NCK stands for Network Code Key, the primary code that removes the SIM lock from a phone. Related codes include MCK (unfreeze), SPCK (service provider), and NSCK (network subset).

Can I get a SIM network unlock PIN for free?

Your original carrier can provide it for free if the phone is fully paid off and meets their eligibility rules. Otherwise, an IMEI-based unlocking service is the fastest alternative.

Phone Unlocking Instructions: How to Enter Your SIM Network Unlock PIN

If your phone shows "SIM network unlock PIN", "Network locked SIM card inserted", or "Enter network unlock code", this guide is for you. Below you will find exact, brand-by-brand instructions for entering your unlock code, plus fixes for the most common errors like phone freeze and blocked PIN screens.

Do not have your code yet? Start by ordering your network unlock code with your IMEI, or run a quick unlock eligibility check first to confirm your device can be unlocked.

What Is a SIM Network Unlock PIN?

A SIM network unlock PIN, also called a network unlock code or NCK, is a unique code calculated from your phone's IMEI number. Entering it removes the carrier lock so your phone accepts SIM cards from any network in the world. The code is different for every device, which is why generic or "free" codes found online almost never work and can freeze your phone if entered too many times.

Types of Unlock Codes You May Receive

Depending on your phone model and carrier, your unlock delivery may include one or more of these codes:

NCK (Network Code Key): The main network unlock code. This is what removes the SIM lock. It is usually 8 or 16 digits.
MCK / Unfreeze code: Resets a "phone freeze" caused by too many wrong code attempts. Always enter this first if your phone is frozen.
SPCK (Service Provider Code): Removes a second-level service provider lock found on some devices.

8 digit vs 16 digit codes: Older Samsung and most other Android models use 8 digit NCK codes. Many Samsung phones released after 2019, and some newer devices from other brands, use 16 digit network unlock codes. Enter the code exactly as delivered, even if the on-screen prompt looks like it expects a different length.

Before You Start: 3 Quick Steps

Find your IMEI. Dial *#06# on your phone or check Settings > About Phone. You will need this to order your unlock code.
Confirm the current carrier. Not sure which network your phone is locked to? Use our carrier check tool to find out instantly from the IMEI.
Get a SIM card from a different carrier. Most phones only prompt for the unlock code when a non-accepted SIM is inserted.

Once your order is placed, you can follow its progress anytime on the track order page.

How to Unlock Samsung Phones (8 Digit and 16 Digit Codes)

Samsung network unlock by code works for all Samsung Galaxy models. Your delivery may include the NCK, MCK/Unfreeze, and SPCK codes described above.

Standard method:

Power off your Samsung and insert a SIM card from a different carrier.
Power the phone on. The screen will display "SIM network unlock PIN" or "Enter network lock control key".

How to Unlock Motorola Phones

Switch on your phone with a non-accepted SIM card inserted.
The phone will display "Enter Special Code".
Enter the unlock code we sent you.

Warning: If you see "Contact Service Provider", "Tamper Alert", "Wait before entering special code", or "Contact Service", too many wrong codes were entered previously. Leave the phone powered on. After 40 minutes to 2 hours the "Enter Special Code" prompt will return and you can enter your code normally.

How to Unlock Google Pixel Phones

Insert a SIM card from a different carrier.
If the phone shows "SIM Not Supported" or "Enter Network Unlock PIN", it is network locked.
Power off the phone and insert the new SIM card.
When prompted, enter the network unlock code.
The phone will confirm "SIM unlocked" or "Network unlocked".

How to Unlock T-Mobile and MetroPCS Phones (Device Unlock App)

Phone Unlocking Instructions: How to Enter Your SIM Network Unlock PIN

Do not have your code yet? Start by ordering your network unlock code with your IMEI, or run a quick unlock eligibility check first to confirm your device can be unlocked.

What Is a SIM Network Unlock PIN?

Types of Unlock Codes You May Receive

Depending on your phone model and carrier, your unlock delivery may include one or more of these codes:

NCK (Network Code Key): The main network unlock code. This is what removes the SIM lock. It is usually 8 or 16 digits.
MCK / Unfreeze code: Resets a "phone freeze" caused by too many wrong code attempts. Always enter this first if your phone is frozen.
SPCK (Service Provider Code): Removes a second-level service provider lock found on some devices.

Before You Start: 3 Quick Steps

Find your IMEI. Dial *#06# on your phone or check Settings > About Phone. You will need this to order your unlock code.
Confirm the current carrier. Not sure which network your phone is locked to? Use our carrier check tool to find out instantly from the IMEI.
Get a SIM card from a different carrier. Most phones only prompt for the unlock code when a non-accepted SIM is inserted.

Once your order is placed, you can follow its progress anytime on the track order page.

How to Unlock Samsung Phones (8 Digit and 16 Digit Codes)

Samsung network unlock by code works for all Samsung Galaxy models. Your delivery may include the NCK, MCK/Unfreeze, and SPCK codes described above.

Standard method:

Power off your Samsung and insert a SIM card from a different carrier.
Power the phone on. The screen will display "SIM network unlock PIN" or "Enter network lock control key".

How to Unlock Motorola Phones

Switch on your phone with a non-accepted SIM card inserted.
The phone will display "Enter Special Code".
Enter the unlock code we sent you.

How to Unlock Google Pixel Phones

Insert a SIM card from a different carrier.
If the phone shows "SIM Not Supported" or "Enter Network Unlock PIN", it is network locked.
Power off the phone and insert the new SIM card.
When prompted, enter the network unlock code.
The phone will confirm "SIM unlocked" or "Network unlocked".

How to Unlock T-Mobile and MetroPCS Phones (Device Unlock App)

Type your NCK code (8 or 16 digits) and tap Unlock.

The phone will confirm "Network unlock successful".

If no prompt appears, try these dialer codes:

Dial #7465625*638*UNLOCKCODE# (replace UNLOCKCODE with your 8 digit code)
Dial #0111*UNLOCKCODE#
Dial #7465625*638*# and enter the code when prompted

If your Samsung is frozen (wrong codes entered too many times):

Enter the MCK/Unfreeze code first and tap Unlock. The phone will show "Network unlock request unsuccessful". This is normal and means the freeze has been reset.
Now enter the NCK code. The phone will display "Network unlock successful".

Need a code for your Galaxy? Order your Samsung unlock code here. It works for all models including Galaxy S, Note, A, and Z series.

How to Unlock iPhone (All Models Including iPhone X to 16)

iPhones do not use a typed code. Instead, the unlock is registered on Apple's activation servers and completed through iTunes or Finder.

Insert a SIM card from a carrier your iPhone does not currently accept.
Power on the iPhone and connect it to iTunes (or Finder on newer Macs) with an internet connection.
Wait until iTunes detects the device.
Disconnect the iPhone, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect it.
iTunes completes the unlock automatically. If you restore the device, you may see the message "Congratulations, your iPhone has been unlocked".

This process is identical for every model from iPhone 2G through iPhone 16, including X, XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. To get started, order your iPhone unlock here. You can also pull a full iPhone GSX report first to see the lock status, carrier, and blacklist history before you order.

Newer T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS devices do not accept typed codes. They use the built-in Device Unlock app instead, and the unlock is pushed to the phone remotely.

Eligibility checklist:

The device is fully paid off and not reported lost or stolen.
The account is in good standing.
Postpaid devices have been active at least 40 days; prepaid devices at least 12 months.

Find your IMEI by dialing *#06#.
Order the remote unlock service for your device.
Connect the phone to Wi-Fi.
Open the Device Unlock app (Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Network Unlock on many Samsung models).
Select Permanent Unlock. The phone contacts the server and applies the unlock automatically.

We offer dedicated services for both networks: T-Mobile Device Unlock App service and MetroPCS Device Unlock App service.

How to Unlock LG Phones

We provide all LG network unlock codes, including NCK, SPCK, and NSCK, for every network.

Insert a non-accepted SIM card and enter the NCK code when prompted.

If no prompt appears, try these dialer codes:

Dial 2945#*model number# (for example, 2945#*999# for a P999, or 2945#*990# for a P990)
Dial 2945#*71001# as if making a call, then enter the code when prompted
Dial *#865625# as if making a call, then enter the code when prompted

Order your LG unlock code here.

How to Unlock HTC Phones

Switch on the phone with a non-accepted SIM card.
The phone will ask for the unlock code.
Enter the code. Your HTC is now unlocked.

Get your HTC unlock code here.

How to Unlock Alcatel Phones

Turn on the phone with the current locked network SIM card.
Dial ##765*08#
A menu will appear. Select "SIM Network Unlock PIN" or "Network unlock code".
Enter your NCK unlock code.
The phone may reboot automatically once unlocked.

How to Unlock Huawei Phones

Power on the phone with a different carrier's SIM card.
The phone will prompt for a network unlock code.
Enter the code we provided. Your Huawei is now unlocked.

How to Unlock ZTE Phones

Insert a SIM card from another carrier and power on the phone.
When the "SIM Network Unlock PIN" screen appears, enter the 16 digit NCK code we provided.
Tap Unlock. If the phone was frozen from previous wrong attempts, enter the MCK/Unfreeze code first, then the NCK.

How to Unlock Nokia Phones

Method 1 (with SIM):

Switch on the phone with a non-accepted SIM card.
When asked for the SIM unlock PIN, enter your code. The phone unlocks immediately.

Method 2 (without SIM, older models):

Switch on the phone with no SIM card inserted.
Compose #PW+CODE+1# (for phones locked to Fido or Rogers Canada, use #PW+CODE+7#).
To type the letters: press the star key (*) 3 times quickly for P, 4 times for W, and 2 times for +.
The phone will display "SIM Restriction Off" and is now unlocked.

How to Unlock BlackBerry Phones

Insert a non-accepted SIM card and power on the phone.
Enter the NCK code supplied with your order.
The phone will display "Network unlocked" or reboot automatically.
If the code is rejected, double check the IMEI and the code before retrying. Too many wrong attempts can permanently block the code slot.

How to Unlock Pantech Phones

Method 1:

Power on the phone with a non-accepted SIM card.
When prompted for a network unlock code, input the 8 digit code and press Enter.

Method 2:

Power on the phone with an accepted SIM card.
Dial *#865625#
When the SIM Unlock menu appears, press OK.
Enter the 8 digit unlock code, then re-enter it to confirm.
The phone displays "Unlock Process Complete". Press OK.

How to Unlock Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, Honor, and Other Android Brands

Dial *#06# to get your IMEI and order your unlock code.
Power off the phone and insert a SIM card from a new carrier.
Power on. When the phone asks for the network unlock code, enter the code provided.
The phone confirms the unlock and connects to the new network.

How to Unlock Sony and Other Brands

Insert a non-accepted SIM card and power on the phone.
Enter the SIM unlock code when prompted.
The phone confirms the unlock and is ready to use on any network.

Troubleshooting: Unlock Code Problems and Fixes

"SIM network PIN blocked. Enter SIM network PUK"

Too many wrong codes were entered. Do not keep guessing. You need the MCK/Unfreeze code. Enter it first, ignore the "unsuccessful" message, then enter your NCK.

"Phone freeze" or "Device is blocked"

Same cause as above. Enter the MCK/Unfreeze code, then the NCK. On Samsung you can also open the dialer, type UNFREEZE, and press call to trigger the code prompt.

The phone never asks for a code

Make sure the SIM card is from a genuinely different carrier, not a sub-brand of the same network. On newer T-Mobile and MetroPCS phones, use the Device Unlock app method instead of a code.

The code looks like the wrong length

Enter it exactly as delivered. Many Samsung models accept a 16 digit code even when the screen appears to expect 8 digits.

Worried about scams or fake unlocking sites?

Run any provider through our free EasySim Safe Check, and read how our unlocking process works before you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is the NCK (network code key) calculated from your phone's unique IMEI. There is no universal 8 digit code that works on every Samsung. Each device needs its own code, which we generate from the IMEI and deliver by email with entry instructions.

Samsung phones made after 2019 and several newer Android models use a longer 16 digit NCK instead of the classic 8 digit format. The entry process is identical: insert a new SIM, wait for the prompt, and type the code.

NCK stands for Network Code Key. It is the primary code that removes the SIM lock from your phone. Related codes include MCK (unfreeze), SPCK (service provider), and NSCK (network subset), which some devices need for secondary locks.

Your original carrier can provide it for free if you meet their eligibility rules, which usually means the phone is fully paid off and active on the network for a minimum period. If you do not qualify, or the carrier is slow, an IMEI-based unlocking service is the fastest alternative. You can also try our free SIM unlock tool.

Yes. Unlocking a phone you own is legal in the US, UK, EU, India, and most countries. It removes the carrier restriction only and does not affect your warranty or data.

Most phones allow 3 to 10 attempts. Entering wrong codes repeatedly can freeze the device, which then requires an MCK/Unfreeze code. Always copy the code exactly as delivered.

Delivery time depends on the brand and carrier. Most codes arrive within a few hours to a few days. Check your live status anytime on the track order page.

No. Entering a network unlock code or completing the iTunes unlock does not delete anything on the phone. Backing up first is still good practice.

Still have questions? Visit our full FAQ page or contact support. For more guides on carrier unlocking, IMEI checks, and troubleshooting, browse the Easy Sim Unlocker blog.

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Phone Unlocking Instructions: How to Enter Your SIM Network Unlock PIN

What Is a SIM Network Unlock PIN?

Types of Unlock Codes You May Receive

Before You Start: 3 Quick Steps

How to Unlock Samsung Phones (8 Digit and 16 Digit Codes)

Standard method:

How to Unlock Motorola Phones

How to Unlock Google Pixel Phones

How to Unlock T-Mobile and MetroPCS Phones (Device Unlock App)

Phone Unlocking Instructions: How to Enter Your SIM Network Unlock PIN

What Is a SIM Network Unlock PIN?

Types of Unlock Codes You May Receive

Before You Start: 3 Quick Steps

How to Unlock Samsung Phones (8 Digit and 16 Digit Codes)

Standard method:

How to Unlock Motorola Phones

How to Unlock Google Pixel Phones

How to Unlock T-Mobile and MetroPCS Phones (Device Unlock App)

If your Samsung is frozen (wrong codes entered too many times):

How to Unlock iPhone (All Models Including iPhone X to 16)

Eligibility checklist:

Steps:

How to Unlock LG Phones

How to Unlock HTC Phones

How to Unlock Alcatel Phones

How to Unlock Huawei Phones

How to Unlock ZTE Phones

How to Unlock Nokia Phones

Method 1 (with SIM):

Method 2 (without SIM, older models):

How to Unlock BlackBerry Phones

How to Unlock Pantech Phones

Method 1:

Method 2:

How to Unlock Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, Honor, and Other Android Brands

How to Unlock Sony and Other Brands

Troubleshooting: Unlock Code Problems and Fixes

"SIM network PIN blocked. Enter SIM network PUK"

"Phone freeze" or "Device is blocked"

The phone never asks for a code

The code looks like the wrong length

Worried about scams or fake unlocking sites?

Unlock services

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