One of the most frustrating aspects of owning a cell phone is that it’s locked into a particular carrier — if you buy an AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 20, it only works with AT&T, for example.
At least, that used to be the case. Thanks to a law passed back in 2015, it’s possible to unlock your phone and use it with any carrier, generally with one invisible notice— the phone needs to be completely paid for in order for your carrier to unlock it.
Today you’re going to learn exactly how to unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 in 2021.
In fact:
This is the same approach I used to unlock for all of Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Note 9, and Note 10 last year.
And it’s still WORKS!
Unlock It Now
Contents
Unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Fast and Easy with miliunlocks
Those payment plans are great, because they enable everybody a chance at the latest and greatest smartphone on the market; however, the “con” is that, for the life of that phone, it will be locked to whatever network you bought it from. And generally, there’s no escaping that, unless the carrier itself has mercy on you and gives you an unlock code.
But luckily, you don’t need to go around all of that red tape. Unlocking your phone is easy, and you’ll be able to freely use it on supported networks and carries by unlocking it.
Back when the smartphone wars began in the early 2000s, Apple came packing a lot of power with the iPhone, Google adopted a young, yet ambitious company that brought Android OS, and Samsung was still struggling to find develop its very own mobile operating system platform. However, with the release of the Galaxy series, the South-Korean tech company partnered up with Google to make Android OS the preferred choice. The Galaxy series of smartphones from Samsung, alongside the innovation that Google introduced with each iteration of the Android OS, has become iconic in the mobile market across the world.
The fact that the Galaxy series from Samsung offers top-notch specs with the latest innovation in mobile hardware, demands a high price too. The premium price tag is best reflected in the current generation Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Plus, which brings an evolved design style, state of the art processing power, and a full-view display that puts the competition to rest. Being an expensive piece of mobile technology to own, most of you would prefer to get the Galaxy Note 20 on a contract and pay a monthly fee that includes cost of the phone, along with the cellular services that you are being provided.
The most used approach is the different payment plans normally offered through some of the big carrier networks like Verizon, AT&T and the rest of that caliber.
The Shortcoming of These Payment Plans – Network Lock
Unfortunately, such carrier payment plans come with their own setbacks, with the main one being the network restriction. In such a case, you cannot use a SIM card from another carrier. For example, when you go out to purchase your Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and, say, you buy it from AT&T, you realize that the phone is locked strictly to the AT&T network and, therefore, cannot be used on a Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile or any other SIM card. When you insert a different SIM card, your phone gets disabled until you insert the right carrier SIM card.
Why You Should Unlock Your Samsung Galaxy Note 20?
Keep in mind that the Galaxy Note 20 is relatively new and you’re probably making monthly payments on it. Carriers will NOT unlock a phone unless it’s paid off or bought outright.
There are a lot of great reasons to unlock Galaxy Note 20. It’s generally not something that you need to do “just because”, but for some very real practical reasons.
- Unlocked Phones Let You Jump Carriers Quickly
Are you willing to port your number and bounce from carrier to carrier for the best deal? Nowadays, carriers are eschewing contracts for device payment plans. With an unlocked phone, you are beholden to no one. If you want to try MetroPCS, potentially give it up for Cricket, and then jump over to Verizon, the right unlocked phone will take you there with no lock-in and no additional purchases necessary.
For one, you might want to consider international travel. By using AT&T, Verizon, or any other carrier in the US, you can incur some very expensive international travel charges when it comes to your smartphone. International data, talk, and text can get very expensive; however, by having your Galaxy Note 20 unlocked, you can very easily swap in a SIM card from a local carrier in your destination country. This lets you pay normal prices for talk, text, data, and can potentially save you hundreds of dollars, if not thousands in charges. Roaming charges are no joke.
- Many Cheap Plans Use Unlocked Phones
All of the major carriers, and many of the cheaper virtual carriers, sell their own phones. But if you’re interested in saving money with some of the more obscure small carriers, you have to bring an unlocked phone. US Mobile, Ultra Mobile, Lyca Mobile, ROK Mobile, TPO, Krew Mobile, and others strongly suggest that you bring your own phone to their show. Other carriers, like senior-focused Consumer Cellular, don’t sell many flagship phones, but you can bring an unlocked device to them.
- Unlocked Phones Get More Upgrades and Are More Secure
As our software analyst Max Eddy found, carriers tend to delay updates to Android software, even security-critical updates. Although you’ll still be at the mercy of your phone’s manufacturer, buying your phone unlocked gives you the best chance of getting the latest, and safest, software updates.
- Unlocked Phones Remain Valuable Longer
If you intend to trade in or sell back an old phone for cash, unlocked phones tend to maintain their value better. We’d expect an unlocked phone to sell for $50–75 more than a carrier locked unit.
It’s also worth considering that military members go to some pretty obscure places, places where AT&T, Verizon, and others might not be able to obtain good coverage. By unlock Galaxy Note 20, you can very easily use SIM cards from carriers in those countries, and still stay in contact with your loved ones back home.
There’s also the fact that you might use your Galaxy Note 20 for business. Your employer might have an agreement with a carrier that you’re not already on, and will want you to use the SIM card for your network. With your Galaxy Note 20 unlocked, you’ll be able to swap out your SIMs (or use multiple) as necessary.
Why You Shouldn’t Unlock your Note 20 by Unlock Code
Unlock code will only work with the phone asking for a network lock code such as AT&T. For many people who owned T-Mobile, Sprint, or Verizon, it has a different lock algorithm on it. We will explain that later on how to unlock each of these specific carrier below.
You also might be familiar with the situation of buying unlock codes and when you put the code in, the phone doesn’t accept the code.
And if you order unlock codes before, you know that it will take 1-7 days to get the code and that doesn’t guarantee the phone will be unlocked.
How about the phone having T-mobile Device Unlock App? Or Sprint phone show “Invalid SIM Card”? Those carrier cannot unlock just by ordering unlock codes.
So how do you unlock Galaxy Note 20? Well, it’s easy!
SECTION 1:
How To Unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 AT&T
In this section we’ll cover how to unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 AT&T.
This also applied for all carrier that asking for unlock code.
For example: Cricket, Xfinity, Spectrum.
How to SIM Unlock the Galaxy Note 20 ATT
To start, we’ll go over the initial instructions for those that already have a SIM unlock code.
You can request unlock code directly from AT&T.
If you already have a code, here’s how to unlock your phone. Just follow the easy steps below and you’ll be done in minutes.
Instructions
- Remove SIM card tray (near the top of the phone) and insert a SIM card from a different carrier (put a T-Mobile SIM into an AT&T device, etc)
- Reboot your phone
- In the pop-up box asking for your code, enter the provided SIM unlock code, then click Unlock
When you start a phone with a SIM card from an unsupported carrier you’ll see something like our image below. This pops up because the phone recognizes you’re using a T-Mobile SIM in an AT&T phone, or similar. This window looks the same on the Galaxy Note 20.
Once you enter the code and tap on unlock, everything will happen automatically.
- Next, the phone will say Network successfully unlocked
- Once successful, you’re free to use the Galaxy Note 20 on any compatible GSM network.
The entire process would take from 1-3 business days for you to get the unlock code from AT&T. You can do this right at home. That said, the hardest part of this process is getting the unlock code depends on the condition of your plans, which is what we’ll explain next.
Direct Unlock Galaxy Note 20 ATT Remotely via USB CABLE
Considering the Galaxy Note 20 is still fairly new, you’ll likely need to buy an unlock code. That’s because carriers won’t give you a free code anytime soon. If you have the phone under payments or outstanding bills, you will not be able to receive the code directly from AT&T.
However, direct USB Unlock is the fastest and easiest route. If the phone was a gift, bought used online, or doesn’t meet carrier requirements you can STILL unlock it. By unlocking with this method, you don’t event need any code to put it in. Follow their steps to unlock as described below.
Instructions
- Go to miliunlocks.com and start a LIVE CHAT with our support. (If you dont see the live chat widgets, please disable Adblock and refresh the page again).
- Fast Internet connection required, Windows PC and an USB-C data cable.
- Follow technician instructions to download USB Remote client and connect the phone remotely via USB CABLE.
- Go to Settings -> About phone -> System Information. Tap 7 times on “Build number” to enable “Developer options”
- Go back to Settings -> Developer options and enable “USB debugging”.
- Dial *#0808# on the phone, select DM+MODEM+ADB.
- Once connection established, it will take around 5-10 minutes to unlock the phone.
- Remove SIM card tray and insert a SIM card from a different carrier (put a T-Mobile SIM into an AT&T device, etc)
- Reboot your phone
- That’s it! Your phone is unlocked. No need for any code.
Unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 AT&T
SECTION 2:
How To Unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 T-Mobile?
In this section we’ll cover how to unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 T-Mobile.
This also applied for Metropcs – since it is a part of T-Mobile network.
How to SIM Unlock the Galaxy Note 20 Tmobile
T-Mobile makes this entire process even easier, and they provide an app that does everything for you. As long as you qualify, the T-Mobile Unlock App will do all the work. Again, you can’t have a balance on the phone, be active for over 60 days on T-Mobile, and it can’t be reported lost or stolen. If you have any late fees on your account, this won’t work. If you’re eligible, start the unlock process.
- Find and open the T-Mobile Device Unlock App on your Galaxy Note 20 (or download it)
- If you pass all requirements hit Continue, then select Permanent Unlock
- The phone will unlock itself and reboot
Basically, T-Mobile’s app finds your IMEI for you, makes sure your account and device are eligible, then proceed. As long as you qualify, you’ll be done in a matter of minutes. Otherwise, the app will let you know the device isn’t eligible for an unlock.
If you are not eligible, no worry, we have another paid method with hassle-free and it’s done in under 10 minutes. Direct USB Unlock is the fastest and easiest route. If the phone was a gift, bought used online, or doesn’t meet carrier requirements you can STILL unlock it. Follow their steps to get phone unlock as described below.
Direct Unlock Galaxy Note 20 T-mobile Remotely via USB CABLE
Instructions
- Go to miliunlocks.com and start a LIVE CHAT with our support.
- (If you dont see the live chat widgets, please disable Adblock and refresh the page again)
- Fast Internet connection required, Windows PC and original USB-C data cable.
- Follow technician instructions to connect the phone remotely via USB CABLE.
- Go to Settings -> About phone -> System Information. Tap 7 times on “Build number” to enable “Developer options”
- Go back to Settings -> Developer options and enable “USB debugging”.
- Once connection established, it will take around 5-10 minutes to get the phone direct unlock.
- Remove SIM card tray and insert a SIM card from a different carrier (put a T-Mobile SIM into an AT&T device, etc)
- Reboot your phone
- When phone start up, the device is ready to go!
Unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 T-Mobile
SECTION 3:
How To Unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Sprint?
In this section we’ll cover how to unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Sprint.
This also applied for Boost Mobile- since it is a part of Sprint network.
How to SIM Unlock the Galaxy Note 20 Sprint
If you have bought your Galaxy Note 20 from Sprint on contract or bought your device through a third-party store, and somehow you realize that you aren’t able to activate your SIM with another carrier no matter how you try (phones showed “Invalid SIM Card”) – this means your phone is locked, and you can only use your phone with the same carrier (Sprint only.)
If you wish to possess an unlocked version of your Galaxy Note 20 phone, the best option is to carrier unlock it. You can choose to skip dealing with Sprint and get a professional and guaranteed service to unlock your Samsung Galaxy Note 20 phone. This is the method most owners will take. If your phone doesn’t meet the carrier criteria for unlocking, or it was a gift, or you bought it online or just need to change carrier for better advantages, then what you need is an expert in the field.
Unfortunately as for Sprint devices there is no unlock code to be inserted. Furthermore with the new security update from Samsung with Android 10 it’s even harder to unlock the phone. Luckily, We at miliunlocks, has the exclusive service to unlock your Sprint Galaxy phone so easily.
The whole process is pretty simple and easy to follow. USB Direct Unlock is the fastest and guarantee way that your device will get permanent unlocked with no modification, KNOX warranty will not tripped and the phone still keep the same IMEI numbers. Note that this service can unlock the phone no matter what status of the phone is (under contract, unpaid bills, etc). If the phone is blacklisted then after unlock can only use overseas.
Please keep in mind that after unlocking the phone will work with GSM networks carrier only.
Direct Unlock Galaxy Note 20 SPRINT Remotely via USB CABLE
Instructions
- Go to miliunlocks.com and start a LIVE CHAT with our support.
- (If you dont see the live chat widgets, please disable Adblock and refresh the page again).
- Fast Internet connection required, Windows PC and original USB-C data cable.
- Follow technician instructions to connect the phone remotely via USB CABLE.
- Go to Settings -> About phone -> System Information. Tap 7 times on “Build number” to enable “Developer options”.
- Go back to Settings -> Developer options and enable “USB debugging”.
- Once connection established, it will take around 5-15 minutes to get partition data of the phone contains unlock information and unlocking the phone.
- Remove SIM card tray and insert a SIM card from a different carrier(put a T-Mobile SIM into an AT&T device, etc)
- Reboot your phone
- When phone start up, the device is unlocked and ready to go!
Unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Sprint
SECTION 4:
How To Unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Verizon?
In this section we’ll cover how to unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Verizon.
By new laws passed in 2019, Verizon has stopped automatically unlock the phone. If you wish to possess an unlocked version of your Galaxy Note 20 phone, the best option is to carrier unlock it.
How to SIM Unlock the Galaxy Note 20 Verizon
Verizon Wireless begin locking the phones it sells to customers, a move that will prevent the phones from being activated on any other carrier’s network. But Verizon says it is taking this measure to deter theft that occurs before customers purchase phones, and that Verizon will unlock the phones for customers after they’re purchased.
What isn’t clear is how long customers will have to wait before the phones are unlocked, and exactly what steps customer will have to take to do the unlocking. Verizon says its stores have been victimized by increasingly frequent armed robberies.
Starting from S9, Verizon has stopped automatically unlock the phone. If you wish to possess an unlocked version of your Galaxy Note 20 phone, the best option is to carrier unlock it. You can choose to skip dealing with Verizon and get a professional and guaranteed service to unlock your Samsung Galaxy Note 20. If your phone doesn’t meet the carrier criteria for unlocking, or it was a gift, or you bought it online or just need to change carrier for better advantages, then what you need is an expert in the field.
Same as Sprint devices there is no unlock code to be inserted as for Verizon. Furthermore with the new security update from Samsung with Android 10, it’s even harder to unlock the phone. Luckily, We at miliunlocks, has the exclusive service to unlock your Verizon Galaxy phone easily.
The whole process is pretty simple and easy to follow. USB Direct Unlock is the fastest and guarantee way that your device will get permanent unlocked. Firmware stay untouched, all done on Stock, KNOX warranty will not tripped and the phone still keep the same IMEI numbers. Note that this service can unlock the phone no matter what status of the phone is (under contract, unpaid bills, etc). If the phone is blacklisted then after unlock can only use overseas.
Please keep in mind that after unlock the phone will work with GSM only. Starting from 2020 Verizon will also transition away from CDMA networks.
Direct Unlock Galaxy Note 20 Verizon Remotely via USB CABLE
Instructions
- Go to miliunlocks.com and start a LIVE CHAT with our support.
- (If you dont see the live chat widgets, please disable Adblock and refresh the page again).
- Fast Internet connection required, Windows PC and original USB-C data cable.
- Follow technician instructions to connect the phone remotely via USB Cable.
- Go to Settings -> About phone -> System Information. Tap 7 times on “Build number” to enable “Developer options”.
- Go back to Settings -> Developer options and enable “USB debugging”.
- Once connection established, it will take around 5-15 minutes to get partition data of the phone contains unlock information.
- Remove SIM card tray and insert a SIM card from a different carrier (put a T-Mobile SIM into an AT&T device, etc)
- Reboot your phone
- When phone start up, the device is unlocked and ready to go!
Unlock Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Verizon
Conclusion
Unlocking a Phone Is Possible
Don’t be worried about the carrier being suspicious of you. Getting a phone unlocked is a perfectly legal action done every day. As long as you’re the actual owner of the phone, you’ll have nothing to worry about. However, we can’t say the process will be a painless breeze.
Some people are not really tech-savvy so getting phones unlocked for them usually takes a long time and intentionally complicated. Just don’t sweat the little things, and make sure you take the process one step at a time. You’ll get there with your beloved phone still in your hands.
You’ll still get software and security updates if you unlock the Galaxy Note 20. All this process does is allow it to work on other carriers.