It is necessary to unlock the modem if you want to unlink it from working with the SIM card of one specific operator cellular communication. If you use mobile internet via a 3G/4G modem purchased from an operator, then sooner or later you will have to face a situation when, for objective reasons, you want to change it - for example, another one will have more favorable tariff. Or you will go to the country, and outside the city in your area it will be better to receive communication from another operator.
If you insert, for example, a SIM card from MTS into a modem purchased from Megafon, it will not work. To correct the situation, you need to unlock the Megafon modem, that is, unblock it from being tied to a specific cellular operator. There are several ways to unlock a Huawei modem - free and paid. In this article we will talk about free ones.
How to unlock an OLD Huawei modem?
If you have a relatively old model that you bought a couple of years ago, then you can unlock the modem using its IMEI - an individual number assigned at the manufacturer. It is easy to find under the cover of the device.
Also, IMEI is usually present on a sticker or label included in the box with the modem. Now using this number we can get the unlock code for our MegaFon modem, and we will get it using several programs from third-party developers.
Basically all “branded” modems with logos on them mobile companies, are actually produced by the Chinese company Huawei, so we will use utilities specifically for devices from this company.
Download the Huawei Modem program
Go to the website huawei.mobzon.ru and download one of the current ones on at the moment versions of the program for working with Huawei modems. Choose any assembly - they differ only in functionality, you can read in detail about each of them directly on our website.
She will replace standard program from the operator, which was installed when the modem was first connected to the computer. Since you already used it, it should have been installed, as well as the drivers for the modem. If you deleted them, you will need to install them again - to do this, insert the device into the computer and confirm the installation. Or manually run EXE file from the modem's internal flash memory.
Also, before downloading, make sure that your specific model is supported - the list will be at the bottom of the page. The model number of your modem is also usually indicated on the packaging or in the instructions.
So, if everything is fine, download and install the program, then insert the modem with the new SIM card into USB port PC and launch it.
A window should appear asking you to enter the unlock code.
In some modem models, the same window appears when using standard software from the operator.
Huawei Calculator program
Great! The first part of the epic is over, now we download another application called HuaweiCalculator. Unzip it on your computer and run it. In the first field we need to enter the IMEI we already know, and then generate several other ciphers by pressing the “CALC” button.
Of all of them, we will need NCK - this is the modem unlock code, which will need to be entered into that same window in the first program. In my version, this value is “34994905” - remember it.
Huawei Modem Terminal
It happens that when connected to USB, the window for entering the unlock code described in step 1 does not automatically open. Then you will have to download another program - Huawei Modem Terminal to communicate with the modem through service commands.
Open it and select here the item that says “HUAWEI Mobile Connect - 3G PC UI Interface” and press the “Connect” button.
After that, enter the “AT” command in the lower field in order to check the connection with the modem. If the outcome is successful, the following message should appear in the main window:
"Send: AT
Receive: OK"
If everything is “OK”, then this means that we can now control the modem using the so-called service AT commands.
There are actually a lot of them, but we need exactly those that are required to unlock the modem. Here they are (when writing commands, quotes “” are required!):
The modem displays the following results for the last request:
CARDLOCK: A,B,0
- A - “2” means that there is no symlock, “1” - if the modem is locked
- B — number of remaining unlock attempts.
- The new modem has 10 of them.
In our example, the modem is locked (1) and there are still 10 attempts left, that is, no one has tried to unlock it before. All that remains is to enter the code AT^CARDLOCK="nck code", where "nck code" is the value of the same NSK code that was obtained earlier in the Huawei Calculator program. For me it is equal to “34994905”.
2 way to unlock - for OLD and NEW modems
For those models that are not supported by the previous program, recently there is another one - Huawei Unlock Code Calculator. In addition to two unlock codes (V1 and V2), it also has a password for flashing the firmware.
- V1, or OLD Algo Unlock Code - unlock code for modems with old version firmware,
- V2, or NEW Algo Unlock Code - for modems with new firmware.
Let's try to use this utility with my modem - enter the IMEI and generate codes.
As you can see, the value “v1” coincides with what the previous program gave us - this is what we need to use, since the modem is old and the firmware on it is also old.
Method 3 - universal PAID
Finally, for the completely lazy who don’t want to bother with finding IMEI, determining the unlock code and other nonsense, there is one universal method, which is suitable for most modems. But you will have to pay a little for it - about 5 euros. But we will talk about it in. I also recommend reading the Huawei modem untethered from the operators.
Thank you! Didn't help
Sooner or later, you will encounter a situation where another operator better communication, better speed Internet, the tariffs are cheaper and you would like to switch to it, but the problem is that your modem does not work with another operator. If you insert a SIM card from Beeline into a modem from Megafon, it will not work. To correct this situation, you first need to unlock the modem. Many sites offer paid methods unlock, I'll show you a free way.
The easiest way to unlock a modem is by its IMEI. This option is suitable for many modems. We will assume that you have a Huawei modem. Basically, all modems from Beeline, MTS, Megafon are made by Huawei. Some modems from MTS are made by ZTE, but there are very few of them - this article will not talk about them. You can look at the modem model on the label; it will say something like HUAWEI Mobile Broadband modem 320S. Or maybe E173, E171. The IMEI will be written below on the modem.
First: find out the modem model and EMEI (they are written on the modem).
Then download Huawei Modem 3.5 (link below). This program will replace the program from your operator that you installed when you first connected the modem to your computer. By the way, if you haven't installed official program from the operator - be sure to install it, since drivers for your modem will be installed along with it.
Point by point:
Download Huawei Modem 3.5
Install the office. Program from modem
Install Huawei Modem 3.5
When you launch the installed Huawei Modem, the program will ask you to enter the unlock code. This is what we need to get.
Step two.
You need to download the Huawei Unlock Code Calculator program (link below). It is she who will give the unlock code. It is with the help of this program that supposedly paid unlocking is done on many forums.
After starting the program, you must enter the IMEI of your modem and then click the Calc button. Many numbers and letters will appear in different fields. We only need the v1 code field - this is the unlock code. You need to enter it in the unlock code field in Huawei Modem 3.5
Point by point:
Download Huawei Calculator
Enter your modem IMEI in the IMEI field.
Press Calc, then open Huawei Modem and in the unlock code entry window enter the code from the v1 code field
What to do if the modem unlock window does not appear.
The first thing is not to panic. To unlock the modem, you need to download the Huawei Modem Terminal program. If at the second point the code entry field appears, and you unblocked modem, you no longer need to do what is written here.
After you have opened the program Huawei Modem Terminal, select your modem, it will be called something like this: HUAWEI Mobile Connect - 3G and click the Connect button
Then enter the command below AT, to check connection with the modem. The modem should respond to this command: OK.
To unlock the modem, write in the console: AT^CARDLOCK=YOUR_V1_CODE and press Enter. If the modem answers OK, then everything is fine, you have successfully unlocked your modem completely free of charge! In another way, the code from field v1 is called NCK. This was the old version Huawei programs Unlocker, used in this article new option. So if you're looking NCK code, then the code from v1 is what you need.
If you have problems with unlocking, be sure to write in the comments.
What do you need to use a USB modem with a 3G or 4G connection? The device itself, a computer or laptop, a Megafon SIM card for a modem, a favorable tariff plan. The mobile operator offers to use the company's wireless modems, which provide high-quality high-speed access to the Internet within Megafon's coverage area.
The Megafon 3G/4G modem is equipped with a standard USB port for devices, and separate slots for installing a SIM card and microSD memory card. The developers have laid down software, allowing you to work with various operating systems. Megafon modems support SIM cards of various sizes - standard, nano and micro.
Pay attention! The cost of a SIM card in the operator’s salon is equal to the price of the connected tariff plan.
SIM installation process
How can a subscriber insert a SIM card into the modem? The wireless modem device has a removable cover that hides the USB connector - remove this element. The second cover covers the slot intended for installing a SIM card - insert the card with the beveled edge outward, the side with the module contacts should be at the bottom.
Methods for activating the subscriber identification module
A user of the Megafon operator's services can connect an operator's SIM card in several ways, including self-activation and through the use of the help of company specialists.
Operator salon
A subscriber using operator Megafon, can connect a SIM card by purchasing a standard SIM package through the customer service salon of a cellular operator or contact Megafon some time after purchasing the card - you must bring a passport confirming the subscriber's possession of this SIM. Having fulfilled the specified conditions, the subscriber service department specialist will launch the card.
USSD request
Self-start of SIM operation is carried out by sending a special USSD combination. Insert the existing module into the modem and send an activation request to the provider - *121*PUK1*SIM_number#. A PUK code is assigned to each SIM card - it is indicated on the plastic base under the protective layer where the SIM is attached upon purchase.
Connection via computer
Correctly place the operator card in the modem device, which is then installed in the USB port personal computer. The modem installation software will autostart and the user will receive further information. step by step instructions. At the end of the installation process, the modem device application icon will appear on the computer desktop.
By clicking on the program, the subscriber will be redirected to the company’s Internet resource, which registers the user online in the system - fill in the required information: password, SIM card number, personal data. After completing the procedure, you will become an official Megafon subscriber - device activation will be completed.
Pay attention! If the modem does not see the SIM installed, remove and reinsert the card. Is your device still not working? Visit the provider's salon for a consultation with a specialist.
Installing and activating SIM is not a complicated process - if the subscriber needs to use outside help You can also contact the operator’s salon consultant.
For many people, purchasing a 3G modem from MTS is the only option for fast and inexpensive Internet access. And it should be noted that this operator provides high speed access to Internet resources - this is evidenced by independent tests of large analytical companies.
When purchasing a modem, we receive not only a subscriber device, but also a SIM card with a specific tariff plan(usually this is). By installing the SIM card inside the modem, we can immediately access the Internet. Next, we just need to top up the account monthly (by phone number) - and we will always have access to the network at hand.
If you purchased an MTS modem and do not know how to configure it for full use, then you may be interested in another article located at the link above. Now let’s imagine a situation where another operator offers more favorable prices for Internet access. Or it turned out that the network access speed of another operator at a given point in the city is much higher. What to do?
A simple answer suggests itself - you need to install a SIM card from another operator in the modem. But when we turn on the modem, we will see that the modem is asking for an unlock code - this means that the MTS operator has locked the modem to work with its SIM cards. How to unlock an MTS 3G modem to work with SIM cards from another operator?
In order to unlock the MTS modem, you will have to use special programs. First of all, we will look at modems from Huawei, and then we will take on modems from the ZTE brand. Their unlocking procedures are different, but the result should be the same - both modems must accept the SIM card of the “foreign” operator.
Some modem models are unlocked directly at MTS offices. To do this, the subscriber signs a corresponding application indicating the IMEI of the device. Within a few days the operator will provide an unlock code.
Unlocking Huawei MTS modems
The easiest way to unlock an MTS modem from Huawei is to search for it universal firmware. It will not only replace the modem firmware, but also replace the built-in MTS connection universal program. Moreover, customized profiles may also appear here. If there are no configured profiles, it doesn’t matter - we’ll create a connection profile manually with the following parameters:
- Profile name – we indicate at our discretion, but it is better to enter the name of the operator;
- The dial-up number is *99# (for MTS, MegaFon, Beeline and Tele2 operators);
- Login – mts for the MTS operator, beeline for the Beeline operator. For Tele2 and MegaFon, the login remains empty;
- Password - mts for the MTS operator, beeline for the Beeline operator. For Tele2 and MegaFon, the password remains blank;
- Access point – internet.mts.ru for MTS, internet.beeline.ru for Beeline, internet for MegaFon, internet.tele2.ru for Tele2.
Everything is very simple and accessible.
If you don’t want to mess with firmware (as a result unsuccessful firmware you can get a “brick” - that’s what those affected by changing the device’s firmware call it), you should use online calculators that calculate the unlock code (NCK). There are also special programs on the network that calculate this very code. By the way, the calculation is tied to the IMEI of the modem - this number is indicated on the packaging and on the sticker (on back cover). We enter the IMEI into the calculator or into the program, enter the unlock code into MTS-Connect and enjoy the unlocked modem.
Do not try to enter numbers at random - after the tenth attempt, the modem will be blocked, as a result of which you will need to reset the built-in counter. If you are afraid to use software to get an unlock code, use free help on specialized forums.
Download alternative firmware For Huawei modems you can . The user can choose from several software assemblies, differing in support for certain models. Check the model of the unlockable modem, download the appropriate software and follow the attached instructions.
Unlocking ZTE MTS modems
How to unlock MTS modem from ZTE? We recommend using the DC-Unlocker program, which can unlock modems from the specified brand. In the program settings you can find the option to unlock modems from other brands.
Select the brand of your modem, click on the “Unlock” button - the program will do the rest itself. There are many other ways to unlock MTS modems - they can use various programs, utilities and online services. But if you are afraid to turn your modem into a “brick,” seek help from specialists.
USB modems of mobile operators provide access to 3G, 4G Internet using SIM cards with a tariff selected by the user. Customers often do not understand the operating principle of the device, how to insert a SIM card into an MTS modem, and whether a SIM card and a modem from different operators can be used together. We will answer these and other questions further.
Firms like LTE, Huawei, engaged in the production of mobile communications and components, upon request of operators they produce modems, the firmware of which is designed exclusively for the customer’s SIM card. Outwardly they look like ordinary flash drives with a logo mobile operator on the lid.
To open the modem, remove the cover. To do this, stretch it from the connector (what is inserted into the laptop) to the tail. Done, in front of you is a slot for an MTS SIM card (larger) and a slot for microSD. It’s intuitively clear how to insert a SIM card into an MTS modem.
Modem and SIM card from different operators
Externally and functionally resembling a flash drive, the device contains information in memory (automatically built-in software that requires the use of a SIM card of a specific operator). If you decide to go against the system and insert a Beeline or Megafon SIM card into the MTS modem, nothing will work, since the software will not be able to work correctly. It would be logical to think about changing the operator, but it’s too easy.
Reconfigure the modem to work with by different operators troublesome. “Unlock” it, i.e. There are several ways to replace a program located in the device’s memory that allows access to work with other operators:
- through a program that generates a special code to remove the lock. On the plus side: you don’t have to reflash the device; many similar programs are freely available. Of the minuses: despite the generated code, the result is not always achieved, and you have to reflash the device.
- flashing. Pros: the process is simple, effective, and takes up to 10 minutes. Of the minuses: if the procedure is carried out incorrectly, you will lose your modem.
To avoid unnecessary problems, carefully check whether the selected program or firmware archive is suitable for your modem model.
Use the following video material as a guide to action.
Settings
The developers took care of ordinary users modems, so data installation occurs automatically the first time you connect to a computer. Since the operating principle of the device resembles a flash drive, you should not simply pull it out of the connector (the original data may be damaged, which will affect the operation as a whole).
How the setup works
The completion of the installation of the main information package of the MTS Huawei E1550 modem is signaled by the appearance of a shortcut on the desktop. Click on it and see the menu.
- Go to Options.
- Select Manage Profile.
- Click New (to create a profile).
- The name of the network will be: MTS Internet.
- We drive in the Access Point: internet.mts.ru.
- Click Position: average.
- In the Name and Password lines, insert mts.
- Phone number: *99#.
- Filling out Statistics.
- We define the Network Type as WCDMA Only, All Bands, Registration Mode.
The modem is ready to use. Now, by clicking on the shortcut, you will automatically gain access to the Internet if you have a sufficient balance.
