Cannot Connect to Mobile (O2) network

[majestic100]

Been using a Samsung GT-S5360 without problems for sometime but now have a Samsung S3 mini (GT-18200N).

Problem I'm having is that I cannot connect to O2 mobile network.  I receive the message " Error while searching for Networks".  I've searched 'net and tried a number of offered solutions without any luck.  Suspect that having moved SIM to new(er) phone it might be looking for "... SIM network  Unlock Pin..."  I don't know what this.  I've tried 0000 but this didn't work.

Can anyone offer a solution  ??

Edit:  Phone was used on VirginMedia Network so assumed it is locked to them but thought after contract exipry it would be unlocked. Expired ages ago!

[MI5]

First things first, where did the phone come from?
Is the phone actually asking you to enter a sim pin?
The o2 default sim pin is 0000 unless it's ever been changed?

[Anonymous]

Try going to settings network and select auto

[Marjo]

Hey @majestic100 let us know how you get on and if you manage to connect!

Welcome to the forum!

[majestic100]

Many thanks for response.

The phone was given to me by my friend whose upgraded toSamsung Galaxy J3.  Whilst we are both Virgin Media Broadband customers he has a mobile contract with them whilst I have a Pay-as-you-Go contract with O2.  As edited on original post, I've assumed the phone he gave me is locked to VirginMedia.  Thus probably looking for a Virginmedia pin code.  If someone can help with this it would be appreciated but suspect might have to go to their community for help.

[majestic100]

Thanks for response.  Tried the 'select auto'  option but got the message "Unable to connect. Try later"

[MI5]

Yeah, you'll need to contact VM for an unlock code.