What is a Phone?
A mobile phone is a portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a radio frequency link while the user moves within a telephone service area, as opposed to a fixed-location phone.
How To Activate a Phone when Locked
1. INSERT THE SIM CARD
Start by inserting the SIM card into your phone. The SIM card slot is typically located on the side of the device. Refer to your phone’s manual for specific instructions on how to insert the SIM card.
Generally, you need a SIM eject tool or a paper clip to extract the SIM tray. Every SIM tray has a tiny hole, and the SIM eject tool goes into that hole. You have to insert the pin inside the hole and press firmly until the tray pops open. Pull out the tray, put the SIM card of your desired carrier on the tray, and insert the tray back into the jacket.
2. POWER ON YOUR DEVICE
Once the SIM card is in place, power on your phone. Every phone has a power button located somewhere on the body. Some smartphones have their power button on top, like the iPhone SE (1st gen) and earlier models, while others have it on either side, as the Galaxy Note 20 unlocked.
To power on/off any device, you need to hold down the power button for a few seconds. When your device turns on, the screen will light up.
3. FOLLOW THE ON-SCREEN PROMPTS
Once your smartphone is turned on, follow the on-screen prompts to set up your phone. This may include connecting to a Wi-Fi network, setting up an Apple/Samsung/Google account, and configuring your phone’s settings.
If you’re wondering how to set up a new Android, watch this video for a step-by-step guide.
If you have an iPhone, watch this video to set up and activate a new iPhone.
4. ENTER THE SIM NETWORK UNLOCK PIN
If you see a message on your phone requesting a SIM Network Unlock PIN, it means your device is locked to a specific carrier and cannot be used with other carriers until it is unlocked.
The SIM Network Unlock PIN is a code provided by your carrier that unlocks the phone and allows you to use it with other carriers. If you do not have a PIN, you need to contact your carrier and request it. Some carriers may require you to meet certain requirements before providing the code, such as being the original owner of the phone and having paid off any outstanding balances on your account.
Once you have the code, you can enter it on your phone when you see the message requesting the SIM Network Unlock PIN. If the code is correct, your phone will unlock, and you will be able to use it with other carriers.
This works with both Android and iPhone. So, if you have an iPhone 12 Pro Max unlocked or a Samsung Galaxy A32 unlocked, you can follow these steps to activate your unlocked phone.
Here’s a step-by-step video on How to Unlock the Samsung Galaxy Device.
Can you unlock a phone that is locked?
Most do it through an unlock request form on their website, where you will be asked to input the phone’s IMEI number and a few other details. Then, the carrier will unlock the phone for you. These are examples of how to unlock a phone with T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.