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How to SIM Unlock the Galaxy S10

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If you want to take your Galaxy S10 and use it on any carrier network, you’ll have to do a SIM unlock first. In this guide we’ll explain how to SIM unlock the Galaxy S10 or Galaxy S10+ and why you’d want to. Basically, this lets you take a phone you bought from AT&T and use it on T-Mobile, etc.

Carriers lock phones so they don’t work on other networks, that way you’ll never leave for the competition. It’s a common tactic used so you don’t take your phone and number elsewhere. Thankfully SIM unlocking the Galaxy S10 is pretty easy. Here’s where and how to get an unlock code, and how to use it.

If you got 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?

Only SIM unlock your phone if you need to. Once it’s unlocked your Galaxy S10 will work on almost any carrier, or in different regions around the globe. This is great for families making the switch to a cheaper plan from another carrier, or someone who is traveling for work or going on vacation. See the benefits? It gives you the freedom to do what you want with your device.

Read: 10 Cool Things the Galaxy S10 Can Do

Keep in mind that carriers will not unlock a phone unless it’s paid off or bought outright. This means if you’re making monthly payments you’ll need to use a 3rd party website like Unlockunit.com and follow our steps below. Either way, it’s extremely easy and only takes a few minutes.

How to SIM Unlock the Galaxy S10 (and S10+)

To start, 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 need a code too, keep reading for how to get one and complete this task.

Instructions

  • Dial #06# from your phone and find the IMEI number (or check on the box, in settings)
  • Use the IMEI number to request a SIM unlock code from your carrier, or on a 3rd party website
  • Turn off the Galaxy S10
  • Remove SIM card tray (near the top of the phone) and insert a SIM card from a different carrier (put a T-Mobile SIM into an AT&T device, etc)
  • Reboot your phone
  • In the pop-up box asking for your code, enter the provided SIM unlock code, then click Unlock

When you boot up and turn on a phone with a SIM card from an unsupported carrier you’ll see something like our image below. This pops up because the phone recognizes you’re using a T-Mobile SIM in an AT&T phone, or similar. This window looks the same on the Galaxy S10.

Once you enter the code and tap on unlock, everything will happen automatically.

  • Next, the phone will say Network successfully unlocked
  • Occasionally the first code doesn’t work, if so, request another one and try again
  • Once successful, you’re free to use the Galaxy S10 on any compatible network.

The entire process is quick and easy, and you can do it from home. That said, the hardest part of this process is getting the unlock code in the first place, which is what we’ll explain next.

Pay to Unlock the Galaxy S10 (SIM Unlock Code)

Considering the Galaxy S10 is still fairly new, you’ll likely need to buy an unlock code. That’s because carriers won’t give you a free code anytime soon unless you bought the phone outright.

Honestly, buying a code is the fastest and easiest route. If the phone was a gift, bought used online, or doesn’t meet carrier requirements you can STILL unlock it. You simply get an unlock code from a trusted website online, then follow the instructions detailed below. We recommend websites like UnlockunitAndroidsimunlock, or Unlockriver.

Supply your IMEI number, carrier model, pay a small fee, then get a SIM unlock code in your email. Once you get the code, follow our instructions and you’re all set.

You may notice these sites offer more than one code with the purchase. This is usually in case the first one doesn’t work. Each site has specific instructions or codes they send, so follow their instructions if they provide any. If one doesn’t work try the second one, or request another set and they’ll usually comply.

Instructions

  • Dial #06# from your phone and find the IMEI number (write it down)
  • Use the IMEI to request a SIM unlock code from a 3rd party website as mentioned above
  • Turn off your Galaxy S10
  • Remove SIM card tray and insert a SIM card from a different carrier (put a T-Mobile SIM into an AT&T device, etc)
  • Reboot your phone
  • When prompted, enter the provided SIM unlock code in the pop-up box and click Unlock 
  • Use the Galaxy S10 on any compatible network

If you don’t want to pay for a code, here are the various ways to get one for free.

How to Get a Galaxy S10 SIM Unlock Code for Free

Obviously, getting an unlock code for free is the best route, but that’s not always possible. There are two ways to get a code. One is to pay (around $20-$25) to a website for a code, and the second is getting it for free from your carrier.

Before we begin, take note that Verizon doesn’t SIM lock devices anymore. If you have a Verizon Galaxy S10, try putting a T-Mobile SIM card in and using it. It should work just fine, although you might need to manually configure the APN settings, which tells the phone which network to connect to.

If you have AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, or other carriers, you can ask for a code but they require a few things before they’ll ever consider sending you the code.

AT&T SIM Unlock Code for Galaxy S10

All carriers require your phone be paid in full or bought outright before they’ll give you an unlock code. If you meet all of their requirements, they’ll email you an unlock code for free. You can’t have early termination fees, any monthly installment payments remaining, and the device can’t be tied to another AT&T account. Also, if the device gets reported lost or stolen they will not unlock it. This happens sometimes from devices found on Craigslist.

If you meet all those requirements, follow these instructions and get a code from AT&T.

  • Dial #06# from your phone and find the IMEI number
  • Head to AT&T’s device unlock website portal
  • Fill out the form with your name, number, IMEI and other steps
  • Once complete hit next and request a SIM unlock code
  • After you get the code, remove the SIM card and replace it with a SIM from a different carrier
  • Reboot phone and enter the code and hit Unlock. (or follow our original instructions at the top of this page)

If you meet all of the requirements, AT&T will complete your request and send a code within 24-48 hours. They provide instructions in the email with the code, but they’re the same as what we just said above.

T-Mobile Galaxy S10 SIM Unlock App

T-Mobile makes this entire process even easier, and they provide an app that does everything for you. As long as you qualify, the T-Mobile Unlock App will do all the work. Again, you can’t have a balance on the phone, be active for over 40 days on T-Mobile, and it can’t be reported lost or stolen. If you have any late fees on your account, this won’t work. If you’re eligible, start the unlock process.

  • Find and open the T-Mobile Device Unlock App on your Galaxy S10 (or download it)
  • If you pass all requirements hit Continue, then select Permanent Unlock
  • The phone will unlock itself and reboot

Basically, T-Mobile’s app finds your IMEI for you, makes sure you’re account and device are eligible, then proceeds. It does everything for you. Also, MetroPCS has a similar app, for those wondering.

Sprint Galaxy S10 SIM Unlock Code

And finally we have Sprint. They’re a little difficult, but the process is similar to AT&T. With Sprint you will get an international unlock code, or a domestic (US) unlock code. It’s one or the other, not both. You can unlock a phone to take it to another country, but it will still be tied to Sprint in the US. Or, you can request a U.S. unlock code so you can use it on other carriers stateside.

Read: Best Galaxy S10+ Cases

Again, your account must be in good standing, no remaining balance on the phone, and the device hasn’t 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 need to wait a few months.

  • Dial #06# from your phone and find the IMEI number
  • Call Sprint customer service by dialing 1-866-866-7509
  • Request a Galaxy S10 SIM Unlock code
  • Select either domestic or international SIM unlocking. If you request international, the phone will not work on other US carriers. Choose wisely
  • If you pass all the requirements you’ll get a code within 24-48 hours

Once you get 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 unlock.

Other Details

SIM unlocking the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ is actually really easy ONCE you get the code. Keep in mind that you do need a spare SIM card for a different carrier. Without an extra SIM card you can’t force the unlock code screen to popup. Get a code, follow our steps and you’re all set.

Additionally, you’ll still get software and security updates if you unlock the Galaxy S10. All this process does is allow it to work on other carriers. You’ll still get an update to Android Q in late 2019 or early 2020, and security updates every few months. So, don’t worry about any of that and free your Galaxy S10 today.

6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. Mike

    04/12/2019 at 5:11 am

    Git my Tmobile S10 Plus unlocked using UnlockBoot. Tried other websites but they rejected my request. UnlockBoot is the best.

    • Armen

      04/29/2019 at 4:32 pm

      Hey Mike. Was your phone on a payment plan? Also, why did they reject you? I want to unlock a second Galaxy S10 which comes free from T-Mobile but since it’s still technically on a payment plan, I can’t get them to unlock it even though it is for free. I’m trying to figure out how these companies get unlock codes without going through the carriers.

  2. Roberto

    06/18/2019 at 10:12 am

    For att unlock, if your phone is still under contrract they wont unlock it.. i was in this situation my only way to unlock it was to use a thirdparty website.. i did it with samattunlock dot com

  3. laura

    08/26/2019 at 2:00 pm

    cphoneunlocker .com got my galaxy unlocked for free enjoy!

  4. Liam

    09/05/2019 at 8:55 am

    Good guide! I think Official SIM Unlock offer a great S10 unlocking service from my experience.

  5. SIM

    10/03/2019 at 1:33 am

    The s10 is an amazing phone even better when you get it unlocked.

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