How Do I Unlock My Samsung Galaxy Before Selling It?
If you’re planning to sell your Samsung Galaxy phone, unlocking it first is one of the most important steps. An unlocked phone can be used on any UK network, which makes it more valuable and much easier to resell.
Thankfully, unlocking a Samsung Galaxy is usually straightforward — and in many cases, your phone may already be unlocked without you realising.
What Does “Unlocked” Mean?
A Samsung Galaxy phone is considered unlocked when it isn’t tied to a specific mobile network. This means the next owner can insert a SIM from any UK provider and use the phone without restrictions.
Unlocked phones typically:
- sell for a higher price
- appeal to more buyers
- work immediately on any network
How to Check If Your Samsung Galaxy Is Unlocked
The quickest way to check is by inserting a SIM card from a different network.
Steps:
- turn off your phone
- insert a SIM from another UK network
- turn the phone back on
If the phone connects to the network and allows calls or data, it’s already unlocked. If you see a message asking for an unlock code, the phone is locked.
Unlocking Your Samsung Galaxy Through Your Network
In the UK, most networks are required to unlock phones for free once any contract has ended.
You’ll usually need:
- the phone’s IMEI number
- your account details (if still available)
You can find the IMEI by dialling *#06# on your phone.
Once requested, networks typically provide an unlock code within a few days. Entering this code permanently unlocks the device.
Unlocking Without the Original Network
If you no longer have access to the original network account, third-party unlocking services are available online. These services usually charge a small fee and require the IMEI number.
Always use a reputable provider and avoid services that promise instant unlocking without any details.
Remove Google Account Locks Before Selling
Unlocking the network isn’t the only step. Samsung phones also use Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which locks the device to your Google account.
Before selling, make sure you:
- sign out of your Google account
- disable any screen locks
- factory reset the phone
This ensures the phone can be set up by the next owner without issues.
How to Factory Reset Your Samsung Galaxy
Steps:
- go to Settings
- tap General management
- select Reset
- choose Factory data reset
Make sure all accounts are removed before resetting.
Do I Have to Unlock My Phone Before Selling?
While some platforms accept locked phones, unlocking your Samsung Galaxy usually results in:
- a higher valuation
- a smoother inspection process
- faster resale
If unlocking isn’t possible, be honest about the phone’s status when selling to avoid price adjustments.
Selling Your Samsung Galaxy After Unlocking
Once your phone is unlocked, reset and ready to go, you can sell it quickly online. Using a specialist trade-in service avoids private listings and negotiations.
You can check your valuation and sell your Samsung Galaxy phone through Envirofone’s Samsung trade-in service, which offers instant quotes, free postage and cash payments — even for well-used or damaged devices.
Unlocking your phone before selling is a small step that can make a noticeable difference to the final price.
