Recommended unlock service: Unlock Authority
There are plenty of reason why someone would want to unlock their Galaxy S6. If you're headed overseas and want to use a local carrier, you'll want to unlock your phone, so a SIM card from another company will be compatible. Another reason would be if you're wanting to switch carriers. If you're going from AT&T to T-Mobile, you'll usually need to get your phone unlocked.
Look at this picture of Boss Nass lol. If Boss Nass bought a phone in Otoh Gunga and wanted to get service through a provider based in Theed, he wouldn't need to use the force to get it unlocked! There are other ways to go about this.
If you're buying a phone, you'll have the option of buying one that comes unlocked. If you already have one, there is the option to get it unlocked through your carrier, or getting it IMEI unlocked using an online service.
Let's go through the different models of Galaxy S6's and talk about your options, when it comes to unlocking them.
|
GSM Versions |
||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The GSM versions of the Galaxy S6 will support the following bands
|
SM-G920A (AT&T)
The SM-G920A version of the Galaxy S6 is what you will receive if you have purchased your device through AT&T. This phone can be unlocked by contacting AT&T customer service and requesting them to unlock it. Most of the time your account will have to be in good standing to have this done.
Once unlocked, this phone will be compatible with other GSM networks like T-Mobile and overseas carriers.
SM-G920F (Global)
The SM-G920F comes unlocked, out of the box.
This phone can be used on any GSM networks like AT&T, T-Mobile and overseas carriers.
SM-G920T (T-Mobile)
The SM-G920T version of the Galaxy S6 is sold through T-Mobile. You'll be able to unlock this phone by contacting their customer support and requesting an unlock.
Once unlocked, this phone will be compatible with other GSM networks like AT&T and overseas carriers.
|
CDMA Versions |
||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The CDMA Versions of the Galaxy S6 will support the following bands
|
SM-G920P (Sprint)
The SM-G920P version of the Galaxy S6 is sold through the Sprint carrier. Unlock this device by calling the Sprint customer support. I know that can be annoying, so buy some hot pockets so you don't get hungry while on hold.
Once unlocked, this phone will be compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon and US Cellular, and some GSM networks. The Compatibility with GSM depends on the type of coverage in your area. Not all GSM bands are supported.
SM-G920V (Verizon)
The SM-G920V is sold through Verizon and is unlocked.
This phone will be compatible with CDMA networks like Sprint and US Cellular, and some GSM networks. The Compatibility with GSM depends on the type of coverage in your area. Not all GSM bands are supported.
SM-G920R (US Cellular)
The SM-G920R version of the Galaxy S6 is sold through US Cellular. Unlock this device by contacting customer support.
Once unlocked, this phone will be compatible with CDMA networks like Sprint and Verizon, and some GSM networks. The Compatibility with GSM depends on the type of coverage in your area. Not all GSM bands are supported.
Getting your phone unlocked through your carrier is free, but it usually take a few days for you to get an unlock code. This method also only works if you have an open account with that company.
Lets say you purchased a phone online and it's locked to a network. You want to get it unlocked and use it on a different network. In this case, there is the IMEI unlock method.
IMEI Unlock
If you search "Unlock Galaxy S6" on google, you'll find many results linking to websites that offer a paid service. They promise you an unlock code for around $20. These type of websites come and go so often, that it's hard to say which ones actually work. To find out, check with your local XDA forum to see what other uses have had success with.
Do not take any chance with this method. Many of these websites simply don't work, so be sure to do your research first.
