There are two different ways to unlock Android phones:
Unlock codesUnlock software through USB
I’m only going to be covering unlock codes here as the second unlock method can lead to a few sketchy websites that may ask you to download questionable software. With that said I’m going to talk about three different competing sites that can offer unlock codes at a reasonable price, and don’t require you to download a single thing. I’ll tell you what to do with that code once you have it too, so no need to worry. If you’re looking to unlock your phone for free, the best I can tell you is that I hope one of your buddies has an unlocked S6 Edge just sitting around.
Getting an Unlock Code
Unlock codes are relatively easy to find with nothing more than a quick Google search, but since they cost money you’ll want to know which sites you can trust. That’s why I’m going to be talking about three in particular. Those sites are:
Samsung Code SourceUnlock RiverThe Unlocking Company
Starting with the first site I’ll show you how to buy an unlock code from each, and then tell you how you can put said code to use.
Method 1: Samsung Code Source
We’ll be starting with the site I mentioned first, Samsung Code Source. This unlocking company has been around since 2011 and has fairly competitive rates. If you buy your code from them, I wouldn’t blame you.
Step 1: Loading the site
This could be done from your phone or a PC, but all of my pictures will be from the desktop site, so keep that in mind. If you didn’t already open a new tab with the site in question, here’s another opportunity. With that open, and a quick scroll down you should see some numbered steps. The most important one there is number one, since clicking that brings you to the second page where we want to be.
Step 2: Picking a phone
Clicking the bold letters in number one should bring you to a collection of different phone images. Considering you’re reading an article with “Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge” in the title, I’m going to assume that’s the phone you want to unlock. If I’m right, simply click the large Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge to be presented with your options.
Step 3: Picking a Network
Next you’ll need to a select a network first based on the region where you purchased your phone. For the sake of reference, I’m going to select Canada & USA networks, which will open a new drop-down menu. From here just select the network your phone is currently using. If yours isn’t available one of the last options should state it could be used any other network in that region. After you’ve selected your network you’ll then have to type in your IMEI number in the box below your selected network. If you are unsure of your IMEI number, call *#06# to see it displayed on your screen. Once you’ve copied this number down, type it into the box, and then enter a valid email address that you’ll be able to retrieve your code from. Delivery should take as long as stated if not sooner. Once you’ve received the unlock you’re ready to unlock your phone.
Method 2: Unlock River
Unlock River is an unlock site that’s been around since 2007, mailing out unlock codes in as early as six minutes in some cases. They’re a reputable source for unlock codes for your phone, and one that a site that’s easy to navigate and deal with.
Step 1: Getting to Unlock River
There’s a link to Unlock River’s site above, but there’s one here as well just in case you need it. Once you’ve arrived it’s pretty clear where you need to go next, so this should be a relatively quick second step.
Step 2: Inputting your Information
There’s no need to go through a web page maze with this site. Everything you need at first will be right on the first page you see. From here you’ll need to select your carrier, manufacturer, model, and then your IMEI number. The first three should be easy enough to remember, but I don’t know many people who can spout off their IMEI number from memory. If you don’t know what your IMEI number is, call “*#06#” and you should see it displayed on the screen. Copy this down and then input it as your second to last information field. Next just input the email address you’d like your code delivered to, then hit unlock now to proceed to checkout. After paying for the code just wait the estimated time frame and you should receive your code in the email address you provided.
Method 3: The Unlocking Company
The Unlocking Company is the third and final site I’ll be talking about. However, just because they’re the last in the lot doesn’t mean they’re the least of the bunch. The Unlocking Company has been around for seven years and has a lot of social media presence. If you were worried about support when it comes to getting an unlock code, The Unlocking Company can make you feel secure.
Step 1: Visiting The Unlocking Company
If you don’t already have a tab with the unlocking company’s website, then have no fear, there’s one for you. The site may appear a little flashy at first, but a quick glance into the lower left corner shows us what we’re after.
Step 2: Putting in your Information
Now that we’re here it’s time to get your unlock code as quickly as possible. Here in the lower left corner you’ll see where you’ll need to put in at least some of your information, starting with the manufacturer and phone model. After you’ve put those two into their correct places click that shiny green button to continue.
Step 3: Remaining Details and Checkout
The information we’ll be dealing with is in the same corner again on the next page as well, so let’s take a look. From here you’ll need to input the country you purchased your phone from, the carrier of the phone, and then your IMEI number. If you can’t remember your IMEI number by heart, there are even instruction on the page to help you retrieve it. Simply call “*#06#” and your IMEI number should be quickly displayed. Next copy down the number and input it where it belongs. The only thing left to do on this page is enter the currency you’ll be paying with. After you’ve filled out all the required spaces, hit the shiny green button to complete your checkout and tell the unlocking company where to send your code.
Method 4: How to Use Your Code
You’ve paid for your code, waited as long as it took, refreshed your inbox until it showed up, and now you have it all wrapped up with a bow in your email. That’s all well and good, but how do you use the thing? There are two different ways you can use your code. You can:
Call a specific numberInsert a different SIM card
I’ll explain each as quickly as possible, so don’t blink, you might miss it.
Step 1: Calling a Number
This method may be the easier of the two simply because it doesn’t require any extra materials. All you need to do is call a number, much like when getting your IMEI number to display. There are really only two steps for this method, so let’s just combine them into one. First things first, you’ll probably want to know the number you’ll be calling. Bust out your keypad and get your index finger ready, right before dialing “#7465625638#” to bring up a new menu. There’s no need to hit the call button as you’ll quickly be asked by a pop-up to insert your Network Lock Control Key. From here just enter the unlock code and then hit OK. Congratulations, your phone is now unlocked and free to roam where it pleases.
Step 2: Inserting an Unrecognized SIM Card
If you’ve already purchased or acquired another SIM card in preparation for an out of country trip, or from switching to a new carrier, this method couldn’t be any easier. All you need to do is remove your current SIM card, and then insert the other one. After swapping the SIM cards, your phone should ask to restart. Allow the phone this one kindness, then when it reboots it should ask you for a SIM network unlock PIN. If you received your unlock code now is the time to carefully type it in. After you’ve verified that you entered it correctly, confirm the input, and voilà, your phone is unlocked.
Conclusion
And there you have it, three different sites to buy unlock codes from, and two different ways to put that shiny new code to use. Unlocking the Samsung Galaxy S6 may be a little costly depending on where you go for a code, but is a pretty simple process that doesn’t take much time. Out of all three of the sites I mentioned, Method 2’s Unlock River boasts the quickest code delivery. Additionally, Method 1’s Samsung Code Source has very competitive prices, while Method 3’s Unlocking Company has long standing credibility. If I had to choose one from the three, I personally would go with Samsung Code Source. When dealing with how to use your code, both methods are simple and almost identical in the time required. However, Method 1 is easier considering you don’t need a second SIM card to complete the process. Whichever method you choose to use you’ll be sure to find the process painless and easy to complete. Unlocking your Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge isn’t nearly as complex as it sounds, and makes sure that your phone is truly yours to use in whichever country you please. Do you have a different site that you like to use for all your unlocking needs? Or maybe you know about a secret ritual that can unlock any phone through the power of good intentions. Feel free to share either one of those in the comments below, one of them probably more probable than the other. Featured Image Credit
