Unsuccessful network unlock code

[aidangardham]

Hi,

I have a Galaxy A20e which is locked to EE.

I got the IMEI numbers (1 for each SIM slot) using *#06* on the phone.

I've used the page here to enter my IMEI (the one for SIM slot 1, the other said it wasn't valid).

The next page confirmed the phone model & that it is locked to EE.

The next page said 'here's your unlock code' and displayed a blank box. I clicked on the 'email it to me' button & got an e-mail titled 'Your EE Device Unlock Code' with the IMEI I entered & a 16 digit unlock code.

I start the phone up with an O2 SIM and it displays:

'Network lock. Enter network unlock code. Your phone isn't allowed to use this SIM card'

I entered the 16 digit unlock code from the e-mail & it says 'Incorrect network unlock code entered'.

So I've double checked the IMEI number, generated the unlock code again, which was exactly the same. Entered it a second time very slowly & carefully but with the same result. I don't want to try it a 3rd time in case it locks me out completely.

What am I doing wrong please ?

[Ali_A]

Hi @aidangardham 

Welcome to the Community. 

Firstly, you've done the right thing by not trying multiple times, as you're correct this could permanently lock your device. 

Usually you'd only enter the last 8 numbers (from the 16 digit number provided).

Once you get past that screen it may ask for a second code you enter the first 8 numbers (from the 16 digit number).

The best option at this stage is to contact Customer Service where a guide will be able to raise a ticket for the unlocking team to manually verify the code and if needed generate a new code. 

Please keep us updated with how you get on. 

Ali

[aidangardham]

Well EE customer service have tried, but so far unsuccessfully. They need an EE account which is one obstacle, but did suggest trying the last 8 digits of the network unlock code. This didn't work either.

Apparently, they've filled in a form for an unlock code not working & I'm waiting to hear back from them....via my Mum who has an EE account (and doesn't do texts or e-mails). What could possibly go wrong ?

[aidangardham]

Aha, I have it unlocked.

After trying the last 8 digits unsuccessfully as suggested by EE, it then said it was locked out & requested a different lock code (MCK ?) I put the last 8 digits in again, which worked for that bit. Then on a hunch, tried the first 8 digits next when it asked again for the network unlock code.

Should I have just used the first 8 digits straight away, or did I need to get it wrong first so I could go through the extra step with the last 8 digits to un-do the extra lock ?

All very confusing, and no information or guide provided by EE (although they do have a dead link that gives a blank page where it looks like they're going to give info on what to do with the code). Thank heavens for forums like this !!!

[Ali_A]

@aidangardham 

Thanks for keeping us updated with this! 

It seems you had to get it incorrect to be able to then use the first 8 digits. 

I'm glad we were able to help you with this and your device is fully unlocked. 

Ali