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Learn to unlock a Nokia feature phone & smartphone
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Do you want to unlock your Nokia cell phone from a carrier, or do you need to get into the phone when you don't remember the PIN or password? When you purchase a new phone, it’s typically "locked" to the carrier you bought it from so that you can only use it on their network. This can be an issue when traveling abroad and trying to avoid expensive roaming fees. You might also run into the issue of unlocking the phone with a PIN or password, so read on to learn more about carrier unlocking or what to do if you've forgotten the password or PIN.
Unlocking Nokia Phones
Contact your carrier to see if your phone is eligible to be unlocked from their service. Once you have an unlock code, enter it into your phone when you insert a new SIM card. To unlock your locked phone when you've forgotten the password or PIN, factory reset it, or use a linked Gmail account on an older Android.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Unlocking from a Carrier with an Unlock Code
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Contact your service provider. Usually, if you've been a customer of theirs for some time, they will provide you with an unlock code for free. This is, by far, the best way to get your phone unlocked. After you connect with your provider, follow what they say to unlock.
- You can also use third-party unlocking services, but they tend to be expensive and many of them are scams. Do your research before trying one of these services.
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Turn on your phone with no SIM card inside. To determine how to remove the SIM card of your particular model, reference your user manual. Enter your PIN if you are prompted. For newer models, simply insert a new SIM card and enter your unlock code. If you have unlocked your device correctly, you will see "SIM restriction off" on your screen. If you are using an older model, proceed to the next step.
- Some newer Nokia phones support eSIM cards as well as physical SIMs. You’ll need to contact your new carrier for instructions on how to install and activate an eSIM. This may involve scanning a QR code or entering the eSIM details manually.
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Key in the code with the physical keyboard for older models. Codes for unlocking old Nokias vary, but one of the more common ones is # PW + unlock code + 7# . You’ll need to replace “unlock code” with the code provided by your carrier. Enter the P by tapping the * three times. Enter the W by tapping the * four times. Enter the + by tapping the * twice. If that code doesn't work, try replacing the "7" in the code with a "1."
- If you have unlocked your phone correctly, then "SIM restriction off" will appear on your screen.
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Section 2 of 3:
Unlocking a Newer Pattern-Locked Android with Factory Reset
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1Go to android.com/find and sign into your Google account. If you’ve forgotten the pattern to unlock your Nokia Android phone, you can use this method to reset it. Unfortunately, in Android 5 (Lollipop) or later, there is no way to unlock your pattern-locked phone with your Google/Gmail account without factory resetting your Android. You'll lose all personal data that isn't backed up, including pictures, videos, and documents.
- To reset your Android, these conditions must be true: [1]
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- The phone is turned on and has power
- It's connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data
- It's visible on Google Play
- Find My Device is turned on
- To reset your Android, these conditions must be true: [1]
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2Select your phone from the list of devices. You should see it on the left side of the map display. If you don’t see it, make sure you are in the Devices tab. [2] X Research source
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3Select Settings . This will open a new menu.
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4Click Factory reset (device name) . For security reasons, this is the only way to get into a phone when you've forgotten the PIN, password, or pattern.
- You'll be able to recover any backed-up information like photos and apps once you sign into your Google account .
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Section 3 of 3:
Unlocking an Older Pattern-Locked Android with Gmail
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1Try to unlock the phone at least 5 times. After the fifth attempt, you'll get a pop-up window that gives you the option to continue with "Forgot Pattern."
- You can't do this with updated versions of the OS. Your phone must have Android software 4.4 or lower in Settings > About Phone .
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2Tap Forgot Pattern . Forgot pattern is at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Next to continue.
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3Enter your Google account information and tap Sign in . Enter your Google account email and password, then you can sign in.
- Once you're in your phone, you should change the security code to something you'll remember!
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I update my Nokia6350-1b after it is hanged?Community AnswerYou have to start everything by shutting it down. Leave it for a day like that, and it will restart.
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QuestionHow do I unlock my Nokia cell phone?Community AnswerFollow the instructions listed in the article above.
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QuestionHow do I unlock my Nokia cell phone?Community AnswerGo to your service provider and ask it to unlock the phone. Usually, there is a small charge.
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Warnings
- Most phones only allow you to try to unlock your phone a certain number of times. Nokia phones have a limit of 5 tries. After that, the phone becomes "hard-locked", meaning it cannot be unlocked without using special equipment.Thanks
- Unlock codes are unique to the phone itself; do not try using another person's unlock code even if it's for the same model.Thanks
- Attempt to unlock your phone at your own risk. Although unlocking your phone is legal, some cell phone operators might choose to void your warranty should you unlock your phone.Thanks
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References
About This Article
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