Enter SIM ME LOCK[SP]

bplanoyes74

I am trying to unlock my mobile phone (3V 5099Y) - I was with Tesco Mobile and have now gone to giffgaff.
I received a 16 digit unlock code from Tesco (had to provide Phone IMEI) but doesn't seem to work.
I was then told by Tesco mobile customer service REP that I must not insert any o2 sim such as Tesco mobile, giffgaff or o2 when adding the unlock code, so I have now inserted an EE sim card. Once again, it does not work.

Just a little concerned as I only have 5 attempts left from 10. Contacted Alcatel and awaiting response but I believe the issue is with Tesco mobile to help resolve.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

endorphin

bplanoyes74 is the EE SIM you're trying to use activated? If so try using an activated Vodafone or Three SIM instead.

Otherwise you need to complain to Tesco Mobile that the unlock code isn't working. They're usually quite helpful.

netfax

bplanoyes74 Hi there. That's right... giffgaff SIM cards will only work in unlocked phones, or phones locked to the O2 network (as giffgaff runs on the O2 network). If your phone is requesting a service provider (SP) code when your giffgaff SIM card is inserted, this would suggest that your phone is locked to Tesco mobile (I'm pretty sure Tesco double-lock their phones).

I think that you'll have to contact Tesco mobile again if you're having trouble unlocking your phone with the code they provided.

Many thanks.

richybhoy36

bplanoyes74 Hi for an unlock NUC try EBay as they're overtly reasonable £5ish .

davesw47

davesw47 https://www.tescomobile.com/help-and-support/pay-monthly/manage-your-account/unlock-your-tesco-mobile-phone

davesw47

davesw47 try link above

bplanoyes74

Thanks. Spoke to Tesco again and they have escalated the issue. Should get a response within 20 days. Fortunately, I have another phone to use in the meantime.

bplanoyes74

Thanks Netfax. Just checked the EE sim card and itworks fine. Did not need activating. The only thing that confused me is that I thought Tesco mobile operate on o2 network. So expected my giffgaff sIM to work.

alexmgg2

bplanoyes74 The only thing that confused me is that I thought Tesco mobile operate on o2 network. So expected my giffgaff sIM to work.

It's true that Tesco Mobile is carried on the O2 network, but they double lock their phones specifically to Tesco, so no other O2 based SIMs will work.

HTH

bplanoyes74

@alexmgg2 Thanks. Makes sense now. Will wait for Tesco's reply.

bplanoyes74

Issue now resolved. Tesco gave me 5 codes to try. Fnal code on the list provided had worked fortunately as I had only one further attempt thereafter. Thanks for all your help.