Q&A for How to Find Out if Your Phone Is Unlocked

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If a phone is unlocked can it be relocked?

Community Answer

No, unless you want to contact the manufacturer of your phone. They can (usually for a fee), relock the phone. Sometimes they will do this over the phone; sometimes you have to send it to them.

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Question

Are there any messages that will tell me if the phone is unlocked if I use a SIM from a different carrier?

Community Answer

No, it will just work, assuming the SIM is valid (like the account has not been blocked, etc.); if the phone is locked you will get a message that the SIM is invalid or on many phones you will be required to enter the unlock code.

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Question

How do I check if a Galaxy s7 is unlocked?

Community Answer

If your phone is locked, when you restart your phone there should be a carrier logo. Or, if it is locked, there should be a logo on the back of the phone.

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Question

How long does it take to unlock a phone, and how will I know when it is done?

Community Answer

When you contact your service provider, they should tell you how long it will take and how you will know when it's ready to use. Usually it takes 24-48 hours.

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Question

How can I check if my SIM card belongs to my phone?

Community Answer

If you put the SIM in, power on the phone. If it works, it's your sim card. If an unlock screen pops up, it's not yours. If you don't have an unlock code, do not touch the unlock code screen.

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Question

What if I can't open the phone?

Community Answer

You should probably try to connect it to your computer and start it again. If necessary, try to restore it using iTunes but it will erase all your data.

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Question

I have a LG cell phone that I don't use after transferring my service to a new phone. Can I get a sim card in Holland and use this old phone?

Community Answer

You will need to get the device unlocked. The carrier it was originally from will free it up if you left in good standing and don't owe anything . There are services that will do it for a fee, if using the carrier isn't an option.

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Question

If I am told to contact my service provider or that my number is invalid when I make a call using a borrowed sim card, does that mean my phone is locked?

Community Answer

Usually, and also might say that if the IMEI of the phone specifically has been blacklisted. There are services online that can cook your IMEI for a fee. Be careful if they try to change the IMEI, as that's illegal in most countries, if not done legitimately on the service provider's end.

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