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Google Pixel 3 – How to SIM Unlock For Any Carrier Usage

The Google Pixel 3 is an excellent smartphone, offering top-notch performance, an excellent camera, and the latest version of Android. However, Pixel 3 phones purchased from Verizon come SIM-locked to their network. Thankfully, with a few simple steps, you can SIM unlock your Pixel 3 to use it with any carrier you want.

Why Unlock Your Pixel 3

Here are some of the key benefits of unlocking your Pixel 3:

  • Use any carrier: You can use your unlocked Pixel 3 with any GSM or CDMA carrier worldwide. This gives you more flexibility and carrier options.
  • Better deals: You can take advantage of cheaper plans or deals from other carriers. No longer tied to Verizon plans.
  • Travel easily: When traveling internationally, you can simply use a local prepaid SIM card and avoid costly roaming fees.
  • Resell value: An unlocked phone has a higher resale value if you ever decide to sell it later.

Determine If Your Pixel 3 Is SIM Locked

Before unlocking, you’ll want to check if your Pixel 3 is actually SIM locked in the first place. Here’s a quick test:

  1. Insert a non-Verizon SIM card into your Pixel 3. This could be a friend’s SIM card from another carrier.
  2. Power on your phone. If you get an error message like “SIM not supported” or “Device locked”, then your Pixel 3 is still SIM locked.

If you don’t get any error messages, your Pixel 3 is likely already unlocked and ready to use on other carriers! No further steps needed in that case.

Unlock Through Verizon (Automatic After 60 Days)

If purchased through Verizon, they will automatically unlock it after 60 days of being activated on their network.

To check if it’s been unlocked:

  1. Login to your My Verizon account online
  2. Click on your Pixel 3 device details
  3. Check if the “Device Unlock Status” shows “Eligible”

If it shows eligible, your Pixel 3 is now unlocked! Simply insert another carrier’s SIM and it will work.

Unlock Through Third-Party Unlocking Service

If you need to use your Pixel 3 on another carrier before the 60 day period, you can use a third-party unlocking service. They can generate an unlock code to unlock your device remotely.

Some top recommended unlocking services include:

  • CellUnlocker.net: Reliable service with money-back guarantee. Unlocks remotely by code.
  • DoctorSIM: Veteran unlocking service operating since 2001. Also unlocks by code.

The process to unlock through them is simple:

  1. Select your phone model, carrier its locked to, and enter device IMEI number
  2. Checkout and make payment to get your unique unlock code
  3. Insert non-Verizon SIM card into your Pixel 3
  4. Input the unlock code provided

And that’s it! Your Pixel 3 is now unlocked and ready for any carrier, domestic or international.

Unlocking Permanently Removes SIM Lock

It’s important to note that unlocking your Pixel 3 using any method is permanent. Once unlocked, it stays unlocked even after factory resets.

You can freely switch between different SIM cards and use different carriers without it ever getting SIM locked again.

Using an Unlocked Pixel 3 on Other Carriers

Once successfully unlocked, you can immediately start using your Pixel 3 on another carrier by simply inserting their SIM card.

Here are some tips:

  • For full compatibility, use carriers that support both GSM and CDMA networks like AT&T or T-Mobile.
  • Contact carriers first to ensure they accept BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) phones like Pixel 3.
  • For prepaid carriers, you may need to first contact them for BYOD activation.
  • When traveling, get a prepaid international SIM card to avoid roaming fees.

And enjoy your newfound freedom and flexibility to use whatever carrier you want!

Troubleshooting Issues After Unlocking

In some rare cases, you may encounter issues after unlocking your Pixel 3:

SIM not supported error

If you get a “SIM card isn’t supported” error, try the following steps:

  1. Connect your phone to a WiFi network
  2. Check for any pending Android updates, install if available
  3. Dial ##72786## to reset your network settings
  4. Wait 2 minutes then re-insert the new SIM card

Can’t activate service error

If you get a “Can’t activate service” error from carriers, try factory resetting your device.

  1. Backup data from your Pixel 3
  2. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data
  3. Set up your phone again, insert new SIM when prompted

These steps should resolve most activation issues faced.

Conclusion

Unlocking your SIM locked Google Pixel 3 is easy to do through Verizon automatically after 60 days or using a third party unlocking service. Once unlocked, you can freely use your Pixel 3 with any carrier for ultimate flexibility.

Hope you found this guide helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments.

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