Phone is SIM Network locked

[guy_sprung]

I just bought a plan, and inserted the SIM card. The phone is NOT locked according to Virgin (old provider). I'm prompted to "Enter Network Lock Control Key" to Unlock. IN the meantime, I'm not connected to the network. Is public mobile supposed to provide me with that Network Lock control key? I tried 1234 and 0000 and now I'm down to 8 tries left. 

[0PX9O4]

@guy_sprung 

That code (Also known as an MCK) is phone specific, and you should be able to get it from the manufacturer of the phone.

What kinda phone do you have?

And where did you buy it?

[BeachNBeer · Accepted solution]

@guy_sprung You should call old provider again (whoever you originally got the phone from) and ask for the unlock code as the message you're getting means the phone is locked to another provider still.

[z10user4]

If those are the exact words of the message then it sounds like a Samsung phone. Contact Samsung by chat and they can help you. It sounds a lot like a lock to me.

[guy_sprung]

Thank you- It was Virgin (in fact still have old SIM card) and they said the phone was unlocked. Or are you saying this is something other than a "locked phone"? 

[softech]

@guy_sprung 

This is asking for  carrier unlock code.  Sometimes the carrier thought it was already unlocked but it could be other reason it got locked again. (e.g Samsung phone was originally unlocked but it will lock to the first SIM inserted )

So, call them back and they should be gladly provide you the unlock code

[guy_sprung]

Thanks so that means I have to contact Samsung? 

[BeachNBeer]

@guy_sprung Samsung Canada live chat has been known to help provide unlock codes from time to time.

https://www.samsung.com/ca/support/#

[0PX9O4]

@guy_sprung 

Yes you definitely should contact Samsung. I don't think this is a regular network lock (NCK), but a master unlock (or MCK) that is needed. Only the manufacturer of a device can provide the MCK, whereas phone carriers usually provide the NCK.

TLDR: Contact Samsung

[guy_sprung]

Thank you, second call to Virgin did the trick!