Today’s smartphone market is chock-full of amazing pieces from top-tier makers, but it’s difficult to find a smartphone that offers a better and more holistic experience than Samsung Galaxy S9, and its cousin S9+. The latest iteration in Samsung’s flagship lineup, S9 is quite a sight and packs a ton of top-notch features under the hood. Talk about a drop-gorgeous, edge-to-edge display, bleeding fast multi-core processors, snappy cameras, and great software to boot. And, oh, let’s not forget the curved glass and shimmering metal body that’ll simply knock your socks off.
The major downside is that Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ gadgets are often tied to a carrier contract, which is often a huge hassle for those who want to cross over to another provider. Perhaps you often travel overseas and would wish to use local SIMs around the globe. Having a state of the art smartphone that’s network locked is a massive bummer.
Is a SIM locked Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ giving you sleepless nights? Newsflash: you can unlock Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ network in a jiffy, and the whole process is simple and effortlessly easy.
Today, we are going to walk you through a full step by step guide on how to unlock Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+. If you insert a non-carrier SIM, and your S9 prompts you for a “SIM network unlock pin,” you are in luck. This method is tried-and-true for unlocking most Samsung S9 variants. It’s super easy, safe, and will 100% unlock Samsung Galaxy S9 network restrictions.
Step #1: Locate Your Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+ IMEI Number
The first step you need to take before you unlock Samsung S9 and S9+ is to find the IMEI number of your device. It’s a numerical code that uniquely identifies your phone. This is especially crucial if you are planning to request an unlock Samsung code from your carrier or pay for it from third-party unlocking agencies.
It’s easy to figure out the IMEI of your device. Firstly, open the dial pad and key in *#06# — and voila! Your phone’s IMEI will pop up on the screen. Unless you have a photographic memory, you probably want to note down the IMEI for later referencing.
Step #2: Get Network Unlock Code from Your Service Provider (Carrier)
Again, if you purchased or received a network-locked Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+ as a gift, you will not be able to insert a different SIM card. As soon as you turn it on, it will prompt you to enter “SIM network unlock pin.” That’s why we are here: to unlock Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ locked to carrier’s network.
So, how can you get your hands on the SIM unlock pin? This is an eight digit unlock code which is often specific to your device’s IMEI number (the code you obtained from step #1). Turns out, the best way to get the code to unlock Samsung Galaxy S9 is to plead with your service provider (carrier) to give it to you. The trouble is that most carriers don’t release unlock codes before six months elapses on your contract. Of course, there are myriads of other ways to garner your Samsung Galaxy S9’s unlock code (more on this to follow).
What you need to know is that carries have strict policies and requirements you have to meet before they give you the code to unlock your Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+. While this route will cost you virtually nothing, you are required to have owned the device for more than 90 days, your account with the carrier must be in good standing, and the device must be paid for in full.
Once you are sure you meet these stringent requirements, follow these steps to get unlock code for free from your service provider:
- Get in touch with your carrier’s customer service, preferably through the phone
- Once connected, ask for the SIM unlock code for your device
- You will be prompted to provide your S9’s IMEI number
- The code to unlock Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ will be emailed to you within 2 to 5 days.
Alternative: Buy SIM Unlock Code from 3RD Parties
Obtaining the SIM unlock pin from the service provider to use to unlock Samsung Galaxy S9 isn’t always a walk in the park. This is especially true if your account is in default or you don’t have money to pay off the outstanding balance on the phone. The good news is that you can get a network to unlock code from third-party sellers. The whole process is easy, fast, and the code will unlock Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ in no time.
Step #3: Check If the Device Requires an Unlock Code
Not all Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ devices prompt for an unlock code. To make sure it does, insert a different SIM card from the one that your carrier provided, and turn on your S9. If it detects that it’s a non-accepted SIM card, the device will prompt you with “enter unlock code” or “enter SIM network unlock pin” message.
Step #4: Unlock Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ with Code
Once prompted, enter the 8-digit SIM unlock code, and then restart your S9 device. It’s that easy and simple to unlock Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+. It doesn’t matter if you sourced the unlock code from a 3rd party or from your carrier, it should be able to unlock your Samsung S9 device once and for all. This way, you are free to switch to another ISP or use the phone overseas.
Bonus: Unlock a Samsung Galaxy S6 easily
Wrap-Up
It’s worth noting that this method will only unlock Samsung S9/S9+ devices that ask you to enter SIM unlock code. Unfortunately, this will not unlock Samsung devices locked to T-Mobile and MetroPCS networks. You will have to use pre-installed unlock apps to do so.
