If you want to take your Galaxy S10 and use it on any carrier network, you must first have a SIM unlock. In this guide, we will explain how to SIM unlock Galaxy S10 or Galaxy S10+ and why you want to do it. Basically this is taking a phone you bought from AT&T and selling it to T-Mobile etc.
Carriers lock phones from working on other networks so you never run into the competition. It’s a common tactic to ensure you don’t take your phone and number anywhere else. Fortunately, SIM unlocking the Galaxy S10 is pretty easy. Here is where and how to get the unlock code and how to use it.
If you bought your Galaxy S10, S10+ or S10e from Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T or others, you’ll want to pay attention. If you bought an unlocked model from Samsung, it already works everywhere.
Should I Unlock My Galaxy S10?
Unlock your phone with SIM only if necessary. When unlocked, your Galaxy S10 will work on almost any carrier or in different parts of the world. This is great for families switching to a cheaper plan from another carrier, 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.
Note that carriers will unlock a phone unless it’s paid for or purchased directly. This means that if you are making monthly payments 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.
How to SIM Unlock Galaxy S10 (and S10+)
To get started, here’s how to unlock your phone if you already have a code. Just follow the easy steps below and you’ll be done in minutes. If you also need a code, read on how to get it and complete this quest.
When you start and turn on a phone with a SIM card from an unsupported carrier, you will see something like the 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 S10.
Once you enter the code and tap unlock, everything will happen automatically.
The whole process is quick and easy and you can do it from home. That said, that’s what we’ll explain later.
Pay To Unlock Galaxy S10 (SIM Unlock Code)
Given that the Galaxy S10 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 unless you buy the phone outright.
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.
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. Each site has specific instructions or codes they post, so follow their instructions if they have provided it. If one doesn’t work, try the second or request another set and it will usually fit.
If you don’t want to pay for a code, here are several ways to get a free code.
How to Get Free Galaxy S10 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 S10, 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, but they need a few things to consider sending you the code.
AT&T SIM Unlock Code for Galaxy S10
All carriers require full payment or direct purchase of your phone before giving you an unlock code. If you meet all the requirements, they will email you a free unlock code. 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 what we said above.
T-Mobile Galaxy S10 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. Does everything for you. Also, for those wondering, MetroPCS has a similar application.
Sprint Galaxy S10 SIM Unlock Code
And finally we have Sprint. It’s a bit of a hassle but the process is similar to AT&T. You will receive an international unlock code or a local (US) unlock code with Sprint. Her . 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.
Again, your account must be in good standing, no phone balance, and the device must not have been reported as stolen or used for fraudulent activities. Additionally, you must use the S10 on their network for 50 days before requesting a code. So if you just bought the Galaxy, 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.
Other details
SIM unlocking Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ is really easy once you get the code. Note that you need a spare SIM card for a different carrier. Without an extra SIM card, you cannot force unlock code screen to popup. Get a code, follow our steps and you’re ready.
Additionally, if you unlock the Galaxy S10 you will continue to receive software and security updates. The whole process is to let it work on other carriers. You’ll continue to receive an update for Android Q in late 2019 or early 2020, and security updates every few months. So, don’t worry about any of this and get your Galaxy S10 free today.