I have to unlock every time I switch on

[Inchiquin]

I have an Alcatel 4010X which I bought to replace a Nokia 4310. Both were registered to the Virgin network and I used the same SIM on both. However, I didn't like Virgin's data charging model so I reverted to using the Nokia. Last year I bought an O2 SIM and got an unlock code from Virgin (actually two 8-digit codes which were both needed). I unlocked the phone successfully and started using the O2 SIM but then inadvertently allowed it to lapse and deactivate after not using it for a long time. I continued using the Virgin SIM on the Nokia.

I have now bought a new SIM from 1p Mobile which works but I need to unlock the phone every time I switch it on (using Virgin's Code 2 but not Code 1). Why is this happening? Surely the phone was unlocked from Virgin last year so how has it apparently re-locked itself?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Can you clarify which phone you're referring to -- the Alcatel or the Nokia? The Nokia is a featurephone, not an Android phone, and the Alcatel is quite ancient (7 years old, presumably still running Gingerbread).

Some carrier SIMs will lock a phone to their network. Have you spoken to Virgin about this?

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[Inchiquin]

Welcome to Android Central! Can you clarify which phone you're referring to -- the Alcatel or the Nokia? The Nokia is a featurephone, not an Android phone, and the Alcatel is quite ancient (7 years old, presumably still running Gingerbread).

Some carrier SIMs will lock a phone to their network. Have you spoken to Virgin about this?

Yes, it's the Alcatel that is the problem. And yes, it's running Gingerbread. Is this a significant disadvantage? I've never really needed a smartphone before since the Nokia was perfectly good enough for calls and texts which was all I wanted. Would Gingerbread be a problem if I want to install some more modern apps, for example?

I haven't asked Virgin because I assumed that as they gave me unlock codes that would be the end of it. I'll see if I can get a response from them but technically I'm no longer a Virgin customer so I'm not sure whether they will be willing to help. I can at least use the phone but it does mean I have to remember an 8-digit number every time.

Alan

 

[B. Diddy]

Yes, a phone stuck on an ancient OS version like Gingerbread will be severely limited. Many apps these days won't be able to run on it, and in fact a lot of Google's own services won't be compatible any more. More importantly, there are a number of unpatched security flaws. I would strongly recommend against using the phone.

 

[Inchiquin]

Yes, a phone stuck on an ancient OS version like Gingerbread will be severely limited. Many apps these days won't be able to run on it, and in fact a lot of Google's own services won't be compatible any more. More importantly, there are a number of unpatched security flaws. I would strongly recommend against using the phone.

Many thanks, that's very useful. Buying a new phone will solve my unlock problem as well.

Alan

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

I would also recommend a new phone. Make sure it is on at least Android Pie if it is a budget phone but for £349 from Argos you can get a pixel 4a which is on the latest version of Android and will get updates for the next 3 years. Also it is plain Android with no frills and the camera is amazing.