile makes this whole process even easier and offers an app that does it all for you. As long as you qualify, the T-Mobile Unlock App will do all the work. Again, you cannot have a balance on the phone, you cannot be active on T-Mobile for more than 40 days, you cannot report lost or stolen. This will not work if your account has any late fees. If you are eligible, initiate the unlocking process.
Basically, T-Mobile’s app finds your IMEI for you, makes sure your account and device are available, and then continues. As long as you qualify, you will finish in a few minutes. Otherwise, the app will notify you that the device is not eligible for unlocking.
Remember, you have to pay for the Galaxy S9 in full first, or it won’t work. If you have MetroPCS, they use the same app and system to unlock devices.
final thoughts
SIM unlocking Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ is not as difficult as you might think. All you need is a code and a spare SIM card and you’re set. Then just follow our steps and you will be finished in a few minutes.
Note that you will still receive software and security updates even if you unlock the Galaxy S9. The whole process is to let it work on other carriers. You’ll continue to receive an update for Android P in late 2018 and security updates every few months. So, don’t worry about any of this and get your Galaxy S9 free today.
