Locked/Unlocked?

[jimd1050]

May seem like a stupid question after all these years of having a cell phone, but what's the difference between locked and unlocked? Specifically, I just bought a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and put it on my existing AT&T Plan in place of my Note 5. They pulled the SIM Card out of the Note 5 and put it in the Note 7, then handed the Note 5 back to me. Is the Note 5 still locked or is it unlocked? I neglected to ask them at the time as I was too excited about the new Note 7! I'd like to put the Note 5 on the market but it's nice to know, for advertising purposes and pricing, whether it's unlocked or not. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can weigh in with!

 

[anon(632115)]

When a device is sim unlocked, any carriers sim can be used. When locked the sim can be used in that carriers devices only. As both your devices are AT&T the sim is interchangeable. You can ask for a code to unlock your device

 

[jimd1050]

When a device is sim unlocked, any carriers sim can be used. When locked the sim can be used in that carriers devices only. As both your devices are AT&T the sim is interchangeable. You can ask for a code to unlock your device

Would I have to have a SIM in it though Pugs to use a code? or just give the code to a potential buyer? Thank you...

 

[hallux]

Here's how to get the code: https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...Fwww.att.com%2Fdeviceunlock%2F&token=aJnJACUR
Here's how to use it: https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...viceUnlockCodeInstructions.pdf&token=yd1KeKR2

 

[jimd1050]

Here's how to get the code: https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...Fwww.att.com%2Fdeviceunlock%2F&token=a4VEuB2o
Here's how to use it: https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...viceUnlockCodeInstructions.pdf&token=_TYxM__s

Thank you hallux - I'll have to call them or stop by. When I got to the Samsung section, my Note 5 wasn't even listed there. I've already "Factory Reset" it to wipe all my old data - all I'd like to do is unlock it so it's more desirable on the market. Thanks for your help - that second link is really great!

 

[belodion]

Locked phones can be an infernal nuisance if you buy one, the previous owner of which has not requested the carrier to unlock it first. It may prove difficult or impossible for the buyer to persuade the carrier to unlock it. So what you are doing is commendable.