How to Unlock Huawei Modem and Pocket WiFi Devices?

When unlocking a Huawei modem or Pocket WiFi, users may face issues like the device not recognizing a different carrier’s SIM card. This usually prompts a request for an unlock code, necessary to bypass carrier restrictions. Unlock codes are generated from the device’s IMEI, but entering an incorrect code multiple times or having incompatible firmware can lead to errors.

Common issues include using firmware versions unsupported by the unlock tool or devices locked with newer algorithms. Network restrictions and incorrect driver installations can also cause problems during the unlocking process.

In this guide, we will show you how to unlock your carrier-locked Huawei modem to accept SIMs from other carriers.

How do I Unlock Huawei Modems / pocket WiFi devices?

To begin, navigate to your modem’s homepage by entering an IP address (such as 192.168.8.1) into your web browser’s address bar. Then go to Advanced Settings > Device Information and take note of your IMEI number. Alternatively, you can find this number inside your device, beneath the battery.

Depending on your device’s IMEI, use one of the calculators listed below:

• For IMEI numbers starting with 35, use the Huawei Unlock Code Calculator v1.
• For IMEI numbers starting with 86, use the Huawei Unlock Code Calculator v2.
• For Huawei routers, use the Huawei Unlock Code Calculator v3.

Enter your IMEI code into the appropriate calculator, press Calculate, and note the code you receive.

Next, turn off your Huawei modem and insert a SIM card from a different carrier (an “invalid” SIM). Turn the modem back on and return to the device homepage. Navigate to Advanced Settings > SIM Settings > Unlock Device.

Enter the unlock code from the calculator into the box provided, then click Apply.

How to Flash Upgrade Huawei Modem Firmware and Dashboard

If you have exceeded the unlock attempts on your Huawei modem, you’ll need to reset the unlock counter. Start by downloading the Huawei Modem Unlocker and extracting it to your desktop.

1. Run the ‘.exe’ file from Huawei Modem Unlocker and connect your Huawei modem to your PC via USB. Click Refresh to recognize your device automatically.
2. Select Auto-Calc Code and Auto-Unlock Modem. Click READ MDM DATA, then UNLOCK. Click Calculate and record the flash code.
   Note: If this software doesn’t work, try the Huawei Flash Code Generator, using your device’s IMEI.
3. Download official firmware for your Huawei device from Huawei Firmwares. Download both the firmware and dashboard updates.
   
4. Extract the firmware to your desktop. Connect your Huawei device to your PC and run the .exe file from the firmware folder. Follow the instructions, and enter the previously recorded flash code. Obtain a hash code if needed from here.
5. Even after unlocking and flashing, the carrier’s dashboard might restrict SIM use. Flash the dashboard with the generic Huawei software instead of the carrier’s version.
6. Unzip the dashboard update file to your desktop and repeat the firmware flashing steps.

Note: Alternatively, consider using a third-party Huawei Unlock Code Generator if necessary.