Network Locked SIM Card Inserted? Unlock It Now!

Part 1: What Does It Mean If Your Phone Asks for SIM Network PIN?

When your phone prompts you to enter a SIM Network Unlock PIN, it means that your device is currently locked to a specific mobile network carrier, and it can only be used with SIM cards from that carrier. This locking mechanism is usually put in place by the carrier or the phone manufacturer to ensure that you continue to use their services, typically for the duration of a contract. As a result, your phone cannot be freely used with SIM cards from other carriers until it's unlocked using the correct PIN or code.

Part 2: Why Does Your Phone Say Invalid SIM Card – Network Locked SIM Card Inserted?

System Errors

Since SIM locking is a smartphone restriction implemented to stop it from being used on other networks, Android system errors can cause network-locked SIM cards. Resetting these errors can help unlock your network locked SIM card inserted device. Service providers decided to provide a formal SIM unlocking option as a result.

Because of this, any locked SIM may be readily unlocked, and once a device opens, it can work like a conventional mobile phone and with any SIM card of the user's choosing.

Carrier Lock

The consumer must stick with the same service provider for a specific time after purchasing the bundled device and data pack. This is called a carrier lock on the device and is one of the most common errors in network locked SIM card inserted devices. During that time, the device will be network- or SIM-locked, prohibiting the user from changing service providers.

The user cannot change the SIM. The service provider will offer the SIM Unlock code needed to unlock the handset when the contract expires. The gadget can be used with any other SIM card and exported to another country without problems when the network lock has been removed.

Region Lock

Apple and AT&T initially worked together to implement the SIM lock and the SIM locked devices. The original purpose was to force the user to continue using the same service provider in a specific area or time.

However, some telecom service providers sell the handsets with select data plans as bundled plans in collaboration with the device manufacturers. As a result, the handset will cost less than it would otherwise. Sometimes, these offers are particular to a specific region, called a carrier lock.

Firmware Problems

Sometimes, the device manufacturers release many versions of the same firmware for different geographical locations.

As a result, it may be possible that the user may face contradictions in the agreement of device firmware and the network-locked SIM card that was supposed to be used on the device. Due to firmware problems, the users may also face a network-locked SIM card-inserted device.

Part 3: How to Unlock Network Locked SIM Card Inserted?

Unlocking a network-locked SIM card may seem like a complex task. However, it can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. In this section, we will guide you through the process of unlocking your network-locked SIM card. We will discuss 3 different ways you can unlock a network-locked SIM card inserted:

Method 1. Contact Network Carrier to Unlock Network Locked SIM

Contacting your network carrier is often the most recommended choice. It is a straightforward and reliable method to unlock your network-locked SIM card. Unlocking your network-locked SIM card through your carrier is a reliable and legal method. Before contacting your carrier, get information like your device's IMEI number and account details. There are several ways to get in touch with your network carrier's customer support.

You can call the customer support hotline, visit the website, or go to a physical store. The process usually involves receiving an unlock network code, which you need to use. Once you've entered the unlock code, your phone should display that it's now unlocked. Test it with the new SIM card to ensure that it can make calls, send texts, and access mobile data without any issues.

Method 2. Use Online Unlock Service to Unlock Network Locked SIM

There are many online services available for unlocking a network-locked SIM card. In case you don't want to go through your network carrier, these can be a good alternative. These services employ the IMEI number of the device to unlock smartphones.

One such service is Canada Unlocking, which offers to unlock your network-locked SIM card via email. Follow these steps to unlock a network-locked SIM card via online services:

Step 1: Use a web browser to access an online SIM card unlocking service like Canada Unlocking. On the main page, choose your network carrier or device brand.

Step 2: Follow it by providing the IMEI number of your device. Afterward, make the required payment, and you will receive the unlock code via email.

Method 3. Repair Your Phone Firmware If Your Unlocked Phone Suddenly Network Locked

Coming across "Network Locked SIM Card Inserted" doesn't necessarily mean that your SIM card is network locked. It can also happen due to a system bug or glitch. This can be the case if you suddenly face this issue after recently updating your device. In such scenarios, you need a reliable Android system repair tool like Wondershare Dr.Fone.

With this tool, you can repair Android OS system issues such as black screen of death, apps crashing, and many more. It supports over 1000 Android models across all major Android brands for system repair. Below are the steps you need to fix the network-locked SIM card issue:

Step 1: Download and Connect Wondershare Dr.Fone

First, download Wondershare Dr.Fone from its official website. Install the software on your system and launch it to proceed. Establish a connection between your Android and the system using a USB cable. Furthermore, access the "Toolbox" section and select "System Repair" to move forward.

Step 2: Add Your Android Device Details

After selecting "System Repair," you will proceed to a new window. Here, choose the "Android" button and proceed to the next screen to select "Start." Now add your device details like “Brand”, “Name,” “Model,” “Country,” and “Carrier.” Then, checkmark the “I agree with the warning and I am ready to proceed” box from the bottom right corner and click “Next.”

Step 3: Solve the Network Locked SIM Card Inserted Issue

Now, you need to put your Android device into Download Mode. You can follow the instructions given on the screen for it. As soon as the device is in Download Mode, Wondershare Dr.Fone will start downloading the firmware. Once it is downloaded and verified, click “Fix Now.”

Confirm your choice by inserting “000000” in the pop-up dialogue box and tap “Confirm.” It will start the Android repair process to fix all system issues.

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Bonus Tip. How to Unlock Network Locked Sim Card Inserted on iPhone?

If you want a fast and easy method to unlock your network-locked iPhone, you can use a third-party tool such as Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS). It is the best sim-unlock tool for iPhone users. It enables users to safely unlock their devices within five minutes. With Dr.Fone, you don’t have to wait for the sim-unlock code or reset your device firmware that can remove all your data.

You can download Dr.Fone on your PC and use it to unlock your iPhone without data loss. You can also use Dr.Fone to unlock your iPhone’s screen lock and Apple ID. Although Dr.Fone is a one-stop solution for all of your phone-related problems, its sim-unlock only works for Apple devices. Here is how you unlock your carrier-locked iPhone with Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (IOS).

• Download and install Dr.Fone on your PC. Launch the application and select the “Screen Unlock” tab from the list on the homepage.

• Now, click on the “Remove SIM Locked” tab on the next page. You can only use it to unlock iPhones.

• Connect your iPhone and PC with a USB cable. Once your device is ready, click on the “Start” option to proceed with the sim unlock process.

• Next, the system will detect the device connection, then its information will show up on your PC screen. If all of it is OK, click on the “Unlock Now” option.

• You cannot unlock your iPhone without a jailbreak, so you must do it before the system unlocks it. You can learn about the jailbreak process via the guide, or watching the video provided by Dr.Fone to jailbreak your iPhone is also feasible. The process is compatible with devices running iOS 12 to iOS 14.8.1.

• Now, you have to complete three tasks on your iPhone. First, put the SIM card out of your device. Open “Settings” and tap on the “WIFI” option. Tap on the blue exclamation mark next to all the connected networks and select “Forget This Network.” Now, switch off the “WIFI” and insert the locked SIM card in your iPhone. Click on the “Continue” option on your computer.

• After that, Dr.Fone will automatically start the SIM unlocking process. You can see its progress on your PC. The process only takes a few minutes to complete, so you don’t have to wait for a long time.

• After the process ends, all the sim restrictions on your iOS device are now removed and you can use sim cards from any network carrier. Next, click on the “Done” option to end the sim unlocking process.

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Part 4: Why is SIM Unlocking Important?

As previously stated, a SIM lock enables a service provider to stop a customer from using the smartphone with the SIM cards of another service provider. This guarantees that the device is only being used with the original SIM card for each provider. This locking also has a lot of drawbacks because it is incompatible with any other SIM card.

1. The phone cannot be used with other SIM cards if the SIM lock is enabled. Customers must therefore adhere to the current plan as is.
2. Since nobody wants to purchase a locked phone, it is hard for someone to sell or gift the mobile.
3. Traveling abroad with a SIM-locked phone could provide some challenges because you won't be able to use a local SIM card on the phone while you're there.

All the problems can be fixed, and the SIM works in any nation with the removed SIM lock.

Conclusion

Any of the methods above can work to get around the prohibition against using other SIM cards with your Android handset. The best thing about using Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock is that you don't need unlocking codes to complete the tasks.

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