HELP! Unlocking a standard galaxy s3 from 3 network to Virgin...!

DEBTMONKEY1A

Hi all, got a fab ebay deal on a Samsung Galaxy S3 (not mini}, locked to the three network. I've a Virgin mini sim....tried googling & have tried codes etc.....am I being thick but can't find the menu button? If someone could give me 'baby' steps:beer: point by point instructions (as I'm a bit of a dummy!) as to how to unlock this for free that would be great! Any help appreciated......sorry to mither you all (had some fab help before) but as I got such a good deal on ebay begrudge paying someone (how tight am I!). Thanks in advance if anyone has any advice....& where is this blasted 'menu' button???

forgotmyname

Unlock for free the account holder probably needed to request the NUC.

Menu button next to the home button, lights up when the screen comes on.

System

If it has an old software version you can unlock using the service menus in the phone. If it's newer then you can downgrade, unlock and upgrade - it will stay unlocked.

You could get a 3 PAYG sim and request the unlock code from 3.

DEBTMONKEY1A

Hi-will have a crack at the codes again that are online-will update. If I DO have to pay someone, ie market stall etc......any idea on the cost? Will reply tomorrow.......thanks for the support.

d123

You'll probably be charged £10.

DEBTMONKEY1A

Ta for ALL replies....will probably end up going to pay someone to do it.....I know I'm sounding tight (& a bit nerdy!) but is there any definative link anyone can send or PM me to do this....I've tried the *9.......... etc code but can't get to the menu? I seem to have read this is for american networks. DOes anyone have any definitive links/plans for UK unlocking from three to Virgin? I've tried a couple of the online tutorials but the 2nd time I put my sim back to my original phone it said 'no sim'.....so had to fanny about.....clean it etc & took 45 minutes....so just worried this may happen again?

forgotmyname

I thought the 3 network phones were unlocked?

BadBehaviour

As far as I know 3 unlocks for free so why not fill in the online request on their website?

jenniewb

DEBTMONKEY1A wrote: »

Ta for ALL replies....will probably end up going to pay someone to do it.....I know I'm sounding tight (& a bit nerdy!) but is there any definative link anyone can send or PM me to do this....I've tried the *9.......... etc code but can't get to the menu? I seem to have read this is for american networks. DOes anyone have any definitive links/plans for UK unlocking from three to Virgin? I've tried a couple of the online tutorials but the 2nd time I put my sim back to my original phone it said 'no sim'.....so had to fanny about.....clean it etc & took 45 minutes....so just worried this may happen again?

You're not sounding tight if your going to pay someone else to do it- that's the opposite of tight if they will unlock for free.


You can get a free sim from most phone companies last time I looked, some may want you to top up but free versions exist.
Calls to 3 services were free when I was last with them but this was a while ago so check to be sure or just take the handset into a 3 store and see what they advise- some stores will let you call the service center on their instore phones.
The store staff should at worst be able to give you the number for 3's customer service (if you can call it that) which you can call from your own phone if they wont let you use yours.
From there you just ask for the unlock codes which if I remember right is the MAC number.


Failing that if you really want to pay but know that it is available for free.

d123

jenniewb wrote: »

From there you just ask for the unlock codes which if I remember right is the MAC number.

You don't, you just ask for the unlocking code (NUC if you want to be technical).

A MAC has got nothing to do with mobile phones.

jenniewb

d123 wrote: »

You don't, you just ask for the unlocking code (NUC if you want to be technical).

A MAC has got nothing to do with mobile phones.

thanks, I stand corrected! (it's been a while since I needed to port my number-hope that's the correct term!)