How to SIM unlock the Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge

You could argue that there were a handful of great Android smartphones introduced in 2015, but no one will dispute the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge were the best-selling Android devices of the year. Battery life and performance were a bit off the mark, but Samsung delivered an impressive design and managed to incorporate one of the best smartphone camera sensors at the time. Since the phones were quite expensive, most people purchased the devices through their service provider in an effort to cash in on a discounted price or split the phone’s high cost into manageable monthly payments. One of the downsides to buying the phone from a service provider is that the device is usually SIM unlocked and cannot be used with a SIM card from another service provider without an unlock code.

SIM unlocking the Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 edge if a fairly simple process. While the service providers are the ones who lock the phones in the first place, a few of them offer free SIM unlock codes – just as long as you meet a handful of their requirements. If you want an unlock code and don’t want to hassle getting one from your service provider, you can purchase an unlock code for your Samsung Galaxy S6 a third-party service like Android SIM Unlock for roughly $20.

To SIM unlock your Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 edge, follow the instructions below.

Free SIM unlock instructions

Free SIM unlock eligibility requirements

Most service providers will allow their customers to SIM unlock their phone for free, but they do have eligibility requirements which need to be met. Below is a list of eligibility requirements most service providers adhere to:

• Phone has been active on the account for 30-50 days
• Phone must be paid in full
• Phone must not be reported as stolen or lost
• Customer’s account must be in good standing

Since each service provider’s requirements are slightly different, we suggest checking with them to see if your Samsung Galaxy S6 qualifies for a free SIM unlock code. If you don’t meet your service provider’s eligibility requirements, you can still unlock your Samsung Galaxy S6 by using Android SIM Unlock or any other third-party SIM unlocking service.

SIM unlock instructions

1. Dial #06# from your phone to display the IMEI number
2. Request your free SIM unlock code from your service provider
   • AT&T: visit AT&T’s device unlock portal and complete the SIM unlock request form
   • Sprint: call Sprint customer service by dialing 1-866-866-7509 to request your code
   • T-Mobile: use the T-Mobile Device Unlock app to SIM unlock your device
   • Verizon: the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge are SIM unlocked
3. When you receive your SIM unlock code, remove your service provider’s SIM card and replace it with a non-supported SIM from another carrier
4. Follow the on-screen directions to enter your code to unlock your device

Paid SIM unlock instructions

Standard SIM unlock code

Buying a SIM unlock code from a third-party unlocking service is typically pretty easy. Follow the instructions below to SIM unlock your Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 edge and get it up and running on a different network in no time.

1. Dial #06# from your phone’s dialer app to show its IMEI number
2. Visit Android SIM Unlock, select your model number and current service provider
3. Enter your phone’s IMEI number, email address and payment information to complete your purchase
4. When the SIM unlock code is emailed to you, remove the SIM card from the phone and replace it with one from another carrier
5. Follow the on-screen directions to enter your code to unlock your device

Paid T-Mobile & MetroPCS SIM unlock code

T-Mobile and Metro PCS owners can SIM unlock their phones through third-party services, but they have to find one that works with the respective T-Mobile and Metro PCS Device Unlock apps. If you are using a T-Mobile or Metro PCS branded device, follow the instructions below to SIM unlock your device.

1. Dial #06# from your phone to display the IMEI number
2. Visit the T-Mobile Device Unlock or MetroPC Device Unlock page on Android SIM Unlock’s site
3. Insert your IMEI number, email address and select your payment method
4. Once the purchase is completed, your unlock confirmation will be emailed to you in 3-12 hours
5. After you have received the unlock confirmation, open the T-Mobile Device Unlock  or MetroPCS Device Unlock app on your phone
6. Tap Continue > Permanent Unlock
7. The unlock process will run and will reboot your phone once it completes

Congratulations, your Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 edge is now SIM unlocked and can be used on any GSM network around the globe!