Samsung S3 network unlock not working...

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to unlock my Samsung Galaxy S3.

I've been sent the code by O2, but when I enter it it says 'Network unlock request unsuccessful".

I've even tried going via the service menu (*#0011#), but the UMTS sub menu says "MENU NOT EXIST"...

Running out of ideas now. I've checked the IMEI (against the one they've referenced) and it's fine.

I've called CS twice about this.... going a bit bonkers!

[Cleoriff]

Hi @Anonymous

Are you sure it's actually locked? Not being funny but this sometimes is the reason you can't unlock.... Can you try another network sim in it?

Also check here to make sure you have followed the correct procedure

http://www.o2.co.uk/help/phones-and-devices/unlocking-an-o2-mobile-to-use-on-a-different-network

[MI5]

Phone is either already unlocked or they have sent you the wrong code.

[Anonymous]

Not funny at all - I appreciate the suggestions 

The way I'm trying it is with a Virgin Media PaYG SIM, so I'm pretty sure it's locked. I've also tried with an EE PaYG and get the same result. It sits at "Emergency calls only".

One point; I know the phone is supposed to lock down after 3 attempts. When I first put the Virgin SIM in I might have tried another code that came with the SIM more than three times - but I'm not 100% whether i did or not...! That all said, I've gone back to using my O2 SIM and it's fine. And it's never complained about being "locked" (outside the network lock we're talking about here). Perhaps it's a red herring, but does it perhaps lock 'silently', preventing any future network unlock?

Thanks for the help so far.

[Anonymous]

For what it's worth, I believe I've followed the right procedure. This is an email I received today (personal info redacted)

Dear O2 Customer,

Please try to use new mck code

The code you require for IMEI 35xxxxxxxxxxx42  is as follows:-

6xxxxxx3

Unlatching a Samsung device;

1.       Insert a non O2 active sim card in the device.
2.       This should ask for a code.
3.       Input 8 digits unlock code when requested.
4.       Device will be unlocked.

Note: If the unlocking code is entered incorrectly 3 times the device
will be locked.

Kind Regards
Admin Services
In relation to consumer credit, Telefónica UK Limited is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Customers Mobile Number
07xxxxxxxxx
Customers Email Address
xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxx.com
Handset Make
Samsung
Handset Model
Galaxy S3
Handset IMEI
35xxxxxxxxxxx42

[MI5]

Unfortunately yes.After so many incorrect attempts it will hard lock.
The only way to unlock after that involves Samsung and some JTAG kit.

[Anonymous]

What, really!?

No "don't enter the code wrong or you'll regret it"?
No "2 attempts remaining"?
Not even a "That's it, you've locked your phone now, numpty."

That seems incredibly, comically, bad design...!

[MI5]

I suggest you contact Samsung now and see if they can help you.
Ps all phones are the same.