What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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First identify which lock is stopping you: a forgotten screen PIN, pattern, or password is different from a carrier SIM lock that prevents the phone from using another provider. A forgotten Pixel screen credential requires erasing the phone before setting a new lock; a carrier SIM lock must be handled by the carrier or seller that controls it.
Identify which kind of lock you have
- The phone rejects your PIN, pattern, or password: this is a screen lock. On Pixel phones, Google’s recovery instructions require erasing the device before setting a new screen lock.
- The phone opens, but another carrier’s SIM does not work: this may be a carrier SIM lock. Contact the seller or carrier that locked the phone and ask about its eligibility rules and unlock process.
- The phone asks for a SIM PIN: that code protects the SIM card itself. It is not the phone’s screen lock or a carrier SIM lock; contact the mobile provider for help with the SIM PIN.
If you forgot the screen PIN, pattern, or password
For a Pixel, Google’s stated recovery route is to erase the phone and set it up again, not bypass the lock without data loss. Erasing removes data stored on the device. Before proceeding, check whether your important information is backed up and make sure you can sign in to the Google Account associated with the phone. Google says it does not store or have access to your Android screen PIN, pattern, or password (Google’s Android screen-lock guidance).
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Option 1: Erase a Pixel remotely
Google’s remote-erase option is available only if the phone meets the requirements: it is powered on and online, signed in to a Google Account, has Find Hub enabled, and is visible on Google Play. If those conditions are not met, remote erase may not be available. Follow the current instructions in Google’s Pixel recovery help.
Option 2: Erase a Pixel with its buttons
Google also documents erasing a Pixel through Recovery Mode using the power and volume buttons. The button sequence varies by model, so use the exact instructions for your Pixel on Google’s recovery page. Do not assume that Pixel steps apply to Samsung, Motorola, or other Android phones; for a non-Pixel device, consult its manufacturer’s official support instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Set up the phone and restore available backups
After the erase, complete device setup, sign in to the relevant Google Account, and choose any available backup to restore. Restoring backed-up data may require the screen lock that was in use when the backup was made, so a backup does not necessarily remove the need to know that credential. Google’s recovery guidance covers the setup process and its verification requirements (Pixel recovery help).
If another carrier’s SIM is rejected
Ask the carrier that sold the phone—or the carrier that currently controls its lock—whether the device is eligible and how to request an unlock. Eligibility, timing, and delivery of the unlock depend on the provider and location; there is no single Android-wide rule. Google’s Pixel guidance says a Pixel bought from a mobile service provider could remain SIM-locked for up to two years, but that is a Pixel-specific example, not a universal carrier policy (Google’s Pixel SIM-unlock guidance).
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
If the carrier says the Pixel is already unlocked
If the former carrier has removed the lock but a new SIM still does not connect on a Pixel, Google advises connecting to Wi-Fi, installing Android updates, and trying the SIM-status refresh steps on its support page. If service still fails, contact the carrier. Those refresh instructions are Pixel-specific; confirm the current steps at Google’s SIM-unlock guidance.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If fingerprint unlock stops working
Use the backup PIN, pattern, or password when the phone requests it. On Pixel phones, Google lists rebooting, several unsuccessful fingerprint attempts, switching users, and going more than 72 hours without using the backup method among situations that can require backup authentication. This is Pixel guidance and behavior may depend on Android version (Google’s Pixel fingerprint guidance).
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Avoid unsupported “unlock” tools
A SIM ejector only opens the SIM tray; it does not remove a carrier lock. The Google recovery route for a forgotten Pixel screen credential is erasure and account-based setup, while carrier unlocking is handled by the provider. Avoid paid bypass software or gadgets that promise a universal, no-data-loss Android unlock: these are not part of the documented procedures above.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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