We remind you that attempts to repeat the author’s actions may lead to loss of warranty on the equipment and even to its failure. The material is provided for informational purposes only. If you are going to reproduce the steps described below, we strongly advise you to carefully read the article to the end at least once. The editors of 3DNews do not bear any responsibility for any possible consequences.
Operator devices are not a new phenomenon. Even our “Big Three” have been offering branded devices for ten years, if not more. Several things can encourage a potential buyer to purchase a phone or anything else with the operator’s logo. Firstly, almost everywhere, various bonuses are given as a “gift” upon purchase, such as unlimited Internet access for a couple of months or a very favorable (in appearance, of course) tariff. Secondly, the price of a branded device may be lower than that of similar models, but not sold by the operator. Finally, it also happens that you need a specific model, but you can’t buy it freely anywhere.
Often people make impulsive purchases, coveting a free offer, and after the allotted time has passed, they simply throw the device into the far corner, since they, as a rule, are completely dissatisfied with the tariffs, which they will have to switch to on a forced-voluntary basis. Moreover, it is not so important whether the operator really asks for a lot of money for his services - you quickly get used to good (and free) things, but you don’t want to pay an additional amount for, in general, a not very obligatory and not very vital service . It's good if you bought the device from the same operator that you use constantly. But here’s the catch - devices often end up locked, and if you regularly use the services of another company, then even in theory you won’t be able to do anything useful with them. We will deal with the solution to this issue, that is, the unlocking.
Before we get started, we need to clarify a few points. To begin with, it is useful to make sure that the device is really locked. All you have to do is insert a non-native SIM card and see what happens. If nothing works or the device somehow hints that it would be a good idea to insert the SIM of the desired operator or enter some code, then it is really locked. The next stage is to find out the true manufacturer. The most popular are Chinese products from Huawei or ZTE, less often Alcatel or some other little-known companies. A simple search will give you all the secrets. Along the way, you can find out whether it is possible to buy an unlocked analogue somewhere else and whether it can be unlocked at all. It is quite possible that the operator itself or a third-party company for a small fee, or even for free, is ready to make the device less scrupulous. In general, you need to find out for yourself whether the game is worth the candle.
And we’ll start, perhaps, with unlocking the Megafon E173 modem, nee Huawei E173u-1. One of the many services for generating unlock codes will help us with this. For example, for Huawei, ZTE or Alcatel. There are lists of compatible models everywhere, but they are far from complete. For example, they did not have the E173 line. To get the unlock code, which must be entered on any of these sites, you need to find out the IMEI - a set of 15 digits, also known as a unique identifier. In the case of Huawei E173u-1, it was indicated on the modem case under the cover. Numbers must be entered without hyphens, spaces or other separating characters. Press the Calculator/Generate button and get the coveted eight digits of the unlock code (NCK). Copy them somewhere.
If the modem is still not connected, then it’s time to do it, and at the same time install the Megafon Internet program, since installing it also installs all the necessary drivers. We will also need the Huawei Modem Code Writer utility, a link to which is available just below the IMEI input field on the first site. Both programs work successfully in Windows 7. Download the archive with the utility (for some reason it also contains a song), unpack it and run the program. Click Select Com Port, and then Detect and Accept. If the drivers are installed correctly, the connected modem should be recognized normally in the program. All that remains is to press the magic Unlock Modem button and enter the generated eight digits. An entry should appear in the log: “Send Unlock Command... OK.”
Now you can remove the modem, insert a SIM card from another operator, and Megafon Internet will no longer complain that the wrong SIM was inserted. To connect to the Network, you can use some third-party utility, or you can simply create a new profile in Megafon Internet.
The next “victim” will be the Beeline A100 phone, produced in sunny China by ZTE. We will again need to find out the IMEI of the device. You can dial *#06# on the keypad or simply look at the number on the sticker located under the battery. Then you need to enter this number into one of the online calculators, links to which are given above, and receive an unlock code (NCK). After this, dial *983*8284# on the keyboard and enter the generated code. That’s it, now the phone easily accepts SIM cards not only from Beeline, but also from other operators.
Let's finally consider one more little trick - let's make the Samsung SWC-U200 modem work for the Yota WiMax network on the Comstar network. This is done using universal firmware, which can be downloaded. You must first install the proprietary Yota Access utility of a certain version. It is also recommended to exit Yota Access before installation. If everything went smoothly, the utility will detect the modem and offer to start the update (step 2). The process is slow, and it is better not to touch anything during the update. If it complains about the lack of drivers, then you will need to restart it and select the first item, wait a little, and only then start the firmware update.
After updating the firmware, go to the virtual CD drive that appears when you connect the adapter. There is a file called CSAccess_v.124_DA15.exe that needs to be launched. After that, from the main menu in the Yota Access section, run the “Install Comstar firmware” script and wait for the process to complete. Then you need to register with Comstar and in your personal account, in the “Management” → “Access” section, register our modem (we are interested in the MAC address), and also do not forget to top up your account. Now you can connect to the new network through the Comstar Access utility from the main menu. To return to your native bosom, run “Install Yota firmware” from there. For more detailed information about working in different WiMax networks, it is best to refer to.
We'll probably stop ranting here. We looked at only three devices as an example, but you can easily find specific instructions and tips for your devices on the Internet, if, of course, unlocking is possible at all. Once again, we recommend asking your operator about the possibility of officially unlocking your device. It may be a little more time consuming, but you won't have to do anything with your own hands. Good luck with your flashing and unlocking!
Recently, mobile service providers have been making lucrative offers for their subscribers on communication services and Internet access.
A prerequisite is the purchase of a SIM card and a smartphone from this operator. As a rule, the name of the company that manufactured the gadget is not advertised, but on the phone body we see the name of one of the popular mobile providers. The cost of the kit is very low, and the benefits of the purchase are felt immediately, since for little money the subscriber receives many ready-made service packages with a long validity period, as well as a good smartphone with acceptable characteristics.
But sometimes a situation arises when the subscriber is no longer satisfied with the pricing policy of the selected operator or the quality of communication. A predictable course of action would be to purchase a SIM card from another operator with a more favorable tariff plan and try to install it in your existing smartphone.
In this case, the first thing the user will see on the gadget’s display is a message asking to enter the NCK code. This is where it turns out that the device is blocked by the manufacturer (Beeline, Tele2, MTS, Megafon) from attempts to use other SIM cards.
This idea was borrowed by our mobile operators from foreign providers. But the service for obtaining an NCK code abroad is provided and regulated, but the subscriber must additionally pay the cost of obtaining an NCK code. Often the cost of such information is quite significant and hits the pocket.
In Russia, the selected operator does not have the opportunity to obtain information about the NCK code. This level of protection blocks not only smartphones, but also tablets and USB modems. But demand, as always, creates supply. That is why on specialized websites you can find complete instructions for unlocking your smartphone. Sometimes the process of obtaining an NCK code is not possible for some devices - an alternative to this is a complete flashing, as a result of which the NCK code is no longer requested.
For users with an initial level of skill, these procedures can be difficult to complete, which is why there are a lot of paid services on the Internet for “unlocking” smartphones. Usually, for this you need to indicate its model and country of manufacturer. The price directly depends on the cost of the smartphone and the degree of difficulty of unlocking. The cost of the service starts from $0.5 and can reach $150. Usually, these costs are definitely worth it, since buying a new “free” smartphone will cost more.
When enabled, this feature automatically unlocks your screen when at least one of the conditions you specify is met. For example, if the device is located at your home or another device of yours is connected to it via Bluetooth.
You may have previously set up Smart Lock but forgot about it. In this case, remember the given condition and fulfill it. For example, if you have added one of the Bluetooth devices to the list of trusted devices on your smartphone, turn on the wireless module on both. Once connected, the phone can be unlocked without entering a PIN, password or key.
If Smart Lock has not been configured in advance or you cannot meet the specified condition, then this method is not suitable.
2. Bypass protection using a Google account
Some devices with older versions of Android (before 5.0 Lollipop) allow you to bypass the screen lock using your Google Account. But for this, the device must be connected to the Network. To check if your smartphone supports this method, enter any password, PIN or pattern five times.
After five incorrect entry attempts, the message “Forgot your password?” should appear on the screen. or similar hint. Click on this inscription and enter the username and password for the Google account that is the main one on your smartphone. After successfully logging in, you can specify a new password or set up a different screen lock method.
If you also forgot your Google account password, try to restore access to it using the company’s special service.
3. Use the service from the smartphone manufacturer
Some brands offer owners of their devices additional unlocking tools. For example, Samsung has a Find My Mobile service, with which you can remove a pattern, PIN, password, and even a fingerprint. To do this, your device must be linked to your Samsung account, support the service, and be online.
To find out whether such services exist for your model, look for this information in the instructions or on the manufacturer’s official website.
4. Reset the device to factory settings
If other options do not work, all that remains is to return the factory settings. This will lead to the loss of all data, copies of which are not saved in your Google account and others. But you can remove the protection from the screen.
Turn off your smartphone and remove the memory card if it was inside. Then try these key combinations in turn until one of them works (you need to press all the buttons and hold them for about 10-15 seconds):
- Volume down key + power button;
- Volume up key + power button;
- Volume Down key + Power button + Home key;
- Volume down key + Volume up key + Power button.
When the service menu appears on the display, select Recovery, and then the Wipe data / factory reset command. If none of the key combinations work or you don't see the necessary commands in the menu, look for reset instructions specific to your device model.
After this, the smartphone should return to factory settings within a few minutes. The device may request a login and password from a previously connected Google account, but you will no longer need to unlock the screen. After logging into your old account, the system will restore the settings and data synchronized with it.
All of the unlocking methods listed above are suitable not only for smartphones, but also for Android tablets.
How to unlock iPhone
If you have forgotten the password for your iOS device, you have only one option - reset to factory settings. You can do it in two ways: using iCloud and through iTunes. The first one will only work if you previously enabled the Find My iPhone function on your smartphone. For the second, you will need a USB cable and a computer with iTunes installed.
In both cases, you will not only delete the password, but also all data from the device. But if you have a backup of your iPhone, then after resetting you can restore the information saved in it: calendars, contacts, notes, SMS, settings and shopping lists in iTunes and the App Store. Personal photos and videos will also not be lost if you previously synchronized them with your computer or iCloud.
1. Reset iPhone to factory settings using iCloud
To check if Find My iPhone is active on your smartphone, connect it to the Internet. Then log into your Apple ID account on the iCloud website using your computer and click on the “Find iPhone” icon.
If you don't have a computer at hand, but have an iPad, iPod touch, or another iPhone, you can use the standard Find My iPhone application on any of these gadgets. It works the same as the web version in iCloud.
If Find My iPhone is active, you'll immediately see your locked iPhone (in the app) or select it from the All Devices list (on the iCloud website). If the device is not displayed, proceed to the second method. Otherwise, continue.
Click on the smartphone icon, and then on the “Erase iPhone” button and follow further prompts.
This will remove your passcode and all data from your device, allowing you to set up your iPhone again.
2. Reset iPhone to factory settings via iTunes
Launch iTunes on your computer, then connect your smartphone to it using a USB cable.
If you have previously synced your iPhone with this computer, click on the smartphone icon in iTunes. In the menu that opens, sync again and create a fresh backup of the device on your computer. Then click “Restore from a copy...”, select the newly created image and follow the system prompts until complete recovery.
If you've never synced your iPhone with your current computer, or iTunes also asks for a password, then most likely you won't be able to create a new backup. But you can do a reset in a special mode, and then restore the device from old copies (if any). Follow these steps to reset:
1. Force restart your iPhone.
On iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and older models, hold down the Home key and the top (or side) button for 10 seconds or more until the recovery screen appears.
On an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, hold down the Side key and the Volume Down button for 10 seconds or more until you see the recovery screen.
On an iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus, hold and immediately release the volume up key and then the volume down key. After that, press and hold the Side button until the recovery screen appears.
2. When the recovery dialog box appears on your computer display, click “Restore” and follow the iTunes prompts.
3. If the iPhone exits recovery mode while iTunes is downloading the necessary files from the Internet, press and hold the force restart buttons again until the device returns to this mode.
Although the instructions for both reset methods are based on the iPhone, they will also work if you suddenly forget your iPad password.
For some time now, Megafon is not only a cellular operator. You can find stores everywhere where, in addition to subscription services, you can also buy a phone. Among other models, there are devices under the Megafon brand. It is clear that these are the same ZTE, Huawei, Alcatel, but made specifically for Megafon. Together with them, special tariff plans and service conditions are offered, and their price is much lower than their counterparts. There is one big BUT in this matter. These phones can only work with Megafon SIM cards. Can this ban be lifted? Read about it below.
The unlocking mechanism is quite simple. When you install someone else's SIM into the device, the phone asks for an unlock code. Just enter it and everything will work. You can do it differently. Open access to the engineering menu using the command *#*#3646633#*#* . Then go the following way: Simmelock - Network settings - Unblock - Enter the code.
At first glance, everything is simple. All that was left was to find the treasured numbers. It is advisable to do this for free.
How to get an unlock code
You can try it for free. Once upon a time, information about the unlock code for the Megafon Login 2 MS3A phone got into the network. The author of the post quickly realized the mistake and deleted the article, but this did not help. The information spread all over the Internet and only the lazy did not take advantage of it. The fact that the password worked for absolutely all devices is quite unexpected. What we mean is that if you have exactly this model, and the old firmware, then feel free to use the unlock password 67587048.
Please note that this method will only work on older firmware up to 8.1.4. In later versions the freebie is already closed. And these numbers do not fit, and access to the engineering menu is closed.
Those who have other models are less fortunate and will have to look for information. If you still want to do everything for free, go to the forum http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/index.php. Look for the section for receiving codes Unlocking Codes & log files Requests / Phone Unlocking Codes & Maps. Next, find the section that corresponds to your phone manufacturer and leave a request. Not the best way. Firstly, you will have to communicate in English. Secondly, no one will answer you right away, the wait can be very long.
There is a faster way - buy a password. Price from 200 rubles y. We have not verified the integrity of these sites. It's reassuring that there are no negative reviews about them. The price is also small, so you can take a risk.
To receive the code you will need Phone IMEI and Provider ID. This information is located on a sticker under the battery.
After the password is received, insert a new SIM and enter it. Please note that the number of attempts is limited, so if you come across a non-working password, it is better to quit trying, otherwise the device will become inoperative. The same method works for modems.
On the Internet you can find other ways to “unlock” firmware devices. We did not include them in our article, since most often they lead to breakdown of the device and void the warranty.
Although the method itself works on other models of this brand, such as: SFR-114, SFR-231, SFR-232, SFR-341, SFR-342, SFR-343, SFR-251, SFR-251 Messenger Edition, Orange Vegas , Orange Lisbon, Orange Rio, Orange Miami, Orange Rome ZTE Sage, TMN5000, Vodafone Indie, A261+, X670, X760, X761, X960, X990, X991, N261, N281, N292, N295, S202, GX760, GX761, GR230, GR231, T-Mobile Vairy Touch, T-Mobile Vairy Touch II, Vodafone 547, ZTE Zest, Zong R221, Zong R231 and others. I would like to emphasize that the code is generated only with 12 characters, if your phone does not accept it, then you need to try.
The entire unlocking procedure will not take more than 5 minutes, but requires some action on your part.
How to find out IMEI number?
First of all, we need to find out the unique IMEI number that is assigned to each device. To do this, turn off the phone, remove the battery and read it on the sticker. Or even simpler, dial the combination *#06# and we get it. Once we have found out what IMEI is in our phone, we move on to calculating the unlock code.
How to get an unlock code?
To calculate the code we are interested in, go to the page of the free online calculator of the wintechmobiles team, where in the line Enter IMEI Enter your number, consisting of 15 digits.
Click Calculate Codes and in a few seconds, the treasured codes are in our pocket!
All that remains now is to enter the received code into your phone.
How to enter the code into the phone?
Due to the large number of supported phone models, there is no universal way to enter the received code. Here are the main ways to unlock phones:
- Install a non-native SIM card into a locked phone, the phone should ask you to enter an unlock code (NP code?). This is a simple method, all you have to do is enter the code.
- What if the first method didn't work? We take out the SIM card, turn on the phone without it and dial the code ###825*09# Are you prompted to enter a code? Enter the unlock code.
- Nothing again? try another combination *983*8284# it should work .
- For new phone models ZTE such as F102, this combination should work *983*865625#
That's basically all, I think that there is nothing complicated in this procedure. But you can save time and money.
What to do if the code does not match?
Due to the fact that the model range supported by this free calculator is very small, try asking a question on our forum, in the topic. There is a paid option, with which codes can be calculated for other ZTE phone models.
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