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[Solved] How to unlock a network-locked phone?

DJF1 53673 11
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  • #1 19499384
    DJF1
    Level 22  
    Posts: 1432
    Rate: 103
    This Sunday my wife put her daughter's 2-month-old phone into the washing machine with the blanket. Of course, the washing machine finished washing and the phone was damned. My quick reaction, i.e. bathing the motherboard in the ultrasonic bath, did not do anything, it does not shine, but if I press it harder somewhere, you can hear vibration, the screen is obviously dead. This is not the case, because the disc is suitable for the trash and the screen, I would buy a phone with an allegro blocked by the network, but is there any of you who could unblock it? The motherboard for this phone is virtually unavailable or costs a lot and is not worth it. I feel sorry for my daughter because she did not enjoy it for a long time, the phone fell and the installments have to be repaid, unfortunately
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  • #2 19499396
    tino2003
    Admin of GSM Group  
    Posts: 23677
    Help: 1971
    Rate: 2079
    DJF1 wrote:
    I would buy an allegro phone blocked by the network


    Are you looking for trouble?
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  • #3 19499408
    DJF1
    Level 22  
    Posts: 1432
    Rate: 103
    I know that these calls are unpaid, but so what, after all, the network will report it to debt collection and then the court and bailiff. Nobody will look for the phone, I asked if it was possible to remove this lock
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  • #4 19499431
    blahfff
    Level 41  
    Posts: 4931
    Help: 1031
    Rate: 1282
    DJF1 wrote:
    I know that these calls are unpaid, but so what, after all, the network will report it to debt collection and then the court and bailiff. Nobody will look for the phone, I asked if it was possible to remove this lock


    It is not possible to remove this lock, at least if it is already activated. Phones are tightly integrated with Knox and even if you enter the correct unlock code, the device locks again after connecting to the Internet. These types of phones are only suitable for parts other than the entire motherboard.
  • #5 19499563
    DJF1
    Level 22  
    Posts: 1432
    Rate: 103
    OK thank you for your answer

    Added after 5 [hours] 12 [minutes]:

    I have one more question, if I buy with the information that it can be blocked or something can be done about it. The phone is still working and can be used with the fact that after starting it already displays such a message
  • #6 19500025
    blahfff
    Level 41  
    Posts: 4931
    Help: 1031
    Rate: 1282
    Theoretically, you could unlock the bootloader and either upload another soft, without Knox (if anything is available), or get the Knox flag and keep the bootloader unlocked. Either way, you are losing some functionality and some applications will linger on the unlocked bootloader - mainly banking, but not only.
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  • #7 19501035
    DJF1
    Level 22  
    Posts: 1432
    Rate: 103
    Are you able to do this? What would the cost be?
  • #8 19501192
    br501
    Level 15  
    Posts: 157
    Help: 14
    Rate: 56
    It is also worth adding that the phones are blocked after the imei in the transmitters, so you will not call anywhere, will not send a text message. Overall, the entire network is down.
  • #9 19501767
    blahfff
    Level 41  
    Posts: 4931
    Help: 1031
    Rate: 1282
    DJF1 wrote:
    Are you able to do this?


    There is no guarantee for it, and the operators, in cooperation with Samsung, change something all the time, so unfortunately not.

    br501 wrote:
    It is also worth adding that the phones are blocked after the imei in the transmitters, so you will not call anywhere, will not send a text message. Overall, the entire network is down.


    Yes, but only when it comes to other brands. Samsung, at least so far, do not block IMEI in such cases, because they do not have to, and the system is also designed in such a way that the device can be unlocked remotely, but if no WiFi network is saved and active, this is the only option (no reset data) is an inserted SIM card with data connection. By blocking the device by IMEI, this option is blocked.
  • #10 19502772
    br501
    Level 15  
    Posts: 157
    Help: 14
    Rate: 56
    blahfff wrote:
    Yes, but only when it comes to other brands. Samsung, at least so far, do not block IMEI in such cases, because they do not have to, and the system is also designed in such a way that the device can be unlocked remotely, but if no WiFi network is saved and active, this is the only option (no reset data) is an inserted SIM card with data connection. By blocking the device by IMEI, this option is blocked

    I have already had cases of blocking samsung after imei.
  • #11 19502895
    rafal3108
    Level 11  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 4
    Hello, you are wrong, recently the police came to a customer who bought such a phone unaware that it is unpaid with the operator and the curiosity was that the Samsung could block it without any problem whether IMEI or the whole Knox and they did not do it, buy your daughter a new phone, do not combine it because it is not worth it.
  • #12 19752488
    DJF1
    Level 22  
    Posts: 1432
    Rate: 103
    After re-bathing the plate, first in the bath liquid and then again in isopropanol for 10 minutes, the phone came to life and works to this day
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the challenges of unlocking a network-locked phone that was damaged after being washed. The user expresses concern over the phone's functionality and the financial implications of ongoing installments. Responses indicate that unlocking such devices, particularly those integrated with Samsung's Knox security, is complex and often not feasible once activated. The possibility of unlocking the bootloader exists, but it may lead to loss of functionality, especially for banking applications. Additionally, there are concerns about IMEI blocking by network operators, which can render the phone unusable for calls and texts. Ultimately, some participants suggest purchasing a new device rather than attempting to unlock a damaged one.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 0 calls or texts work on an IMEI‑blocked phone; "Overall, the entire network is down." This FAQ explains checks, Samsung Knox behavior, and realistic next steps. [Elektroda, br501, post #19501192]

Why it matters: It helps buyers and fixers avoid dead‑end purchases and wasted repairs when asking how to unlock a network‑locked phone.

Quick Facts

How do I check if a phone is IMEI‑blocked or just SIM‑locked?

Insert a known‑good SIM and try calling and texting. If you cannot place calls or send SMS anywhere, the IMEI is likely blacklisted. You may also see no network despite good signal. SIM‑locked phones usually work with the original carrier’s SIM. IMEI‑blocked units have zero network services. [Elektroda, br501, post #19501192]

Can I remove a Samsung network/Knox lock?

"It is not possible to remove this lock, at least if it is already activated." Even with a correct unlock code, it re‑locks after the phone goes online. Treat such phones as parts donors, not daily drivers. Bypass attempts tend to fail once the device contacts servers again. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #19499431]

Is flashing or bootloader unlocking a reliable workaround?

Not reliably. You can unlock the bootloader and flash software without Knox, but you lose functionality. Banking and other apps detect an unlocked bootloader. Many will refuse to run. "Either upload another soft ... or keep the bootloader unlocked," but both have trade‑offs. Consider the usability hit before trying. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #19500025]

Will an IMEI‑blocked phone work on any carrier?

No. IMEI‑blocked devices fail at the transmitter level. Calls and texts do not go through on any network. "Overall, the entire network is down." Data service is also unavailable. Swapping SIM cards will not help. The block follows the device identity, not the SIM. [Elektroda, br501, post #19501192]

Do operators ever IMEI‑block Samsung phones?

Yes. Despite claims that Samsung avoids blacklisting, technicians report IMEI‑blocked Samsungs. This means you cannot assume a Samsung is safe from blacklist enforcement. Always verify status before purchase. A blacklisted Samsung will behave like any other blacklisted phone on network services. [Elektroda, br501, post #19502772]

If a startup warning says it might be blocked, is it safe to buy?

No. Such devices can lock or re‑lock after they connect to the internet. Remote actions can change the lock state once the phone has Wi‑Fi or cellular data. If the IMEI becomes blacklisted, network unlock paths also close. Buying remains risky and unstable. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #19501767]

What happens when a locked Samsung goes online?

After connecting to the internet, Samsung’s lock can re‑assert. Even with the correct unlock code, the device can lock again. This behavior defeats many one‑time unlock attempts. Expect the lock to persist once servers are contacted. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #19499431]

Can remote unlock work without Wi‑Fi?

Yes, but only if the phone has a SIM with a data connection. If no saved Wi‑Fi exists, a data‑enabled SIM is required. Edge case: when the IMEI is blacklisted, that cellular data path is blocked. Remote unlock then fails. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #19501767]

Is it legal or safe to buy unpaid‑contract phones?

It is unsafe. A reported buyer received a police visit over an unpaid operator device. Samsung can block it by IMEI or via Knox. The practical advice was clear: buy a new phone and do not try to outmaneuver the lock. [Elektroda, rafal3108, post #19502895]

How much does professional unlocking cost in this scenario?

There is no dependable service for these locks. A contributor noted no guarantee and frequent changes by operators and Samsung. That means paying for attempts is risky. Costs can be wasted with no lasting result. "There is no guarantee for it." [Elektroda, blahfff, post #19501767]

How can I try reviving a water‑damaged board?

One success report used this sequence:
  1. Ultrasonic‑clean the board in appropriate bath liquid.
  2. Rinse with isopropanol for about 10 minutes.
  3. Dry thoroughly, then test. The device "came to life and works to this day" after this process. This is not guaranteed, but it can help. [Elektroda, DJF1, post #19752488]

Is replacing the motherboard worth it on a newer phone?

Often no. The original poster noted the board was costly or unavailable, making replacement uneconomical. In such cases, part out the device or repair only feasible modules. Consider total cost versus buying a working replacement. [Elektroda, DJF1, post #19499384]

If I enter a correct unlock code, will it stay unlocked?

Not on a Samsung with an active lock. Once it connects to the internet, it can lock again. This re‑lock behavior makes code‑based unlocks unreliable for long‑term use. Expect the device to revert. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #19499431]

What’s the best use for a permanently locked phone?

Use it for parts. An experienced poster advised these phones are only suitable for parts other than the whole motherboard. Do not plan on carrier service or daily use. Salvage screens, cameras, or housings if viable. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #19499431]
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