reusing old phone galaxy J3 few questions

rightmove

Hi,

I have old phone (2016 ish) and will give this to young lad starting secondary school. Sim (vodafone) was reused in a newer phone so I am assuming I could probably just use a new sim. Just worried it might be locked to vodafone as I would like to use tesco/gomo/48 etc. Just asking if we have any blindspots i am missing. I presume because of its age it will be open to any new sim

rightmove

My partner and I are both on vodafone so not sure if that makes a difference

long_b

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058205878/reusing-old-phone-galaxy-j3-few-questions

The age of the phone won't affect the network lock, you'd have to request an unlock code from VF.

Seeing as you're both still with VF it shouldn't be an issue for them. I'm assuming it was bought on PAYG ?

Or you could try flashing an Eir firmware on it if all else fails.

rightmove

Hi

thanks for that. Yes it was bought as PAYG. Is there a way of finding out if its locked to vodafone. My wife moved the sim to a new phone (my old phone also VF) so would that not unlock her original phone? or is it a case the phone is locked to the network rather then the sim.

long_b

The latter.

Now that you mention it, the correct term is probably "network locked" as opposed to "SIM locked".

Try a SIM from another operator in it. If you can make a call then it's not locked. I'd imagine it will be though as it's a Samsung.

If it is do try to get the unlock code from Vodafone. You may even be able to request it via My Vodafone. If not then ring them and tell them you're going abroad and want to use a local sim in it. Shouldn't be an issue but it may take a few days to get the code.

Last option would be to buy an unlock code from eBay for it.

rightmove

Thanks long_b -> those suggestions are exactly what I was looking for